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Chicago Tribune
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Brad Biggs

Brad Biggs' Week 9 NFL power rankings

1. Eagles 7-1 (1). They're looking to bolster their offense for a playoff run with the addition of running back Jay Ajayi for a fourth-round pick.

2. Patriots 6-2 (2). It appears they're betting big on Tom Brady for seasons to come with the trade of Jimmy Garoppolo.

3. Steelers 6-2 (3). The emergence of wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster gives their loaded offense another weapon.

4. Seahawks 5-2 (4). The addition of left tackle Duane Browns via trade Monday solidifies the line for team that could make a deep playoff run.

5. Chiefs 6-2 (6). Two-game slide is over after a victory against the Broncos on Monday night but they struggled running the ball.

6. Rams 5-2 (5). High-powered offense looks to keep rolling against the Giants. The Rams have scored 27 points or more in five games.

7. Saints 5-2 (7). Running back Mark Ingram said the game against the Bears was close because "I sucked" after two fumbles.

8. Cowboys 4-3 (8). Looks like they finally will have to play without Ezekiel Elliott. They've had long enough to brace for this big loss.

9. Vikings 6-2 (10). With a week off, the focus is on whether they will activate Teddy Bridgewater before the Nov. 8 deadline.

10. Bills 5-2 (12). They dumped another disgruntled player in Marcell Dareus and went out and whipped the Raiders. The Bills are the surprise team of 2017.

11. Panthers 5-3 (16). Tight end Greg Olsen should return from injured reserve at some point in November, which will add a dimension to the offense.

12. Texans 3-4 (9). All Will Fuller does is catch long touchdown passes. In four games, seven of his 13 receptions are for touchdowns, which bodes well for the second half of the season.

13. Lions 3-4 (13). Jim Bob Cooter's offense is really struggling in the red zone. That doomed the Lions in their Sunday night loss.

14. Jaguars 4-3 (15). Week off came at a good time for running back Leonard Fournette, who has been hobbled by a sprained right ankle.

15. Falcons 4-3 (17). They rallied to beat the Jets and snap a three-game losing streak but their offense is still out of sorts.

16. Chargers 3-5 (21). The Joey Bosa-led defense has been solid, ranking eighth in allowing 19 points per game.

17. Broncos 3-4 (18). When quarterback Paxton Lynch's right shoulder is better, he has to be in the mix to start.

18. Ravens 4-4 (28). They can get a boost soon with running back Danny Woodhead potentially returning from injured reserve after a bad hamstring pull.

19. Packers 4-3 (19). They've had an extra week to get Brett Hundley more reps for games against NFC North foes Lions and Bears.

20. Titans 4-3 (20). Rookie wide receiver Corey Davis is set to return and the first-round draft pick needs to provide a boost for the offense.

21. Dolphins 4-3 (11). Adam Gase sent a very large message to the locker room when he dumped Ajayi in a trade Tuesday morning.

22. Raiders 3-5 (14). Marshawn Lynch returns from his one-game suspension, but can he provide the spark they need after losing five of six?

23. Bears 3-5 (22). The defense is playing well enough for John Fox's crew to have a better record in the second half of the season.

24. Bengals 3-4 (27). They have won three of the last four but are struggling to protect Andy Dalton and their next three games are on the road.

25. Redskins 3-4 (23). So much for that Kirk Cousin reunion with Kyle Shanahan this offseason. Maybe the Redskins will keep their quarterback.

26. Jets 3-5 (24). Matt Forte wasn't thrilled about getting only four carries as the Jets squandered a late lead to the Falcons.

27. Cardinals 3-4 (25). Drew Stanton had the open date to get up to speed for the 49ers as he takes over for the injured Carson Palmer.

28. Buccaneers 2-5 (26). Jameis Winston has not thrown during Wednesday or Thursday practices the last two weeks. His shoulder issue is a concern.

29. Giants 1-6 (29). Coach Ben McAdoo admits his team fell victim to the hype entering the season. After a week off, we'll see if Big Blue can start playing better.

30. Colts 2-6 (30). The one player they have to build around _ Andrew Luck _ can't get on the practice field.

31. 49ers 0-8 (31). Kyle Shanahan passed on Mitch Trubisky and Deshaun Watson and now has his QB in Jimmy Garoppolo.

32. Browns 0-8 (32). They're halfway to 0-16, with Hue Jackson overseeing the biggest mess in the league.

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