NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Cowboys Sink as Giants, Patriots Remain Teams to Beat

NFL Power Rankings Week 8 have officially been released, at least my opinion of who’s getting better and who’s in the cellar as the 2010 season rolls on.

And from Dallas’s Monday night beat-down loss to Oakland’s Sunday blowout win, we'll be taking a look at how Week 7 affected the latest NFL power rankings.

Without further ado, here are all 32 teams—ranked from the depths of disaster to the ranks of the righteous—beginning with the still-winless Buffalo Bills and the continually sinking Dallas Cowboys…

Honorable Mentions: No. 21-32

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DENVER - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Jason Campbell #8 of the Oakland Raiders tries to elude cornerback Nate Jones #33 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 24, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/

No. 32: Buffalo Bills (0-6)

The Buffalo Bills remain the lone winless team in the NFL this season, dropping a 37-34 decision to the Baltimore Ravens despite leading a majority of the game.

No. 31: Dallas Cowboys (1-5)

The Dallas Cowboys are absolutely terrible this season, and now must roll on without their starting QB, due to Tony Romo going down with an injury in the team’s 41-35 Monday night loss to Eli Manning and the New York Giants.

No. 30: San Francisco 49ers (1-6)

One week after picking up its first win of the 2010 NFL season, San Francisco had a chance of starting a streak; instead, the 49ers lost to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon, 23-20.

No. 29: Carolina Panthers (1-5)

As mentioned earlier, the Carolina Panthers picked up a win in Week 7 with a 23-20 victory over the 49ers, jumping the team a couple notches from last week’s NFL power rankings.

No. 28: Detroit Lions (1-5)

The Detroit Lions remain at No. 28 in the latest NFL power rankings, taking a bye week and a 1-5 overall record into Week 8.

No. 27: San Diego Chargers (2-5)

Despite a fourth-quarter surge, the San Diego Chargers dropped a 23-20 decision to the top-ranked New England Patriots—bringing a 2-5 overall record into Week 8.

No. 26: Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)

After falling behind early before battling back for a one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, the Cincinnati Bengals still managed to find a way to lose—falling 39-32 to the Atlanta Falcons.

No. 25: Denver Broncos (2-5)

The Denver Broncos were absolutely destroyed on Sunday afternoon by the Oakland Raiders, 59-14, dropping the team down quite a bit in this week’s NFL power rankings.

No. 24: Cleveland Browns (2-5)

The Browns defense played superb in the team’s latest victory—a 30-17 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday afternoon—bringing Cleveland into the Top 25 realm for the first time this season.

No. 23: Minnesota Vikings (2-4)

Brett Favre and the Vikings lost another close heartbreaker to the Packers on Sunday night in Green Bay, dropping the team to 2-4 overall. Questions abound surrounding Minnesota’s QB, especially in regards to his latest injury.

No. 22: St. Louis Rams (2-5)

The St. Louis Rams dropped a nail-biting, 18-17 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7 of NFL action, dropping the team to 2-5 overall.

No. 21: Oakland Raiders (3-4)

The Raiders picked up a wild and unpredictable 59-14 blowout victory over the reeling Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon, bringing Oakland to 3-4 overall in 2010 while jumping the team to No. 21 in this week’s NFL power rankings.

No. 20: Miami Dolphins (3-3)

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MIAMI - OCTOBER 24: Receiver Brandon Marshall #19 is brought down by the Pittsburgh Steelers at Sun Life Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

The Miami Dolphins dropped a 23-22 fight-to-the-finish against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7, with the team moving to 3-3 overall this season.

Miami is currently in third place in the AFC East, with an 0-3 record at home and 3-0 mark on the road.

No. 19: Philadelphia Eagles (4-3)

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 24: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled by Michael Griffin #33 during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on October 24, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Titans, 37-19, on Sunday afternoon at Tennessee, to drop to 3-4 overall.

Philadelphia is currently in third place in the NFC East, going 3-2 in conference play and 0-1 in the division.

No. 18: Green Bay Packers (4-3)

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 24: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings is stopped by Desmond Bishop #55 of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 24, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jim Prisching/Getty Images)

The Green Bay Packers garnered a 28-24 victory over the slumping Minnesota Vikings to improve to 4-3 on the 2010 season.

Green Bay is currently in second place in the NFC North, with a 2-1 divisional record and 3-2 conference mark.

No. 17: New Orleans Saints (4-3)

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 24: Anthony Waters #59 of the New Orleans Saints runs on the field during player introductions before playing against the Cleveland Browns at the Louisiana Superdome on October 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Browns defeate

The New Orleans Saints offense was stunned by a superior secondary on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, dropping a 30-17 decision while moving to 4-3 overall.

New Orleans is currently in third place in the NFC South, claiming a 4-2 conference mark while going 2-1 in divisional play.

No. 16: Seattle Seahawks (4-2)

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 24: Wide receiver Mike Williams #17 of the Seattle Seahawks rushes against Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie #29 of the Arizona Cardinals at Qwest Field on October 24, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The Seahawks rolled to a 22-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s Week 7 showdown, improving Seattle’s overall record to 4-2.

Seattle is currently in first place in the NFC West, going 3-1 in conference play and 2-1 in divisional play.

No. 15: Tennessee Titans (4-2)

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 24: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the while defended by Asante Samuel #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles at LP Field on October 24, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won 37-19. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty

The Tennessee Titans destroyed the Philadelphia Eagles, 37-19, on Sunday afternoon to improve to 4-2 overall on the 2010 NFL season.

