{"id":226854,"date":"2025-10-20T06:51:17","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T06:51:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/226854\/"},"modified":"2025-10-20T06:51:17","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T06:51:17","slug":"cowboys-chiefs-49ers-among-risers-after-week-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/226854\/","title":{"rendered":"Cowboys, Chiefs, 49ers Among Risers after Week 7"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A day after we saw chaos in college football, the National Football League delivered a bit more normalcy in Week 8. Many of the best NFL teams in 2025 demonstrated why they are great, though, there were a few surprises and one insane fourth-quarter comeback.<\/p>\n<p>As Sunday\u2019s action draws to a close, let\u2019s dive into our NFL Week 8 Power Rankings. We\u2019ll have updates for the teams that play on Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football.<\/p>\n<p>1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-San-Francisco-49ers-at-Tampa-Bay-Buccaneers-27310786-1.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346036\"  \/>Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/tampa-bay-buccaneers\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a>\u00a0are the best NFL team right now. Every club is dealing with injuries, and Tampa Bay is no exception. Entering Week 7, the Buccaneers are without Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Bucky Irving, Calijah Kancey, and Luke Goedeke. It hasn\u2019t mattered, as Baker Mayfield is playing like the front-runner for NFL MVP. Heading into this Monday Night Football matchup against a banged-up Lions defense, Mayfield can absolutely deliver another primetime victory.<\/p>\n<p>2. Indianapolis Colts (2)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Indianapolis-Colts-at-Los-Angeles-Chargers-27370836.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346384\"  \/>Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>What else do\u00a0the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/indianapolis-colts\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Indianapolis Colts<\/a>\u00a0have\u00a0left to prove? The offensive\u00a0line and receiving\u00a0corps in Shane\u00a0Steichen\u2019s system\u00a0have provided\u00a0the perfect supporting\u00a0cast for Daniel\u00a0Jones, especially\u00a0with defenses\u00a0still having\u00a0to respect Jonathan\u00a0Taylor in the\u00a0backfield amid\u00a0his All-Pro season. Defensively, Indianapolis\u00a0just delivered\u00a0one of its best\u00a0performances\u00a0of the season\u00a0even with top\u00a0corner Charvarius Ward on IR. Indianapolis\u00a0is the Super\u00a0Bowl contender\u00a0we didn\u2019t see\u00a0coming, but it\u2019s undeniable\u00a0at this point.<\/p>\n<p>3. Detroit Lions (3)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Detroit-Lions-at-Kansas-City-Chiefs-27310904.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346037\"  \/>Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Injuries and a bit of inexperience (coordinators and interior offensive line) caught up to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/detroit-lions\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Detroit Lions<\/a>\u00a0in their loss to Kansas City. It won\u2019t get any easier in a Monday Night Football matchup against Tampa Bay, especially since the Buccaneers can take away what the Lions do best\u2014run the football. Still, Dan Campbell\u2019s team has proven it\u2019s better than just about anyone at rebounding from a tough loss. If the Lions win on Monday night, they\u2019ll reclaim the No. 1 spot in the NFL power rankings.<\/p>\n<p>4. Kansas City Chiefs (5)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Las-Vegas-Raiders-at-Kansas-City-Chiefs-27369673.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346294\"  \/>Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>This is the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/kansas-city-chiefs\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> offense now. Patrick Mahomes has a deep threat (Tyquan Thornton) that defenses have to respect, an offensive weapon (Xavier Worthy) and two chain-movers (Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice) who consistently get open. Oh, he also is playing with far more confidence in his offensive line than he has in years. The only thing Kansas City\u2019s offense is missing is an explosive running back, but there\u2019s a chance of that being found at the NFL trade deadline.<\/p>\n<p>5. Seattle Seahawks (4)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"524\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Syndication-Florida-Times-Union-27316172.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346038\"  \/>Credit: Corey Perrine\/Florida Times-Union \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/seattle-seahawks\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Seattle Seahawks<\/a>\u00a0have quietly become one of the best NFL teams in 2025. Entering Week 7, Seattle ranks sixth in scoring defense (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/stats\/team\/_\/view\/defense\/table\/passing\/sort\/totalPointsPerGame\/dir\/asc\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">19.5 PPG<\/a>) and the offense ranks fifth in scoring and top 10 in total yards per game. The advanced metrics, EPA per Play, also have this as a top-10 offense and defense. If Sam Darnold can survive the Texans\u2019 pass rush on Monday Night Football\u2014overcoming the biggest concern with this Seahawks team\u2014it might be time to view Seattle as a Super Bowl contender.