NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Are Packers, Steelers, Seahawks contenders?

The Week 8 Energy Rankings are right here, and it’s time to take a more in-depth have a look at everybody’s resume. In spite of everything, not all 5-2 groups are constructed the identical. Sure, we’re taking a look at you Washington and Buffalo. A great document constructed on empty energy doesn’t essentially make a staff a pretender, however it’s a great way to start out determining the place everybody must be slotted because the midpoint approaches. As an illustration, it’s the explanation the Eagles are ranked in a spot that’s prone to rile the Philly people. Bear in mind, we’re placing a whole lot of weight on who you’ve crushed this week.

With that in thoughts, we have now loads of motion on this week’s rankings, beginning on the prime with a brand new No. 1.

Final week: 3

Sunday: Beat Minnesota Vikings 31-29

Who’ve they crushed?: Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks, Cowboys, Vikings

You would have argued earlier than Sunday that the Lions had a weak resume. Then they beat the NFC’s solely undefeated staff. Detroit is averaging a league-best 40 factors per recreation since Week 4. Jared Goff, who has thrown seven landing passes and no interceptions in his final three video games, leads the NFL in passer score (111.5).

Up subsequent: vs. Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Final week: 2

Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 41-31

Who’ve they crushed? Cowboys, Payments, Bengals, Commanders, Buccaneers

The Ravens protection has points. Baltimore, uncharacteristically, is twenty sixth within the league in factors allowed (25.7 per recreation). With this offense, which may not matter. Derrick Henry had one other 100-yard recreation Monday night time (15 carries, 169 yards). That makes 4 within the final 5 outings for the 30-year-old. The Ravens are tied for the league lead in scoring (31.14) and have gained 5 straight, with 4 of these coming in opposition to groups with a successful document.

Up subsequent: at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

3. Minnesota Vikings (5-1)

Final week: 1

Sunday: Misplaced to Detroit Lions 31-29

Who’ve they crushed? Giants, 49ers, Texans, Packers, Jets

What number of good wins are we giving the Vikings credit score for with the 49ers wanting iffy? Truthfully, Sunday’s loss to the Lions could have been Minnesota’s second-best displaying. If Jake Bates misses a 44-yard discipline aim with 15 seconds left, the Vikings are nonetheless undefeated. Minnesota stays fourth within the league in level differential (61 factors).

Up subsequent: at Los Angeles Rams, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

Final week: 4

Sunday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 28-18

Who’ve they crushed? Ravens, Bengals, Falcons, Chargers, Saints, 49ers

The stats web page doesn’t assume the Chiefs are an elite staff. Their offensive DVOA (13.2 %) is seventh within the league however a lot nearer to the Bengals (13 %) than the Ravens (33.6 %), in response to FTN Fantasy. They’re sixteenth within the league in yards per play (5.4) and twenty fifth within the league in yards per carry (4.1), in response to TruMedia. Patrick Mahomes is twenty third in passer score (82.5) and has thrown extra interceptions (eight) than touchdowns (six) this yr. And but, right here we’re. The Chiefs are unbeaten and half of their wins have come in opposition to successful groups.

Up subsequent: at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

5. Inexperienced Bay Packers (5-2)

Final week: 7

Sunday: Beat Houston Texans 24-22

Who’ve they crushed? Colts, Titans, Rams, Cardinals, Texans

Sunday was solely the Packers’ second win over a staff with a successful document, and it took a 45-yard Brandon McManus discipline aim on the buzzer to do it. Josh Jacobs, who had 76 dashing yards in opposition to the Texans, is quietly fourth within the league in dashing with 540 yards. He additionally had his first profession landing catch Sunday.

Up subsequent: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

6. Houston Texans (5-2)

Final week: 5

Sunday: Misplaced to Inexperienced Bay Packers 24-22

Who’ve they crushed? Colts, Bears, Jaguars, Payments, Patriots

C.J. Stroud had the second-worst passer score of his profession Sunday (58.8), and the Texans at the moment are 0-5 when Stroud doesn’t hit at the very least 82 on that scale. Stroud, who accomplished 10 passes for 86 yards in opposition to the Packers, has been sacked on 8 % of his dropbacks this season (which ranks twelfth within the league) and hit 43 occasions, which is the seventh most. Joe Mixon’s 115 dashing yards have been about the one vibrant spot in opposition to the Packers.

