NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Detroit Lions and Teams Dropping Fast

Remember when the Detroit Lions were 5-0 and on top of the world?

Well, two consecutive losses later, the Lions are proving they aren't invincible.

On top of that, starting quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered an ankle injury late in the Lions' 23-16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7.

Here are three teams dropping fast headed into Week 8 of the NFL season.

3. Detroit Lions (5-2)

I'm not going to say the sky is falling for the Lions because of two losses (because it isn't), but this team's rush defense continues to let them down, giving up 5.0 yards per carry through seven games.

This has been a trend throughout the season, and you wonder if this team can stop the run by the time this season's through.

The Lions will beat the Denver Broncos in Week 8, but they have to strengthen that rush defense if they expect to be an elite team in the National Football League.

2. San Diego Chargers (4-2)

It's almost not a surprise anymore when the Chargers flop.

They've constantly disappointed their fans despite having a lot of talent throughout the years, and they are one of the most inconsistent teams in the NFL.

There was no way the Chargers should have lost to the New York Jets in Week 7. The Jets were just coming off an ugly win against the Miami Dolphins, and nothing was in sync.

Instead, the Chargers gave up three touchdown passes to Mark Sanchez, and quarterback Philip Rivers disappointed yet again this season.

By the way, what has happened to Philip Rivers? He's thrown nine interceptions to just seven touchdowns so far, and he completed only 50 percent of his passes for 179 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions against the Jets. I understand the Jets have a solid pass defense, but Rivers is better than this.

1. Oakland Raiders (4-3)

Sorry, Raiders fans, but Carson Palmer isn't the answer.

The ironic thing is, Jason Campbell was, despite all his flaws.

When the Raiders elected to trade for Carson Palmer (giving up a first-round and second-round pick), they pretty much said Campbell wasn't wanted anymore.

Campbell was nothing special, but he did know the system, and the Raiders' resurgence last season came with him under center.

Palmer was a wild card. The Raiders basically threw away the progress they had made by hoping Palmer could all of a sudden revert back to his better days.

Well, Palmer isn't the same guy anymore, and a lot of people in the NFL already knew that. The Raiders not only traded away some of their future by trading for Palmer, they picked up an older quarterback who was past his prime and rusty.

The result was a 28-0 embarrassment to AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs at home.