Week 8 is in the books. Here are all 32 teams ranked, worst to first.
Week 8 of the NFL season is in the books, with more twists and turns happening every week. Here are all 32 teams, ranked worst to first, heading into Week 9.
32. Carolina Panthers (1-7)
Last Week: 28-14 (L @ Broncos)
This Week: Vs. Saints
The Panthers continue to be a downright terrible football team. Bright spots are few and far between, and Bo Nix lit their patchwork defense up in Week 8. Bryce Young did look okay at times in his return to the starting spot. But, overall, this is a franchise counting down the days until the offseason.
31. Tennessee Titans (1-6)
Last Week: 52-14 (L @ Lions)
This Week: Vs. Patriots
The Titans played a bit better than the lopsided score, and actually moved the ball pretty well. But, turnovers and terrible special teams hurt them throughout, and those are the signs of a really bad team. That’s what the Titans are at this point.
30. New Orleans Saints (2-6)
Last Week: 26-8 (L @ Chargers)
This Week: @ Panthers
The Saints may have been the league’s best team through two games. They may be the worst team in the league since. The Saints are listless, directionless, and in need of a rebuild that management seems to not want to go through.
29. Las Vegas Raiders (2-6)
Last Week: 27-20 (L Vs. Chiefs)
This Week: @ Bengals
Credit the Raiders for competing with the Chiefs, though Kansas City hasn’t been blowing anybody out. But, it’s hard to see this team winning very many games the rest of the season. The big question is whether Maxx Crosby will get moved before next Tuesday’s trade deadline.
28. New York Jets (2-6)
Last Week: 25-22 (L @ Patriots)
This Week: Vs. Texans
We’re officially in dumpster fire territory for the New York Jets. Losing to the New England Patriots, who may have been the worst team in the league coming into the week, marks the beginning of the end to the short-lived Aaron Rodgers era. It appears the Jets mortgaged their future for absolutely nothing. Same Old Jets.
27. New England Patriots (2-6)
Last Week: 25-22 (W Vs. Jets)
This Week: @ Titans
The Patriots are in the midst of a total rebuild, and the fact that Drake Maye may miss some time with a concussion is a minor setback. The franchise probably needs as high of a draft pick as possible. But, essentially ending your hated rival’s season had to feel good for a team and fan base that lost six games in a row.
26. New York Giants (2-6)
Last Week: 26-18 (L @ Steelers)
This Week: Vs. Commanders
The Jets competed well at times on Monday night, but Daniel Jones simply isn’t good enough to win those kinds of games. Until the quarterback situation markedly improves for the Giants, that’s the situation against any good team.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
Last Week: 30-27 (L Vs. Packers)
This Week: @ Eagles
There’s no doubt that the Jaguars are playing much better than they were earlier in the season when they got off to a disastrous start. Trevor Lawrence is playing better, they’re running the ball effectively, and the defense has shown some life at times. But, they simply make too many losing plays, like Trevor Lawrence’s fumble in the second half that led to a Packer touchdown. Injuries are starting to pile up, too, though they did get good news on rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
24. Miami Dolphins (2-5)
Last Week: 28-27 (L Vs. Cardinals)
This Week: @ Bills
Tua Tagovailoa returned, and looked great. He and the Miami offense played well enough to win, but the defense let them down. The Dolphins have let two games slip away the last two weeks. Had they won both, they’d be 4-3 with the healthiest roster they’ve had all year. Instead, at 2-5, they’re playoff long shots.
23. Cleveland Browns (2-6)
Last Week: 29-24 (W Vs. Ravens)
This Week: Vs. Chargers
Everyone thought the Browns would look much better without Deshaun Watson under center. I’m not sure anyone would’ve predicted just how much better they’d look. Jameis Winston had some typical Jameis Winston plays. But, for the first time all year, the offense was able to throw the ball downfield. That paid off, and the defense did enough against arguably the best offense in the league. It’s probably too little, too late for the Browns. This could’ve been a solid team if they threw Watson in the trash bin and didn’t wait for him to get injured.
22. Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
Last Week: 30-24 (L @ 49ers)
This Week: @ Falcons
Don’t be fooled by another late Dallas rally to make the game competitive. Dallas was thoroughly dominated in a disastrous 3rd quarter as everything fell apart. Dak Prescott looked terrible until garbage time, and Dallas was overmatched once the 49ers got into a groove. They’re going to get healthier on defense soon, but it might not matter.
21. Indianapolis Colts (4-4)
Last Week: 23-20 (L @ Texans)
This Week: @ Vikings
It’s amazing that the Colts were even able to play a close game given that fact that Anthony Richardson completed less than one-third of his passes. The rest of the team played pretty well, and if they do indeed make the switch to Joe Flacco, there’s no reason this team can’t be a playoff team.
20. Arizona Cardinals (4-4)
Last Week: 28-27 (W @ Dolphins)
This Week: Vs. Bears
The Arizona Cardinals finally got their top two targets in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride involved in the same game, and it paid off with a victory. Kyler Murray continues to play well, and a leaky defense got a few stops to force Miami to kick field goals. Somehow, this team is in first place in the NFC West. There’s a lot of football left to be played, but credit to Jonathan Gannon and his staff for getting this team in the playoffs.
19. Seattle Seahawks (4-4)
Last Week: 31-10 (L Vs. Bills)
This Week: Vs. Rams
The Seattle Seahawks continue to be incredibly inconsistent. A week after a huge win in Atlanta, the Bills dominated them in all facets in Seattle. They’re right in the thick of things in the NFC West, but consistency is key for this bunch.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4)
Last Week: 31-26 (L Vs. Falcons)
This Week: @ Chiefs
The Buccaneers offense fared better than many expected without Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. That unit kept them in the game. But, the defense was terrible. Todd Bowles is supposed to be a defensive mastermind, but if the defense is going to give up a ton of points consistently, why is Bowles employed as the head coach?
17. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5)
Last Week: 37-17 (L Vs. Eagles)
This Week: Vs. Raiders
The Bengals rebounded from a 1-4 start to get to 3-4 with a golden chance to get back to .500 on Sunday. Instead, they laid an egg in the second half. Philadelphia dominated the game up front on both sides of the ball in the second half, and that’s going to be a big problem for the Bengals the rest of the way. At 3-5, they don’t have much wiggle room left.
16. Los Angeles Rams (3-4)
Last Week: 30-20 (W Vs. Vikings)
This Week: @ Seahawks
The Rams were 1-4 two weeks ago with plenty of tough games remaining. Now, they’re 3-4, Cooper Kupp and Puca Nakua are both in the lineup, and they beat a really good Vikings team. The defense is never going to be great, but given the parity in the NFC West, this team has a playoff run in them.
15. Chicago Bears (4-3)
Last Week: 18-15 (L @ Commanders)
This Week: @ Cardinals
Everyone will remember the Bears losing on an unlucky Hail Mary. But, it was a comedy of errors for the game to even get to that point. The play-calling was abysmal, the offensive line is a mess, and the game management is bottom of the league. This team has plenty of talent, enough to be a playoff team. I’m afraid their coaching will hold them back.
14. Denver Broncos (5-3)
Last Week: 28-14 (W Vs. Panthers)
This Week: @ Ravens
The Panthers are bad, but it was encouraging to see Bo Nix have a fantastic game. Are the Broncos actually good? It’s still hard to say. But, given their record, they’re going to be in the playoff hunt for a while. The defense should keep them in plenty of games.
13. Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)
Last Week: 26-8 (W Vs. Saints)
This Week: @ Browns
The Chargers took care of business against a terrible opponent, and found a bit of success passing the ball downfield. That’s been a struggle for them. The defense played well, dominating up front. Ultimately, not much to glean from being a team that’s clearly quit on its season.
12. Atlanta Falcons (5-3)
Last Week: 31-26 (W @ Buccaneers)
This Week: Vs. Cowboys
The Falcons probably shouldn’t have been so poor on defense given the players who are out for the Buccaneers. But, an offense that on paper looks to be one of the league’s best played like it on Sunday. When Atlanta gets Kyle Pitts involved, they look much better.
