2016 NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Arizona Cardinals

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
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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Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Corey Nelson (52) reacts to a special teams play in the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Corey Nelson (52) reacts to a special teams play in the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

3. Denver Broncos (6-2)

The Broncos have suffered some injuries but they’ve been able to maintain a lead in the AFC West despite that and also not playing well at times.  They are tied for first place with the Raiders.

Speaking of, that is a huge game for the Broncos.  They head to California to take on the Raiders on Sunday Night Football.  The game couldn’t have come at a better time for either team.

Week nine will be a good gauge of where both teams are at.  The Broncos will have to be road warriors in the second half of the season.  Their next home game isn’t until November 27th.

December does bring the Patriots to Denver and they do finish the season out at home against the Raiders.  The Broncos need to survive this next stretch of games though to stay in competition for the AFC West division crown.

Schedule