There is no change in the top two teams of his weekly rankings The SportingNews heading into week eight as the Eagles and Bills, the respective NFC and AFC favorites to reach the Super Bowl 57They were inactive. But that doesn’t mean things haven’t gotten complicated.
The Giants and Jets — the teams that finished second behind the Eagles and Bills — did more than “New York, New York” to always remember that they are serious. But just as interesting was the fact that three NFC powerhouses expected to return — Tampa Bay, Green Bay and San Francisco — aren’t done yet.
That left the door open for big changes, with more teams crashing the surprise party that is the 2022 NFL season. Here’s how they all stack up, going 1-32, as the season approaches.
NFL Power Rankings Week 8
1. Philadelphia Eagles 6-0 (previous ranking: 1)
The Eagles enjoyed a bye, leaving the NL pennant-winning Phillies in the spotlight on their way to the World Series. Philadelphia’s NFL team can afford its own championship aspirations with Jalen Hurts leading a diverse offense and a defense that is showing some dominant qualities. Given their continued favorable schedule and consistently high level of play, there’s a good chance the Eagles can remain undefeated through December.
2. Buffalo Bills 5-1 (2)
The Bills also had a bye to get healthier for the second half and build on their status as the best team in the AFC after a big win over the visiting Chiefs. The key to Buffalo continuing to make the playoffs as a Super Bowl favorite is securing the No. 1 seed and home field advantage.
3. Kansas City Chiefs 5-2 (3)
The Chiefs bounced back from their close-game upset against the Bills, tearing apart the 49ers with a relentlessly creative offense around Patrick Mahomes and a defense that continues to make big plays in critical situations. To go far and do it against an NFC title contender was impressive in every way.
4. New York Giants 6-1 (4)
The Giants are past the point where skeptics are wondering if they are for real. They had the healthy offensive baseline of Saquon Barkley, but now Daniel Jones has become one Danny Dimes he finished with his pass, run and took the lead. Defense remains the backbone and support from other sides continues to grow.
5. Minnesota Vikings 5-1 (5)
The Vikings were the silent contenders in the bye. They may not look as impressive as other hot starter teams, but the offense is flowing as expected with Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook leading the way and the new defense has the ideal type of reinforcement at every level. Now, on top of that, it looks like they could win the NFC North.
6. Dallas Cowboys 5-2 (9)
The Cowboys have Dak Prescott back, and while he’s been a little rusty, the running game and defense have done a lot to take the burden off him to activate him in his long-awaited return. Dallas is a complete team and can be more aggressive with Prescott.
7. Cincinnati Bengals 4-3 (11)
The Bengals are back on offense with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase returning to the big game with help from Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon.
8. New York Jets 5-2 (14)
The Jets will struggle to score without rookie gun and receiver Breece Hall. Robert Saleh’s rebuilt defense has been terrific, but now they’ll need to fire up the passing game with Zach Wilson to pull off the big upset with an AFC wild card.
9. Baltimore Ravens 4-3 (13)
The Ravens found enough defense and traditional running to shut down the Browns. Lamar Jackson also found more room to make big plays with Mark Andrews injured. The defense is still finding the right mesh of scheme and personnel, but it’s getting there.
10. Tennessee Titans 4-2 (10)
The Titans are pesky, dynamic, brave, battle-hardened and all the same under Mike Vrabel. Given some of their defensive holes and limited offensive ceiling, they should have struggled to go 0-2. But now the two early losses to the Giants and the Bills seem pretty acceptable as they’re back in the driver’s seat for another AFC South title.
