Brad Biggs' Week 9 NFL rankings
Last week's rankings in parentheses.
1. Patriots 8-0 (1)
Yes, their first-half schedule has been packed with punching bags, but you can't deny the sheer dominance the Patriots have displayed on defense. They are first in the league, allowing only 7.6 points per game. There is a lot of football to be played, but they could beat the all-time mark for scoring in a 16-game season set by the 2000 Ravens at 10.3 per game. The Patriots are second in yards allowed (234 per game), second in passing yards (148.8), fourth against the run (85.3), first in sacks (31), first in interceptions (19) and first on third down with a ridiculous 15.6%. It's nothing short of remarkable what Bill Belichick's defense has accomplished to this point.
2. Saints 7-1 (2)
The return of Drew Brees from a right thumb injury sparked the Saints in a 31-9 victory over the Cardinals. Brees completed 34 of 43 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns while Latavius Murray, continuing to carry to load for the injured Alvin Kamara, ran for 102 yards. It was the fifth time the Saints have topped 30 points this season.
3. 49ers 7-0 (3)
Their roll continued as the 49ers flattened the Panthers offense and rolled up 232 rushing yards while quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was efficient, completing 18 of 22 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers have a short week with a game in Arizona on Thursday night and then host the Cardinals again two weeks later. At this point, the 49ers can set their sights on playing for a first-round bye in the playoffs. The schedule gets much more difficult, however, as they face the Seahawks, Packers, Ravens and Saints in the next six weeks.
4. Packers 7-1 (4)
Matt LaFleur is the first coach in Green Bay history to begin his career 7-1 after
