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10/24/23
17 min read
NFL Week 8 Power Rankings: Lions Sink After Big Loss
Every Tuesday, we’ll provide updated power rankings. The rankings will be driven by who the teams are at the moment. Those stances will be centered on every team’s talent, reliability and current level of success.
Betting markets will also influence our stances, as will each team’s path to contention within its conference. We’ll also be aware of each team’s looming schedule difficulty.
NFL Week 8 Power Rankings
1. Kansas City Chiefs (6-1)
Previous Rank: No. 2
Last Game: Chiefs 31, Chargers 17
After a one-point loss on opening day to the Lions, the Kansas City Chiefs continue to roll. Kansas City’s offense is scoring the seventh-most points in the league. Its defense is allowing the third-fewest.
The Chiefs have played in the AFC Championship in all five of Patrick Mahomes' years as starting quarterback. Ultimately, the Chiefs are a complete team with a championship pedigree. Underestimate them at your own risk.
Next: at DEN, vs. MIA (Europe), BYE, vs. PHI (MNF)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (6-1)
Previous Rank: No. 5
Last Game: Eagles 31, Dolphins 17
The Philadelphia Eagles have one of the league’s best rosters and can win in numerous ways. Those realities were on full display Sunday night, as Philadelphia took down high-powered Miami. Scoring 31 points is an obvious positive, but holding the Dolphins to 17 points is encouraging.
The Eagles are one of the few teams in the league capable of beating anyone. One downside for Philadelphia is it has a brutal upcoming schedule stretch after this week’s matchup with Washington.
Next: at WASH, vs. DAL, Bye, at KC (MNF)
3. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)
Previous Rank: No. 8
Last Game: Ravens 38, Lions 6
The Baltimore Ravens are giving up the fewest points per game in the league, which isn’t a major surprise. Their offense through six weeks was good, but not quite great. That changed Sunday as the Ravens blew out the Lions.
Lamar Jackson eviscerated Detroit through the air, throwing for more than 250 yards for the first time this season. Now that we’ve seen some ceiling in Todd Monken’s passing attack, Baltimore can be the last team standing.
Next: at ARZ, vs. SEA, vs. CLE, vs. CIN (TNF)
>> READ: Lamar's MVP Campaign Is Starting
4. San Francisco 49ers (5-2)
Previous Rank: No. 1
Last Game: Vikings 22, 49ers 17
After a long stay at the top, back-to-back losses have pushed the San Francisco 49ers to 5-2 and down our list. San Francisco remains a complete team that can beat teams through the air, on the ground or with its defense.
That said, the 49ers have been held to 17 points in each of their past two games, both on the road. Injuries to key players have been a factor on offense, but every team is dealing with injuries. San Francisco will return home to play host to the well-rested Bengals in Week 8.
Next: vs. CIN, BYE, at JAX, vs. TB
5. Miami Dolphins (5-2)
Previous Rank: No. 3
Last Game: Eagles 31, Dolphins 17
So far this season, the Miami Dolphins’ historic offense has shredded below-average defenses but struggled against good ones. Miami’s offense is for real, but it needs to do more against premium opponents if the Dolphins are going to contend.
Otherwise, Vic Fangio’s defense is going to have to take a massive step forward.
Next: vs. NE, vs. KC (Europe), BYE, vs. LV
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2)
Previous Rank: No. 9
Last Game: Jaguars 31, Saints 24
The Jacksonville Jaguars have won four straight, putting them on top of the AFC South. Jacksonville has the clearest path to a division crown out of the other AFC contenders. As long as QB Trevor Lawrence continues to play at a high level, Jacksonville is a legitimate threat in the AFC.
Next: at PITT, BYE, vs. SF, vs. TEN
7. Dallas Cowboys (4-2)
Previous Rank: No. 7
Last Game: Idle
Dak Prescott played well against the Chargers two weeks ago, but the Dallas Cowboys’ offense has still underwhelmed. Their talented defense has driven the majority of their success. Outside of a Week 9 matchup in Philadelphia, Dallas has a talent advantage through their Week 12 matchup with Washington.
Next: vs. LAR, at PHI, vs. NYG, at CAR
8. Detroit Lions (5-2)
Previous Rank: No. 4
Last Game: Ravens 38, Lions 6
A loss in Baltimore isn’t concerning, but losing to the Ravens by 32 points cannot be ignored. The Detroit Lions’ banner win against Kansas City in Week 1 involved a tipped pick-six while Travis Kelce and Chris Jones were sidelined.
