NFL: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
Nov 1, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos are both moving up in our AFC power rankings for Week 9 following their victories in Week 8 on Sunday.
The Steelers continued their legendary dominance of the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh with a convincing three-score victory over Cleveland.
Meanwhile, the Broncos pulled off an incredible comeback against the Chiefs and, like the Steelers, are now sitting in first place in their division.
Find out where the Steelers, Broncos, Chiefs and the rest of the teams in the AFC sit in our conference power rankings going into Week 9.
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16. Los Angeles Chargers (0-7)
NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh at press conference after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Last week: 16
The Chargers have reportedly told teams they aren’t interested in selling off pieces at the deadline, but perhaps another dreadful loss on Sunday will change their mind. Los Angeles is now 0-7 for the first time since 2000, when Jim Harbaugh was the starting quarterback. The Chargers have not scored an offensive touchdown since Oct. 11.
15. Tennessee Titans (1-7)
Last week: 15
We can rarely call a loss good, but the one the Titans suffered on Sunday qualifies. That’s because Cam Ward played the best game of his career, yet the Titans didn’t mess up their chances of landing the highest draft pick possible.
14. New York Jets (2-6)
Last week: 14
The Jets’ offense showed up, but the defense put up the opposite showing in the shootout loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. It continues to feel like head coach Aaron Glenn’s days are numbered.
13. Miami Dolphins (1-6)
Last week: 13
The Dolphins soundly outplayed the New England Patriots in the first half before collapsing in the second half. The good news is, the Dolphins remain on track to have a top-three draft pick in 2027.
12. Indianapolis Colts (2-6)
NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) dives for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Last week: 11
We were interested to see how the Colts would respond after the team traded away two of its best players this past week. The response was lifeless a 42-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now, it’ll be interesting to see if Jonathan Taylor will be the next to go.
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11. Houston Texans (2-5)
Last week: 12
The Texans move up one spot despite being on their bye. Houston is facing a must-win situation from here on out and fortunately for head coach DeMeco Ryans and Co., they square off against the lowly Chargers in Week 9.
10. Baltimore Ravens (4-4)
Last week: 9
The Ravens finally welcomed back Lamar Jackson, but he lasted just one play before getting hurt again. Then, Tyler Huntley got hurt and was forced early from the contest. The news on Jackson isn’t good, as the star quarterback needs surgery on his injured thumb and could miss the rest of the season. Barring a significant quarterback trade, the Ravens are done.
9. Las Vegas Raiders (4-4)
Last week: 10
After losing four in a row, the Raiders desperately needed a win and managed to secure one over the Jets on Sunday. Ashton Jeanty appeared to get punished during the game, as the second-year back carried the ball just twice throughout. We’ll see if Jeanty can get out of head coach Klint Kubiak’s dog house next week.
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8. New England Patriots (5-3)
NFL: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) hands the ball off to New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Last week: 8
The Patriots managed to beat the Dolphins, but the game was way too close for comfort and showed just how inconsistent this team can be. The Pats have now won four of five, but it doesn’t feel like this year’s team is as good as the 2025 version.
7. Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)
Last week: 7
The Bengals needed every bit of Joe Burrow’s six touchdowns to top the Titans in overtime on Sunday. Cincinnati has now won three in a row and sits in second place behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North.
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6. Cleveland Browns (5-3)
Last week: 5
The Browns’ struggles in Pittsburgh continued with a 27-6 loss in Week 8. Cleveland has now lost a ridiculous 23 straight games against the Steelers on their home turf. That is an unfathomable streak.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
Last week: 6
With their win over the Browns on Sunday, the Steelers move into sole possession of first place with division-high six wins. Pittsburgh will now rest up with a bye in Week 9 before facing the Bengals in Week 10 in a matchup that could be for first place.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) makes a social media video after the game of an NFL football matchup at
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) makes a social media video after the game of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 42-7. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Last week: 3
The Jaguars continue to run away with the lowly AFC South after crushing the Colts. The Jags have a chance to put together their second three-game winning streak of the season with matchups against the Ravens and Titans in the next two weeks.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (5-2)
Last week: 3
The Chiefs looked like they would cruise to an easy victory over the Denver Broncos after having a 24-13 lead going into the fourth quarter, but a defensive collapse and a crucial Harrison Butker missed field goal doomed them. It would be surprising if Butker is still employed next week. At the very least, we will likely see Justin Tucker.
2. Denver Broncos (6-2)
Last week: 4
The Broncos now sit in first place in the AFC West after an epic comeback over the Chiefs. As ugly as their season has been, the Broncos are now 6-2 and are set to play an easier slate through Week 15.
1. Buffalo Bills (6-1)
Last week: 1
The Bills emerged from their bye and laid the smackdown on the injury-riddled Ravens, who lost both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley in the contest. Buffalo will face a much stiffer test against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9.