NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Chiefs, Eagles are 1-2, plus one question for each team

The Power Rankings have a brand new No. 1.

And additionally some questions — 32 inquiries to be exact, one for each team. Some of those are huge questions that have an effect on the long-term way forward for the groups, and a few are extra particular. Either manner, we’re hoping the ultimate 11 weeks of the season will give us some solutions.

As for our new No. 1, they’ll really feel fairly acquainted.

(Last week: 5)

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 31-17

One question: Is the protection for actual?

Kansas City received the Super Bowl final season with a protection that ranked 14th in success price (58.3 %). This 12 months’s group ranks fifth (61.6). The offense appears totally engaged now. Travis Kelce caught 12 passes for 179 yards Sunday, and Patrick Mahomes had his fifth profession sport with 400-plus yards and 4 or extra touchdowns. Plus, Mahomes and Kelce related for their fiftieth profession landing, the fourth-most by a quarterback-tight finish duo in NFL historical past. If this protection is for actual, the Chiefs will keep on this spot for some time.

Up subsequent: at Denver Broncos, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 4)

Sunday: Beat Miami Dolphins 31-17

One question: Should the Tush Push be outlawed?

The Eagles transformed two fourth-and-1 performs on their decisive drive in opposition to Miami on Sunday night time utilizing their signature scrum play. There’s a rising sentiment that the NFL’s competitors committee goes to ban the play within the offseason, however why? What is extra of a soccer play than your huge guys pushing their huge guys again a yard, or two or three within the Eagles’ case? There must be a profit to attending to third- and fourth-and-short performs. In case it’s not clear, our reply to this question is, “No!”

Up subsequent: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 12)

Sunday: Beat Detroit Lions 38-6

One question: Can we give Lamar Jackson his due?

The Ravens quarterback received his fiftieth profession sport in his 68th profession begin Sunday. Only Ken Stabler, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and Roger Staubach obtained to 50 wins in fewer begins. And Jackson did it in type, turning into the fourth participant in league historical past to have no less than 350 passing yards, three landing passes, one speeding landing and a passer ranking above 150 in a sport. After seven video games in new coordinator Todd Monken’s offense, Jackson is third within the league in passer ranking (101.9) and fifth in yards per sport (281.9), based on TruMedia.

Up subsequent: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

4. Miami Dolphins (5-2)

(Last week: 1)

Sunday: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 31-17

One question: Are the Dolphins for actual?

This is the purpose the place among the devoted Power Rankings commenters can (and possibly will) say, “We told you so.” The 5 groups Miami has crushed are a mixed 8-25. None of them is even inside two video games of .500. Yes, Miami’s offensive line accidents are piling up, however the two profitable groups the Dolphins have performed have crushed them by a mean of 21 factors. We might not have a solution to this question for some time. They play solely one team with a profitable report (the Chiefs) between now and their sport in opposition to the Cowboys on Christmas Eve.

Up subsequent: vs. New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 2)

Monday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 22-17

One question: Just how beneficial is Trent Williams?

Say what you’ll about Deebo Samuel being sidelined, however the 49ers’ largest absence (actually and figuratively) Monday night time was left deal with Trent Williams. With the 6-foot-5, 320-pounder on the sideline due to an ankle damage, San Francisco rushed for a season-low 65 yards and had a season-worst minus-4.95 in rush EPA, based on TruMedia. Williams was restricted for a lot of final week’s sport in opposition to Cleveland by the damage, and the Browns had a stress share of fifty %.

Up subsequent: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Last week: 3)

Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 38-6

One question: How will they bounce again?

After being the league’s feel-good story by means of the primary third of the season, Detroit obtained pummeled Sunday. Baltimore had 503 yards and averaged 9.1 yards per play, probably the most by any team not named the Dolphins in a sport this season. Jared Goff had a quarterback ranking of 68.4. The Lions had been third within the league in yards (383.7) and fourth in factors (28) by means of six weeks however fell behind 35-0 Sunday. Coach Dan Campbell mentioned he thinks the sport will “re-center” his team, however they don’t have lots of institutional confidence to fall again on.