Thankfully for Lions’ fans, Detroit doesn’t face a team with a winning record until Week 17 in Dallas. A complete team like the Lions could go on quite a run during the next two months.
Next: vs. LV (MNF), Bye, at LAC, vs. CHI
9. Seattle Seahawks (4-2)
Previous Rank: No. 12
Last Game: Seahawks 20, Cardinals 10
The Seattle Seahawks’ defense gave up 30 total points in the past three weeks. Outside of spike games against the Lions and Panthers, the Seahawks' offense has been inconsistent. That was the case for QB Geno Smith’s group throughout the second half of last season.
If Smith can headline a top-10 type of offense, Seattle is a contender in the NFC. Right now, it is more on the fringe of that status.
Next: vs. CLE, at BAL, vs. WASH, at LAR
10. Buffalo Bills (4-3)
Previous Rank: No. 6
Last Game: Patriots 29, Bills 25
The Buffalo Bills are 1-2 over their past three games, and they’ve struggled in some fashion in each of them. This week, their defense gave up 29 points to a Patriots’ offense that just scored 20 combined points in their previous three games. Josh Allen’s Bills have been a factor for years now, so there is a real hope they right the ship. But for now, we can’t treat the Bills as a reliable team.
Next: vs. TB (TNF), at CIN (SNF), vs DEN (MNF), vs. NYJ
11. Cleveland Browns (4-2)
Previous Rank: No. 10
Last Game: Browns 39, Colts 38
Week 7’s game with Indianapolis was a wild, unorthodox shootout. The Colts’ run-heavy game plan paired with big plays in the passing game kept them alive against the Cleveland Browns’ premium defense.
One bad game is no reason to panic with the Browns’ defense. Cleveland’s offense, however, could be among the worst in the league if QB Deshaun Watson can’t return.
Next: at SEA, vs. ARZ, at BAL, vs. PIT
12. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3)
Previous Rank: No. 11
Last Game: Idle
The Cincinnati Bengals clawed back to .500 with back-to-back wins before their Week 7 bye. QB Joe Burrow looked like himself in those outings, and ultimately he drove the Bengals' success.
That said, Cincinnati faces three top-10 teams in the next four weeks. Getting through this stretch with a 2-2 record would be a solid outcome.
Next: at SF, vs. BUF, vs. HOU, at BAL (TNF)
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
Previous Rank: No. 17
Last Game: Steelers 24, Rams 17
There are few reliable teams right now, and Pittsburgh Steelers are one of them. The Steelers have been a model of consistency since Mike Tomlin took over as coach in 2007. That mantra is being carried by the Steelers' defense.
QB Kenny Pickett’s offense isn’t a top-tier group, but it doesn’t have to be for the Steelers to be a competitive team. If Pickett’s young offense takes a step forward, Pittsburgh can be a playoff team.
Next: vs. JAX, vs. TEN (SNF), vs. GB, at CLE
14. New York Jets (3-3)
Previous Rank: No. 15
Last Game: Idle
The New York Jets knocked off the Eagles before their Week 7 bye. New York’s defense was behind its wins against Philadelphia and Buffalo. It also gave Mahomes and the Chiefs all they could handle.
Jets QB Zach Wilson has shown signs of improvement, but the Jets still have a below-average, unreliable offense. New York could realistically go 2-1 or better in its next three games as long as the defense stays healthy.
Next: at NYG, vs. LAC (MNF), at LV (SNF), at BUF
15. Houston Texans (3-3)
Previous Rank: No. 16
Last Game: Idle
The Houston Texans have been one of the league’s biggest surprises. C.J. Stroud has been historically effective for a rookie quarterback behind an injury-ravaged offensive line. Houston’s defense has been excellent in each of its three wins, too. The future is bright for the Texans, who could conceivably go 3-1 or better over their next four games.
Next: at CAR, vs. TB, at CIN, vs. ARZ
16. Minnesota Vikings (3-4)
Previous Rank: No. 24
Last Game: Vikings 22, 49ers 17
The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a banner win against the 49ers on Monday night. QB Kirk Cousins was phenomenal, and Minnesota’s defense played its best game of the season.
If the Vikings were 5-2 heading into Week 8, Cousins might be the MVP co-favorite with Mahomes. The Vikings have four winnable games in a row where they could finish that stretch right in the playoff mix.
