Broncos Climb to Seventh in Week 9 NFL Rankings

Buffalo retained the top spot after a 36–10 win over Baltimore, leaving the Bills at 6–1. Chicago moved up from fifth to second after beating Seattle 34–17. The ranking pointed to the Bears’ defensive line and improving balance as reasons they could contend for a Super Bowl.

Jacksonville rose to third after a 42–7 victory over Indianapolis. Detroit climbed to fourth following a 19–15 win against Minnesota, while San Francisco, idle last week, took fifth. Seattle fell from third to sixth after its loss to Chicago.

Denver made one of the week’s biggest jumps, moving from 12th to seventh after a 28–24 win over Kansas City. The Broncos are 6–2 and next visit Carolina. Green Bay ranked eighth after beating the Panthers, with Minnesota ninth after its first loss of the season.

Cincinnati stood 10th after edging Tennessee 43–36 in overtime. The rest of the top 15 were the Rams, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, New England and the Giants. Kansas City dropped six places after its defeat by Denver. Pittsburgh beat Cleveland 27–6, while New England’s next game is against Green Bay and the Giants are coming off a bye.

The rankings also highlighted concerns about injuries and roster decisions, including Jacksonville’s loss of defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton and San Francisco’s failed attempt to complete a deal involving receiver Jauan Jennings. The 49ers, 6–1, were scheduled to host the Raiders.