NFL Power Rankings: Week 8 (2023)

 

A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown vs the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 22, 2023, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

It's crazy to think about it, but we are already near the halfway point of the 2023 NFL season. This is usually around the time when we really see who the real contenders are and who the pretenders are in terms of who will reach the Super Bowl, so it should be an exciting time!

Last week, there were a bunch of unexpected results, featuring the Ravens embarrassing the Lions, the Patriots upsetting the Bills, and the Vikings upsetting the 49ers on Monday Night Football.

So, without further ado, let's look at where all 32 teams are currently heading into Week 8, starting with the Philadelphia Eagles, who are now 6-1 after they won a big game against the Miami Dolphins last week on "Sunday Night Football".

1. Philadelphia Eagles (+1 from Week 6): Record (6-1)

The defending NFC champions continued their fast start to the season with a quality win over an excellent Dolphins squad. Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown might be the best quarterback-wide receiver duo in the league right now. The defence (which played great against Miami's high-octane offence) just acquired All-Pro safety Kevin Byard from the Titans, which will really help their secondary.

Next: @ Washington Commanders (3-4) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on FOX)

2. Kansas City Chiefs (+3 from Week 6): Record (6-1)

The Chiefs have now won six straight games following their season-opening loss to the Lions. The defence has been playing lights out and after a decent start to the season (for his standards), Patrick Mahomes had his best performance of the season last week, throwing for 424 yards and four touchdown passes against the Chargers.

Next: @ Denver Broncos (2-5) on Sunday: at 4:25 p.m. (on CBS)

3. Baltimore Ravens (+9 from Week 6): Record (5-2)

The Ravens looked like the best team in the NFL let alone the AFC last week when they absolutely embarrassed the Lions, 38-6. Lamar Jackson had one of the best performances of his career against Detroit, while their elite defence completely shut down Jared Goff and the Lions' explosive offence.

Next: @ Arizona Cardinals (1-6) on Sunday: at 4:25 p.m. (on CBS)

4. San Francisco 49ers (-3 from Week 6): Record (5-2)

After winning 15 consecutive regular season games over the last two seasons, the 49ers have now lost two consecutive games to the Browns and Vikings, respectively. Brock Purdy has thrown three interceptions in the last two games and while the pass rush led by Nick Bosa, the reigining Defensive Player of the Year, has been average. They have to find ways to get to the quarterback more, starting this week against Joe Burrow and the Bengals.

Next: vs Cincinnati Bengals (3-3) on Sunday: at 4:25 p.m. (on CBS)

5. Miami Dolphins (-2 from Week 6): Record (5-2)

The Dolphins only have two losses on the season, but both of those defeats came against two very good teams in the Bills and the Eagles, who have a combined record of 10-4. While Miami's wins have come against teams that have a combined record of 8-28. This is a very talented team that should be able to win the AFC East this season, but if they want to be taken seriously as Super Bowl contenders, they have to learn how to beat the other top tier squads.

Next: vs New England Patriots (2-5) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on CBS)

6. Jacksonville Jaguars (same from Week 6): Record (5-2)

The Jags have won four straight games after a slow start. Trevor Lawrence isn't having the MVP-caliber season that a lot of people thought he would be having so far, but he's been playing well nonetheless. If Jacksonville can pull off a trade deadline move for an elite pass rusher like Danielle Hunter, that would greatly bolster their hopes to win the AFC in 2023. They'll try to continue their hot streak with a win over the Steelers in Pittsburgh this week.

Next: @ Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on CBS)

7. Detroit Lions (-3 from Week 6): Record (5-2)

The Lions got a big piece of humble pie last week after their shell-shocking loss to the Ravens. Once they couldn't run the ball against the Ravens' defensive front, Detroit's offence became one-dimensional and they had zero answers. While the defence got sliced and diced by Lamar Jackson (like most teams do). They'll look to rebound on "Monday Night Football" when they take on the Raiders.

Next: vs Las Vegas Raiders (3-4) on Monday: at 8:15 p.m. (on ABC/ESPN)

8. Dallas Cowboys (+1 from Week 6): Record (4-2)

The Cowboys are coming off their bye week. The last time they were in action was in Week 6, when they defeated the Chargers in a "must-win" game, considering how badly they lost to the 49ers the week prior. They'll look to keep pace with the Eagles in the NFC East when they take on the Rams at home this week.

Next: vs Los Angeles Rams (3-4) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on FOX)

9. Cleveland Browns (+7 from Week 6): Record (4-2)

It definitely wasn't pretty, but the Browns got a road win in Indy last week. Their number-one-ranked defence gave up 38 points to the Colts, but they also made their fair share of plays as well to help get the victory. The Browns seem like a team that is good quarterback play away from contending for a Super Bowl, but that Deshaun Watson acquisition might just sink their title hopes.