Next: at GB, at ATL, vs. NO, at DEN
17. Los Angeles Rams (3-4)
Previous Rank: No. 14
Last Game: Steelers 24, Rams 17
The Los Angeles Rams have an excellent head coach and a potential Hall of Fame quarterback in Matthew Stafford. Los Angeles also has developed a quality group of pass catchers. Those factors collectively have made the Rams a competitive team. Everything else, apart from the great Aaron Donald, is more of a vulnerability than a strength.
In the next three games, the Rams will face the Cowboys and Seahawks, both of whom have better, more complete rosters. How the Rams fare through that stretch will boil down to how much Stafford can carry the offense.
Next: at DAL, at GB, BYE, vs. SEA
18. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
Previous Rank: No. 22
Last Game: Falcons 16, Buccaneers 13
It hasn’t been pretty, but the Atlanta Falcons sit on top of the NFC South. We still can’t rely on QB Desmond Ridder, but he’s been productive over the past three weeks. The Falcons’ young offense has a realistic path to improvement, which is great news for a 4-3 team.
Atlanta’s defense is quietly giving up the ninth-fewest points per game. Even if Atlanta just maintains its current level of play, it could be enough in the NFC South.
Next: at TEN, vs. MIN, at ARZ, BYE
19. Indianapolis Colts (3-4)
Previous Rank: No. 23
Last Game: Browns 39, Colts 38
The Indianapolis Colts have been a tough out with two different quarterbacks. The Browns held Burrow and the Bengals to three points, and Cleveland beat the 49ers in Week 6. Yet, the Colts scored 38 points on Cleveland while having success on the ground and in the air.
We can’t call it reliable, but Indianapolis has been far more dangerous than several teams with more talented rosters.
Next: vs. CLE, vs. NO, at CAR, vs. NE (Europe), BYE
20. Los Angeles Chargers (2-4)
Previous Rank: No. 13
Last Game: Chiefs 31, Chargers 17
The Los Angeles Chargers are one of, if not the most disappointing team in football right now. Justin Herbert’s offense hasn’t been the same since Mike Williams’ Week 3 injury. Coach Brandon Staley’s defense has underachieved since he took over in 2021.
The Chargers have enough talent to surge, but they’ve shown little to get excited about in the past two weeks. Ultimately, all teams are driven by their quarterback, but a lot is on Herbert’s shoulders now.
Next: vs. CHI (SNF), at NYJ (MNF), vs. DET, at GB
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3)
Previous Rank: No. 18
Last Game: Falcons 16, Buccaneers 13
Little has changed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since the start of the season. The Buccaneers are allowing the sixth-fewest points per game in the league.
Unfortunately, they’ve had a non-existent running game for two years, and QB Baker Mayfield isn’t equipped to carry an NFL offense consistently. The NFC South is up for grabs, but Tampa Bay is a one-dimensional team.
Next: at BUF (TNF), at HOU, vs. TEN, at SF
22. New Orleans Saints (3-4)
Previous Rank: No. 19
Last Game: Jaguars 31, Saints 24
The New Orleans Saints’ offense has been disappointing so far, primarily because they struggle to finish drives. Last week, Derek Carr was scrutinized for being too conservative. No one would mistake Carr for Peyton Manning, but the Saints were down both offensive tackles in Week 6. Further, Carr has been playing through a throwing shoulder injury for weeks.
That injury situation appears to be trending in the right direction, but there is logic behind Carr’s conservative play. The Saints are allowing the seventh-fewest points per game. Carr may be the default choice, but he’s the most accomplished quarterback in the division. New Orleans faces three sub-.500 teams in the next three weeks, and its best days could be ahead of it.
Next: at IND, vs. CHI, at MIN, BYE
23. Washington Commanders (3-4)
Previous Rank: No. 21
Last Game: Giants 14, Commanders 7
The Washington Commanders might be the most volatile team in the league. In the past four weeks, they’ve taken the Eagles to overtime, got blown out by the Bears, beaten the Falcons and lost to the Giants. QB Sam Howell has put up big numbers in three games, but he’s also on pace to take the most sacks in history.
Washington has enough talent to contend for a wild-card spot, but it is far from reliable. The Commanders face two top-10 teams in the next three weeks.
