After week 8 the playoff picture is starting to take shape around the NFL. The Chiefs and Lions remain atop the league while the next few teams are jumbled within the top 6. The Bills take the 3rd spot in this list after the Ravens upset loss to the Browns. Let’s take a look at how each team is shaking out in this week’s version of Blitz Sports Media’s power rankings.
1. Kansas City Chiefs 7-0 (-)
The Chiefs won convincingly against the Raiders behind another great showing on defense and an efficient game from Patrick Mahomes. The passing game is trending in the right direction and will continue improving down the stretch. With the injury to Jaylen Watson, there are concerns about that 2nd cornerback spot for the Chiefs. Instead of addressing that need they traded for EDGE Josh Uche who had 12.5 sacks two years ago. The Chiefs are gearing up for the 3-Peat.
2. Detroit Lions 6-1 (-)
The Lions this season have a +44.8 DVOA which leads the NFL, showcasing their dominance midway through the season. They are currently 1st in points scored and 8th in points allowed on the season leading to multiple blowout wins this season. While their offense will remain dominant down the stretch, I am not convinced their pass rush will hold up against elite offensive units.
3. Buffalo Bills 6-2 (+1)
The Bills made it look easy on Sunday dominating the Seahawks from start to finish. The passing game was the most impressive it has been this season with both Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir having big days. In a weak division, they will be in play for that number 1 seed. Ultimately the game between the Chiefs will determine how the AFC seeding could shake out.
4. Green Bay Packers 6-2 (+2)
The Packers got a good fight from the Jaguars this weekend forcing Malik Willis to lead a game-winning drive in the 4th quarter. The headline from the win is the availability of Jordan Love going forward. Love suffered a groin strain and his status against an important division matchup against the Lions is something worth monitoring. In a tight NFC North race, they cannot afford to lose Love anymore this season.
5. Baltimore Ravens 5-3 (-2)
The Ravens dropped slightly after their upset loss to the Browns but made headlines with their acquisition of WR Diontae Johnson ahead of the trade deadline. Johnson gives Lamar Jackson another weapon in the passing game to help build his MVP resume down the stretch. Will the addition be enough to beat the Chiefs? Only time will tell.
6. Houston Texans 6-2 (+1)
The Texans were able to hold off the Colts and notch their 6th win of the season but lost star WR Stefon Diggs to a torn ACL. This offense has taken a step back from last season, but the additions of Joe Mixon and Danielle Hunter have been instrumental in their success this season. They are still in play for that number 1 seed with a relatively easy stretch of games in the 2nd half of the season.
7. Washington Commanders 6-2 (+1)
The Commanders got their 6th win behind a Hail Mary catch from Noah Brown that overshadowed some longer-term concerns about the Commanders. Daniels and the offense have had multiple games this season where they have struggled to finish drives against good front sevens. In a race with the Eagles to win the NFC East, the Commanders are going to need to turn those field goals into touchdowns to continue their success.
8. Philadelphia Eagles 5-2 (+2)
Speaking of the Eagles they are slotting in right behind the Commanders after their statement win over the Bengals. Jalen Hurts played the best he has all season, and the offense showed how dominant they could be. Defensively the secondary has made stride throughout the season and will be the X-Factor for a postseason run.
9. Minnesota Vikings 5-2 (-4)
After a 5-0 start, the Vikings find themselves on a 2-game losing streak. The loss against the Rams showcased their inconsistent pass rush and secondary play. They should get back on track against the Colts this week. Another loss and a playoff push seems harder in a tough NFC.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers 6-2 (+1)
The Steelers took the lead in the AFC North behind a win over the Giants. The Steelers passing game has been much better with Russell Wilson at quarterback. Defensively, TJ Watt is still recking games for opposing offenses and is an early DPOY favorite. The Steelers toughest part of their schedule is ahead.
11. San Francisco 49ers 4-4 (+1)
The 49ers were well on their way to another loss heading into the half against the Cowboys. In the second half they flipped the switch and dominated the Cowboys. We know how talented the 49ers are and will be getting healthier down the stretch, but the inconsistency from them this season is getting concerning.
12. Atlanta Falcons 5-3 (+1)
The Falcons are off to an undefeated start to NFC South play this season, setting themselves up for a prime position to clinch the division down the stretch. Kirk Cousins has been what they needed at quarterback to get these young pieces going in Atlanta. Defensively they still have struggled against the pass due to their lack of a pass rush. Let’s see if they make an addition before the deadline.
13. Chicago Bears 4-3 (-4)
The Bears almost walked away with a victory on the road against the Commanders in a game where they were outmatched for a majority of the game. The biggest thing holding this team back is offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. He is hindering Caleb Williams development and needs to go if the Bears want a real shot at the playoffs with a top defense.
14. Denver Broncos 5-3 (+5)
Bo Nix had a career day against the Panthers throwing for 3 touchdowns and rushing for one as well. He has flaws but has improved this season. Defensively the Broncos have only given up 20 points once this season, proving to be one of the top units in the league. After an easy start to the season, they have three tough games between the Ravens, Chiefs, and Falcons. If they find a way to win 1 of those games, you have to like their playoff chances.
15. Arizona Cardinals 4-4 (+6)
Two straight big wins for the Cardinals get them right back in the mix for the NFC West and the playoffs. Kyler Murray has been dominant the last two weeks and credit to offensive coordinator Drew Petzing for making some adjustments. I’m not sure if the improved offense will be enough to overcome the weak defense in a tough division.
