Week 9 Power Rankings Roundup: Bills Enter Season as NFL Kings, With Vikings Test Ahead

A lopsided win with caveats

The Bills beat the Ravens 36-10, their most decisive victory of the season. Baltimore lost Jackson on its first offensive play and Huntley later in the first half, leaving Fagnano at quarterback.

Buffalo’s win came against a depleted opponent, but the team took advantage and won comfortably. Josh Allen threw for three touchdowns and completed passes to eight receivers, according to The Athletic’s Josh Kendall and Chad Graff.

Rankings put Buffalo near the top

ESPN moved Buffalo from No. 2 to No. 1 after Minnesota lost. Kendall and Graff also kept the Bills at No. 1 in The Athletic’s rankings. Other commentators were less certain about what the win showed. Nick Shook noted that Baltimore managed only 144 total yards, but did so with an undrafted rookie playing at quarterback; he called the defensive performance an improvement while emphasizing that the circumstances limited what it proved.

Defense remains a concern

The Athletic’s ranking noted Buffalo’s defense stood 29th in defensive EPA at minus-41.92. Shook and Gary Davenport likewise questioned whether the unit had truly improved, despite the result against Baltimore.

Pete Prisco said Buffalo’s offense leads the league in scoring and may need to carry the team because of its defense. Davenport pointed to upcoming games against the Jets and Dolphins after the Minnesota matchup as a potentially manageable stretch.

Minnesota matchup looms

Buffalo visits the Vikings in Week 9 for a Monday Night Football game. Minnesota’s loss to Detroit means neither team enters the matchup without a blemish, and the game is expected to test the Bills against a strong defense.

How Buffalo handles pressure from Minnesota’s Brian Flores could help determine whether it keeps its place atop the rankings. The contest will also give the Bills a more demanding opportunity to answer questions about their defense.