Weekly NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Can the Niners Hang Onto No. 1?

Time to make some more fan bases mad. Here are the Week 8 power rankings.

NFL Power Rankings Week 7

1. San Francisco 49ers (6-1)

No change

Sure, San Francisco dropped its first loss of the season last week, but I don’t think it warrants removing them from the top spot. For starters, they were without Mike Evans, who has been crucial to this offense’s success, for the entire game. With Evans on the field this season, the 49ers convert 55.3% of third downs, but that plummets to 41.4% with Evans off the field.

Going into their bye week, this team is going to get healthier, but they also just got a lot better. An already impressive pass rush just added familiar face DeForest Buckner in a trade with the Colts. To me, this is still the top team in football.

2. Buffalo Bills (5-1)

Change: +1

Buffalo had themselves a very nice bye week.

The Patriots, Chiefs and Ravens all lost, pushing them back up to the No. 2 spot in the rankings. We know a Josh Allen-led offense is going to score 30-plus points more often than not, and this offense will only improve with DJ Moore likely back this week. I do, however, believe GM Brandon Beane needs to make some moves to address this struggling secondary.

Budda Baker, anyone?

3. Minnesota Vikings (6-0)

Change: +1

The Vikings keep winning despite having one of the most underwhelming offenses in the league. The formula in their Week 7 win against the Colts was all too familiar—dominate on defense and do just enough on offense.

Minnesota currently ranks dead last in offensive success rate (34.2%), 27th in yards per play (4.7) and 26th in points per drive (1.82). Kyler Murray recently said he is still acclimating to the Vikings' passing scheme, which actually might be an encouraging sign, indicating that this offense is only going to improve.

4. Seattle Seahawks (4-3)

Change: +3

Sunday was an impressive showing from the defending champs, dominating the Chiefs 20-3. The Seattle defense and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are both exactly who we thought they were—incredible. Sam Darnold’s turnovers are a bit of a concern, but this offense just added guard Quenton Nelson to solidify and provide flexibility to the offensive line.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (5-1)

Change: -3

Week 7 was the first time all year where Kenneth Walker looked like a mere mortal. And without Rashee Rice (and even with him), this Kansas City passing attack needs more playmakers on the outside. Despite the loss and a brutal game from Patrick Mahomes, I still have this as a top-five team, but expect the Chiefs to add wide receiver help before the trade deadline.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2)

Change: -1

Jacksonville is coming off a Week 6 loss in London, as penalties (especially in the red zone) continue to hurt this team. It was fun to see Travis Hunter, who is already having a great year at corner, see more playing time on offense. Hunter ran a season-high 16% of the routes, catching four passes for 59 yards and a touchdown. With Brian Thomas seemingly phased out of this offense, it’ll be interesting to see if Hunter continues to see more looks at wide receiver going forward.

7. Chicago Bears (5-2)

Change: +4

Caleb Williams continues to ascend, along with Luther Burden and Colston Loveland. I was impressed by their Week 7 win over the red-hot New England Patriots, though the defense needs to stop giving up so many explosive plays.

8. Denver Broncos (5-2)

Change: +1

Speaking of explosive plays, Denver fans must have been relieved to finally see some from this Broncos offense. Bo Nix finally pushed the ball down the field on Sunday, while reminding himself that he can actually scramble. His 62-yard rushing score was encouraging to see, while the return of Jonah Coleman should help wake up a dormant run game.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)

Change: +1

Sunday was a tale of two halves for the Bengals.

Joe Burrow and the offense were hardly on the field during the first half, but in the final two quarters, this unit exploded. Burrow threw for 240 yards and four touchdowns in the second half, as the Bengals went on to score 35 unanswered points after the Ravens jumped out to a 13-0 lead. The run game has to improve, but Sunday was a reminder of what this offense is capable of.

10. New England Patriots (4-3)

Change: -4

Following a tough loss to Chicago, the Patriots drop a few spots but still round out the top-10. On offense, they haven’t found much success running the ball as of late, outside of a final Week 6 drive led by Corey Kiner. Meanwhile, A.J. Brown has made zero impact since returning from injury, but it’s possible he still isn’t 100% over his high-ankle sprain.

11. Detroit Lions (4-2)

Change: +2

We expected a 35-31 type shootout between the Lions and Packers last week. Instead, we got a sloppier, low-scoring game that featured turnovers and penalties. But give Detroit credit for making enough plays (and drawing some questionable roughing the passer calls) to win the game. And while the defense isn’t going to suddenly transform into a top unit, the return of Brian Branch certainly made a difference.

12. Baltimore Ravens (4-3)

Change: -4

Yes, I know what you’re probably thinking. “Adam, how are the 5-2 Cleveland Browns, who beat the Ravens, behind them in the rankings?” It’s pretty simple.

With a healthy Lamar Jackson, the Browns aren’t better than the Ravens.

Jackson got some practice sessions in to end the week, but ultimately didn’t play against the Bengals. All signs point toward him making his return on Sunday in Buffalo, and a win would be a huge statement for the Ravens.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)

Change: +3

A 5-2 record and yet, once again, I have no clue how good this team really is.

Their only truly impressive win was back in Week 3 against the Bengals. Outside of that, the Steelers have defeated Cooper Rush, Daniel Jones, Jalon Daniels and Tyler Shough. I’m giving them credit because Aaron Rodgers looks more comfortable in Mike McCarthy’s offense, while the run game with Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle has been very strong.

14. Green Bay Packers (4-3)

Change: -2

Green Bay probably feels like they should have won in Detroit this past weekend, and I don’t blame them. The debut of Josh Jacobs didn’t suddenly solve the issue with this run game, but he did make some key plays as a pass-catcher. The Packers continue to make plays on defense, leading the NFL in turnovers. But man, it might be time to move on from Trey Smack, who missed two field goals, including a 26-yarder.