Up subsequent: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 7)

Sunday: Beat Indianapolis Colts 39-38

One question: What’s the take care of Deshaun Watson?

After lacking Weeks 4, 5 and 6 with a bruised shoulder, Watson returned Sunday however threw solely 5 passes (finishing one to each team) earlier than leaving after an enormous hit. He cleared an in-game concussion analysis however didn’t return to the sport, which continues a sample of the Browns saying Watson is unhurt however not enjoying him. Coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned after the sport that Watson will begin this week in opposition to Seattle, however is that excellent news or not? Since becoming a member of the team in Week 13 final 12 months, he has a passer ranking of 81.3, which ranks thirty sixth amongst qualifying quarterbacks in that point, based on TruMedia.

Up subsequent: at Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

(Last week: 8)

Thursday: Beat New Orleans Saints 31-24

One question: Is Trevor Lawrence elite?

The Jaguars’ third-year quarterback has been good. He’s eleventh within the league in passer ranking (92.8), and he was a just-fine 20-for-29 for 204 yards and one landing (and led Jacksonville in speeding with 59 yards) in beating the Saints this week, however Lawrence was drafted No. 1 in 2021 as a result of he was purported to be nice. Granted, he’s the one factor saving a 2021 quarterback class that additionally included Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mac Jones within the first 15 picks, however he nonetheless misses throws and makes reckless choices. If Lawrence might be one of the true dudes within the league, it adjustments Jacksonville’s outlook this 12 months and into the long run.

Up subsequent: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

9. Dallas Cowboys (4-2)

(Last week: 9)

Sunday: Bye

One question: Where are we on Dak Prescott?

In the final two weeks, Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones and star edge rusher Micah Parsons have felt the necessity to come to the protection of their eighth-year quarterback. It appears like lots of angst a few quarterback who’s 14th within the league in passer ranking (91) and main a team within the high 10 of those rankings. Are there quibbles? Sure. Prescott’s yards per try (7) are the second-lowest of his profession, his air yards per try (6.9) are the bottom, and he’s throwing to broad receivers on the lowest price of his profession (58.1 %). But that each one looks as if a product of Mike McCarthy’s offense, not Prescott’s play.

Up subsequent: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 6)

Sunday: Lost to New England Patriots 29-25

One question: Where do they match within the AFC East?

Buffalo has now crushed division chief Miami and misplaced to backside dwellers New York and New England. The Bills have totaled 10 factors of their final three first halves and have misplaced two of these video games. They have the seventh-hardest remaining schedule within the league, based on Tankathon. This team remains to be fourth within the league in yards per play (5.9) so it’s most likely advantageous, however it could’t afford to provide away video games to dangerous groups prefer it did Sunday.

Up subsequent: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 10)

Sunday: Bye

One question: Is the working sport OK?

Joe Burrow appears fastened. Now about that run sport. The division-winning Bengals groups of the final two seasons didn’t lean on the run, however they might run the ball. Cincinnati was eighth within the league in speeding success price in 2022 (41.1 %) and twenty third in 2021 (37.3). This 12 months, the Bengals sit Thirtieth at 30.9 %, and Joe Mixon is the one again with greater than 5 carries this season.

Up subsequent: at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

12. Seattle Seahawks (4-2)

(Last week: 11)

Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 20-10

One question: Is Devon Witherspoon going to harm any individual?

The Seahawks rookie cornerback already is one of probably the most thrilling gamers within the league. He doesn’t have a gaudy stat line — he had an interception and a sack worn out by penalty Sunday — however he’s been one of the impactful defenders within the league already. And he’s one of the feistiest. He knocked Arizona’s Rondale Moore for a loop Sunday.

Up subsequent: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

Hello, Devon Witherspoon pic.twitter.com/lKSlDdtFo7

— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) October 22, 2023

(Last week: 13)

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 24-17

One question: Who will win defensive participant of the 12 months?

We ask this question within the Steelers part as a result of T.J. Watt is at or close to the highest of the record. Watt nonetheless is on tempo to interrupt his personal single-season sacks report of twenty-two 1/2 regardless of not having a sack for the primary time Sunday. He did seize his first interception of the season, although, to maintain the Steelers within the sport. Watt is tied for fifth within the league with 22 defensive splash performs, based on TruMedia, which is three greater than Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, Watt’s important competitors.

