NFL Power Rankings Week 8 – The Cost Of Surviving

The NFL season of surprise teams and disappointments continue. At last look we have zero dominant teams, a few really good teams, a bunch of solid teams and a plethora of bad teams. To put it in perspective, no teams should scare any opponent and no opponent should be deemed an easy win at this point.

We are nearing the midway point of the season and the league seems very wide open.

 

1. Detroit Lions (5-1)

Jared Goff is throwing for an average of 268.3 yards per game with 10 passing touchdowns and only four interceptions. Is he the front runner for league MVP?

 

2. Kansas City Chiefs (6-0)

The Chiefs’ defense is giving up an average of 17.1 points per game. It’s mostly due to their run defense that’s holding teams to just 3.8 yards per carry.

 

3. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)

Lamar Jackson has thrown for 952 yards and 10 touchdowns in his last three games. He has 15 passing touchdowns on the season.

 

4. Minnesota Vikings (5-1)

Despite the loss, Minnesota has scored 20 points or more in every game this season. They rank sixth in total points scored.

 

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)

The news of Russell Wilson’s demise was greatly exaggerated. The Steelers had their highest scoring total of the season with 37 and now there’s a legit passing threat in their offense.

 

6. Houston Texans (5-2)

Joe Mixon has been spectacular whenever he hits the field this season. He’s rushed for a total 217 yards and three touchdowns in his last two games, after missing some time due to injury.

 

7. Washington Commanders (5-2)

Jayden Daniels is listed as day to day with a rib injury. The Commanders can’t afford to have him out or injured for an extended period of time.

 

8. Buffalo Bills (5-2)

The Bills have eclipsed the 30 point mark four times this season. They currently rank fifth in total points scored (199).

 

9. Green Bay Packers (5-2)

The Packers have won three in a row, averaging 27.3 points per game during that stretch. They’re averaging 129.0 rushing yards in those three games.

 

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)

Injuries to both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin could loom large for the Buccaneers going forward.

 

11. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)

Saquon Barkley had 17 carries for 176 yards and a touchdown against his old team. It’s the third time he’s eclipsed 100 rushing yards in a game this season.

 

12. Chicago Bears (4-2)

Can Chicago keep pace in a division where all the teams have a winning record? Their first game after their bye will be against the Washington Commanders and second overall pick Jayden Daniels (barring any injuries).

 

13. Seattle Seahawks (4-3)

Seattle snapped a three game losing streak and scored over 30 points for the first time this season. They rank eighth in both total points scored and total yards from scrimmage.

 

14. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)

Were the Falcons looking ahead to a divisional matchup with the Buccaneers, or did they just wet the bed against the Seahawks? The loss snapped their three game winning streak.

 

15. Denver Broncos (4-3)

Denver ranks third in total points allowed and total yards allowed. They’ve only allowed 10 total touchdowns on defense and they have forced an equal amount of turnovers.

 

16. Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)

Cincinnati has won three out of their last four games, averaging 27.5 during that span. They’ve moved up to 10th overall in total points scored.

 

17. Indianapolis Colts (4-3)

The Colts give up a lot of yards but not a lot of points. They rank 29 in total yards allowed and 12th in total points allowed.

 

18. Los Angeles Chargers (3-3)

The Chargers are winless when they fail to reach 100 yards rushing in the game. They currently rank 18th in rushing yards and 26th in yards per carry.

 

19. San Francisco 49ers (3-4)

The way the 49ers are playing right now, the injury to Brandon Aiyuk is nothing short of devastating.

 

20. Dallas Cowboy (3-3)

The Cowboys come off of their bye week to face the San Francisco 49ers in a classic NFC matchup. Both teams will be in somewhat of a desperate mood when this game rolls around.

 

21. Arizona Cardinals (3-4)

The Cardinals have turned the ball over and forced a turnover in every game this season. They have forced six turnovers in their three wins this season.

 

22. New Orleans Saints (2-5)

The Saints have turned the ball over in every game this season. They have a total of nine turnovers during their current five game losing streak.

 

23. New York Jets (2-5)

Fire head coach, no problem. Acquire All-pro wide receiver to make All-pro quarterback happy, no problem. Change offensive play calling duties to another coach, no problem. Improve offense and combine with top notch defense to win games, problem.

 

24. Miami Dolphins (2-4)

Miami scores an average of 8.75 points per game in their four losses. They are currently last in the NFL in total points scored.

 

25. Los Angeles Rams (2-4)

The Rams are 2-1 when they score 20 or more points this season. They’ve forced six turnovers in those games.

 

26. Las Vegas Raiders (2-5)

The Raiders have now lost three in a row since their last victory. They’re averaging 15.3 points per game during that stretch.

 

27. New York Giants (2-5)

The Giants have failed to reach double digits in points for the third time this season. They rank 30th in total points scored.

 

28. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)

The Jaguars are undefeated when they score 30 or more points. They have won two out of their last three games.

 

29. Cleveland Browns (1-6)

The Deshaun Watson injury to his achilles has finished his season and put his Browns’ future in doubt. If the fans (shocking) reaction to his injury is any indication of their feelings, it seems they’re already done with him as their quarterback.

 

30. New England Patriots (1-6)

The Patriots have lost six games in a row. They’re averaging 13.8 points per game during that stretch.

 

31. Tennessee Titans (1-5)

The Titans have failed to score 20 points in all five of their losses. They’re averaging 17.6 points per game.

 

32. Carolina Panthers (1-6)

The Panthers have not being very good and that’s the theme for a few years now. It could be because of a bunch of things, because this team is drastically flawed from top to bottom.

 

Offensive Player Of The Week

Jahmyr Gibbs- Running Back, Detroit Lions

116 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, 4 catches, 44 receiving yards

 

Defensive Player Of The Week

Nakobe Dean- Linebacker, Philadelphia Eagles

11 total tackles, 2.0 sacks