Tennessee is currently in first place in the AFC South—and although just 2-2 in the conference, the team holds a 1-0 divisional mark.

No. 14: Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3)

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Todd Bauman #4 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in action during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 24, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7, falling 42-20 while moving to 3-3 overall.

Jacksonville is currently in last place in the AFC South and has lost two straight contests.

No. 13: Houston Texans (4-2)

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HOUSTON - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Matt Schaub #8 of the Houton Texans scrambles out of the pocket as he looks for a receiver agasint the Kasnas City Chiefs at Reliant Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The Houston Texans remain at No. 13 in this week’s NFL power rankings, taking a bye week and 4-2 overall record into a Monday Night showdown with the Indianapolis Colts.

Houston is currently in second place in the AFC South, going 3-0 in conference play while holding a 1-0 record in divisional play.

No. 12: Arizona Cardinals (3-3)

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 24: Running back Tim Hightower #34 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes against Marcus Trufant #23 and Lawyer Milloy #36 of the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on October 24, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 2

The Arizona Cardinals lost to the Seattle Seahawks, 22-10, on Sunday afternoon—dropping the team’s overall record to 3-3 in 2010.

Arizona is currently in second place in the NFC West, going 1-1 in the division and 2-2 in conference play.

No. 11: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)

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TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 24: Tightend Kellen Winslow #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cannot bring in this pass as safety Oshiomogho Atogwe #21 of the St. Louis Rams breaks it up during the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Tampa, Florida.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4-2 overall this season, picked up a 18-17 victory over the St. Louis Rams in Week 7.

Tampa Bay is currently in second place in the NFC South, holding a 2-1 record in conference play and going 1-1 in the division.

No. 10: Kansas City Chiefs (4-2)

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 24: Derrick Johnson #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball in for a touchdown after making an interception during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 24, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missour

The Kansas City Chiefs picked up a 42-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon, improving to 4-2 overall this season.

Kansas City is currently in first place in the AFC West, going 3-2 in conference play and 1-0 in the division.

No. 9: Washington Redskins (4-2)

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 24: Ryan Torain #46 of the Washington Redskins runs past Tim Jennings #26 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Redskins defeated the Bears 17-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Washington Redskins defeated the Chicago Bears, 17-14, in Week 7 while improving to 4-2 overall in 2010.

Washington is currently in second place in the NFC East, holding a 2-0 divisional record while going 4-1 in conference play.

No. 8: Chicago Bears (4-3)

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 24: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears avoids a tackle attempt by Carlos Rogers #22 of the Washington Redskins at Soldier Field on October 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Redskins defeated the Bears 17-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel

The Chicago Bears fell to the Washington Redskins, 17-14, on Sunday afternoon to drop to 4-3 overall.

Chicago is currently in first place in the NFC North, going 2-0 in the division while garnering a 4-3 conference mark.

No. 7: Indianapolis Colts (4-2)

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LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 17: Austin Collie #17 of the Indianapolis Colts moves the ball upfield after making a reception against Kareem Moore #41 of the Washington Redskins at FedExField on October 17, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Win McNamee/Gett

The Indianapolis Colts, 4-2 overall this season, remain at No. 7 in the Week 8 NFL power rankings and will be entering a Monday Night showdown with the Houston Texans fresh off a bye week.

Indianapolis is currently in third place in the AFC South, garnering a 2-2 conference mark while holding a 0-2 record in divisional play.

No. 6: Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1)

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MIAMI - OCTOBER 24: Running back Mewelde Moore #21 is tackled by safety Chris Clemons #30 of the Miami at Sun Life Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are continuing to find ways to win, stealing a 23-22 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon to improve to 5-1 overall.

Pittsburgh is currently in first place in the AFC North, going 1-1 in the division and 3-1 in the conference.

No. 5: Atlanta Falcons (5-2)

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Jason Snelling #44 of the Atlanta Falcons is tackled by Chinedum Ndukwe #41 of the Cincinnati Bengals at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Falcons picked up a 39-32 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7, improving the team’s overall 2010 record to 5-2.

Atlanta is currently in first place in the NFC South, going 1-0 in divisional play and 3-1 in the conference.

No. 4: Baltimore Ravens (5-2)

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BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 24: Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens returns an interception against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Bills 37-34. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

The Baltimore Ravens battled back to secure a 37-34 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon to improve to 5-2.

Baltimore is currently in second place in the AFC North with a 2-1 record in the division and 5-2 mark in conference play.

No. 3: New York Jets (5-1)

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DENVER - OCTOBER 17: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets celebrates his touchdown against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The New York Jets had a bye week on Sunday, and will be entering Week 8’s gridiron games with a 5-1 overall record and a No. 3 ranking in the latest NFL power rankings.

The Jets are currently in first place in the AFC East, going 3-0 in divisional play while garnering a 4-1 conference mark.

No. 2: New York Giants (5-2)

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 25: Running back Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants runs for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on October 25, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The New York Giants picked up a wild 41-35 beat-down win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7’s Monday Night Football game, improving the team’s overall record to 5-2.

The Giants are currently in first place in the NFC East, going 4-0 in the conference and 1-0 in the division.

No. 1: New England Patriots (5-1)

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England throws the ball against the San Diego Chargers during their NFL game on October 24, 2010 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

The New England Patriots remain the team to beat, and still hold the No. 1 ranking in this week’s NFL power rankings after picking up a 23-20 win over the San Diego Chargers on Sunday afternoon to improve to 5-1.

New England is currently in second place in the AFC East, holding a 2-1 divisional record while going 5-1 in conference play.

Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at [e-mail]