Up subsequent: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

14. New York Jets (3-3)

(Last week: 14)

Sunday: Bye

One question: Could Aaron Rodgers return?

As quickly as Rodgers was seen throwing a soccer, albeit gingerly, final week earlier than the Jets’ sport, earnest hypothesis started about whether or not he may return this season from Achilles surgical procedure. Coach Robert Saleh says Rodgers is “manifesting” himself towards a speedy restoration and hasn’t counted out his beginning quarterback’s return. Marty Jaramillo, described by CBS Sports HQ as an “injury expert,” says Rodgers is “moving almost three times as fast” as a standard participant by means of the restoration course of. If Rodgers can return, these Jets grow to be an actual contender. The solely sure factor, although, is that Rodgers goes to play out the drama on this question so long as he can.

Up subsequent: at New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 23)

Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16-13

One question: Will Desmond Ridder maintain his job?

Probably, however the second-year quarterback has turned the ball over six occasions within the final two weeks. Ridder fumbled 3 times contained in the Tampa Bay 11-yard line Sunday, together with twice on the 1. His last fumble got here simply as he was about to attain a speeding landing that probably would have put the sport away. Instead, Atlanta wanted a 51-yard subject purpose from Younghoe Koo on the buzzer. The Falcons are in first place within the NFC South after the win, and Ridder has the help of coach Arthur Smith no less than for now, however till he cleans up the turnovers, this question will stay.

Up subsequent: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

16. Minnesota Vikings (3-4)

(Last week: 26)

Monday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 22-17

One question: Who designs the Vikings’ turnover celebrations?

Whoever it’s ought to get a elevate. Minnesota compelled three turnovers Monday night time in opposition to the 49ers however obtained to do 4 celebrations as a result of one was referred to as again when Brock Purdy was dominated down by contact. On the primary, the Vikings defenders did a limbo line utilizing 198-pound cornerback Akayleb Evans because the limbo pole. On the second, the defenders all sat in a circle ultimately zone and performed duck, duck, goose. On the third one, Camryn Bynum and teammates did the worm ultimately zone. On the fourth, Bynum and associates celebrated ending off the upset.

Up subsequent: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

limbo limbo limbo pic.twitter.com/oilKoJ4S1f

— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2023

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3)

(Last week: 15)

Sunday: Lost to Atlanta Falcons 16-13

One question: Is this the actual Tampa Bay?

After a shocking 2-0 begin, the Buccaneers are 1-3 of their final 4 video games, averaging 14 factors per sport in that span. Baker Mayfield is twenty third within the league in passer ranking (81.5), his off-target share (15.4) is the fourth-worst in that stretch, based on TruMedia, and the working sport is just not serving to him. Tampa Bay is final within the league, averaging 3.4 yards per carry, and has solely 5 speeding touchdowns, the fewest within the league.

Up subsequent: at Buffalo Bills, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 16)

Sunday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 24-17

One question: Can Puka Nacua lead the NFL in catches?

The Rams rookie receiver has gone properly previous feel-good story. He nonetheless suits that description with probably the most catches by any participant in his first seven NFL video games (58), nevertheless it’s time to start out him as a extremely good participant. Nacua, who had eight catches Sunday, leads the NFL in receptions and is on tempo to have the fourth-most catches in a single season in league historical past. His 752 receiving yards path solely Tyreek Hill.

Up subsequent: at Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 17)

Sunday: Bye

One question: Is this a playoff team?

The Texans are one sport again within the AFC South (with a win in opposition to division chief Jacksonville) and have the Thirtieth-toughest remaining schedule, based on Tankathon. Houston’s .500 report is just not smoke and mirrors. The Texans are eleventh in offensive EPA and twenty first in defensive EPA, based on TruMedia, and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud seems to be the half. Stroud is fourth within the league in passing yards per sport (276.7) and has the Tenth-best passer ranking (96.4).

Up subsequent: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 18)

Sunday: Lost to Cleveland Browns 39-38

One question: Should Shane Steichen be coach of the 12 months?

