NFL Top 10: Week 9

Story posted November 4, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Shivoy Nagpaul

Week 8 has given NFL fans quite the treat as there were close games across the board, including the overtime thriller that took place between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers. 

Hopefully Week 9 gives us even more good games, especially with the teams on this list.  Without further ado, here are the NFL’s top ten teams coming into Week 9.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (7-0)

After absolutely making a mockery of their in-state rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, by winning 35-13, the Philadelphia Eagles are flying high as the only undefeated team in the NFL. 

The passing combination of quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver AJ Brown combined with the rushing attack from Miles Sanders and the Eagles offensive line has proven to be a borderline impossible task to defend for any team in the league.

Don’t be surprised if the Birds end this season undefeated.

2. Buffalo Bills (6-1)

Last week, the Bills made light work of Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers and have proved week after week to the entire league that they are the only other team capable of competing on Philadelphia’s level. 

Josh Allen continues to add to his MVP case, leading the league’s second-best team to wins. 

In addition, the Buffalo defense with Von Miller and company have proven to be legit as they have yet to give up over 21 points in a game so far this season

3. Kansas City Chiefs (5-2)

Kansas City had a bye-week this past Sunday, however Patrick Mahomes still leads the league in passing touchdowns coming into Week 9 with 20. 

Kansas City also bolstered its passing attack by acquiring wide receiver Kadarius Toney from the New York Giants in a trade.  Expect Toney to make his Chiefs debut against the Titans this Sunday. 

4. Dallas Cowboys (6-2)

This Dallas defense is up there as one of the best defenses in the NFL entering into Week 9. 

The Cowboys thoroughly dominated the Chicago Bears through 4 quarters, with linebacker Micah Parsons taking a fumble recovery to the house being the exclamation point. 

Running back Tony Pollard also had a day, rushing for 131 yards and three touchdowns, which basically puts Ezekial Elliot’s starting job in jeopardy.

5. Minnesota Vikings (6-1)

The Vikings’ offense has thrived under first year head coach Kevin O’Connell, and it was on full display once again as quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns in the win against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Vikings also got tight end TJ Hockenson from their division rival, the Detroit Lions, at the trade deadline to help bolster their already stellar passing attack.

However, it is notable to point out that all of their wins up to this point have come against below average football teams. They failed one test against the Eagles, however they will face another test in the Buffalo Bills in Week 10.   

6. Seattle Seahawks (5-3)

The New York Giants were a test for quarterback Geno Smith and the Hawks, as they met their match in another surprisingly good up and coming team in 2022.

Safe to say, they passed that test, winning 27-13. 

Geno Smith has been nothing short of a star in Seattle, as he put up 232 yards and two touchdowns through the air. 

This team will be a dark horse coming into the playoffs.

7. Baltimore Ravens (5-3)

It is safe to say that quarterback Lamar Jackson has earned the massive contract extension that he commands from the Baltimore Ravens.

Jackson himself even held up a fan-made sign that said: “PAY HIM NOW,” after he beat quarterback Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football.

If this team cleans things up on the defensive side of the ball, they will keep on winning.

8. New York Giants (6-2)

Although the Giants finally dropped a game to a very good Seattle team, they are still a dangerous team. 

Premier running back Saquon Barkley ran for 53 yards and one touchdown, however quarterback Daniel Jones only threw for 176 yards and no scores.

The Giants offense has simply got to play better if they want to win football games, Jones in particular, because this team will go as far as he leads them. 

9. Miami Dolphins (5-3)

It is clear that Miami will go nowhere with backup quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater and Skylar Thompson at the helm, they need Tua Tagovailoa. 

Fortunately, Tagovailoa made his return last week, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers, and then followed it up with another win against the Detroit Lions.

If Tagovailoa can continue to stay healthy and play well, the sky's the limit for this team.

10. San Francisco 49ers (4-4)

See what happens when you put Christian McCaffery on a competent football team? He became only the third player in NFL history to rush for a touchdown, throw for a touchdown, and catch a touchdown in a single game. 

McCaffery has added three different dimensions to this Niners offense, which will result in them making a run for that NFC West crown.

Shivoy Nagpaul is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism.  To contact him, email shivoynagpaul@psu.edu.