Our October Surprise continues, with some minor movement atop the list. Here at the near half-way mark in the season, it gets easier to figure this league and its teams out. So where do we stand in the Week Eight NFL Power Rankings? Take a look.
1. Dallas Cowboys – (5-1) Anybody think that a Week Eight battle between teams with two rookies at quarterback would be for a division lead? Anyone besides me, that is. With the Vikings looking mortal last week against the same Eagles team this Cowboys team will play Sunday, the balance of power in the NFC may have shifted completely. Last week: 2
2. New England Patriots – (6-1) Listen, any win is a reason to celebrate, but the Steelers led by Landry Jones of all people exposed how a good team can beat this Patriots squad. That good team probably has to field Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, but still…. Last week: 3
3. Seattle Seahawks – (4-1-1) The Seahawks and Cardinals played to a sister-kissing tie last Sunday night. They’ll face a significantly tougher offense in New Orleans Sunday in a game that’s suddenly gotten a lot more interesting. Last week: 4
4. Minnesota Vikings – (5-1) The Vikings took a week off for the bye, then their offense took a week off against the Eagles. I’ve got a feeling the Bears will be a lot more hospitable this week and the the Vikes will work their way back up the rankings. Last week: 1
5. Denver Broncos – (5-2) Gary Kubiak’s return to the sideline paid dividends on the offensive side of the ball and didn’t look too shabby on the defensive end either. I still find it hard to believe Trevor Siemian is the answer at quarterback unless the question is, “Who is the guy who started for a season after Peyton Manning retired, then fell into obscurity?” Last week: 6
6. Pittsburgh Steelers – (4-3) There was a lot to like about the Steelers’ performance against the Patriots last week. There’s even more to like knowing Ben Roethlisberger is already throwing in practice. Could he be back after this week’s bye? Last week: 5
7. Green Bay Packers – (4-2) I’m not ready to act like the Packers’ offense is fixed after one win against an awful Bears team playing its No. 3 quarterback most of the game. The real test will be going toe-to-toe with the team ranked right below them. Last week: 8
8. Atlanta Falcons – (4-3) Dan Quinn said after the game he had a gut feeling about going for it on fourth down at midfield in overtime. Maybe next time pop a Zantac before making any major, game-altering decisions there, Dan. Last week: 7
9. New York Giants – (4-3) A trip to London against Jeff Fisher’s Rams and suddenly the sun is shining again in New York City. Or, you know, really New Jersey, but whatever. Last week: 10
10. Arizona Cardinals – (3-3-1) The other half of our sister-kiss shows up and, unlike the Seahawks, the Cardinals really couldn’t afford it. A cousin kiss, sure. Some hand stuff with a next door neighbor, maybe. But a sister kiss? No way. Last week: 11
11. Philadelphia Eagles – (4-2) The Eagles have the chance to knock off the two best teams in the NFC in back-to-back weeks. They just have to do something no other team has managed to do, find a way to stop Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elloitt. Last week: 13
12. Oakland Raiders – (5-2) The Raiders have the schedule to make a serious run at the playoffs this year. They’re currently tied for the lead in the AFC West and have another week against an NFL cupcake before facing the Broncos for the first time . Last week: 14
13. Buffalo Bills – (4-3) The Bills wasted LeSean McCoy in a game against the Dolphins, when they really needed him this week if they stand any chance against the Patriots led by Tom Brady. And they still lost to the Dolphins. I’ve got a feeling your position in the top half of the power rankings will be short-lived, Buffs. Last week: 9
14. Kansas City Chiefs – (4-2) The Chiefs seem to be flying under everyone’s radar this season, but are part of what makes the AFC West the best division in football right now. They’ve got a complete team, but aren’t spectacular anywhere. But in the playoffs, this squad will be dangerous. Last week: 16
Click here for Part 2 of the NFL Week Eight Power Rankings.