Next: vs. PHI, at NE, at SEA, vs. NYG
24. New England Patriots (2-5)
Previous Rank: No. 29
Last Game: Patriots 29, Bills 25
After a gruesome three-game losing streak accompanied by a 93-20 scoring deficit, the New England Patriots upset the Bills last week. QB Mac Jones has played well in three games this season, which oddly came against the Eagles, Dolphins and Bills.
New England's offense lacks firepower, and its defense has been greatly reduced by injury. The Patriots possess, in many ways, among the worst rosters in the league. Last week, the Patriots showed that having Bill Belichick is still an advantage.
Next: at MIA, vs. WASH, vs. IND (Europe), BYE
25. Denver Broncos (2-5)
Previous Rank: No. 30
Last Game: Broncos 19, Packers 17
Through the first five weeks of the season, the Denver Broncos’ offense was outperforming their defense. In the past two weeks, the reverse has happened. Sean Payton’s Broncos still lack an identity or a team strength to hang their hat on. Denver faces the Chiefs and Bills in its next two games.
Next: vs. KC, BYE, at BUF (MNF), vs. MIN (SNF)
26. Green Bay Packers (2-4)
Previous Rank: No. 25
Last Game: Broncos 19, Packers 17
The Green Bay Packers’ offense came off their bye and laid an egg in Denver. Green Bay’s talented defense continues to keep the Packers in most games, but it hasn’t been enough to walk away with wins.
Green Bay plays a string of similarly desperate teams in the next four weeks. That schedule stretch will largely determine its season.
Next: vs. MIN, vs. LAR, at PIT, vs. LAC
27. New York Giants (2-5)
Previous Rank: No. 27
Last Game: Giants 14, Commanders 7
The New York Giants’ defense has played well in three of the past four weeks, and it was the driving force behind their win over Washington. New York’s offense, on the other hand, has been a bottom-tier unit all season.
QB Tyrod Taylor has played well, considering the Giants’ injury-reduced offensive line, but his offense has only scored 23 points in the last two weeks. New York has to show more before it can move up our power rankings.
Next: vs. NYJ, at LV, at DAL, at WASH
28. Chicago Bears (2-5)
Previous Rank: No. 31
Last Game: Bears 30, Raiders 12
The Chicago Bears blew out the Raiders with Tyson Bagent at quarterback. Chicago’s defense has played well two weeks in a row, and its running game was effective against Vegas.
Playing without Justin Fields greatly limits the ceiling of Chicago’s offense, which will be a problem against several of the Bears’ upcoming quality opponents.
Next: at LAC (SNF), at NO, vs CAR (TNF), at DET
29. Las Vegas Raiders (3-4)
Previous Rank: No. 20
Last Game: Bears 30, Raiders 12
The Las Vegas Raiders lost the backup quarterback bowl to the Bears last week in decisive fashion. Jimmy Garoppolo is hurt, RB Josh Jacobs is underperforming and WR Davante Adams has publicly complained.
That’s all bad news for a team that has to head to Detroit to face the Lions in primetime, who are coming off an embarrassing loss.
Next: at DET (MNF), vs. NYG, vs. NYJ (SNF), at MIA
30. Tennessee Titans (2-4)
Previous Rank: No. 26
Last Game: Idle
Ryan Tannehill is unlikely to play in Week 8, leaving Malik Willis or Will Levis as the Tennessee Titans' quarterback. We’ve already seen that Willis is not an NFL passer. Still, Tennessee played him ahead of Levis in Week 6. That’s not a great situation for the Titans’ offense.
Tennessee traded safety Kevin Byard to Philadelphia on Monday, taking the best player away from what already was a beatable secondary. The Titans have, to a degree, waved the white flag on the 2023 season with this trade.
Next: vs. ATL, at PITT (TNF), at TB, at JAX
31. Arizona Cardinals (1-5)
Previous Rank: No. 28
Last Game: Seahawks 20, Cardinals 10
The Arizona Cardinals have lost three games in a row by at least 10 points. Until QB Kyler Murray returns to action, Arizona has a limited ceiling on offense.
Next: vs. BAL, at CLE, vs. ATL, at HOU
32. Carolina Panthers (0-6)
Previous Rank: No. 32
Last Game: Idle
Better days are coming for the Carolina Panthers, but you have to win a game before you can move out of the basement.
Next: vs. HOU, vs. IND, at CHI (TNF), vs. DAL
Ryan is the associate director of fantasy and betting at The 33rd Team. Ryan has been covering NFL betting markets for five years. Follow Ryan @RyanReynoldsNFL on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
