Week 8 Power Rankings
This is the official halfway point of the NFL season. We all know what that means - absolutely nothing. At this point last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars were 2-5, the Baltimore Ravens still had Lamar Jackson and everyone thought the Cowboys were Super Bowl contenders. Much of the same goes for this year , but we do have power rankings to get us through. For the third consecutive week, we have a new number one at the top, and this time it’s a familiar face. Lets take a look at where your team is heading into Week 8…
POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 7 (October 19th-October 23rd)
The Usual Suspects
Kansas City Chiefs (+2) For the first time all year, the Chiefs are on top. All it took was winning six straight after losing opening night at home by 1 without their best skill player on offense and their defensive captain. Once again, everyone is looking up at the Chiefs.
Philadelphia Eagles (+3) After counting out the Eagles last week, they responded in a big way. I know they read this ranking last week and used it as motivation. But seriously, they played well. Jalen Hurst still doesn’t seem to have the same mojo as last year, but this team is still 6-1 and beat Miami comfortably on a national stage.
San Francisco 49ers (-1) The Niners drop another spot after their second consecutive loss on the road - this time at the hands of the Vikings. It’s not time to worry…yet. But the question we asked weeks ago was how does Brock Purdy play when he’s behind. Well, we MAY have gotten our answer. Another big test against a rejuvenated Bengals teams awaits them in Santa Clara.
The Record Says Everything - Legitimate AFC Threat
4. Baltimore Ravens (+5) For all the flack I give the Ravens, they answered the bell in a BIG way Sunday. A team red hot came into their building, and the Ravens absolutely pummeled them. It was quite easily the most well rounded game for Lamar and the offense. For the first time in a long time, I can say Mr. Jackson looked like his old MVP self. If the Ravens can keep up this type of play, then watch out.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (+1) Four games in nineteen days. Four different stadiums. Three different time zones. 4-0. What the Jags just accomplished is remarkable. Add in the fact that when they played all the teams they played they had at least a .500 record. Impressive stuff.
We Need a Statement Game
6. Detroit Lions (-5) I put the Lions number one last week because they were the most consistent team through seven weeks. So naturally they go out Sunday and get kicked to the curb by the Ravens. The Chiefs game is long gone and yes, there is something to say about them beating KC without two studs. Look at how the Lions have beaten so far this season - ATL, GB, CAR, TB. Their losses - SEA, BAL…Hmmm????
7. Miami Dolphins (-3) I can literally right the same thing for Miami as I did for Detroit. I know what Mike McDaniel said, but it can’t be ignored. The two games that they were supposed to “get up” for they lost 48-20 and 31-17. Need a win against a good team.
8. Dallas Cowboys (-1) The Boys were on a bye, but they definitely fit in this category. They need to beat a frisky Rams team this weekend to keep pace with Philadelphia in the NFC East.
9. Seattle Seahawks (+4) The Seahawks are just humming along, now 4-2 in 2023. Their impressive win came on the road against Detroit, but I need to see this team beat San Francisco once this year to have a legitimate shot in the NFC. If they beat SF, then they have no chance.
Oh Shit, These Teams are in the AFC Too?!?!?!?
10. Cleveland Browns (-) This team survived a game they probably should have lost in Indianapolis on Sunday. For the first time all year, the defense got worked and DeShaun Watson I just existing in Cleveland. Yet, the Browns find themselves 4-2 and are firmly entrenched in the AFC mix.
11. Cincinnati Bengals (-) We will find out if the Bengals are really back Sunday when they take on the Niners at their place. They’ve had two weeks to prepare.
12. Houston Texans (+2) After watching a week without Houston, I can firmly say that the Texans are a good team this year. DeMeco Ryans may be leading the pack for 2023 COTY.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (+5) Find a way. That should be the Steelers 2023 motto. I still don’t think it's sustainable to have an offense this poor and survive the season, but we’ve seen worse. Mike Tomlin continues to do his thing. They have a massive game against Jacksonville at home Sunday. The 5-2 Jags at the 4-2 Steelers? Yes please!!!
14. Buffalo Bills (-6) Panic button has been pushed for the Bills. They answered the bell last year when we hit the panic button, but they also didn’t have these injuries on defense.
15. New York Jets (-) Jets were on a bye, but the win against the Eagles set them up. They have an extremely favorable next three games - NYG, LAC, LV. We will see how serious the Jets are this year.
Are These Teams Actually Good?
16. Minnesota Vikings (+6) Last week I put the Vikings in “the abyss” and mentioned they have to win if they want their season alive. Check. Kirk Cousins is an MVP candidate this season. Yea, I said it.
17. Atlanta Falcons (+4) Now leading the NFC South, the Falcons have a chance to build on their lead with a game against a Titans team who is in flux at QB. If the Falcons can stop turning it over in the red zone though…
Got Turned Away at the “We are Serious” Club.
18. Los Angeles Rams (-6) I really like how the Rams have been competing this year, but you gotta beat the Steelers at home if you want to be a playoff team. LA seems like that team all year that will make you pull your hair out. Impossible to judge.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2) The Bucs aren’t serious. Its official. I’ll creep the door back open if they beat Buffalo Thursday - but if they lose, I would really consider selling…
20. New Orleans Saints (-4) Derek Carr is now yelling at his players. Chris Olave got arrested. Literally nothing is going right in New Orleans. Dennis Allen - your seat is officially hot.
21. Los Angeles Chargers (-2) I don’t want to hear about Justin Herbert being a top 5 quarterback. Was not that good on Sunday if you watch the game. LA is 2-4 and Brandon Staley will be the first HC fired.
22. Indianapolis Colts (+3) Indy responded in a big way after their embarrassing loss in JAX a week back. Who had Gardner Minshew cooking the Browns defense in Week 7? Not me. But as with Minshew teams, it’s always close but no cigar. Colts 0-2 since Minshew has been inserted as QB1.
The D-II Club
23. Chicago Bears (+3) Tyson Bagent has won as many games as Justin Fields since last October.
You May Not be Tanking, But You Should Be
24. Tennessee Titans (+2) I don’t even know why they moved up - maybe because the teams behind them are so bad? I don’t know. The Titans are weird though. They finally traded someone - Kevin Byard is now in Philly. Will that open the floodgates?
25. Washington Commanders (-5) I liked this team. I don’t anymore. You can’t lose to the Giants 14-7. You just can’t.
26. Las Vegas Raiders (-3) The Raiders lost the ‘back up bowl” and now face a Lions team on Monday Night coming off an embarrassing loss. Good luck!
27. New England Patriots (+4) Congrats to Bill Belichick on win 300. When will 301 come?
Still Ass
28. New York Giants (-) Beat the Jets this week and I will move them up considerably.
29. Denver Broncos (+1) The firesale is held off one more week.
30. Green Bay Packers (-6) Jordan Love is not good right now. The Packers team is awful. Matt LaFleur may be coaching for his job.
They Are Who We Though They Were
31. Arizona Cardinals (-2) Just play the Dennis Green GIF on repeat. WE let this team off the hook. They are that bad.
They Don’t Even Have Their Own Draft Pick…
32. Carolina Panthers (-) At least the Panthers couldn’t lose last week!
