Week 9 AP NFL Power Rankings: Raiders and Ravens benefit from messy AFC

Despite the fact that we all still feel a bit uneasy about the Chiefs' chances of making the playoffs, results actually went Kansas City’s way this past weekend. With multiple AFC playoff contenders losing, the Chiefs find themselves in a much better situation than they did just seven days ago.

This week’s voters were Pete Sweeney, Ron Kopp, Kristian Gumminger, Jared Sapp, Stephen Serda, Rocky Magana, Mark Gunnels, Talon Graff, Ethan Willinger and myself.

1. Los Angeles Rams (4th) | This week’s high riser

They were a great team before they added Von Miller.

2. Dallas Cowboys (3rd)

The way they have forced themselves into the elite group of teams has been mightily impressive.

3. Green Bay Packers (5th)

Their win against the Cardinals should scare fans of every team in the league - including us Chiefs fans.

4. Arizona Cardinals (1st)

Their first loss of the season takes them down a few spots.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2nd)

So Tom Brady isn’t automatic on game-winning drives after all.

6. Buffalo Bills (6th)

The Bills beating the Dolphins was the most predictable result of the weekend.

7. Baltimore Ravens (9th)

Results couldn’t have gone any better for them.

8. Tennessee Titans (10th)

Will Adrian Peterson offer enough of a threat to make opposing defenses prioritize defending the run?

9. Las Vegas Raiders (11th)

Another team whose position strengthened without playing a down.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (7th)

They lost to the Jets. Down they go.

11. Los Angeles Chargers (8th)

The Justin Herbert for MVP conversation has fallen off a cliff.

12. New Orleans Saints (14th)

You’ve got to feel bad for Jameis — although his post-game locker room celebrations were elite.

13. Kansas City Chiefs (15th)

My takeaway from the Giants game: They won.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (16th)

If this team had an actual QB, they would be elite.

15. New England Patriots (17th)

I’ve got a feeling that we’re going to be seeing them in January once again.

16. Cleveland Browns (12th) | This week’s big faller

Remember when we had this team in the top five? Those were the days.

17. Minnesota Vikings (13th)

They’ll make the playoffs — but they won’t make any noise once there.

18. San Francisco 49ers (20th)

Who knew Jimmy G’s legs were the ultimate red zone weapon?

19. Indianapolis Colts (18th)

What are you doing, Carson?!?

20. Carolina Panthers (19th)

The Darnold experiment will be over after this season.

21. Seattle Seahawks (22nd)

The Geno-coaster is actually quite fun.

22. Atlanta Falcons (21st)

No witty comment about the Falcons this week. I just want to acknowledge Calvin Ridley’s bravery in speaking out about his own personal mental health struggles. I hope he is an inspiration to many.

23. Denver Broncos (23rd)

Their trades tell you everything you need to know about their chances this season.

24. Chicago Bears (24th)

Not even Justin Fields’ miracle touchdown could save the Bears this week.

25. Philadelphia Eagles (25th)

The quietest 42-point win in NFL history?

26. Washington Football Team (26th)

This team is extremely flawed.

27. New York Giants (27th)

Any other coaching staff would have beaten the Chiefs yesterday.

28. New York Jets (30th)

MIKE WHITE!!!

29. Miami Dolphins (28th)

They’ve now lost seven games in a row to Buffalo. Ouch.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (29th)

Trevor Lawrence attempted 54 passes against the Seahawks. They seem to be forcing the issue.

31. Houston Texans (31st)

Nice of them to score 22 points after most of the crowd had left.

32. Detroit Lions (32nd)

They’re running out of winnable games.