There are no undefeated NFL teams remaining as of November 1, 2026, after a chaotic Week 8 that saw the Minnesota Vikings fall to the Detroit Lions, while the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys needed overtime to escape the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals. The Baltimore Ravens (4-4) are in serious trouble after Lamar Jackson suffered a potentially season-ending injury on his first play back. Here is a look at the Week 9 NFL power rankings.
Top of the Table
The Buffalo Bills (6-1) remain No. 1 after a relatively untested outing following Jackson's injury. Josh Allen set the franchise's all-time touchdown record and became the NFL's career leader in rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. Buffalo now sits firmly in the driver's seat for the AFC's No. 1 seed and a first-round bye.
The San Francisco 49ers (6-1) hold at No. 2 coming off their bye week. They could welcome back Deebo Samuel, Mike Evans, and Christian McCaffrey for Week 9 against Las Vegas, while the defensive line adds DeForest Buckner and a potentially healthy Nick Bosa.
The Detroit Lions (5-2) jump to No. 3 after taking down the previously undefeated Vikings. Detroit posted 384 total yards and 13 second-half points, while the defense appears to have improved from one of the worst units to around below-average. The win is tempered by a scary injury to linebacker Jack Campbell, who was taken off the field on a backboard.
Biggest Climbers
The Denver Broncos (5-2) rise to No. 5 behind rookie running back Jonah Coleman, whose 51-yard catch-and-run set up the go-ahead touchdown in a monumental win over their biggest rival. Despite lingering concerns about quarterback Bo Nix, the defense and Coleman's emergence keep Denver winning.
The Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) climb to No. 13, carried by running back Jaylen Warren and an excellent defense. Their favorable second-half schedule — featuring the Ravens without Jackson, Eagles without Jalen Hurts, Titans, and Panthers — could yield double-digit wins.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3) jump to No. 16 after a two-game winning streak and a +46 point differential. Baker Mayfield has been efficient, and Todd Bowles' squad is now co-favorite to win the NFC South despite upcoming tests against the Bears and Lions.
Notable Struggles
The Baltimore Ravens (4-4) plummet to No. 22 after Jackson's injury and backup Snoop Huntley's toe injury. With three straight losses and a Thursday night matchup against the Jaguars looming, a 4-5 record appears likely.
The Dallas Cowboys (3-4) drop to No. 20 after an embarrassing overtime loss to the Cardinals at home, allowing 20 fourth-quarter points. The offense and defense both reverted to poor form, pointing toward another coaching overhaul after another missed playoff berth.
The Indianapolis Colts (3-5) are ranked last at No. 32. The front office is expected to tear down the roster before the trade deadline, with Jonathan Taylor and Josh Downs likely to be moved. The Colts are not expected to win another game this season.
