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NFL Power Rankings for Week 9: Lions just won’t stop scoring

nfl-power-rankings-for-week-9:-lions-just-won’t-stop-scoring
NFL Power Rankings for Week 9: Lions just won’t stop scoring

The NFL’s most explosive offense resides in Detroit.

Jared Goff threw for only 85 yards but still connected on three touchdowns Sunday in the Lions’ fifth straight win.

All they do is score, score, score.

Off to their best seven-game start since 1956, the Lions’ 172 points over their last four games are the most in a four-game span by any NFL team since the 2019 Ravens. They are leading the NFL with 33.4 points per game – about a field goal more per game than any other team.

Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Tennessee Titans

Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Tennessee Titans. Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

If the Lions score 34 next time out, they will reach 268 points over their first nine games – tying their full-season scoring output from their infamous 0-16 season in 2008.

The Lions are the class of the NFC, but they still don’t have the No. 1 spot in The Post’s NFL power rankings for Week 9:

1. Chiefs 7-0 (1)

Make it 13 straight wins, including the playoffs, for the defending Super Bowl champions. Patrick Mahomes threw two touchdown passes and became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 30,000 passing yards in a 27-20 win against the Raiders. The defense forced a turnover on downs after facing first-and-goal at the 3-yard line.

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts before the start of the NFL game against the Las Vegas Raiders

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts before the start of the NFL game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Getty Images

2. Lions 6-1 (2)

Kalif Raymond returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown and Khalil Dorsey returned a kickoff 72 yards in a 52-14 laugher against the Titans. David Montgomery ran for a touchdown and threw for another on a trick play. The Lions’ scoring output was the second-highest in franchise history. At one point, the Lions had 49 points but only 168 yards.

3. Packers 6-2 (5)

Beating the Jaguars, 30-27, might have been a Pyrrhic victory because Jordan Love injured his groin and created a “high level of concern” for head coach Matt LaFleur. Backup quarterback Malik Willis completed a 51-yard pass to Jayden Reed to set up Brandon McManus’ walk-off 24-yard field goal. Josh Jacobs ran for 127 yards and two touchdowns.

Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) avoids a tackle from Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Ventrell Miller

Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) avoids a tackle from Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Ventrell Miller. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

4. Texans 6-2 (6)

Beneficiaries of instant replay, the Texans survived with a 23-20 victory against the Colts when Dayo Odeyingbo’s late-fourth-quarter go-ahead 84-yard fumble return touchdown was erased. Joe Mixon, who had that fumble, also became the first player in NFL history to rush for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in four of his first five games with a new team.

5. Ravens 5-3 (4)

The Ravens were headed for a sixth straight win when Derrick Henry scored the go-ahead touchdown with 2:36 remaining, but the defense couldn’t get the stop needed to prevent a 29-24 loss to the Jameis Winston-led Browns. Kyle Hamilton dropped a gift-wrapped interception. Lamar Jackson threw for 289 yards but his last drive stalled just short of the red zone.

Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns

Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

6. Bills 6-2 (7)

Josh Allen threw for two touchdowns and James Cook ran for two more to put a 31-10 rout on the Seahawks. The Bills had two touchdown drives of at least 90 yards during the first half. Allen extended his streak of consecutive passes without an interception to 300 before throwing his first of the season.

7. Vikings 5-2 (3)

Head coach Kevin O’Connell dropped his first head-to-head meeting with mentor Sean McVay in a 30-20 loss to the Rams. The Vikings were held to just six second-half points despite Justin Jefferson’s eight catches for 115 yards. Needing to drive 95 yards for the chance to tie the score, Sam Darnold was sacked for a game-sealing safety with 1:36 to go.

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold reacts after being sacked for a safety by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold reacts after being sacked for a safety by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young. AP

8. Commanders 6-2 (8)

There’s magic brewing with rookie Jayden Daniels, who shook off a rib injury and a bad game to uncork a 52-yard Hail Mary that was caught for a touchdown by Noah Brown with no time remaining in an 18-15 win against the Bears. The Commanders led most of the way but fell behind with 25 seconds remaining.

9. Steelers 6-2 (9)

Calvin Austin Jr. scored on a 73-yard punt return and a 29-yard reception to turn a tie game at the half into a 14-point lead on the way to a 26-18 win against the Giants. Chris Boswell made 4-of-4 field goals. Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt dominated their matchups, and the Steelers won a remarkable 22nd straight time at home on “Monday Night Football.”

Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) celebrates with T.J. Watt (90) after sacking New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones

Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) celebrates with T.J. Watt (90) after sacking New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

10. Eagles 5-2 (11)

Saquon Barkley did the dirty work (108 rushing yards) but Jalen Hurts stole the glory with three rushing touchdowns totaling nine yards. Hurts also tossed a touchdown pass and the Eagles scored the final 20 points of a 37-17 victory against the Bengals, extending their winning streak to three. Safety Sydney Brown beat his twin brother, Bengals running back Chase Brown.

11. Falcons 5-3 (13)

12. Broncos 5-3 (14)

13. 49ers 4-4 (15)

14. Buccaneers 4-4 (10)

15. Seahawks 4-4 (12)

16. Bears 4-3 (16)

17. Cowboys 3-4 (17)

18. Cardinals 4-4 (18)

19. Chargers 4-3 (19)

20. Colts 4-4 (21)

21. Rams 3-4 (23)

22. Bengals 3-5 (20)

23. Raiders 2-6 (24)

24. Giants 2-6 (25)

A 100-yard rusher (Tyrone Tracy Jr.) and a 100-yard receiver (Darius Slayton) still couldn’t prevent a third straight loss. Down one score in the fourth quarter, Daniel Jones turned the ball over twice in the final five minutes. Greg Joseph was 4-for-4 on field goals, but the special teams allowed a punt-return touchdown.

aniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants looks on during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers

aniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants looks on during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Getty Images

25. Jaguars 2-6 (26)

26. Browns 2-6 (30)

27. Patriots 2-6 (32)

28. Jets 2-6 (22)

It seems nothing can stop the bleeding for these underachievers, who have added Davante Adams and Haason Reddick during a skid that reached five games with a 25-22 loss to the Patriots. Greg Zuerlein missed two kicks and the defense allowed the game-winning 70-yard touchdown drive – finished off on fourth down in the last minute. Aaron Rodgers’ two touchdown passes went for naught.

Jets place kicker Greg Zuerlein (9) reacts after missing the kick against the New England Patriots in the second half

Jets place kicker Greg Zuerlein (9) reacts after missing the kick against the New England Patriots in the second half. David Butler II-Imagn Images

29. Dolphins 2-5 (29)

30. Saints 2-6 (27)

31. Titans 1-6 (28)

32. Panthers 1-7 (31)

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