16. Los Angeles Chargers 4-3 (+2)
The Chargers passing game is starting to wake up after a slow start to the season. Herbert has thrown for over 600 yards the last two weeks and Ladd McConkey had the best game of his rookie campaign having over 100 receiving yards. The Chargers are ahead of schedule right now and could find themselves in the playoffs this year.
17. Cincinnati Bengals 3-5 (-3)
Zac Taylor is on the hot seat. This Bengals team had Super Bowl aspirations and now has to win seven of their last nine to get in. Joe Burrow has been playing some of the best football of his career but the inconsistencies on the offensive line and defense have been hurting this team all season. I’m not out on them as far as making the playoffs but it’s a tough road ahead.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-4 (-2)
The Buccaneers are in a tough spot right now with the injuries at receiver and a weak defense. Despite the notable struggles after they play the Chiefs and 49ers, six of their last seven games are against teams below .500. Expect the Bucs to finish right around 10-7 and be in the mix for a wild card spot.
19. Seattle Seahawks 4-4 (-4)
The Seahawks followed up their big win over the Falcons by getting blown out by the Bills. Their defense is my biggest concern. They have been getting gashed by opponents running games preventing the offense from getting in a rhythm. Expect to see the Seahawks outside of the playoff picture this season.
20. Los Angeles Rams 3-4 (+3)
The Rams got Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back on Thursday resulting in an upset win over the Vikings. Once they get healthier on the offensive line, they will continue to be problems for opposing defenses. Will it be enough to overcome the 22nd ranked defense in the NFL? I think so and the Rams are going to sneak into the playoffs this season after a slow start.
21. Dallas Cowboys 3-4 (-4)
The Cowboys were impressive for a half before falling apart in the 3rd quarter. The defense was able to hold down the 49ers but was overmatched over the course of the game. They are missing former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn who helped that unit the last few seasons play at a very high level. The Cowboys have stayed quiet ahead of the deadline signaling they feel they have the roster to make the playoffs still. I’m not buying it; the Cowboys will miss the playoffs this season.
22. Indianapolis Colts 4-4 (-2)
The Colts are making the decision to move on from Anthony Richardson after his struggles this season. They turn to Joe Flacco who averages 27 points per game this season. Without a great defense they turn to the veteran Flacco to keep this team in the playoff race.
23. Miami Dolphins 2-5 (+2)
The loss to the Cardinals was a big setback for the Dolphins playoffs hopes this season. The offense looked better against the Cardinals posting 27 points, but the defense let them down on Sunday. They have a tough schedule down the stretch and won’t find their way back into the playoffs this season.
24. New York Jets 2-6 (-2)
To add to the drama, the Jets managed to lose to the Patriots falling to 2-6. The addition of Davante Adams did not fix the offensive play calling, an old Aaron Rodgers, and a poor offensive line. Also, the defense has regressed after Robert Saleh was fired. The Jets are a mess and will not be in the playoffs come January.
25. Cleveland Browns 2-6 (+5)
The Browns were able to pull off the upset over the Ravens behind Jameis Winston’s 300-yard and 3-touchdown performance. If they made a move to start Winston earlier in the season, they could have potentially been in the mix for a playoff spot. With a talented roster, this team is not an easy matchup for any team anymore with Winston at the helm.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars 2-6 (-)
The Jaguars have been playing better football the last few weeks but still can’t get off the field on defense enough to give them a chance. They recently just lost Christian Kirk for the season, Brian Thomas Jr for multiple weeks, and potentially Gabe Davis for one week. Not looking good for an offense that is starting to find their groove.
27. New York Giants 2-6 (-3)
It is time to move off of Daniel Jones. The Giants had two chances to tie the game in the 4th quarter and Jones managed to fumble then overthrow a wide-open Darius Slayton for a game-sealing interception. The Giants have talent on both sides of the ball and whatever QB they draft next year will be in a great situation to succeed in the NFL.
28. Tennessee Titans 1-6 (-2)
The Titans have put up good fights against the Bills and the Lions in the 1st quarter of both games before completely unraveling in the 2nd half. It was nice to see Calvin Ridley get going again, having over 100 yards before halftime. The Titans are an older roster, they could move off of more players at the deadline to stock up on draft picks.
29. New England Patriots 2-6 (+3)
One thing is clear in New England, Drake Maye is the future of the franchise. With a makeshift group of playmakers, the Patriots offense has played better down the stretch with him at the helm. Jacoby Brissett played his best football of the season in relief helping the Patriots win their 2nd game of the season.
30. Las Vegas Raiders 2-6 (-1)
The Raiders will be drafting a quarterback to pair with star tight end Brock Bowers next season. Defensively outside of Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins they lack playmakers. They need to bolster a top-heavy roster by rounding it out with athletic playmakers.
31. New Orleans Saints 2-6 (-3)
It is crazy to think about the Saints scoring 40+ points in the first two weeks and then lost 6 straight games after that point. Spencer Rattler is not the long-term answer for the Saints at quarterback after a rocky few weeks. It will be interesting to see if they move on from any of their aging veterans ahead of the deadline.
32. Carolina Panthers 1-7 (-1)
The Panthers find their way back into the last spot in the power rankings once again. Bryce Young has made no progress after riding the pine for a few weeks. Their defense lacks talent outside of Jaycee Horn. They just moved on from Diontae Johnson, trading away their best pass catcher. This season can’t end faster for Panthers fans.