Up subsequent: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

7. Buffalo Payments (5-2)

Final week: 8

Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 34-10

Who’ve they crushed? Cardinals, Dolphins, Jaguars, Jets, Titans

Josh Allen is third within the league in EPA per dropback (.24), fourth in passer score (108.4) and fourth in passing touchdowns (12), all whereas nonetheless having no interceptions. He led Buffalo to 34 unanswered factors on Sunday after the Titans had taken a 10-0 lead. Nevertheless, that is the week we have now to level out that the Payments’ wins have come over groups which are a mixed 9-24.

Up subsequent: at Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

8. Washington Commanders (5-2)

Final week: 6

Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 40-7

Who’ve they crushed? Giants, Bengals, Cardinals, Browns, Panthers

The DMV space received a distraction from the election cycle Monday as everybody waited breathlessly for an replace on Jayden Daniels’ injured ribs. Coach Dan Quinn stated the rookie quarterback is “week to week” however might play as quickly as this week. We communicate for everybody within the league, save perhaps Eagles and Cowboys followers, after we say, “Whew.” The knock on the Commanders is that Washington hasn’t crushed a staff with a successful document this season, and its 5 wins are over groups averaging 1.8 wins. How about Marcus Mariota, although? The veteran had a 132.8 passer score after spelling Daniels on Sunday.

Up subsequent: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

Final week: 14

Sunday: Beat New York Jets 37-15

Who’ve they crushed? Falcons, Broncos, Chargers, Raiders, Jets

It appears to be like like Mike Tomlin picked the fitting time to modify quarterbacks. Russell Wilson made his Steelers debut and posted a 109 passer score, connecting with George Pickens 5 occasions for 111 yards, in opposition to the Jets. The Steelers stay in first place within the AFC North, however they’ll be examined by the Commanders and Ravens in two of their subsequent three video games. Earlier than that, although, they get the Giants and a bye week.

Up subsequent: vs. New York Giants, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

Brandon Marshall stops by the postgame presser and asks Mike Tomlin if it was certainly one of his boldest choices to start out Russell Wilson.

Tomlin: “that’s why I’m well-compensated.” pic.twitter.com/fQ5bdMsOtA

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 21, 2024

10. Seattle Seahawks (4-3)

Final week: 15

Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 34-14

Who’ve they crushed? Broncos, Patriots, Dolphins, Falcons

Not solely did the Seahawks snap a three-game dropping streak on Sunday, however in addition they beat simply their second staff with a successful document. DK Metcalf’s 4 catches for 99 yards have been the spotlight. The Seahawks, who’re eighth within the league scoring (25.71 ppg), lead the NFC West by one recreation. They misplaced to the 49ers in Week 6 however get one other shot in Week 11 in a recreation that may say quite a bit about this staff’s playoff possibilities.

Up subsequent: vs. Buffalo Payments, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

11. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)

Final week: 9

Sunday: Misplaced to Seattle Seahawks 34-14

Who’ve they crushed? Eagles, Saints, Buccaneers, Panthers

The Falcons’ momentum beneath first-year head coach Raheem Morris hit a brick wall Sunday in a listless 20-point loss, however they’re 3-0 within the NFC South and have gotten their younger expertise extra concerned this season. Bijan Robinson had his first 100-yard dashing recreation since Week 4 of his rookie yr on Sunday (21 carries, 103 yards) and is sixth within the league with 483 yards. Tight finish Kyle Pitts has had 65 or extra receiving yards in three straight video games, which is simply the second time he has completed that.

Up subsequent: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

12. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)

Final week: 18

Sunday: Beat New York Giants 28-3

Who’ve they crushed? Packers, Saints, Browns, Giants

Has any participant been extra essential for staff morale this season than Saquon Barkley? The Eagles’ new working again is third within the league with 658 dashing yards and has been a vibrant spot in a season that has encountered just a few bumps on the best way to 4 wins. On Sunday, Barkley carried the ball 17 occasions for 176 yards in opposition to his former staff as Philly walloped the Giants. Week 11 in opposition to Washington is shaping as much as be a showdown.