<\/p>\n<p>6. Green Bay Packers (6)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"578\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Syndication-Arizona-Republic-27371236.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346397\"  \/>Credit: Joe Rondone\/The Republic \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Micah Parsons earned his money on Sunday. Not only did the All-Pro edge rusher contribute 3 sacks on his own, but his very presence proved essential in the team setting a season-high in six. We could knock the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/green-bay-packers\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Green Bay Packers<\/a>\u00a0for putting themselves in a position where they nearly lost to Arizona, but the Cardinals have taken the Colts, 49ers, and Seahawks to the brink this season too. Now, the Packers get to unleash Parsons on Aaron Rodgers while hoping Jordan Love outduels his mentor.<\/p>\n<p>7. Buffalo Bills (8)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"527\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Buffalo-Bills-at-Atlanta-Falcons-27318980.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346043\"  \/>Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not a given that this\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/buffalo-bills\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Buffalo Bills<\/a>\u00a0defense will improve coming out of the bye. During their recent two-game losing streak, Buffalo allowed opponents to average 8.1 yards per attempt, and this unit has been pretty abysmal against the run (156.3 rush ypg, 5.8 ypc allowed). Josh Allen, behind an elite offensive line, is still an incredible force who will propel Buffalo to double-digit victories and likely the AFC East crown, but there\u2019s now real reason to question if Buffalo can overcome its defensive issues come playoff time.<\/p>\n<p>8. Los Angeles Rams (13)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"537\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-London-Games-Los-Angeles-Rams-at-Jacksonville-Jaguars-27368714.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346302\"  \/>Credit: Andrew Boyers-Reuters via Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>No Puka Nacua? No problem for\u00a0the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/los-angeles-rams\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Los Angeles Rams<\/a>. Matthew\u00a0Stafford still\u00a0threw five touchdowns, connecting with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/boxscore\/_\/gameId\/401772635\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">10 different receivers<\/a>\u00a0in a remarkably\u00a0efficient performance. The most impressive\u00a0showing, of course, came from the\u00a0Rams\u2019 defensive\u00a0line, which generated\u00a011 QB hits and\u00a07 sacks. Los\u00a0Angeles will\u00a0get Nacua back\u00a0following its\u00a0Week 8 bye, and\u00a0Sean McVay has\u00a0to feel like\u00a0his team should\u00a0have an even\u00a0better record\u00a0if not for some\u00a0special teams\u00a0woes.<\/p>\n<p>9. Denver Broncos (11)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-New-York-Giants-at-Denver-Broncos-27371079.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346391\"  \/>Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>The Denver Broncos trailed the Eagles 17-3 entering the fourth quarter and then witnessed Bo Nix lead an 18-point comeback for the victory. Evidently, that was just the opening act. Denver\u2019s outlook seemed bleak late on Sunday afternoon at home, trailing New York 19-0 in the fourth quarter. Again, Nix led a comeback and then had to watch the defense give it up with less than a minute left. So, he just pulled out another miracle drive to win another one with a 33-point fourth quarter. There\u2019s just something about this franchise and quarterbacks who struggle for three quarters and then lead fourth-quarter comebacks that will be remembered for months.<\/p>\n<p>10. Philadelphia Eagles (12)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Philadelphia-Eagles-at-Minnesota-Vikings-27370198.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346343\"  \/>Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>It would be an understatement to say the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/philadelphia-eagles\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Philadelphia Eagles<\/a> needed that one. DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown took full advantage of a Vikings\u2019 secondary that had far less talent, with Jalen Hurts taking full advantage on multiple downfield strikes. At the very least, the Eagles\u2019 passing game was explosive on Sunday and that was especially true in crunch time. We are still a bit suspect of this Eagles defnese, but right now the victory is all that matters for Philadelphia.<\/p>\n<p>11. New England Patriots (14)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"539\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Syndication-The-Tennessean-27369577.