Typically, Tom Brady doesn’t change the No. 1 in his power rankings if the team won the week before. However, the results from Week 9 could see the GOAT crown a new team no. 1.
The Chicago Bears didn’t have the best performance after earning the No. 1 in Brady’s power rankings last week, needing a field goal to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers each earned decisive victories, staking their claims to be the best team in the NFL.
So does Brady think we now have a new team no. 1 in the league? Here are Brady’s latest power rankings.
Record: 6-2
Previous ranking: 9 ↓
Week 9 score: 35-12 win against the New York Jets
Brady’s Thoughts: Last week, I said to clear the flags and the offense would come right back to it. And Kansas City was listening because they barely had a penalty all afternoon, and the Jets spent all day setting up for field goals.
After a slow start, the Chiefs scored the final 21 points, and K9 (Kenneth Walker) was dominating again. The pass rush took after him, and Travis Kelce even ran one for fun. Patrick Mahomes Having everyone breathing down your neck from 10th place should scare everyone on this list.
Atlanta is next as the Chiefs try to look ahead to Thanksgiving in Buffalo.
Next: at Atlanta Falcons (Sunday)
Record: 6-2
Previous ranking: Unranked ↑
Week 9 score: 34-17 win vs. Atlanta Falcons (at Spain)
Brady’s thoughts: Joe Burrow and the Bengals finally make their debut, and I may have slept on this team. That’s four straight wins, and they scored 30-plus in each one. Joe Burrow threw three touchdowns against Atlanta, ran in another, and the Bengals didn’t turn him over once.
You know, Cincy doesn’t have a big win on their resume yet, but that could change against Pittsburgh on Sunday night with the top spot in the AFC North up for grabs.
The Burrow just keeps getting better and better every week. He has so much chemistry with his co-star. I like the way he plays. He is in command. He has all the physical tools. He’s really coming into his own this year.
Next: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday)
Record: 6-2
Previous rank: 10 ↑
Week 9 result: Bye
Brady’s Thoughts: Speaking of the Steelers, they had the bye week and saw Cincy pull with them in the AFC North. Pittsburgh hasn’t lost since that game last Thursday night in Cleveland, and they own the tie over Cincy after beating them in September.
On Sunday night, someone leaves Ohio alone in first place. Prepare your popcorn.
There’s a reason they call the AFC North the blue-blue division. Striking teams, always good defenses and always in cold conditions. I love this split. I love that they always come to show off. And every team in this division is always tough to beat.
Next: at Cincinnati Bengals (Sunday)
Record: 6-3
Previous ranking: Unranked ↑
Week 9 score: 45-27 win over the New England Patriots
Brady’s Thoughts: Green Bay jumps out of the top 10 and up to No. 7 after a dominating performance in Foxborough that shocked everyone, including me. The Pack dropped 45 on the Patriots. Jordan Love dropped bombs all over the field and that defense came up big with three INTs.
And that knocks New England out of the top 10 and brings in Green Bay. Now Minnesota comes to Lambeau in a battle between two teams going in opposite directions.
Next: vs. Minnesota Vikings (Sunday)
Record: 6-2
Previous ranking: 6
Week 9 score: 19-9 win at Miami Dolphins
Brady’s Thoughts: Detroit hasn’t lost since September either, and this time the defense led the way as Miami never found the end zone. Jake Bates was not absent. Jahmyr Gibbs punched in the lone hit for the Lions. They just keep piling up wins.
Then a quick trip to Germany – as quick as can be – against the Pats. And a local tip from me: avoid the beer hall, guys. Stick to carb loading with those pretzels.
Next: vs. New England Patriots (Sunday, in Germany)
Record: 6-2
Previous ranking: 5
Week 9 score: 33-10 win at Baltimore Ravens
Brady’s Thoughts: Jacksonville went to Baltimore on a short week and did what great teams do against rookie QBs: dominate. The defense held the Ravens to under 60 yards. Cam Little went 4 for 4 on field goals. Trevor Lawrence AND Parker Washington tied for another long shirt.
That’s a three-game division lead over next-door Tennessee, and Jacksonville can wrap up this Thanksgiving split at this rate.
Next: at Tennessee Titans (Sunday)
Record: 7-2
Previous ranking: 4
Week 9 result: 26-21 win at Carolina Panthers
Brady’s Thoughts: Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Denver found a way to win again in the fourth quarter. They followed Carolina late. They scored two touchdowns in the final quarter to take control and Bo Nix threw for two goals. And the Panthers helped with nearly 10,000 yards in penalties.
Five straight wins, first place in the AFC West and a week to rest. Not bad for a team that never makes it easy on itself.
Next: Goodbye
Record: 7-1
Previous ranking: 3
Week 9 score: 38-17 win vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Brady’s Thoughts: The Niners looked like a very well-rested team heading into Sunday’s game against Vegas. San Francisco forced five turnovers, scored on one of them and never turned the ball over. Brock Purdy had a hand in three touchdowns and the running game went for almost 200 yards.
They are 7-1 and command the NFC West. It’s rare to have any breathing room in that compartment. There are some really good football teams in that division. I know the Rams haven’t played as well as they’ve wanted to, and neither have the Seahawks.
But the Niners always find a way to figure it out. They’ve been hit with a lot of injuries, but they just keep pulling out wins.
Next: at Dallas Cowboys (Sunday)
Record: 7-1
Previous ranking: 2
Week 9 result: 23-6 win at Minnesota Vikings
Brady’s Thoughts: Monday night in Minnesota was a statement. Forty-two minutes of possession time from Josh Allen and the Bills on their way to a dominating win against the Vikings. It’s seven games in a row with a drop from James Cookand 20 more tackles for Josh this season.
The Bills lead the league in scoring and they have the best record in the AFC. Place no. 1 is in their view.
Next: at New York Jets (Sunday)
Record: 7-2
Previous ranking: 1
Week 9 score: 27-24 win vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brady’s Thoughts: In my rankings, you have to lose to fall from the top spot. Caleb Williams definitely made it difficult for himself with four picks, but Chicago sits at No. 1 for now.
Great teams sometimes have to win in ugly fashion. The defense created pressure all night. Cairo Santos came up in the clutch to win it in the final seconds. The Bears haven’t lost since Caleb’s return, and now they get a bye to clean things up.
I’ll have to think about that, actually. What happens to the team no. 1 in a good week? Maybe the door is open for Buffalo to force their way to the top. Tune in next week to find out.
Next: Goodbye
