NFL Power Rankings: Week 8, Bengals Climb as Chiefs Fall

Late game collapses, thrilling comebacks, and blowouts – week seven had it all! Where does your favorite team rank on the Grueling Truth’s NFL Power Rankings: Week 8? Scroll down to find out! Don’t forget to like, comment, and share.

1. Buffalo Bills (5-1; Last week: 2nd)

Week 7 Result: N/A

Buffalo had a BYE WEEK in week 7.

2. San Francisco 49ers (6-1; Last week: 1st)

Week 7 Result: L vs Falcons 29-20

The 49ers struggled with self inflicted mistakes, coughing up four costly turnovers that repeatedly stalled offensive momentum. Three of them occurred deep in opposing territory, wiping out potential scoring opportunities.

3. Seattle Seahawks (4-3; Last week: 4th)

Week 7 Result: W vs Chiefs 20-3

This is the Seattle team that won the Super Bowl. Sam Darnold was more efficient in this one compared to last week’s debacle, but he has to stop throwing picks. Welcome to Seattle, Quenton Nelson!

4. Minnesota Vikings (6-0; Last week: 5th)

Week 7 Result: W vs Colts 16-10

Brian Flores just wants to see the league burn. Who blitzes this much?! Obviously no offense has been able to expose this blitz happy defense yet, but this can’t go on forever. I just don’t trust this offense right now. The Vikings are the last undefeated team in the NFL.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (5-1; Last week: 3rd)

Week 7 Result: L vs Seahawks 20-3

Kansas City suffered a complete offensive meltdown against Seattle. Patrick Mahomes was under pressure constantly thanks to poor offensive tackle play, and Kenneth Walker III was totally shut down. The offense was held without a red zone visit for the first time in Mahomes’ career as a starting quarterback.

6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2; Last week: 9th)

Week 7 Result: W vs Ravens 35-13

This one was “a tale of two halves”. In the first half, Cincinnati was shut out and down by 13 points against Baltimore’s backup quarterback. In the second half, they scored 35 unanswered points, and Burrow was locked in.

7. Denver Broncos (5-2; Last week: 6th)

Week 7 Result: W vs Cardinals 30-16

Bo Nix was “better” in this game, and the offense finally had some explosive plays (including Bo’s 62 yard rushing touchdown). A solid defensive effort consistently stalled Arizona’s offense on third downs.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2; Last week: 7th)

Week 7 Result: N/A

Jacksonville had a BYE WEEK in week 7.

9. Detroit Lions (4-2; Last week: 12th)

Week 7 Result: W vs Packers 20-17

For the first time this season, Detroit was able to win a game and not need to score 30+. Can the Lions defense build on this win? Jamo Williams had two more touchdown receptions, and he might be heating up like he did last season.

10. Chicago Bears (5-2; Last week: 14th)

Week 7 Result: W vs Patriots 30-24

The offense had a solid day, amassing over 400 total yards. Wide receiver Luther Burden III shined in the passing game with explosive downfield plays. A stingy, opportunistic defense applied relentless pressure to shut down the Pats when it mattered most.

11. Los Angeles Rams (3-4; Last week: 11th)

Week 7 Result: W vs Raiders 35-21

Like I said last week, the Rams should be fine. The offense looked great. Maybe it was because they played the Raiders, but the Rams dominated from start to finish.

12. Baltimore Ravens (4-3; Last week: 8th)

Week 7 Result: L vs Bengals 35-13

Baltimore suffered a stunning collapse after building a double digit halftime lead. While Zay Flowers provided an explosive first half performance, Derrick Henry did nothing, and the defense completely fell apart in the final two quarters.

13. New England Patriots (4-3; Last week: 10th)

Week 7 Result: L vs Bears 30-24

Drake Maye had another good performance, throwing for over 300 yards and scoring three total touchdowns. The kid needs help from the ground game though – Maye led New England in rushing yards with a meager 26 yards.

14. New York Giants (4-2-1; Last week: 17th)

Week 7 Result: W vs Texans 27-21

The Texans defense made JJ McCarthy look like a decent NFL quarterback. The Giants are currently the best team in the NFC East – which isn’t saying much. Nice to see Harbaugh get his head out of his ass and give Skattebo the rock.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2; Last week: 15th)

Week 7 Result: W vs Saints 16-10

New year, new head coach, same Pittsburgh Steelers. The passing offense is average, the rushing attack is one of the best in the league, and they win close games. I just don’t trust this team as a contender moving forward.

16. Cleveland Browns (5-2; Last week: 19th)

Week 7 Result: W vs Titans 27-24

Cleveland overcame an early 14 point deficit behind an offense that had its best performance of the season. Led by Quinshon Judkins (100 total yards, two rushing touchdowns) and Deshaun Watson (first 300 yard passing game of the season), the Browns still sit atop the AFC North.