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346304\"  \/>Credit: Andrew Nelles \/ The Tennessean \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/new-england-patriots\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">New England Patriots<\/a>\u00a0schedule has given Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel a real shot at a 10-win season in 2025. This legitimately looks like a very good team right now. New England has a strong defense now that everyone is healthy, which is one of the best supporting elements a young franchise quarterback can have. Vrabel should feel particularly good about Rhamondre Stevenson rewarding him for sticking with the veteran, as Maye\u2019s early success came largely without a stable run game until now. The Patriots are poised to make it five consecutive wins and improve to a 6-2 record with a matchup against the Browns upcoming<\/p>\n<p>12. Pittsburgh Steelers (10)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Syndication-The-Enquirer-27341619.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1345975\"  \/>Credit: Albert Cesare\/The Enquirer \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>The lone bright\u00a0spot for the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/pittsburgh-steelers\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>\u00a0coming\u00a0out of that Thursday\u00a0Night Football\u00a0loss is that\u00a0Aaron Rodgers\u00a0wasn\u2019t seriously\u00a0injured when\u00a0311-pound lineman Broderick\u00a0Jones\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/nfl\/profootballtalk\/rumor-mill\/news\/aaron-rodgers-got-tackled-hard-by-a-teammate\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">tackled him to the ground<\/a>. Pittsburgh\u00a0had an opportunity\u00a0to almost coast\u00a0to an AFC North\u00a0win if it could\u00a0beat Cincinnati\u00a0in Week 7. Instead, the Steelers\u2019 defense reverted\u00a0to the form we\u00a0saw in September. The timing couldn\u2019t be worse either, as the upcoming\u00a0Steelers schedule\u00a0pits them against\u00a0three of the\u00a0best NFL teams\u00a0in 2025 (Packers, Colts, Chargers), with other\u00a0tough matchups\u00a0ahead as well.<\/p>\n<p>13. San Francisco 49ers (17)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"570\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-San-Francisco-49ers-at-Tampa-Bay-Buccaneers-27310952-1.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346462\"  \/>Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>You just have to tip your cap to Kyle Shanahan, Robert Saleh and Christian McCaffrey. Playing that well defensively without both Nick Bosa and Fred Warner is simply remarkable. Likewise, Shanahan continues to make this offense function when it needs to with Mac Jones under center and CMC was phenomenal tonight every time he touched the football.<\/p>\n<p>14. Chicago Bears (18)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-New-Orleans-Saints-at-Chicago-Bears-27369658.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346338\"  \/>Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Ben Johnson finally has a run game. Development from Caleb Williams is great, but what\u2019s crucial to this offense being effective is a ground game that Johnson knows he can depend on. In the last two games,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/chicago-bears\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Chicago Bears<\/a>\u00a0running backs D\u2019Andre Swift (232) and Kyle Monangai (100) have combined for 332 rushing yards. That rushing attack will be crucial to beating a healthier and motivated Ravens team in Week 8.<\/p>\n<p>15. Los Angeles Chargers (14)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Indianapolis-Colts-at-Los-Angeles-Chargers-27371210.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346387\"  \/>Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Every team is dealing with significant injuries at this point in the season, but no unit is as banged up as the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/los-angeles-chargers\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Los Angeles Chargers<\/a>\u00a0offensive line. Most weeks, it just makes it nearly impossible for this offense to function even at a league-average level. Unfortunately for Justin Herbert, Los Angeles faces the Vikings\u2019 pass rush in Week 8. For Los Angeles to have any shot to win, it will require a defensive clinic, and that side of the ball isn\u2019t playing near that level as of late. The Chargers avoid a big drop in our NFL Power Rankings, but that drop will likely come next Sunday.\u200b<\/p>\n<p>16. Dallas Cowboys (22)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Washington-Commanders-at-Dallas-Cowboys-27371114.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346392\"  \/>Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Credit to the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/dallas-cowboys\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dallas Cowboys<\/a> for putting Washington into the one position it couldn\u2019t afford to fall into. Dallas\u2019 offense jumpted outto an early 20-8 lead, forcing the Commanders to abandon the run game and play catch-up with their top three receivers sidelined. It was over after that. This game doesn\u2019t erase the concerns abotu the Cowboys\u2019 defense long-term, but the return of CeeDee Lamb could help Dak Prescott and Co. overcome this defense even more often in the weeks to come.<\/p>\n<p>17. Atlanta Falcons (7)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"538\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Atlanta-Falcons-at-San-Francisco-49ers-27372174.