NFL Power Rankings: Falcons, Packers drop in Week 9

Nov 1, 2015; London, United Kingdom; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) carries the ball on a 49-yard gain against the Detroit Lions during game 14 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

21. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-5)

Last week: 24
Change: +3

The Chiefs suddenly have two wins on the bounce, after laying a London beat down on the Lions. Alex Smith did a lot of the damage with his legs, running five times for 78 yards and a touchdown, including a huge 49-yard rush.

The pass rush lived up to its billing, giving Matthew Stafford a long ride home across the pond with six sacks. He was also picked off twice. Why oh why couldn’t Kansas City have played like this in the first part of the season? Losing to Denver, Green Bay and Cincinnati is acceptable, but a win over Chicago would have the team 4-4 now and still in the hunt.

If they can keep this momentum going, they can pull themselves back into the wild-card hunt. But there is very little margin for error in Kansas City now.

Next: No. 20