Next: @ Seattle Seahawks (4-2) on Sunday: at 4:05 p.m. (on FOX)

10. Seattle Seahawks (-2 from Week 6): Record (4-2)

Speaking of the Seahawks, they are also coming off a victory last week, as they got a wire-to-wire win over the Cardinals in an NFC West rivalry matchup. Quarterback Geno Smith has thrown three interceptions over the last two games, so that could be some cause for concern, but the defence has only given up 30 points over the last three games, so that's a great sign for Seattle as they try to keep pace with the 49ers in the NFC West.

Next: vs Cleveland Browns (4-2) on Sunday: at 4:05 p.m. (on FOX)

11. Pittsburgh Steelers (same from Week 6): Record (4-2)

The Steelers just find a way to win games, even if it's never pretty. Pittsburgh is 4-0 in one-score games, which is definitely not sustainable for a long period of time, but that could be sustainable for a whole season (see last year's Minnesota Vikings squad). The defence, led by T.J. Watt consistently makes game-changing plays while young quarterback Kenny Pickett has looked better as the season has gone on so far.

Next: vs Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on CBS)

12. Buffalo Bills (-5 from Week 6): Record (4-3)

It might be time for the Bills to circle the wagons after losing to the lowly Patriots last week. Josh Allen and the offence are struggling to get off to fast starts and when you combine that with their defence that's missing a lot of key players, the losses are going to start to pile up quickly. Let's see if Buffalo can bounce back with a win on "Thursday Night Football" tonight against the Buccaneers.

Next: vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3) on Thursday: at 8:15 p.m. (on Amazon Prime Video)

13. Cincinnati Bengals (+5 from Week 6): Record (3-3)

After a horrible 1-3 start, the Bengals won two straight games against the Cardinals and Seahawks respectively before heading into their bye week. Joe Burrow looked a lot more comfortable moving outside of the pocket in those two games, suggesting that he is starting to really recover from his offseason calf injury. Cincy will try to go over the .500 mark for the first time this season when they take on the 49ers in a big-time midseason clash.

Next: @ San Francisco 49ers (5-2) on Sunday: at 4:25 p.m. (on CBS)

14. New York Jets (+7 from Week 6): Record (3-3)

The last time we saw the Jets in action was in Week 6 when they knocked off the previously unbeaten Eagles. It's pretty clear right now that if the Jets had a healthy Aaron Rodgers leading them, they would be one of the top Super Bowl contenders, but Zack Wilson has played well enough over the last few weeks, which is a great thing to see. They'll look to win their third consecutive game when they play the Giants in the "Battle for New York" this week.

Next: @ New York Giants (2-5) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on CBS)

15. Atlanta Falcons (+2 from Week 6): Record (4-3)

It definitely wasn't easy, but the Falcons managed to reclaim the top spot in the NFC South last week when they hung on to beat the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay. Their defence is pretty good, but as long as their quarterback-head coach duo is comprised of Desmond Ridder and Arthur Smith, their ceiling will be severely capped. Nonetheless, they'll look to improve to 5-3 this week when they take on a team that Smith previously coached as their offensive coordinator; the Tennessee Titans.

Next: @ Tennessee Titans (2-4) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on CBS)

16. Houston Texans (+4 from Week 6): Record (3-3)

Who would've thought that the Texans would be 3-3 to start the season? Houston already has the same amount of wins that it had last season when they went 3-13-1, and led by the quarterback-head coach duo of C.J. Stroud (first in touchdown-interception ratio (9-1) and fourth in passing yards per attempt (7.8) and DeMeco Ryans, it's safe to say that the Texans have one of the brightest futures in the NFL moving forward.

Next: @ Carolina Panthers (0-6) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on FOX)

17. Minnesota Vikings (+10 from Week 6): Record (3-4)

A couple of weeks ago, it seemed like the Vikings were about to hold a fire sale at the trade deadline after a dreadful 1-4 start, not to mention that their All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson went out with a hamstring injury. Now, the Vikings are 3-4 after a win over the vaunted 49ers in primetime and they look like a playoff team. Another reminder that things can change very fast in the NFL.

Next: @ Green Bay Packers (2-4) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on FOX)

18. Indianapolis Colts (-5 from Week 6): Record (3-4)

The Colts have lost two straight games to the Jaguars and Browns respectively, but it's becoming abundantly clear that this team will not go quietly into the night even after electric rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson's season-ending injury. Rookie head coach Shane Steichen deserves a lot of credit.

Next: vs New Orleans Saints (3-4) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on FOX)

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-5 from Week 6): Record (3-3)

The Bucs had a great shot to extend their lead in the NFC South with a win over the Falcons, but they came up short at home. Their defence is very solid, but until they start running the ball well on offence (29th in rushing yards per game), the offence will continue to be completely one-dimensional and struggle to consistently put up points.

Next: @ Buffalo Bills (4-3) on Thursday: at 8:15 p.m. (on Amazon Prime Video)

20. Los Angeles Rams (-1 from Week 6): Record (3-4)

The Rams lost a close one to the Steelers last week. This is a team that is well-coached and has a lot of star power with Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, rookie sensation Puka Nacua on offence and Aaron Donald on defence, but they need to start stacking some wins together if they want to make it back to the postseason.