Up subsequent: at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Saquon Barkley wished the younger guys to play as a substitute of going for his document. What a teammate. @saquon | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/tJi8waO7MY

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 21, 2024

13. Chicago Bears (4-2)

Final week: 13

Sunday: Bye

Who’ve they crushed? Titans, Rams, Panthers, Jaguars

There are two methods to take a look at the Bears’ begin. One: They’ve crushed groups with a mixed document of 6-20. Two: They’re sixth in level differential (47) and have gained three straight behind rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Chicago, which is tied for fourth in turnover margin (six), will get an opportunity to show itself in opposition to Washington this week. Hopefully, Jayden Daniels (ribs) shall be obtainable to make that recreation the battle of rookie quarterbacks everybody has been ready for for a month.

Up subsequent: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)

Final week: 11

Sunday: Misplaced to Baltimore Ravens 41-31

Who’ve they crushed? Commanders, Lions, Eagles, Saints

The Buccaneers misplaced the 2 best vast receivers in franchise historical past on Monday night time in opposition to the Ravens. Mike Evans re-injured his hamstring and his availability within the coming video games is questionable. Then Chris Godwin suffered what the Bucs imagine is a dislocated ankle with 1:04 remaining within the recreation. ESPN’s choice to not present replays of the damage suggests it’s a season-ender, which implies Tampa Bay most likely misplaced much more than only one recreation Monday night time.

Up subsequent: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

15. San Francisco 49ers (3-4)

Final week: 10

Sunday: Misplaced to Kansas Metropolis Chiefs 28-18

Who’ve they crushed? Jets, Patriots, Seahawks

Are the 49ers in bother? They’ve crushed just one staff with a successful document. Brandon Aiyuk is out for the season with a torn ACL and MCL. Christian McCaffrey stays on injured reserve. The protection is sixteenth within the league in factors allowed (22.6). Even Brock Purdy appears to be like human. The quarterback posted a 36.7 passer score, the bottom in his profession as a starter. Purdy had a 30.1 passer score in a recreation in 2022, additionally in opposition to Kansas Metropolis defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Up subsequent: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

16. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)

Final week: 16

Sunday: Bye

Who’ve they crushed? Browns, Giants, Steelers

At the very least Dallas has that win over Pittsburgh to maintain it heat at night time as a result of not a lot else goes proper for “America’s Crew.” This week introduced Cowboy-on-Cowboy crime as coach Mike McCarthy fired again at ESPN analyst and former Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman, who made important feedback concerning the staff’s vast receivers. “They don’t carry any weight with me,” McCarthy stated. Aikman might need a degree, although. Dallas is twenty first within the league in touchdowns per move try (3.4 %), which is a foul signal for a staff that has additionally rushed for the fewest yards within the league (463).

Up subsequent: at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

17. Denver Broncos (4-3)

Final week: 19

Thursday: Beat New Orleans Saints 33-10

Who’ve they crushed? Buccaneers, Jets, Raiders, Saints

So, are the Broncos for actual or not? Their most spectacular win of the season (Tampa Bay) got here in Week 3, and so they’ve been fattening up on junk meals since. The superior statistics are skeptical. Even the protection (ranked third in anticipated factors added per snap) slips some when measured by DVOA, which takes into consideration opponent energy (seventh in DVOA, in response to FTN Fantasy). The offense is twenty seventh in anticipated factors added per 100 snaps (minus-14.4), in response to TruMedia.

Up subsequent: vs. Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

18. Los Angeles Chargers (3-3)

Final week: 12

Sunday: Misplaced to Arizona Cardinals 17-15

Who’ve they crushed? Raiders, Panthers, Broncos

Justin Herbert handed for 349 yards, his highest complete since Week 3 final yr on Monday night time, however it wasn’t sufficient for the Chargers, who rushed for a really un-Jim Harbaugh-like 59 yards. Los Angeles’ three losses this season have come by a mean of 6.3 factors, however their three wins aren’t terribly spectacular. The Chargers are twelfth within the league in level differential (plus-23).

Up subsequent: vs. New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

19. Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)

Final week: 17

Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 21-14

Who’ve they crushed? Panthers, Giants, Browns

Who is aware of what to make of the Bengals? Joe Burrow is having certainly one of his finest seasons. His anticipated factors added per dropback this season (.16) is the perfect of his profession. On performs with a passing try, the Bengals’ EPA (67.78) is the second finest within the league. And but, three wins over three groups with 4 mixed wins just isn’t impressing anyone.

