Power Rankings 8

NFL Power Rankings

After Week 8

NOTE: Previous ranking is noted in the first parenthesis. Current team record noted in the second parenthesis.

1. (1) Denver Broncos (7-1) – Despite four turnovers by Manning, the Broncos still put up 45 points and won by a ton. The downer is that Julius Thomas left the game with an ankle injury, but the bye week will help heal it.

2. (2) Kansas City Chiefs (8-0) – The Chiefs got a solid game from QB Alex Smith and the defense did the rest. They don’t win fancy, but they continue getting it done.

3. (3) Seattle Seahawks (7-1) – It wasn’t the prettiest win the Seahawks have had all year, but they got it done on MNF. The defense continues to be dominant as the offense continues to find itself. Percy Harvin is set to return soon which will help.

4. (4) San Francisco 49ers (6-2) – This game shouldn’t have even counted, as Jacksonville is more like a college team. But I liked that Kaepernick is using his legs again, this time with two TD’s.

5. (5) New Orleans Saints (6-1) – So much for Jimmy Graham being injured. He still grabbed two touchdowns. Stills is an emerging deep threat for Brees as well.

6. (6) Green Bay Packers (5-2) – Eddie Lacy is completely changing this team (for the better). Green Bay finally has a running game that can keep opponents honest. The injured Bears defense will be the next victim.

7. (7) Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) – The Bengals continue to be impressive, and that starts with Andy Dalton. He’s been terrific for three straight weeks, this time utilizing Marvin Jones (4 TD catches).

8. (8) Indianapolis Colts (5-2) – They had a week off after their upset of Denver, and hopefully they used it to make a plan regarding their WR corps with Wayne now done for year.

9. (9) New England Patriots (6-2) – The Pats overcame their slow start to take out Miami. Brady was unimpressive again with only 116 yards, but the defense and running game was there in full force.

10. (12) Detroit Lions (5-3) – Calvin Johnson had one of his games that only he could have. He is a man among boys when healthy. Stafford played great down the stretch and he showed how clutch he can be on the last drive.

11. (11) San Diego Chargers (4-3) – Can Rivers and company keep it going after the bye week? They need to because they have Denver and KC ahead of them in the division.

12. (10) Dallas Cowboys (4-4) – Dallas played a solid game and had it won with one minute left. BUT, a penalty left extra time on the clock, and the defense was way too soft allowing Stafford to take the Lions down the field… Complete choke. But they still are in a good spot in the mediocre NFC East.

13. (14) Carolina Panthers (4-3) – Carolina is above .500 for the first time in the Cam Newton era. Their defense has been stellar all year, and Newton is finally bringing the offense around.

14. (13) Chicago Bears (4-3) – I dropped them a spot even during their bye week because their defense is just devastated by injury. And with Cutler probably out for the next few weeks during a tough stretch of games, it could get ugly in a hurry.

15. (16) Baltimore Ravens (3-4) – They get the bump up during their bye for the team in front of them (NYJ) simply looked atrocious.

16. (24) Arizona Cardinals (4-4) – Don’t look now but Arizona is .500, playing solid defense, and their offense finally is waking up. I credit Bruce Arians for having them here at this point, but this positivity could all change in a week in the NFL.

17. (15) New York Jets (4-4) – Where did the “Rex Ryan” defense go against the Bengals? They were terrible. The offense was just as bad too.

18. (17) Miami Dolphins (3-4) – Miami played a great first half, but a terrible second half. To make matters worse, WR Gibson is likely done for the year, just as he was starting to emerge.

19. (27) Oakland Raiders (3-4) – Pryor continues to spark this team as they are 3-3 with him as the starter. He’s looked decent as a passer, but his legs make him dangerous as evidenced by his 93-yard TD scamper.

20. (28) New York Giants (2-6) – The Giants have now won a couple times in a row. And their defense actually looked okay this week. Funny thing is, they are only two back in the division despite a 0-6 start.

21. (18) Philadelphia Eagles (3-5) – With Vick injured again, things are going to get worse in a hurry with Barkley leading the way. There goes the dynamic offense.

22. (23) Pittsburgh Steelers (2-5) – Pittsburgh made it close down the stretch against Oakland but fell short. Why couldn’t they bring that desperation to start the game?

23. (21) Buffalo Bills (3-5) – The Bills had no answer on defense for Drew Brees. Most teams don’t though.

24. (22) Washington Redskins (2-5) – The defense and offense looked good early, but fell apart late. RG3 better not be injured seriously or it spells major trouble.

25. (25) Tennessee Titans (3-4) – With Jake Locker back (fully healthy after the bye?) they can remain competitive I think against most teams.

26. (22) Atlanta Falcons (2-5) – They got Steven Jackson back and their running game disappeared. They better hope it’s due to the score of the game and not a player issue. Also, they should trade Tony Gonzalez for sure.

27. (26) Cleveland Browns (3-5) – Josh Gordon was great again but the team lost. Familiar story? On a trade deadline note, they should NOT deal Gordon or Cameron, because even with first round picks you won’t do better at those spots than those guys. They should be apart of the rebuild in Cleveland. The Trent Richardson deal is looking nice though.

28. (23) St. Louis Rams (3-5) – Spirited effort against a superior team, but nothing but Stacy was clicking on offense. FG’s simply won’t cut it.

29. (29) Houston Texans (2-5) – If Houston found some magical pills and got healthy during the bye, expect good things. But that didn’t happen I’m sure.

30. (30) Minnesota Vikings (1-6) – Next QB up, and another one down. It doesn’t matter who they start because nobody can win with this squad.

31. (31) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7) – Maybe Josh Freeman wasn’t the problem. Maybe this team just sucks.

32. (32) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-8) – I’m running out of bad things to say about this team. Maybe they can unload MJD for a high pick at least.

By: The Sports Guys