Welcome to Gridiron’s Week 8 power ranking, where bye-mageddon appears to have provided some rare stability at the top of the tree.

 

GRIDIRON POWER RANKINGS: WEEK 8

1. Indianapolis Colts (7-1) = 

The Colts predictably had no problem sweeping aside Tennessee, and it’s tough to see them having too many issues in Pittsburgh this week.

 

 

2. Detroit Lions (5-2) =

The bye was well-timed for the Lions, as is the visit of a Vikings team in a horrible mess at quarterback.

 

 

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) =

The Bucs get a bye and a chance to hopefully get some of their injured players back after doing enough to see off the Saints.

 

 

4. Denver Broncos (6-2) =

It was only the Dallas defense, but Denver’s ability to win by scoring in bunches as well as on defense is encouraging. The Patrick Surtain injury might require the offense to take on more of the load in the coming weeks.

 

 

5. Los Angeles Rams (5-2) =

The Rams get the gift of a home game with the Saints following their post-London bye.

 

 

6. Seattle Seahawks (5-2) =

Seattle is in a tie for first with the Rams following the 49ers’ loss. The cross-country trip might be the toughest aspect of their primetime showdown with Washington.

 

 

7. Kansas City Chiefs (5-3) =

A routine win over the Commanders. It seems like only a matter of time before they’re back at the top of the AFC West.

 

 

8. Philadelphia Eagles (6-2) =

The Eagles got their revenge over the Giants, but a meeting with Green Bay after the bye will reveal more about where this team is.

 

 

9. Green Bay Packers (5-1-1) +1

The Packers still haven’t been that impressive through seven games, and that might be the scariest thing about them.

 

 

10. Buffalo Bills (5-2) +1

The Panthers proved the tonic for the Bills’ issues. Now for the small matter of the blockbuster with the Chiefs.

 

 

11. New England Patriots (5-2) +1

Yes, the Patriots have had a favourable schedule in recent weeks, but they’re taking care of business in a very impressive manner.

 

 

12. San Francisco 49ers (5-3) -3

The 49ers were a disaster for much of the first half in Houston before making it a game. It feels like the injuries are finally becoming too much.

 

 

13. Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) +3

After a superb all-round showing in primetime against Minnesota, the Chargers have the chance to benefit from a soft schedule in the coming weeks and keep pace with the Broncos and Chiefs.

 

 

14. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3) =

If the Jags can’t beat the Raiders off a bye this week then it’s time to stop any thought of taking them seriously.

 

 

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) =

The defense continues to be a surprising albatross for Pittsburgh. A two-game lead over the Ravens in the division looks shaky.

 

 

16. Chicago Bears (4-3) -3

All the optimism around this team was swept away by a defeat to the Tyler Huntley-led Ravens.

 

 

17. Baltimore Ravens (2-5) +7

The Ravens did not get Lamar Jackson back but won anyway. The two-time MVP will face the Dolphins, with Baltimore’s season suddenly looking very much alive.

 

 

18. Carolina Panthers (4-4) -1

Carolina could hardly have failed their test against the Bills any more emphatically. Green Bay are next in a game that appears unlikely to go much better.

 

 

19. Houston Texans (3-4) +4

The Texans produced their best performance of the season against the 49ers and are firmly in the AFC Wild Card hunt. Sunday’s game with Denver is massive.

 

 

20. Atlanta Falcons (3-4) -2

Was the Falcons’ Week 6 win over the Bills real? Sure doesn’t feel like it after Atlanta followed up defeat to San Francisco with an embarrassing loss to Miami.

 

 

21. Dallas Cowboys (3-4-1) -2

Dallas can score points.

Can’t do much else.

 

 

22. Minnesota Vikings (3-4) -2

J.J. McCarthy will be back at QB against the Lions. He’ll need to play lights out for the Vikings to have any shot.

 

 

23. Washington Commanders (3-5) -2

One of the oldest teams in the league are showing their age. They’re sinking fast and it’s asking a lot of Jayden Daniels to save them against Seattle.

 

 

24. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5)-2

It doesn’t get more embarrassing than conceding 39 to the Jets. Stick a fork in the Bengals if they can’t beat the Bears.

 

 

25. Arizona Cardinals (2-5) +1

Coming off a bye, the Cardinals’ faint hopes of contention likely rest on their ability to win a primetime shootout with Dallas.

 

 

26. New York Giants (2-6) -1

The Cam Skattebo injury kills a lot of the excitement around an interesting team. The rest of the season is all about Jaxson Dart’s development.

 

 

27. Cleveland Browns (2-6) =

Myles Garrett is cantering towards Defensive Player of the Year, but he’s unlikely to play meaningful football anytime soon.

 

 

28. Las Vegas Raiders (2-5) =

The NFL had a very welcome break from the Raiders in Week 8.

 

 

29. Miami Dolphins (2-6) +1

This team is still capable of offensive explosions, but tougher opponents than the Falcons lie in wait.

 

 

30. New York Jets (1-7) +2

Good for the Jets for getting their first win amid tragic news for the franchise. The bye week gives them the chance for some much-needed headspace.

 

 

31.New Orleans Saints (1-7) -2

It’s Tyler Shough time in New Orleans. His first start against the Rams seems unlikely to go well.

 

 

32. Tennessee Titans (1-7) -1

The weekly blowout means there won’t be anything interesting to say about this team until they face New Orleans on December 28 in a game that will likely decide the #1 overall pick.