He received’t win the award as a result of this team most likely will end with a shedding report, however he deserves some recognition. In his first season as Colts head coach, Steichen has needed to juggle quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Gardner Minshew due to Richardson’s accidents, which have now ended the promising rookie’s season. Plus, the Colts didn’t have working again Jonathan Taylor for the primary month of the season, they usually simply put up 38 factors on a Browns protection that held the 49ers to 17 every week earlier.

Up subsequent: vs. New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

21. New Orleans Saints (3-4)

(Last week: 19)

Thursday: Lost to Jacksonville Jaguars 34-21

One question: When is the reboot coming?

New Orleans is a projected $83.7 million over the 2024 wage cap (that’s twice as a lot as another team), based on Over the Cap, and for what? The Saints’ solely wins this 12 months have come in opposition to the Titans, Panthers and Patriots, and the $60 million they assured to quarterback Derek Carr within the offseason is wanting like a foul funding. Carr is twenty seventh within the league in yards per try (6.3) and twentieth in passer ranking (82.8) and appears to be blaming everybody however himself on the sideline. The Saints is perhaps caught with him by means of subsequent season as a result of it will be $52 million in lifeless cash to chop him earlier than June 1, 2024, and $35.7 million after June 1.

Up subsequent: at Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

22. Tennessee Titans (2-4)

(Last week: 20)

Sunday: Bye

One question: What’s the plan at quarterback?

Eleven-year veteran Ryan Tannehill has the bottom profitable share (.333), passer ranking (71.9, thirty first in NFL) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (2-6) of his profession. Malik Willis, the Titans’ 2022 third-round choose, hasn’t appeared like the reply in restricted fill-in obligation, and Will Levis, the 2023 second-round choose, can’t even get on the sphere. Tennessee seems to be like will probably be dangerous sufficient to draft the No. 3 quarterback on this upcoming class (whoever that seems to be), however how a lot capital do the Titans have to speculate to get the place discovered?

Up subsequent: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 21)

Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 31-17

One question: Are the Chargers actually a foul team?

Hear us out. The Chargers have misplaced to solely one team with a shedding report. Three of their 4 losses got here in opposition to the Dolphins, Cowboys and Chiefs, and solely Sunday’s loss got here by greater than three factors. Justin Herbert is getting lots of warmth these days, however he’s ninth within the league in passer ranking (97.1) and sixth in yards per try (7.5). We haven’t given up on the Chargers simply but.

Up subsequent: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

(Last week: 24)

Sunday: Lost to Chicago Bears 30-12

One question: Why is Josh McDaniels nonetheless the coach?

Maybe “Why was he ever?” is the actual question. McDaniels was 11-17 in two years as Denver’s coach. He’s now 9-15 in Las Vegas after shedding Sunday to a Bears team led by backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, a rookie out of Division II. McDaniels’ offense is ok. The Raiders are eighth within the league in factors per drive (2.17), however the protection is twenty second in factors per drive allowed (2.22), based on TruMedia. It is perhaps that McDaniels is best suited to be an offensive coordinator.

Up subsequent: at Detroit Lions, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Last week: 22)

Sunday: Lost to New York Giants 14-7

One question: Is this team within the chase for a top-two choose?

The Commanders can be selecting 14th if the season ended proper now, so that they’ve obtained work to do, however there’s loads of time. Washington has the fourth-toughest remaining schedule, based on Tankathon, and it wants a quarterback. Sam Howell had a ranking of 60.5 and was sacked six extra occasions on Sunday. Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen has clearly had sufficient (see under). You know new proprietor Josh Harris would love a shot to draft Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.

Up subsequent: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Jonathan Allen expressed his frustration together with his team’s lack of success lately following a 14-7 loss to the Giants on Sunday….@BenStandig shares particulars ⤵️https://t.co/RxqvqoS7PK pic.twitter.com/eKl1BkVADq

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 22, 2023

26. Denver Broncos (2-5)

(Last week: 31)

Sunday: Beat Green Bay Packers 19-17

One question: How many factors will the Chiefs rating?