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346463\"  \/>Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Just like that, we\u2019re back to wondering if the Atlanta Falcon are going to wast the season when they finally have a good defense. Michael Penix Jr. and Bijan Robinson both stood little chance behind that offensive line on Sunday Night Football and it\u2019s not like San Francisco was renowned for its excellence up front coming into Week 7. The Falcons now have two inexplicable losses on their resume this year. On paper, they should roll through Miami next Sunday, but that\u2019s clearly never a given with this team.<\/p>\n<p>18. Jacksonville Jaguars (9)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"501\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-London-Games-Los-Angeles-Rams-at-Jacksonville-Jaguars-27369317.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346346\"  \/>Credit: Andrew Boyers-Reuters via Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>What has happened to the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/jacksonville-jaguars\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a>? In their first four games this season, Jacksonville allowed just 3 sacks of Trevor Lawrence and its rushing attack averaged <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/teams\/jax\/2025\/gamelog\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">144 rush ypg and 5 ypc<\/a>. In these lastt wo losses, Lawrence has been sacked 14 times and Jacksonville is averaging just 76.5 rushing yards per game. It\u2019s all fallen apart right ahead of the Week 8 bye, with Jacksonville now opening up a window for the Texans to jump them in the AFC South.<\/p>\n<p>19. Washington Commanders (15)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Washington-Commanders-at-Dallas-Cowboys-27371537.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346395\"  \/>Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s nothing left to make this passing game function. We might only be a week away from Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel rejoining this Washington Commanders offense, but now Jayden Daniels (hamstring) could miss Week 8. If that\u2019s not bad enough for Washington, its defense has fallen apart in the last two games before facing Patrick Mahomes and a Chiefs\u2019 offense that looks unstoppable. Last season\u2019s success seems so far away right now, especially since this year is going to get even more painful.<\/p>\n<p>20. Carolina Panthers (21)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Carolina-Panthers-at-New-York-Jets-27369787.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346334\"  \/>Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/carolina-panthers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Carolina Panthers<\/a> have a winning record entering Week 8 for the first time since <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/team\/schedule\/_\/name\/car\/season\/2019\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">2019<\/a>. Victories\u00a0over the likes\u00a0of the Dolphins, Cowboys and\u00a0Jets might not\u00a0hold much weight\u00a0to many, but\u00a0Carolina also\u00a0blew the doors\u00a0off Atlanta\u00a030-0 back in Week\u00a03. Once again, the story for\u00a0the Panthers\u00a0is the continued\u00a0success of Rico\u00a0Dowdle (96 scrimmage yards)\u00a0and this stifling run defense. It\u2019s highly\u00a0improbable that\u00a0either of those\u00a0will be enough\u00a0to beat either\u00a0the Bills or\u00a0Packers in the\u00a0next two games, but Carolina\u00a0would still be\u00a0just one game\u00a0below .500 if\u00a0it loses both\u00a0those matchups.<\/p>\n<p>21. Houston Texans (20)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"591\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Houston-Texans-at-Baltimore-Ravens-27253954-2.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346039\"  \/>Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Monday Night Football is the test we\u2019ve been waiting to see for this\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/houston-texans\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Houston Texans<\/a>\u00a0offense. The offense looked outstanding in its last five quarters before the bye, but that success came versus the Tennessee Titans and an injury-decimated Baltimore Ravens defense. Seattle\u2019s unit is a completely different force to be reckoned with. Houston\u2019s defense can make it a close game, but whether the Texans can make it three straight victories with their biggest win of the season all comes down to the offensive line.<\/p>\n<p>22. Cincinnati Bengals (25)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Syndication-The-Enquirer-27342970.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power  Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1345980\"  \/>Credit: Sam Greene\/The Enquirer \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Hope remains for the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/cincinnati-bengals\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cincinnati Bengals<\/a>. There will be \u2018lows\u2019 with Joe Flacco, but this Bengals\u2019 offense is happy to take the bad that comes with the explosive plays and feeding Ja\u2019Marr Chase. Now at 3-4, Cincinnati has a viable path to climbing above .500 before the bye as long as it can win at home versus the Jets and Bears.<\/p>\n<p>23. Minnesota Vikings (19)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Philadelphia-Eagles-at-Minnesota-Vikings-27369530.