Up subsequent: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

20. Indianapolis Colts (4-3)

Final week: 20

Sunday: Beat Miami Dolphins 16-10

Who’ve they crushed? Bears, Steelers, Titans, Dolphins

Indianapolis is just one recreation out of the AFC South lead, which is spectacular contemplating the play it has gotten from Anthony Richardson. The second-year quarterback entered the season with a whole lot of hype however is thirty second within the league in completion proportion (48.5), twenty ninth in EPA per dropback (minus-.11) and has thrown twice as many interceptions (six) as landing passes (three). Richardson had a 59.2 passer score Sunday however did add 56 dashing yards to assist get Indianapolis previous hapless Miami.

Up subsequent: at Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

21. Arizona Cardinals (3-4)

Final week: 22

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 17-15

Who’ve they crushed? Rams, 49ers, Chargers

Are the Cardinals the Kings of the West Coast? They’re now only one recreation again within the NFC West, and so they haven’t performed the division-leading Seahawks but. On Monday night time, the Cardinals beat an AFC West staff, using James Conner’s 101-yard efficiency to a win that wasn’t secured till a last-second discipline aim.

Up subsequent: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

22. New Orleans Saints (2-5)

Final week: 21

Thursday: Misplaced to Denver Broncos 33-10

Who’ve they crushed? Panthers, Cowboys

After beginning 2-0, the Saints have misplaced 5 straight. The offense seems to be evaporating because the accidents pile up. After averaging 45.5 factors within the first two weeks, New Orleans has averaged 17.2 factors per recreation within the final 5 video games, which ranks twenty sixth in that stretch. Someway, it’s been worse on protection. The Saints have given up a mean of 34 factors per recreation within the final 4 video games, and their level differential within the final month (minus-62) is the worst within the league.

Up subsequent: at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

23. New York Giants (2-5)

Final week: 24

Sunday: Misplaced to Philadelphia Eagles 28-3

Who’ve they crushed? Browns, Seahawks

Coach Brian Daboll changed Daniel Jones with Drew Lock within the fourth quarter. Perhaps it was as a result of the Giants have been trailing by 25 factors. Perhaps it was as a result of Daboll figured that was Jones’ fault. After some temporary moments of hope this season, Jones took a step again Sunday, finishing 14 passes for 99 yards and failing to get the Giants into the tip zone. With Pittsburgh and Washington subsequent, the Giants’ season could possibly be over by midseason.

Up subsequent: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

24. Los Angeles Rams (2-4)

Final week: 26

Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 20-15

Who’ve they crushed? 49ers, Raiders

The Rams had 259 yards of offense and transformed two third downs. Quarterback Matthew Stafford had a 62.6 passer score. And someway they gained. That’s not going to offer a lot salve for this season, although. The Rams are twenty fourth in scoring margin (minus-40) and their 19 factors per recreation are on monitor to be their lowest because the Stafford-less 2022 season and second lowest of the Sean McVay period.

Up subsequent: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

25. New York Jets (2-5)

Final week: 23

Sunday: Misplaced to Pittsburgh Steelers 37-15

Who’ve they crushed? Titans, Patriots

Perhaps Davante Adams’ addition will assist in the long term, however it wasn’t a miracle treatment. Aaron Rodgers focused his outdated pal 9 occasions Sunday however accomplished solely three of these passes for 30 yards. The Jets have now misplaced 4 straight and are two video games behind the tempo they have been on final yr by means of Week 7 beneath quarterback Zach Wilson. The Jets are twenty fourth in scoring (18.29 ppg) and twenty fifth in drive success fee (30.26 %). Rodgers is finishing 61.7 % of his passes and is twenty fifth in EPA per dropback (minus-.03).

Up subsequent: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

26. Las Vegas Raiders (2-5)

Final week: 25

Sunday: Misplaced to Los Angeles Rams 20-15

Who’ve they crushed? Ravens, Browns

Perhaps probably the most perplexing consequence of the 2024 season is the Raiders’ Week 2 win in Baltimore. Since then, the Raiders are 1-4 and have crushed solely the Browns. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell is headed to injured reserve with a damaged thumb, and so they signed Desmond Ridder off the Cardinals’ apply squad on Monday, however does it actually matter? At the very least there’s tight finish Brock Bowers. The rookie is second amongst all tight ends in yards per route run (2.26), which is particularly spectacular contemplating he has run extra routes than all however three different tight ends. His 447 receiving yards lead all tight ends.

