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2021 NFL power rankings, Week 9: Cardinals fall for first time

By Russell S. Baxter

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 28: Rasul Douglas #29 of the Green Bay Packers intercepts a pass intended for A.J. Green #18 of the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter of a game at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 24-21. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 28: Rasul Douglas #29 of the Green Bay Packers intercepts a pass intended for A.J. Green #18 of the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter of a game at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 24-21. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 31: Randy Bullock #14 of the Tennessee Titans kicks the game winning field goal during overtime against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 31: Randy Bullock #14 of the Tennessee Titans kicks the game winning field goal during overtime against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

26. . 5-2. Previous: . Baltimore Ravens. 9. team

When last we saw John Harbaugh’s club, it was being humbled at home by the rival Bengals. It’s been an unusual year for the usually-study Baltimore defense. Entering Week 8, the team ranked 24th in the league in total defense and was allowing the fourth-most passing yards per game in the league.

The club allowed 23.4 points per game in their first seven games. However, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ passing attack has been more potent this season.

team. 56. . 5-3. Previous: . Cincinnati Bengals. 8

Off a blowout victory over the Ravens at Baltimore, the Bengals made their way to MetLife Stadium to take on the one-win Jets. But Zac Taylor’s club ran into a buzz saw as Cincinnati’s improved defense gave up a whopping 511 total yards to a team that came into Week 8 with the 31st-ranked offense.

The Bengals’ ground attack managed only 41 yards while Joe Burrow threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns (1 interception) in a stunning setback.

Previous: . Tennessee Titans. 7. team. 35. . 6-2

The leaders of the AFC South headed north to Indianapolis in position to sweep the Colts for the first time since 2017. Back in Week 3, Titans’ running back Derrick Henry ran 28 times for 113 yards in a 25-16 win.

Indianapolis’ defense held him in check this time around but quarterback Ryan Tannehill overcame a sluggish start to rally his team to an overtime win. He finished the game with a pair of picks but threw for 265 yards and three touchdowns.

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