11. San Francisco 49ers (4-4)
Last Week: 30-24 (W Vs. Cowboys)
This Week: Bye
Sunday night’s game between Dallas and San Francisco felt like a loser-goes-home game. Thankfully for the 49ers, they won it with an awesome 3rd quarter. Brock Purdy rebounded with a much better game, the front four got pressure on Dak Prescott, and George Kittle was fantastic. One of the most injured teams in the league gets a much-needed bye.
10. Houston Texans (6-2)
Last Week: 23-20 (W Vs. Colts)
This Week: @ Jets
The Texans are clearly not firing on all cylinders, but thankfully they keep finding ways to win. CJ Stroud got back on track, though Stefon Diggs may miss time due to injury. The biggest question is whether this team has another gear or not once it gets healthy again.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
Last Week: 37-17 (W @ Bengals)
This Week: Vs. Jaguars
The Eagles played their best half of football by far this season in the 2nd half of their win on Sunday. It’s a wonder what happens when they get Jalen Hurts under center and allow him to work in the play-action game. The secondary has been much better since rookie Cooper DeJean started playing more after suffering an ACL tear at Iowa last year. The vibes in Philadelphia are much-improved.
8. Washington Commanders (6-2)
Last Week: 18-15 (W Vs. Bears)
This Week: @ Giants
There are a few ways you could go with the Commanders win over the Bears. They were the better team for most of the game, and found a way to win. On the flip side, they were the better team for most of the game, and needed a miracle to win. Either way, they’ll take the win.
7. Minnesota Vikings (5-2)
Last Week: 30-20 (L @ Rams)
This Week: Vs. Colts
The loss to the Rams was the first true poor performance for the Vikings all year. But, the Rams are dangerous, it was a short week, and a long trip against a hungry team. Still, after a two-game losing streak, they really need to beat the Colts this weekend.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
Last Week: 26-18 (W Vs. Giants)
This Week: Bye
The Pittsburgh Steelers look so much better on offense with Russell Wilson. Frankly the defense didn’t play anywhere close to its best game. But, unlike in past years, they had offensive production to still win a game despite a subpar effort on defense. That makes the Steelers mighty dangerous.
5. Green Bay Packers (6-2)
Last Week: 30-27 (W @ Jaguars)
This Week: Vs. Lions
Jordan Love suffered another minor injury, but Malik Willis once again filled in admirably in his absence. It’s that kind of next-man-up mentality that has allowed Green Bay to overcome some big injuries and absences this year and get off to a fantastic start. A monster showdown against Detroit awaits.
4. Baltimore Ravens (5-3)
Last Week: 29-24 (L @ Browns)
This Week: Vs. Broncos
The Ravens looked unstoppable during their five-game win streak. But, AFC North games always get a bit weird, and the Ravens simply could not stop Jameis Winston. I don’t think it’s too much to panic about, but they need to rebound and beat the Broncos this weekend.
3. Buffalo Bills (6-2)
Last Week: 31-10 (W @ Seahawks)
This Week: Vs. Dolphins
The Bills looked like a team that was regressing just a few weeks ago. That’s changed in a big way. Even though he wasn’t too productive on Sunday, the Amari Cooper trade seems to have rejuvenated this team. A demolition of the Seahawks has the Bills looking like Super Bowl contenders once again.
2. Detroit Lions (6-1)
Last Week: 52-14 (W Vs. Titans)
This Week: @ Packers
The defense probably gave up a bit too much production, and that’s something to keep an eye on. But, the Lions continue to look like a marvelous football team. They dominated the turnover battle, created big plays on special teams, and the offense converted easy opportunities and good field position into touchdowns. We will find out just how good they are this weekend at Lambeau Field.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (7-0)
Last Week: 27-20 (W @ Raiders)
This Week: Vs. Buccaneers
Sunday marked 13 wins in a row for the Kansas City Chiefs. Nobody plays better situational football than Kansas City does, and that’s one of the reasons they’re so tough to beat. The passing game needs to continue to gel, but who is going to beat these guys? Right now, it seems like nobody will, at least not for a while.