NFL power rankings Week 8: Cowboys’ win over Commanders gives Dallas boost from experts

Don’t look now, but the Dallas Cowboys are 3-3-1 and are in second place in the NFC East after toppling the Washington Commanders on Sunday, 44-22.

The Cowboys continue to show they have one of the best offenses in the NFL, but even the defense had a strong showing in Week 7, although we’ll reserve doubt for some kind of major turnaround because the Commanders were depleted at wide receiver. Nevertheless, the defense’s showing was a promising development.

Dallas didn’t gain any ground on the first-place Philadelphia Eagles, but they’re just one game back in the loss column and winning the division is now not out of the question.

The Cowboys still have some work to do when it comes a wild-card spot, as Dallas sits in the No. 10 spot in the NFC playoff picture entering Week 8.

With the impressive win on Sunday, the Cowboys are getting a boost in the NFL power rankings of experts. Take a look.

Cowboys NFL power rankings Week 8

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: 18 (+3)

Iyer: “The Cowboys got a defensive break with the shorthanded Commanders just as their offense kicked it up a notch with CeeDee Lamb back. Dallas is alive and well again in the NFC playoff race.”

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: 20 (+2)

Cluff: “The Cowboys are now 3-3-1 despite being 1-3 on the road. This team can score, especially with CeeDee Lamb on the field.”

Matt Johnson, Sportsnaut: 16 (+6)

Johnson: “Credit to the Dallas Cowboys for putting Washington into the one position it couldn’t afford to fall into. Dallas’ 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’t erase the concerns about the Cowboys’ 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.”

Taylor Wirth, NBC Sports: 18 (+3)

Wirth: “Dallas might have the best offense in the league. Dak Prescott is one of three quarterbacks leading the way for MVP and now he has CeeDee Lamb back.”