The Indianapolis Colts secured their position as the top team in the NFL with a commanding 7-1 record, solidifying their dominance in the league as of Week 9 in the 2025 season. The Colts’ latest victory came against the Tennessee Titans, where they triumphed 38-14, showcasing their strength and consistency. In a contrasting turn of events, the New York Jets celebrated their first win of the season, narrowly defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 39-38 after a challenging start to the year.
Understanding the dynamics of the current league standings requires more than just win-loss records. The power rankings provided by Pro Football Focus (PFF) take into account multiple factors, including player grades, offensive and defensive efficiency, and the strength of schedule. This comprehensive approach explains why some teams with lesser records may rank higher than those with better outcomes against weaker opponents.
Top Contenders and Rising Teams
The Kansas City Chiefs remain a significant force, holding steady at the top of the power rankings with an **85% chance** of making the playoffs and **15%** odds to win the Super Bowl. Their offense is currently ranked second in expected points added (EPA) per play after a solid performance against the Washington Commanders, where they won 28-7. With key receiver Rashee Rice back in action, the Chiefs are hitting their stride at just the right moment.
The Green Bay Packers have moved up two spots in the rankings, now sitting at **91% playoff likelihood** and **10%** Super Bowl chances. A strong fourth-quarter performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, highlighted by Jordan Love’s record-setting completion streak, underscores their momentum. The Packers are currently on a three-game winning streak, demonstrating their offensive prowess.
Other teams making an impression include the Los Angeles Chargers, who surged four spots after a dominant 37-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, improving their record to **5-3**. Quarterback Justin Herbert’s outstanding performance, reflected in his **90.0 overall PFF grade**, has reignited hopes for the Chargers’ postseason aspirations. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos continue to impress, sitting at **6-2** after a season-high scoring game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Challenges for Struggling Teams
Despite their early-season promise, the Seattle Seahawks have dropped three spots in the rankings, now holding a **67% chance** of making the playoffs. They face a crucial match against the struggling Washington Commanders, who find themselves in a precarious position at **3-5**, with only a **17% chance** of postseason advancement.
The Atlanta Falcons, once considered playoff contenders, have faced a significant setback, falling six spots after a disappointing performance against the worst defense in the league. The Falcons managed just 213 yards in the game, raising concerns about their offensive capabilities, especially with key players sidelined.
In stark contrast, the New York Jets’ victory over the Bengals could serve as a turning point in their disastrous season. After failing to secure a win in their first eight games, the Jets now hold a **<1% chance** of making the playoffs. They generated **502 yards** of offense in their latest triumph, a performance that may provide the much-needed momentum to improve their standing as the season progresses. As the NFL season heads into its second half, these rankings reflect not only current team performance but also the potential for future developments. With critical matchups on the horizon, each team will be looking to solidify their playoff positions in the coming weeks.