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346327\"  \/>Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>The fact that the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/minnesota-vikings\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Minnesota Vikings<\/a>\u00a0would start Carson Wentz against his former team is not a promising indicator of what this coaching staff thinks of J.J. McCarthy\u2019s readiness to start. Wentz has long been a poor decision-maker, and many of his mistakes, amplified by a banged-up offensive line, came back to haunt Minnesota in Week 7. Now 3-3 on the season, the Vikings\u2019 upcoming schedule\u2014at Chargers, at Lions, vs. Ravens, vs. Bears, at Seahawks and vs. Commanders\u2014means there is a very strong possibility this team will be below .500 come December.<\/p>\n<p>24. New York Giants (23)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-New-York-Giants-at-Denver-Broncos-27371456.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346390\"  \/>Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>We could focus on the fact that two missed extra-points are responsible for why the New York Giants lost in Denver on Sunday. However, that would also be letting the rest of this team off the hook for allowing THIRTY-THREE POINTS in the fourth quarter. It\u2019s unfathomable, but New York found a way to do it. Just when it felt like this team was in a new era under Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo, the same ol\u2019 Giants appear. It\u2019s maddening for fans, but at least the three rookies (Dart, Skattebo and Abdul Carter) offer hope for the future.<\/p>\n<p>25. Arizona Cardinals (24)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"549\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Syndication-Arizona-Republic-27371237.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346398\"  \/>Credit: Joe Rondone\/The Republic \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>The Arizona Cardinals seem like a glutton for punishment. They led for nearly all four quarters on Sunday against Green Bay and then collapsed again. There are truly moments, as we\u2019ve seen against the Seahawks, Packers, 49ers, and Colts, where it looks like this could be one of the best NFL teams in 2025. Then, the Cardinals implode. It\u2019s happened with different starting quarterbacks, too. At some point, the blame has to fall on the head coach.<\/p>\n<p>26. Baltimore Ravens (31)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Baltimore-Ravens-at-Kansas-City-Chiefs-27196932.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346044\"  \/>Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a glimmer of hope for the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/baltimore-ravens\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Baltimore Ravens<\/a> coming out of the Week 7 bye. Because of the Steelers\u2019 TNF loss, the Ravens are now just three games back of first place in the AFC North. That\u2019s with Lamar Jackson and Roquan Smith set to rejoin the team in Week 8. The Ravens schedule\u2013Bears, Dolphins, Vikings, Browns, Jets, Bengals, Steelers\u2013 also gives this team a path to climbing out of its 1-5 hole.<\/p>\n<p>27. Cleveland Browns (29)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Miami-Dolphins-at-Cleveland-Browns-27369848.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346325\"  \/>Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/cleveland-browns\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Cleveland Browns<\/a>\u00a0were\u00a0perfectly positioned\u00a0to crush Miami, especially given\u00a0the weather conditions. Quinshon Judkins continues\u00a0to prove that\u00a0he can be the\u00a0centerpiece of\u00a0this offense\u00a0for years to\u00a0come, and Cleveland\u00a0is still fielding a top-five\u00a0defense. Those\u00a0are two great\u00a0building blocks\u00a0for a young quarterback, but that caliber\u00a0of passer is\u00a0not currently\u00a0on the Browns\u2019 roster.<\/p>\n<p>28. New Orleans Saints (26)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-New-Orleans-Saints-at-Chicago-Bears-27369767.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346326\"  \/>Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>It\u00a0feels like Spencer\u00a0Rattler heard\u00a0all the national\u00a0buzz about playing\u00a0well enough to\u00a0take the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/new-orleans-saints\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">New Orleans Saints<\/a>\u00a0out\u00a0of the quarterback\u00a0market in the\u00a02026 NFL Draft\u00a0and decided to\u00a0remind everyone\u00a0there is another\u00a0side to his play. That said, Rattler\u2019s performance\u00a0in the first\u00a0two months of\u00a0the season, combined\u00a0with how poorly\u00a0the 2026 quarterback\u00a0class has played, makes it a smarter\u00a0bet to keep building\u00a0the core of this\u00a0roster. As for\u00a0the game itself, New Orleans\u00a0simply lost to\u00a0a much better\u00a0team.<\/p>\n<p>29. Las Vegas Raiders (28)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Las-Vegas-Raiders-at-Kansas-City-Chiefs-27369331.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346317\"  \/>Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/las-vegas-raiders\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Las Vegas Raiders<\/a>\u00a0are nearing rock bottom. With the Chiefs\u2019 offense recapturing its elite form, the Raiders\u2019 defense was embarrassed on Sunday afternoon. For once, there isn\u2019t much blame placed on Geno Smith\u2019s shoulders, but he\u2019s clearly not going to make things any better. The Raiders made a bit of a gamble this offseason by acquiring Smith and betting on Pete Carroll, who is now 74 years old, to still have something left in the tank. If there is one glimmer of hope, it is that many around the NFL remain high on the first-year Raiders general manager\u2019s chances of rebuilding this roster.