Where Do Atlanta Falcons Land in Week 9 NFL Power Rankings?

The Atlanta Falcons are making a quarterback change entering this week. How does that affect their standing in the league pecking order?

The Atlanta Falcons are now in a full-fledged quarterback controversy as the move has been made to start Taylor Heinicke this week against the Minnesota Vikings. How will that affect the Falcons' standing in the NFL pecking order?

Sports Illustrated recently released its updated power rankings entering Week 9 of the NFL season, and the Falcons come in around the middle of the pack, specifically at No. 17. You can read an excerpt from the publication's stance on Atlanta below.

"Replacing a quarterback mid-stream on this Falcons team is one thing, given that the handoff between QB1 and QB2 in Atlanta doesn’t feel all that drastic," SI writes. "Replacing Grady Jarrett, who, even at 30, remains an elite interior rusher and a solid run defender, is another. This young Falcons team will miss a player who was a critical part of their league-best rush defense (in terms of opponent EPA) through the first eight weeks of the season." 

Atlanta Falcons Taylor Heinicke :: © Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

It appears that SI isn't putting too much stock in the quarterback change, and perhaps that's a good sign for Atlanta. Heinicke performed well against the Tennessee Titans last week in lieu of the injured Desmond Ridder, throwing for 175 yards and a score in the second half of play in a 28-23 road loss.

On either side of the Falcons in the latest power rankings are the Los Angeles Chargers (No. 16) and Houston Texans (No. 18). Other NFC South teams are ranked as follows:

No. 15 New Orleans Saints

No. 19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

No. 32 Carolina Panthers

That's not an impressive listing for the division, but it does show that the Falcons remain in the mix to challenge for the division title as the season wears on.

Atlanta and Minnesota are scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, and the game will be televised on FOX.