15. New York Giants (4-2-1)

Change: +5

J.J. McCarthy has a chance to do the funniest thing ever.

After the Vikings abandoned ship, McCarthy has found a home in New York. Over his last six quarters, McCarthy has thrown for nearly 500 yards, while making some truly elite-level throws. Meanwhile, the run game finally looked good against the Texans on Sunday. The addition of head coach John Harbaugh cannot be overstated either.

16. Cleveland Browns (5-2)

Change: +2

I’m not entirely sure how they keep doing this.

Cleveland won another game in the closing seconds on Sunday, giving them four wins of exactly 3 points. Despite the 5-2 record, it does feel possible the rug is eventually pulled out from under them and this magical run ends. But Todd Monken is legit and should be the early favorite for coach of the year.

17. Los Angeles Rams (3-4)

No change

A dominant win against a reeling Raiders team doesn’t suddenly cure all of Los Angeles’ woes.

But it’s certainly a step in the right direction.

In their first game without Davante Adams, the Rams turned to 13 personnel and the ground game. Both Kyren Williams and Blake Corum flirted with 100 rushing yards on the day, setting up play-action touchdown passes from Matthew Stafford to Davis Allen.

18. Atlanta Falcons (3-4)

Change: +3

Sure, San Francisco was missing some key pieces. But Atlanta taking down an undefeated team is still impressive nonetheless.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5)

Change: +9

Just when you think Tampa Bay’s season is over, you remember they play in the NFC South.

All jokes aside, the Bucs were dominant on Sunday, dismantling Carolina 43-13. Their pass rush got after Bryce Young all day long, while the run game set the tone on offense. Now at 2-5 with a healthy Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay can easily make a run for the division title.

20. Carolina Panthers (3-3)

Change: -6

I’ve been hesitant to crown Carolina all year long, but even I didn’t see Week 7 coming. The Panthers couldn’t do a single thing right in a blowout loss to the Bucs and suddenly find themselves in a fight for the NFC South.

21. Dallas Cowboys (3-4)

Change: +1

The Cowboys still have plenty of work left to do before realizing their true potential, but a loss last week against a depleted Eagles team would have been catastrophic. Dak Prescott played much better, while Javonte Williams (and even Tyler Goodson) found a ton of success on the ground. Realistically, they should win the NFC East, but they need to build off Monday’s showing.

22. Houston Texans (2-5)

Change: -7

We’re now seven weeks in, and despite the talent on this roster, it’s time to accept the Texans for what they are.

A below-average football team.

The defense has taken a pretty large step back this season, which is a shame considering C.J. Stroud has bounced back. They really haven't played a complete football game all season long.

23. New Orleans Saints (2-5)

No change

The Saints will fight each week, but they just can’t find a way to close out games down the stretch. With a chance to get the ball back late in the fourth quarter in Paris, New Orleans let 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers scramble for a first down before jumping offsides on a field goal attempt to seal the game.

24. Las Vegas Raiders (3-4)

Change: -5

“They are who we thought they were.”

After a 3-0 start, the Raiders have now lost four consecutive games, proving that an undefeated start to the year wasn’t real. There are still some positive signs from this team, but with each loss, the chants for Fernando Mendoza grow louder and louder.

25. Washington Commanders (1-4-1)

Change: +2

For the second consecutive game, inexcusable decision-making and awareness played a factor in a Washington loss. Early in the game, the Commanders apparently didn’t know it was fourth down when Jayden Daniels threw a pass away. And late in the game, needing a touchdown, Daniels had a brutal intentional grounding penalty. Now without Terry McLaurin for the rest of the season, rookie Antonio Williams will have to step up and play a huge role.

26. Philadelphia Eagles (2-5)

Change: -2

Philadelphia’s season from hell continued on Monday.

Saquon Barkley tried his best to fight through hamstring and back injuries but couldn’t play very much. The offense remains depleted, but the mostly healthy defense has been a disappointment this season, especially last week against the Cowboys.

27. Miami Dolphins (1-5)

Change: +4

The Dolphins are on the board.

Miami got their first win of the season on Sunday, beating the Jets 28-25. Ollie Gordon continues to run the football really well, while Malik Willis is coming off his best game of the season. They also finally got to see what a healthy Caleb Douglas can do for their offense.

28. New York Jets (2-5)

Change: -3

The Jets continue to struggle in late-game situations, which has now cost them multiple wins already this season. On the plus side, their young playmakers on offense have provided a spark as of late, as Braelon Allen, Omar Cooper and Mason Taylor are providing this offense with depth and talent.

29. Tennessee Titans (1-6)

No change

Once again, Tennessee fought to the end on Sunday but ultimately blew a 14-point lead against Cleveland, allowing Deshaun Watson to drive down the field and set up the game-winning field goal as time expired. Tony Pollard and the run game have found something over the past two weeks, but with the veteran running back a potential trade candidate, how long will it last?

30. Arizona Cardinals (2-5)

Change: -4

Per usual, Arizona fell behind early on Sunday, forcing Jacoby Brissett to drop back and pass nearly 50 times. And their late goal-line possession to cut the lead to seven was one of the worst you’ll ever see.

31. Indianapolis Colts (2-5)

Change: -1

Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner have both been traded. Josh Downs appears to be next, and who knows about Jonathan Taylor? The Colts are obviously looking toward the future and have given up on 2026.

32. Los Angeles Chargers (0-6)

No change

Thank goodness the Chargers were off last week. Our eyes received a much-needed break from Justin Herbert meatball subs. Maybe the bye week helped Mike McDaniel and the offense fix some things, but I’m not very optimistic.