<\/p>\n<p>30. Tennessee Titans (30)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Syndication-The-Tennessean-27369863.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346310\"  \/>Credit: Denny Simmons \/ The Tennessean \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>The real victory for the <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/tennessee-titans\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tennessee Titans<\/a> came days before their Week 7 matchup, with ehad coach Mike McDaniel fired. Proverbial icing on the cake arrived on Sunday, with rookie Cam Ward delivering his best performance of the season. It didn\u2019t result in a win, those are nearly impossible to come by with this Titans roster, but Ward\u2019s game at least showed more glimpses of what he\u2019s capable of once Tennessee provides him with a better supporting cast.<\/p>\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/nfl\/tennessee-titans-coaching-candidates-brian-callahan-replacements\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Tennessee Titans Coaching Candidates to Replace Brian Callahan<\/a><\/p>\n<p>31. Miami Dolphins (27)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Miami-Dolphins-at-Cleveland-Browns-27369736.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346313\"  \/>Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>We can\u2019t wait to see who Tua Tagovailoa throws under the bus this time. Firing Mike McDaniel might fix the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/miami-dolphins\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Miami Dolphins<\/a>\u2018 lack of culture and could bring some accountability to the organization. That said, the next head coach will not make much of a difference if Tagovailoa and general manager Chris Grier remain. Miami needs a full house cleaning. That is the only solution. Unfortunately, that is not a given with owner Stephen Ross as the fan base knows all too well.<\/p>\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/nfl\/mami-dolphins-coaching-candidates-replace-mike-mcdaniel\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">Miami Dolphins Coaching Candidates to Replace Mike McDaniel<\/a><\/p>\n<p>32. New York Jets (32)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/NFL-Carolina-Panthers-at-New-York-Jets-27370160.jpg\" alt=\"NFL Week 8 Power Rankings\" class=\"wp-image-1346316\"  \/>Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<p>Well, at least Aaron Glenn made the change at quarterback. The frustration from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/tag\/new-york-jets\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"(opens in a new tab)\">New York Jets<\/a>\u00a0fans is justified. Glenn waited far too long to bench Justin Fields. His decisions at the end of the first half in the last two games are inexcusable. However, the calls for him to be fired are still premature. This is a multi-year rebuild, and it\u2019s worth giving this new regime at least two full years. After all, many fans called for Dan Campbell to be fired after he went 4-19-1 in his first 24 games. Just have a little patience.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img alt=\"avatar\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IMG_5578.jpeg\"  class=\"avatar avatar-70 photo\" height=\"70\" width=\"70\" loading=\"lazy\" fetchpriority=\"low\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\t\tMatt  Johnson  is  Senior  Editor  of  NFL  and  College  Football  for  Sportsnaut.  His  work,  including  weekly  NFL  and  college  &#8230; More about <a class=\"more-bio\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsnaut.com\/author\/wisconsinboymakesgoodincali\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matt Johnson<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A day after we saw chaos in college football, the National Football League delivered a bit more normalcy&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":226855,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[559],"tags":[1276,64,63,631,1257,1248,1252,1238,1234,1256,3055,1243,1255,1246,1240,1250,3052,1263,1233,1239,1231,1249,1242,593,1260,1241,1262,1254,85,1247,1253],"class_list":["post-226854","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-atlanta-falcons","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-baltimore-ravens","tag-carolina-panthers","tag-chicago-bears","tag-cincinnati-bengals","tag-cleveland-browns","tag-dallas-cowboys","tag-denver-broncos","tag-detroit-lions","tag-green-bay-packers","tag-houston-texans","tag-indianapolis-colts","tag-kansas-city-chiefs","tag-las-vegas-raiders","tag-los-angeles-chargers","tag-los-angeles-rams","tag-miami-dolphins","tag-minnesota-vikings","tag-new-england-patriots","tag-new-orleans-saints","tag-new-york-giants","tag-nfl","tag-philadelphia-eagles","tag-pittsburgh-steelers","tag-san-francisco-49ers","tag-seattle-seahawks","tag-sports","tag-tampa-bay-buccaneers","tag-tennessee-titans"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226854","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=226854"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226854\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/226855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=226854"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=226854"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=226854"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}