The Broncos protection is just not good regardless of the Packers solely scoring 17 factors in opposition to them Sunday. Denver is giving up probably the most speeding yards (167.3) and the third-most passing yards (257.4) this season. Meanwhile, the Chiefs, who go to Denver on Sunday, are beginning to click on on all cylinders. On a optimistic notice, Russell Wilson is seventh within the NFL in passer ranking (99) and has 13 landing passes versus 4 interceptions.

Up subsequent: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

27. Green Bay Packers (2-4)

(Last week: 25)

Sunday: Lost to Denver Broncos 19-17

One question: What occurred to Jordan Love?

The Packers quarterback appeared like he was rising into the beginning job early within the season, however since Week 3, he’s thirty third within the league in passer ranking (64.9) and completion share (58.2). Nobody has thrown greater than Love’s seven interceptions in that point interval, and his 14.2 % off-target share is the fifth highest. On Sunday, Love was 21-for-31 for 180 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in opposition to a Denver protection that’s final within the league, giving up 424.7 yards per sport.

Up subsequent: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Last week: 30)

Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 14-7

One question: Is Tyrod Taylor higher than Daniel Jones?

This 12 months he’s. Taylor, who has began the final two weeks, has a passer ranking of 95.4 this season. Jones has a passer ranking of 71.7, and after Sunday they’ve the identical quantity of wins as New York’s starter. This is your weekly reminder that Jones signed a four-year contract within the offseason with $81 million of assured cash. Jones missed Sunday’s sport due to a neck damage, and the Giants might let him take his time rehabbing it.

Up subsequent: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

29. New England Patriots (2-5)

(Last week: 28)

Sunday: Beat the Buffalo Bills 29-25

One question: Will Bill Belichick catch Don Shula?

Belichick, whom NFL Network reported on Sunday signed a multiyear extension within the offseason, grew to become the third coach in NFL historical past with 300 regular-season wins, becoming a member of Don Shula and George Halas. Belichick is as much as 331 wins, together with the playoffs, leaving him 16 wanting tying Shula for the all-time report of 347. That doesn’t appear to be an enormous deficit, however on the tempo the Patriots are on this season, it may take some time, and Belichick is 71 years previous.

Up subsequent: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

30. Chicago Bears (2-5)

(Last week: 29)

Sunday: Beat the Las Vegas Raiders 30-12

One question: Who is Tyson Bagent?

Bagent accomplished 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards, one landing and no interceptions in a win Sunday. In his earlier begin, he threw for 165 yards for Shepherd University in a 44-13 loss to the Colorado School of Mines within the Division II playoffs. The Bears added him as an undrafted free agent after this 12 months’s draft, and he received the backup job within the preseason. He now has as many wins for the Bears as Justin Fields within the final calendar 12 months.

Up subsequent: at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

31. Arizona Cardinals (1-6)

(Last week: 27)

Sunday: Lost to Seattle Seahawks 20-10

One question: What will they do with Kyler Murray?

The prospect of drafting both Caleb Williams or Drake Maye obtained even nearer Sunday, because the Cardinals would choose second if the season ended at the moment. Arizona opened the window for Murray to return from injured reserve final week, however there’s no agency timetable on when or even when he’ll return. The quarterback, who tore his ACL in December, has an up-and-down historical past with the group. Murray’s expertise is plain, and the phrase is he’s getting alongside OK with the brand new teaching employees, however committing to Murray and the 5 years and $182 million he has left on his deal won’t be a great transfer for a franchise that might flip the web page with a coveted quarterback on a rookie deal.

Up subsequent: vs. Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

32. Carolina Panthers (0-6)

(Last week: 32)

Sunday: Bye

One question: Is Bryce Young a bust?

You’re proper, Panthers followers, this isn’t a good question in Week 8 of Young’s rookie 12 months, nevertheless it needs to be requested. Young’s 5.3 yards per try are on tempo to be the Tenth-lowest complete within the NFL since no less than 2000. His passer ranking (78.7) ranks twenty ninth within the league. Carolina, which traded receiver DJ Moore, two first-round picks and two second-round picks to Chicago for the proper to the primary choose within the draft, goes to be affected person with Young. It needs to be, however Panthers followers need to be nervous.

Up subsequent: vs. Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Top picture of Patrick Mahomes: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

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