NFL Power Rankings: Week 8 Standings Based on Latest Super Bowl Odds
It's been a wild ride through seven weeks of the 2014 NFL season. Power rankings have shifted dramatically over that span as a result of surprisingly inconsistent play throughout the league. That trend continues into Week 8 following a bevy of turbulent performances.
Some teams previously heralded as part of the NFL's upper echelon produced terrible showings in Week 7. Conversely, a few squads ascended up the ranks after some better-than-expected outings. Which of these categories encompasses your favorite team?
Before we answer that question with a complete pecking order of all 32 franchises, here's a look at the updated Super Bowl odds, courtesy of Odds Shark.
TOP NEWS
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Colts Release Kenny Moore
Projecting Every NFL Team's Starting Lineup 🔮
Rookie WRs Who Will Outplay Their Draft Value 📈
| Denver Broncos | 3-1 |
| Green Bay Packers | 8-1 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 9-1 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 9-1 |
| New England Patriots | 12-1 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 12-1 |
| San Diego Chargers | 12-1 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 14-1 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 16-1 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 18-1 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 20-1 |
| Detroit Lions | 28-1 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 33-1 |
| New Orleans Saints | 33-1 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 50-1 |
| Carolina Panthers | 66-1 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 66-1 |
| Buffalo Bills | 75-1 |
| Miami Dolphins | 75-1 |
| Chicago Bears | 75-1 |
| New York Giants | 75-1 |
| Cleveland Browns | 100-1 |
| Houston Texans | 150-1 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 150-1 |
| St. Louis Rams | 250-1 |
| Washington Redskins | 300-1 |
| Tennessee Titans | 500-1 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 500-1 |
| New York Jets | 1000-1 |
| Tampa Bay Buccanneers | 1000-1 |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 1000-1 |
| Oakland Raiders | 3000-1 |
32. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are now the league's final winless team. Unfortunately, a rookie quarterback, an inexperienced receiving corps, a backfield comprised of has-been ball-carriers and a shaky defense is not a desired combination to end that drought. The team's fans were even ribbed by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett in Week 7:
At least fans can look forward to the excitement of another high draft pick.
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay had Week 7 off, but that doesn't mean we forgot the team's defense is giving up a league-worst 34 points per game while its offense showed very little signs of life against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6. Fortunately, a favorable draft position—and possible new quarterback—loom on the horizon.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars finally broke the ice and notched a win on Sunday against a Cleveland Browns team that couldn't get out of its own way. Although, this team still needs a lot more experience and additional components on both sides of the ball before any kind of a winning streak can be established.
29. New York Jets
New York put up a nice road effort against the New England Patriots on Thursday, but it settled with another loss. Geno Smith has a new weapon in Percy Harvin at his disposal in Week 8, and we'll see if the wide receiver can make any kind of an impact on this inconsistent offense.
28. Tennessee Titans
The Titans lost to a Washington Redskins team led by Colt McCoy. There's really not much that can be said. Tennessee needs a viable quarterback in the worst possible way before it can even begin to think about competing in the AFC South.
27. Minnesota Vikings
It's been a rough couple of starts for rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. He did throw his first touchdown pass on Sunday, but due to another poor effort by the offensive line, he didn't manage much more, as the team fell to the Buffalo Bills. Mike Zimmer has his work cut out for him with this squad.
26. Washington Redskins
The Redskins are likely to start their third quarterback of the season in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys. While Robert Griffin III is close to his return, he didn't exactly look like the answer at the quarterback position prior to his injury. Things could get very interesting in Washington in the near future.
25. Atlanta Falcons
For some reason, the Falcons can't seem to stay healthy along the offensive line. Regardless of how well Matt Ryan is playing or how dynamic his receivers are, the team sputtered in Week 7 against a Baltimore Ravens defense that tallied five sacks, nine quarterback hits and countless pressures.
24. New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees looked a bit better against a good Detroit Lions defense Sunday, but the team still came away with a loss. The quarterback tweeted his thoughts following the loss:
The New Orleans defense can't seem to stop anyone and is ranked 28th in the league in points allowed with 27.5 per game. That's a tough number to top even with Brees at the helm.
23. Houston Texans
The Texans aren't doing themselves any favors by starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. He isn't a long-term answer or a short-term answer at the position, and another mediocre performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday proved that. Will Ryan Mallett be any better? This team should at least attempt to find out.
22. St. Louis Rams
Austin Davis has been a revelation at the quarterback position in St. Louis, and with rookie Tre Mason getting some reps out of the backfield, the team's running game looks improved. If the team's playmakers on defense can get it together, the Rams could become a sneaky-good team.
21. Chicago Bears
Coming into the season, we already knew the Bears defense could be an issue. However, after the offense struggled to put up points Sunday against the Dolphins, it may be time to panic. The Lions and Green Bay Packers are playing very well right now, and if Chicago doesn't figure things out quickly, the playoffs won't be in the cards.
20. New York Giants
Eli Manning played much better in Dallas in Week 7. However, Andre Williams was average, at best, out of the backfield once again. This offense really needs Rashad Jennings back in the fold to regain the efficiency it displayed during its three-game winning streak this season.
19. Cleveland Browns
Just as we were all ready to hop on the Browns bandwagon, the team reverted to its old ways against a winless Jaguars team Sunday. Brian Hoyer looked awful, and Cleveland could only muster a pair of field goals. Meanwhile, Denard Robinson ran rampant over its defense. Fortunately, this team gets a chance of redemption in Week 8 against the winless Raiders.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh improved to 4-3 on the season after Monday night's win over Houston. Despite the winning record, this team has yet to display a reliable product on the field. After all, this is the same team that lost to the Browns in Week 6 and Buccaneers in Week 4.
17. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle has surrendered more points than it has accumulated since its Week 1 victory against the Packers. This team no longer boasts one of the league's most formidable defenses, as the once-heralded unit is giving up 23.5 points per game and has only notched five takeaways this season. Stephen A. Smith of ESPN's First Take tweeted his thoughts on the team:
After two consecutive losses, offenses may not be quite as afraid of this unit. It's up to the Seahawks to get that back.
16. Carolina Panthers
Speaking of underperforming defenses, the Panthers may be the best example. Luke Kuechly and Co. were outstanding in 2013, but this group has fallen to rank 27th in yards allowed and 29th in points allowed per game. Making matters worse, Cam Newton and Carolina's offense haven't exactly been consistent in 2014.
15. Cincinnati Bengals
Since their Week 4 bye, the Bengals have yet to win a game. Although, the team did manage to implode on several occasions since. A turnover-plagued debacle against the New England Patriots, defensive shortcomings against the Panthers and a nonexistent offense against the Indianapolis Colts dropped this team from 3-0 to 3-2-1 quickly.
14. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs continue to prove they are a very well-balanced team. Alex Smith remains efficient at the quarterback position, Jamaal Charles is explosive out of the backfield and a solid defensive unit is allowing just 20.2 points per game. This team has what it takes to start stringing wins together.
13. Buffalo Bills
Here's a bit of good news for the Bills: Wide receiver Sammy Watkins looks worth every penny. However, there's bad news as well. Quarterback Kyle Orton isn't equipped to win games against better teams, and now the offense is dealing with the absences of running backs C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson. Things could begin to get ugly in Buffalo.
12. Miami Dolphins
Ever since head coach Joe Philbin questioned Ryan Tannehill's position as the team's starting quarterback, the third-year player has been lights-out. Pete Pricso of CBS Sports has certainly been impressed:
With a sound defense and a shockingly good running game, the Dolphins could be a very surprising team if their signal-caller keeps up this high level of play.
11. San Francisco 49ers
When San Francisco's running game stalls and the team is forced to rely heavily on quarterback Colin Kaepernick, it begins to struggle. That's exactly what happened when the 49ers were blown out by the Denver Broncos on Sunday night. Luckily, a well-timed Week 8 bye will help before things get too out of hand.
10. San Diego Chargers
San Diego raised some concern after a tight win over the Raiders. The team didn't do anything to quell that concern following a loss to the Chiefs in Week 7. The Chargers defense is only allowing 16.3 points per game, and Philip Rivers is one of the league's most prolific quarterbacks. That's a great combination, but attempting to bounce back in Week 8 against the Broncos will be a true test.
9. Detroit Lions
The Lions defense proved once again it is good enough to win football games even without Calvin Johnson in the fold. Once the All-Pro wide receiver is back on the field and Matthew Stafford's offense is in full force, this team could prove to be one of the all-around best in the league.
8. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona's defense is only allowing 19.8 points per game, and the team's offense has regained its form with the return of quarterback Carson Palmer. The Cardinals won their last two games against inferior opponents, and we'll see what this team is really made of against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8.
7. New England Patriots
The Patriots were given a bit of a scare against the Jets Thursday. Tom Brady was efficient for the most part, but the absence of Stevan Ridley and a reliable running game was wildly apparent. An unbalanced unit stalled several times in the second half, allowing New York a chance to win. This issue must be rectified quickly to remain atop the AFC East.
6. Baltimore Ravens
Joe Flacco is having a banner year. The addition of Steve Smith to the wide receiver corps and Justin Forsett in the backfield has given the veteran quarterback all the weapons he needs to create success. Chris Wesseling of Around the NFL tweeted a great example of the ageless Smith:
An improving defense only adds to the notion that this is the team to beat in the AFC North.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles really need to build upon their Week 6 shutout of the Giants. The defense finally generated a pass rush, and running back LeSean McCoy appeared to get back on track. If Nick Foles can regain the efficiency he showed in 2013, Philadelphia will continue to be one of the league's most dangerous teams.
4. Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers has thrown 18 touchdowns and just one interception this season. That stat alone should be giving nightmares to defensive coordinators around the league. Considering the Packers defense has improved this season and is giving up 21.0 points per game, Green Bay looks like a title contender once again.
3. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are on an absolute tear right now. Andrew Luck is on a blistering pace this season, as 300-yard passing games are becoming routine. Defensively, Indianapolis put on great showings against Baltimore in Week 5 and Cincinnati in Week 7. If that unit can continue to duplicate those performances, this team may not lose another game.
2. Denver Broncos
What more can be said about Peyton Manning? He broke Brett Favre's all-time passing touchdowns record against the 49ers, and Denver's defense continues to play very well against the run. This team has the unique ability to prevent long drives by opponents, giving Manning more time on the field. That has already proved to be a dangerous combination.
1. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys may be the league's most surprising team this year—in a good way. With a defense that doesn't look like much on paper and a quarterback prone to turnovers, not a whole lot was expected from this squad heading into the season.
Well, we're entering Week 8 and here they are, sitting atop the power rankings.
Ever since the offense began leaning on DeMarco Murray—who recently broke an NFL record with seven consecutive 100-yard rushing performances—plenty of pressure was taken off the arm of Tony Romo, and an efficient quarterback emerged.
NFL Network's Albert Breer agrees:
Solid play is apparently contagious in Dallas, as the team's no-name defense is currently ranked ninth in points allowed and 14th in yards allowed per game. Talk about a dramatic improvement from one season to the next.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")