Up subsequent: vs. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

27. Miami Dolphins (2-4)

Final week: 27

Sunday: Misplaced to Indianapolis Colts 16-10

Who’ve they crushed? Jaguars, Patriots

Tua Tagovailoa has been designated to return from injured reserve and will play this weekend in opposition to Arizona. That’s excellent news for a Dolphins staff averaging a league-low 10 factors per recreation since he suffered a concussion in a Week 2 loss to the Payments. It’s worrying information for lots of people, although, contemplating his most up-to-date damage was his third concussion. “I really like this recreation, and I find it irresistible to the demise of me,” Tagovailoa stated Monday. These phrases gained’t make any of the apprehensive individuals really feel higher.

Up subsequent: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Tua Tagovailoa on those that fear he might get damage once more: “I admire your concern. I actually do. I really like this recreation. And I find it irresistible to the demise of me. That’s it.” pic.twitter.com/fAvoHA2PXo

— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) October 21, 2024

28. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)

Final week: 31

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 32-16

Who’ve they crushed? Colts, Patriots

Jacksonville received a win Sunday, so let’s give attention to the constructive. Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. is fifth in receiving yards this season with 513 (probably the most by a rookie in 2024), and he’s averaging 17.1 yards per reception, which is prime 10 within the league. Thomas had 5 catches for 89 yards and Tank Bigsby rushed for 118 yards to assist the Jaguars salvage their fortnight in London.

Up subsequent: vs. Inexperienced Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

29. New England Patriots (1-6)

Final week: 29

Sunday: Misplaced to Jacksonville Jaguars 32-16

Who’ve they crushed? Bengals

The Patriots have misplaced six straight after a shocking Week 1 win over Cincinnati. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s insertion into the lineup hasn’t turned the tide, and the locals are beginning to activate first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. Former coach Invoice Belichick chimed in Monday with a medical if delicate skewering of New England’s run protection, stating on “The Pat McAfee Present” that it was No. 1 within the league “final yr” when it had many of the similar gamers.

Up subsequent: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

30. Tennessee Titans (1-5)

Final week: 28

Sunday: Misplaced to Buffalo Payments 34-10

Who’ve they crushed? Dolphins

A Week 4 win over a Miami staff with out Tua Tagovailoa is first-year head coach Brian Callahan’s solely victory to this point. Mason Rudolph crammed in for an injured Will Levis on Sunday, however it didn’t assist. Levis will return to the beginning job when wholesome, Callahan stated. That’s not comforting information for the remaining Titans followers. The one quarterbacks within the league with a worse EPA per dropback than Levis’ minus-.31 are the benched Bryce Younger and fill-in starter Spencer Rattler. The Lions are up subsequent. Oof.

Up subsequent: at Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

31. Cleveland Browns (1-6)

Final week: 32

Sunday: Misplaced to Cincinnati Bengals 21-13

Who’ve they crushed? Jaguars

Deshaun Watson suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in Sunday’s loss, and it appeared he was booed by the house followers as he was carted off the sector. That’s how dangerous issues have gotten in Cleveland. The damage could finish not solely Watson’s season however his profession because the Browns might now attempt to get some aid from his exorbitant contract. On the sector, Cleveland now has to determine between Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Jameis Winston, though the choice is likely to be made for them. Thompson-Robinson suffered a finger damage Sunday after changing Watson.

Up subsequent: vs. Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. Carolina Panthers (1-6)

Final week: 30

Sunday: Misplaced to Washington Commanders 40-7

Who’ve they crushed? Raiders

Dave Canales took the warmth off “Which first-year coach is having the roughest time of it?” Derby on Sunday by getting blown out by a Washington staff beneath the route of backup quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Panthers have given up 71 factors of their final seven quarters of soccer and are final within the league in scoring margin (minus-133). That’s on tempo to be the worst margin per recreation in at the very least the final 20 years, in response to TruMedia.

Up subsequent: at Denver Broncos, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(High picture: Patrick McDermott / Getty Photos)