17. Green Bay Packers (4-3; Last week: 13th)

Week 7 Result: L vs Lions 20-17

The Packers’ offense struggled to capitalize on prime opportunities, repeatedly stalling in the red zone and failing to convert a Lions fourth down turnover into points late in the game. Kicker Trey Smack’s two missed field goals ended up being the difference in this one.

18. Dallas Cowboys (3-4; Last week: 18th)

Week 7 Result: W vs Eagles 38-21

The running game got back on track this week after last week’s abysmal offensive showing. We know Dak Prescott is right, but he hasn’t been quite right recently. Is Jerry Jones going to add more help for his porous defense via trade?

19. Carolina Panthers (3-3; Last week: 16th)

Week 7 Result: L vs Buccaneers 43-13

Carolina had their worst performance of the year. The defense was completely overpowered at the line of scrimmage, as the Bucs gashed them for over 250 rushing yards. Quarterback Bryce Young faced constant pressure all afternoon, committed three turnovers, and took five sacks.

20. Atlanta Falcons (3-4; Last week: 23rd)

Week 7 Result: W vs 49ers 29-20

The defense played well against San Francisco, really disrupting Brock Purdy. Yes, the 49ers are dealing with a ton of injuries, but Atlanta took care of arguably the best team in the NFC.

21. Houston Texans (2-5; Last week: 20th)

Week 7 Result: L vs Giants 27-21

The defense again failed to show up, and the offense reverted back to its mediocre play. The offense completely stalled in crucial moments, and the defense allowed almost 200 rushing yards, while letting JJ McCarthy look like a useful starting NFL QB.

22. Las Vegas Raiders (3-4; Last week: 22nd)

Week 7 Result: L vs Rams 35-21

The defense had all kinds of issues stopping the run, and were completely unable to run the ball themselves. Throw in an inefficient passing game, and that’s a recipe for disaster. The Raiders have now lost their fourth straight game, and Kirk Cousins is on notice.

23. New Orleans Saints (2-5; Last week: 24th)

Week 7 Result: L vs Steelers 16-10

While Tyler Shough had an efficient game (interception aside), the Saints got absolutely nothing from their rushing “attack”. 17 carries went for 18 yards, as this backfield hit a new low. The defense kept New Orleans in the game, but they repeatedly failed to get off the field as they allowed Pittsburgh to convert 10 of 16 third downs.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5; Last week: 29th)

Week 7 Result: W vs Panthers 43-13

Welcome back Baker! Mayfield didn’t do much in this one, with the offense leaning heavily on the ground game (258 rushing yards). Todd Bowles is still on the hot seat, but the Bucs looked better than they have all season.

25. Philadelphia Eagles (2-5; Last week: 21st)

Week 7 Result: L vs Cowboys 38-21

This was a hard fought game through three quarters, but the defense had a putrid showing. They failed to generate any pressure: zero sacks, zero tackles for loss, and zero quarterback hits. Oh, and the Cowboys carved them up for over 200 yards on the ground.

26. Arizona Cardinals (2-5; Last week: 25th)

Week 7 Result: L vs Broncos 30-16

The defense isn’t good, and the offense is just too inconsistent. When does the Carson Beck show start? Mide as well see what they’ve got with Beck. They traded Marvin Harrison Jr., and forgot how to use Michael Wilson.

27. Indianapolis Colts (2-5; Last week: 26th)

Week 7 Result: L vs Vikings 16-10

Another loss, and it’s selling season in Indy. After losing to the Vikings, the Colts kicked off the week by trading All-Pro guard Quinton Nelson to the Seahawks, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the 49ers for NFL Draft picks. When/where does Jonathan Taylor get traded?

28. New York Jets (2-5; Last week: 27th)

Week 7 Result: L vs Dolphins 28-25

When will the front office fire Aaron Glenn? The defense continues to disappoint, and there hasn’t been much progress over the last 24 games. At least Omar Cooper Jr. and Braelon Allen look like quality pieces.

29. Washington Commanders (1-4-1; Last week: 28th)

Week 7 Result: N/A

Washington had a BYE WEEK in week 7.

30. Miami Dolphins (1-5; Last week: 32nd)

Week 7 Result: W vs Jets 28-25

Welcome to the win column, Miami! After jumping out to a 14 point lead in the first half, a second half defensive breakdowns almost let the Jets comeback. Malik Willis had his best game of the season, scoring three total touchdowns.

31. Tennessee Titans (1-6; Last week: 30th)

Week 7 Result: L vs Browns 27-24

After being outclassed in the first half, Tennessee surprisingly rattled off 20 unanswered points in the 2nd half. Despite the defense and special teams handing the offense short fields, they repeatedly stalled out in the red zone, and had to rely on field goals to get points. This offense is just…so bad…

32. Los Angeles Chargers (0-6; Last week: 31st)

Week 7 Result: N/A

L.A. Chargers had a BYE WEEK in week 7.

The Chargers remain the NFL’s only winless team. This is the first time since 2000 that they are 0-6. Jim Harbaugh was a quarterback on that team. He went 0-5 as a starter that season. The Chargers finished that year with a franchise worst 1-15 record.