NFL Power rankings: Week 8

By Evan Copeland

We are now left with only one unbeaten team following Week seven of the NFL season, while only one remains winless. As usual Week seven was full of shocks and thrilling contests, while the league also made its annual stop in Paris.

Let’s look at how the teams stack up heading into next week.

D Tier – Tank Alert

32. Los Angeles Chargers (=) – Now the only winless team in 2026 as the Dolphins entered the win column during LA’s bye week. Their first attempt to change that comes in the battle of SoFi stadium as they face the Rams in Week eight.

31. Tennessee Titans (-2) – It’s fair to say it was a return to normal for the Titans, they are back on the losing train at 1-6. Cam Ward, as we have said multiple times this season, wasn’t good enough at all and needed an unbelievable, three-touchdown performance from Tony Pollard to keep Tennessee in the game.

30. Washington Commanders (=) – The Commanders were on a bye in week seven and fell further behind in the NFC East. Wins for the Giants and Cowboys have left Washington an uphill battle for the remainder of the year.

29. Miami Dolphins (+2) – Finally, the Dolphins are on the board in 2026, coming out of the bye week to beat their division rival New York Jets. Malik Willis looked excellent, with a 130-passer rating and three total touchdowns, while Ollie Gordon continues to flourish in DeVon Achane’s absence. Bright spots in a dark season so far.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (-1) – Despite a raft of injuries, this may have been the best we have seen from Philadelphia’s offense so far this season. Tanner McKee looked serviceable, while Makai Lemon notched multiple career highs in a breakout game. The season is pretty much over for the Eagles, and I expect significant changes in the offseason.

27. Indianapolis Colts (-3) – What looked like a playoff contender just weeks ago, the Colts are in complete rebuild mode amid a fire-sale this week. Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner have both been shipped to the NFC West in return for various late-round picks. Indy has imploded, starting with the firing of GM Chris Ballard and I wouldn’t be surprised if Jonathan Taylor is next on the block.

C Tier – No Man’s Land

26. New York Jets (=) – An absolute disaster for New York, who just can’t afford to be dropping games like this if they want any chance of a playoff spot. Geno Smith looked great again, despite having the game’s only turnover. The Jets’ young talent on offense continues to flourish with Omar Cooper and Mason Taylor combining for three receiving touchdowns.

25. Arizona Cardinals (=) – They were never really in the game against the Broncos, especially after Denver’s third quarter flurry of 14 points. All roads are pointing to a quarterback in next year’s draft. Jacoby Brissett has been solid, but it seems that all this offense is missing is quality under centre.

24. Las Vegas Raiders (-1) – Amid a four-game losing skid, is it time to start Fernado Mendoza? It’s fair to say they have brought back to earth against some better opposition, and I wonder if it’s time to give the rookie a chance heading forward. It has been by no means Kirk Cousins’ fault, he has played great all season and surpassed all expectations. But is it time for change in Vegas?2

23. New Orleans Saints (-1) – I thought Tyler Shough and the Saints offense was really effective against an excellent Steelers defensive unit. Unfortunately for New Orleans, they are just missing a player or two on both sides of the ball to compete for a playoff spot. The path will always be easier in one of the league’s weaker divisions, but they aren’t there yet to compete for a division title.

B Tier – Struggling Contenders, Dark Horses

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+6) – A phenomenal 26-point second quarter saw Tampa Bay move back into the playoff race on Baker Mayfield’s return. Despite only attempting 11 passes, Mayfield was a welcome addition to a dominant Bucs offense. It’s safe to say they have the talent to win this division, but staying healthy is crucial for this team.

21. Houston Texans (-5) – Took a difficult overtime loss to the Giants in week seven, ending some considerable momentum after successive wins. This offense just couldn’t quite get things going to their best level, while JJ McCarthy and the Giants run game tore into Houston’s defense all game long. A step back for DeMeco Ryans and co.

20. Dallas Cowboys (-1) – Dak Prescott and this offense was back to its frightening best against the Eagles; the unit’s consistency is going to be vital for the Cowboys going forward. The defense, again, was below standard, giving up three touchdowns to a makeshift and battered Philly offense. That’s the Cowboys’ weakness right there, it’s a flaw that will keep them out of the Super Bowl conversation.

19. Atlanta Falcons (+2) – This team is fully capable of winning a playoff game, never mind making it to the postseason. I feel the main issue so far is consistency for Atlanta. I have noticed a marked improvement on the offense since Michael Penix has returned from injury, he has looked excellent. Beating the previous number one in these rankings, the 49ers, is the perfect way for Atlanta to show what they are capable of.

18. Baltimore Ravens (-6) – Writing this ahead of week eight, Lamar Jackson was reported a full participant in practice for the first time since week four and his ankle injury. This is music to the ears of anyone connected with the Baltimore Ravens. Both sides of the ball haven’t quite looked up to standard in recent weeks; Joe Burrow exposed the Ravens defense in a dominant Bengals win.

17. Green Bay Packers (-4) – I know people will focus on some questionable refereeing calls, but the Packers had plenty of chances to win this game. The endzone drop by Josh Jacobs, two missed field goals and a Jordan Love interception, all cost them the win. However, Jacobs’ return has revitalised this run game and makes the offense even more dangerous heading forward.

