Predominantly Orange Week Nine NFL Power Rankings

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Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls a play during overtime against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Oakland Raiders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Oakland Raiders (8)

Yes, the Raiders are 6-2. It should also be noted that they only have a +12 point differential for the entire year, and the year is halfway over. The Raiders also sport the 2nd worst defense in the NFL in terms of yards, and are 22nd in the league in terms of points per game surrendered. The only two times they have played a team with a winning record they lost. Their toughest test to date comes to town Sunday Night—the defending champion Denver Broncos.

Oct 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) celebrates a failed fourth down conversion by Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) in the fourth quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 33-32. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

6.Atlanta Falcons (9)

After back-to-back tough losses, the Falcons bounced back in a big way. Atlanta responded to a late Packers TD with a very late TD of their own. The Falcons were able to hold off the Packers despite a dominant performance by Aaron Rodgers—a tough feat. The Falcons needed this win as they are still only two games ahead of the Panthers in the loss column and don’t want to give any ground to the defending NFC champions.

Oct 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) stiff arms New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Craig Robertson (52) in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won, 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Seattle Seahawks (3)

The Seahawks are really struggling on the offensive side of the ball and the only explanation is that Russell Wilson isn’t fully healthy. His rushing numbers aren’t even in the ballpark of what they’ve been in the past few years. Rushing the ball is what makes Wilson, and therefore the offense, dynamic. Rumor has it that Wilson will be shedding the knee brace next week. Things could really open up if that’s the case.

Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) catches a touchdown pass against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Chicago defeated Minnesota 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Minnesota Vikings (4)

Back-to-back losses has to be concerning for the Vikings. It appears that the lack of a rushing attack is really catching up to them with Sam Bradford being somewhat figured out after nearly half a season as a starter. The struggles are real—hopefully Norv Turner can figure out how to score more points. The defense is good, but it’s not good enough to cover up the offensive flaws we have seen from this team in back-to-back weeks.

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