2019 NFL power rankings, Week 9: Eagles rebound, Panthers humbled

Recap: Matt LaFleur’s squad made its way to Kansas City for a prime time affair with the Chiefs. The Packers had already equaled last season’s win total (6) entering this Sunday night affair at Arrowhead Stadium and looked good early after taking a 14-0 first-quarter lead. But the club would watch Kansas City score the next 17 points to take the lead. But quarterback Aaron Rodgers the team’s balanced offense proved to be too much for Andy Reid’s shorthanded club minus Patrick Mahomes and several key defenders. In any case, the talented signal-caller threw for 305 yards and three scores while Aaron Jones finished with 216 yards from scrimmage and a pair of TD grabs.

Next Week: LaFleur’s squad clashes with an interconference foe for the third straight week as the Packers head to Los Angeles to take on the disappointing Chargers. It’s the first meeting between the clubs since 2015 and it’s a series that has gone Green Bay’s way as of later – winners of the last seven meetings dating back to 1993.

Playoff hopes: A year ago, the Packers struggled to win away from home and owned a 1-7 road record. This season, Green Bay has posted wins at Chicago, at Dallas and at Kansas City – three teams that all won division titles in 2018. This is a confident club that is really starting to find its rhythm on the offensive side of the football.

Recap: Off to the franchise’s best start since 1990 and coming off a three-game stretch in which the team limited the Browns, Rams and Redskins to a combined 10 points, the Niners hosted the up-and-coming Carolina Panthers. And it would add up to a humbling experience for the visitors as the potent San Francisco ground game rolled up 232 yards and five touchdowns on Ron Rivera’s club. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 175 yards and two scores but did serve up another interception and was sacked three times – once for a safety. But the Niners’ defense was in attack mode once again, sacking Carolina’s Kyle Allen three times and stealing three of his passes.

Next Week: It’s a short week for the first-place 49ers, who make the trip to the desert and take on a Cardinals’ team that has defeated them eight consecutive times. A year ago, San Francisco was swept in this series for the fourth straight year, falling at home (28-18) in Week 5 and then dropping an 18-15 decision (Week 8) at Arizona.

Playoff hopes: Those waiting for the Niners to come crashing back to Earth may want to be prepared for the long haul. San Francisco’s defense plays angry and confident and the Niners’ ground attack is extremely potent. And if Garoppolo can cut back just a smidge on the turnovers, Shanahan’s club may be destined for some big things.

Next: Nos. 2 and 1