16. Cleveland Browns (+2) – As has been the case on numerous occasions for Cleveland this season, they did it the hard way but got the job done for a fifth win in 2026. DeShaun Watson took a bit of a step back, this wasn’t his best game, and the running game took over Cleveland’s offense. This team has talent on both sides of the ball and can be a playoff team this season.

15. New York Giants (+5) – What a difference a change of scenery can make, especially in sports. JJ McCarthy looks a different animal in New York under John Harbaugh, opening up his time as the Giants starting quarterback with an impressive win and performance against the Houston Texans. He has given life to this team’s playoff hopes, New York took a chance and McCarthy is repaying that trust.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (+3) – Aaron Rodgers and company just keep getting the job done, moving to 5-2 with a Paris win over the Saints. As I alluded to last week, Rodgers is playing really efficient football. Nothing flashy but remember he’s 42! The future Hall of Famer is doing everything he needs to do, letting his defense make the big plays as the Steelers keep stacking wins.

13. Carolina Panthers (-8) – Bryce Young and the Panthers took a significant step back in week seven, they were outclassed and never really in the game against Tampa Bay. I think this team’s main issue will be consistency. If the offense doesn’t show up, it exposes the obvious flaws on the other side of the ball. A concern for sure going forward.

12. New England Patriots (-1) – Saw a three-game winning streak snapped by Chicago on Thursday night. Despite concerns over the fitness of Christian Gonzalez heading into the game, it was really the offense that let New England down. The Patriots amassed just 70 rushing yards, led by Drake Maye with 26. I would look out for New England at the trade deadline, especially if Jonathan Taylor is available.

11. Los Angeles Rams (+4) – Much better from this team all around, it was much more dominant than the scoreline suggested. I still worry about the level of turnovers for this offense; it gave the Raiders a chance to make a comeback and they can’t afford that against the league’s top teams. It’s a step in the right direction, one win down in their quest to secure an unlikely playoff spot.

A Tier – Capable of Winning it All

10. Cincinnati Bengals (+4) – I think this team is going under the radar in the AFC, which is a scary thought for how talented they are on both sides of the ball. Joe Burrow is looking like an MVP, his metrics are off the scale right now and he had this offense humming once again versus Baltimore. The defense is still an issue, but it has improved, giving them a definite chance of a deep playoff run.

9. Detroit Lions (+1) – As this offense continues to roll, reinforcements are coming for the Lions defense. Brian Branch made his first start of the season following a torn Achilles in 2025, returning with a crucial pick against the Packers. Now his fellow All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph is back in training after knee surgery. It’s a step in the right direction for a defense which has been a liability for the Lions in 2026.

8. Denver Broncos (=) – This team keeps stacking wins, moving to 5-2 with a comfortable victory over Arizona. It was a much better game for Bo Nix, two total touchdowns and nearly 300 combined scrimmage yards. I’d keep an eye out for Denver at the trade deadline, this run game has gone off the boil and Jonathan Taylor is available from the Colts.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (=) – Made their return from two games in London during a week seven bye. Losses for all three of their division rivals strengthened their hold on the AFC South. Jacksonville faces the Colts in week eight.

6. Seattle Seahawks (+3) – This was a brilliant game and a brilliant week all round for Seattle, as they looked back to their Lombardi-trophy winning best against Kansas City. It was a complete shutout, neutralising Walker and Patrick Mahomes in an excellent defensive show. In addition, they closed on San Francisco’s division lead and added All-Pro guard Quentin Nelson through the trade market. A perfect week.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (-3) – A really poor game from this Chiefs offense, but no reason to panic against one of the league’s best defensive units. They got nothing going with Kenneth Walker as Seattle completely shut down their former player. The Chiefs face another tough test as they travel to Denver on Sunday night.

4. Minnesota Vikings (+2) – It wasn’t pretty, it never is, but the Vikings got the job done and are now the only unbeaten team so far in 2026. I’m not sure what more I can say about this team. The offense looks functional but below expectations going into the year, while this defense continues to win them games. They face the Lions in a crunch division matchup this week.

S Tier – The League's Best

3. San Francisco 49ers (-2) – Sunday’s loss to the Falcons, the first for San Francisco in 2026, was a complete contrast to everything we have seen from them so far this season. Four turnovers including two interceptions from Brock Purdy, an ineffective run game. This was an inefficient and ugly example of Kyle Shanahan’s offense. They will hope to see some players returning from injury after their week eight bye.

2. Chicago Bears (+2) – The Caleb Williams offense is back and flying for the Chicago Bears, building on last week’s win against Atlanta with another excellent performance. He is absolute dynamite, but I have been impressed with his accuracy improvements in year two under Ben Johnson. The Bears secondary still remains a cause for concern with this team – but the addition of Jeffery Simmons could take this team over the top.

1. Buffalo Bills (+2) – Josh Allen and friends return to the peak of the rankings, despite being on a bye this week. The 49ers and Chiefs took difficult defeats, leaving Buffalo at the top ahead of a showdown with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.

EVAN COPELAND

NFL ANALYST

Evan is a Los Angeles Rams fan and sports journalism student at Lincoln University, with a keen interest in NFL writing, alongside golf and football. You can keep up with all of his content on X at @EvanCopeland26.

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