Next: @ Dallas Cowboys (4-2) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on FOX)

21. New Orleans Saints (-6 from Week 6): Record (3-4)

After a nice 2-0 start, the Saints have lost four of their last five games, dropping down to third place in the NFC South. The defence has been pretty good once again, but Derek Carr (so far) has not been the answer at quarterback that New Orleans has been looking for since Drew Brees retired in 2021.

Next: @ Indianapolis Colts (3-4) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on FOX)

22. Los Angeles Chargers (-12 from Week 6): Record (2-4)

The Chargers have lost their last two games to the Cowboys and Chiefs respectively. On paper, the Chargers are one of the most talented teams in the NFL, but it's becoming increasingly obvious that the potential of this team is much better than the reality of it. Some tough decisions may have to be made during the offseason if this slide continues.

Next: vs Chicago Bears (2-5) on Sunday: at 8:20 p.m. (on NBC)

23. Washington Commanders (same as Week 6): Record (3-4)

The Commanders just lose games that they should win. It's pretty crazy, actually. They lost to the previously one-win Giants last week, and the offence scored just seven points. At least they have another "easy" matchup this week, right? Wrong! They play the NFC-leading Eagles on Sunday.

Next: vs Philadelphia Eagles (6-1) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on FOX)

24. Tennessee Titans (-2 from Week 6): Record (2-4)

The Titans have scored just 32 points in their last two games, which were both losses. And now, safety Kevin Byard, the cornerstone of their defence, is gone and star running back Derrick Henry could be the next to go in the near future. It's officially teardown time in Nashville.

Next: vs Atlanta Falcons (4-3) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on CBS)

25. New England Patriots (+6 from last week): Record (2-5)

The Patriots rise up in this week's rankings after their surprising, wild win over the Bills in Week 7. Mac Jones and Co. put up a season-high 29 points in that game, perhaps giving the Pats some much-needed momentum into this week, as they'll try to win another game against an AFC East rival, this time being the Dolphins in Miami (a place where New England has struggled historically over the years).

Next: @ Miami Dolphins (5-2) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on CBS)

26. New York Giants (+3 from Week 6): Record (2-5)

The Giants put up a spirited effort against the Commanders last week and managed to come out with just their second win of the season. Backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor played a really solid game for the second week in a row, so it'll be really interesting to see what happens when Daniel Jones returns from his neck injury.

Next: vs New York Jets (3-3) on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. (on CBS)

27. Chicago Bears (-1 from Week 6): Record (2-5)

With Division II undrafted rookie quarterback Tyler Bagent starting for the injured Justin Fields, the Bears arguably put on their best performance of the season as they blew out the Raiders, 30-12. Chicago has really shown up to play over the last month or so, which is a testament to embattled head coach Matt Eberflus.

Next: @ Los Angeles Chargers (2-4) on Sunday: at 8:20 p.m. (on NBC)

28. Las Vegas Raiders (-4 from Week 6): Record (3-4)

The Raiders have three wins, but those wins have come by a combined nine points. They can't score on offence, and outside of All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby, their defence isn't too stout either. They're gonna have a really tough time trying to get back to .500 this week as they take on a much better Lions team that's trying to rebound from a big loss last week.

Next: @ Detroit Lions (5-2) on Monday: at 8:15 p.m. (on ABC/ESPN)

29. Denver Broncos (+1 from Week 6): Record (2-5)

The Broncos got a win over the Packers in Week 7, but I don't think it changes the fact that this team is really bad. Talented players such as wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, safety Justin Simmons and even young All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain III could all be gone after next week's trade deadline.

Next: vs Kansas City Chiefs (6-1) on Sunday: at 4:25 p.m. (on CBS)

30. Green Bay Packers (-5 from Week 6): Record (2-4)

After a solid start to the Jordan Love era, the Packers have started to crumble, as they've lost three straight games. Love has struggled mightily over his last three outings, throwing for three touchdowns while also throwing six interceptions. Green Bay's offence is a complete mess right now and until they get that fixed, they're going to continue to lose games.

Next: vs Minnesota Vikings (3-4) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on FOX)

31. Arizona Cardinals (-3 from Week 6): Record (1-6)

The Cardinals lost their fourth consecutive game last week against the Seahawks, but Arizona was expected to lose a lot of games this season. The fact that they've been (mostly) competitive in every game this season is a huge testament to rookie head coach Jonathan Gannon and his coaching staff. Plus, franchise quarterback Kyler Murray is almost ready to return from an ACL injury he suffered late last season.

Next: vs Baltimore Ravens (5-2) on Sunday: at 4:25 p.m. (on CBS)

32. Carolina Panthers (same as Week 6): Record (0-6)

The Panthers had their bye week in Week 7. They'll look to win their first game of the season this week when they host the Texans on Sunday. The first meeting between the top two picks in the 2023 NFL Draft (Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud) should be a fun one.

Next: vs Houston Texans (3-3) on Sunday: at 1:00 p.m. (on FOX)