2016 NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Arizona Cardinals

By Scott Allen | Nov 4, 2016

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive back Leonard Johnson (23) breaks up a two point conversion pass during the fourth quarter intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) takes a handoff from quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the second quarter of a football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Atlanta Falcons (6-3)

The Falcons continue to ride high. They started out week nine with a 43-28 victory over the Buccaneers. Quarterback Matt Ryan continues his resurgence.

Ryan is most definitely a candidate for MVP at this point, if not the front-runner. Sure, it helps to have good receivers but Ryan isn’t making the same mistakes that have dogged him over the past several seasons.

The Falcons are averaging 315 yards passing per game, which is second in the NFL. They even have a healthy running game at 114.2 yards per game this season.

Last week in the 33-32 victory over the Packers though, receiver Julio Jones disappeared for awhile. He didn’t contribute a whole lot.

On one hand the Falcons should be happy they can win without big contributions from him but on the other they are going to need him big time in November and December. Now the Falcons rest until facing the Eagles in week 10.

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