St. Louis Rams crack the top 10 in Week 9 Power Rankings

The St. Louis Rams trounced their division rival San Francisco 49ers last Sunday to the tune of 27-6. The Rams went up early and never looked back. A healthy dose of rookie running back Todd Gurley on the ground, to the tune of 133-yards and one touchdown, and a sprinkle of wide receiver Tavon Austin, 98 receiving yards and one touchdown lead the way to bring the Rams to 4-3 on the season and 3-0 in the NFC West. The second straight week of a dominant defensive effort also helped as the defense allowed only six points for the second consecutive week. Now, the nation is beginning to take notice.

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ESPN: Ranked 10th (Last Week 12)

It’s the Todd Gurley show in St. Louis now, as it may have been meant to be all along. Gurley is the first rookie in NFL history to rush for at least 125-yards in four straight games according to the Elias sports bureau. With the passing game struggling to gain traction, it’s not surprising the spotlight, and offensive workload, has landed squarely on Gurley. With the defense playing at such a high level St. Louis will look to ride this wave as long as possible. (Division Rivals: Seattle 8, Arizona 6, San Francisco 31)

Pete Prisco at CBSSports.com: Ranked 10th (Last Week 12)

The talk of the postseason is now brewing once again as the Rams string together two consecutive win for the first time this season. Todd Gurley is covering up for an offense full of deficiencies, and the defense is playing like a top unit in the league. A 3-0 division record has buoyed this team and perhaps a small overachievement in St. Louis. The team will travel to Minnesota in Week 9 to take on Adrian Peterson and Teddy Bridgewater. The Rams could very well be battling the Vikings for a Wild Card spot come December, this will be an important game. (Division Rivals: Seattle 9, Arizona 6, San Francisco 28)

Nov 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles (5) hands off to running back Todd Gurley (30) during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Schneier at FOXSports.com: Ranked 8th (Last Week 12)

Todd Gurley has played in four games this season, but is ranked 5th in the league in rushing yards. Imagine what could have been had Gurley played in the teams first three games? Regardless, Gurley looks like the running back that will lead this franchise for years to come, but his exciting start has brought hope to St. Louis for a postseason berth now. But to get there, quarterback Nick Foles and the rest of the offense will need to get things together because a one dimensional offense won’t take you far in the playoffs. (Division Rivals: Seattle 9, Arizona 5, San Francisco 31)

Mike Florio at ProFootballTalk.com: Ranked 8th (Last Week 11)

The Arizona Cardinals lead the NFC West with a record of 6-2, one of those losses coming at the hands of the St. Louis Rams. The Rams are a much more average 4-3, but have defeated each team in the division once so far this season. Looks like the Cardinals should worry more about the Rams than the Seahawks. St. Louis’ 24-22 victory over Arizona, while close on the scoreboard wasn’t close on the field. The Rams have successfully planted the seed of doubt in the Cardinals locker room. (Division Rivals: Seattle 10, Arizona 6, San Francisco 31)

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