NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Which Teams Only Project Up From Here?

Now that we're almost halfway through the season, it's apparent that we can tell who are already locks for the postseason.

However, there are also teams on the upswing who are going to definitely cause some parity as we come down the stretch.

Dallas Cowboys (3-3)

Had it not been for two choke-jobs and an ugly performance in New England, Dallas could very well be 6-0 right now. Each of their three losses have come by an average of less than four points, and a total off 11 points.

At the moment it appears Big D is getting healthier and more synergistic each week. The route of the Rams was just a minor stepping stone, but an important one, as they now begin to really build some confidence.

And with a favorable schedule, the Cowboys could realistically finish 11-5 or 12-4. If there's one team the rest of the NFC needs to really keep an eye on it's Dallas.

Chicago Bears (4-3)

The London win over the Bucs' last week was a big game for Chicago, because not only are they 4-3 with having played lackluster football, but they're not just one game back of the Lions in the NFC North.

Perhaps that bye-week came at the right time as well, because although they've won two straight, in order for them to keep rolling, the offense really must buff out the rough spots. It also helps that they play the entire AFC West in a four game stretch, and they're capable of winning all four.

That said, they're first-half of the season W's over Atlanta and Tampa Bay of the NFC South is going to be a huge factor come time for the playoff race. So, if there's any NFC division that has a shot at getting three teams in the postseason, it's the NFC North as the Bears are clawing back.

Buffalo Bills (4-2)

Killing the Bills right now is the No. 30 ranked defense against the rush and pass. And although the schedule remaining is somewhat favorable, they're not going to win much more if they don't improve defensively.

At least improve the pass defense since so many teams throw the rock anyway. Also, Buffalo does have the No. 4 ranked rushing offense, so instead of airing it out all day, they need to really focus on the ground game to buy their defense some time to improve.

With five divisional games remaining, that's 50 percent of who's left on the schedule, therefore, going 3-2 outside the AFC East is imperative for them to gain that extra edge. Nonetheless, Buffalo is back on the rise, but could easily fall just as quickly if they keep choking on the road like they're two losses.

Week 8 NFL Power Rankings (LW = Last Week's Rank)

1. Green Bay Packers (7-0) (LW 1)	17. Oakland Raiders (4-3) (LW 9)
2. New England Patriots (5-1) (LW 3)	18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3) (LW 15)
3. New Orleans Saints (5-2) (LW 4)	19. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4) (LW 20)
4. San Francisco 49ers (5-1) (LW 5)	20. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3) (LW 23)
5. Baltimore Ravens (4-2) (LW 2)	21. Tennessee Titans (3-3) (LW 18)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) (LW 6)	22. Carolina Panthers (2-5) (LW 24)
7. New York Giants (4-2) (LW 10)	23. Denver Broncos (2-4) (LW 27)
8. Houston Texans (4-3) (LW 12)	24. Cleveland Browns (3-3) (LW 28)
9. Buffalo Bills (4-2) (LW 11)	25. Washington Redskins (3-3) (LW 21)
10. Detroit Lions (5-2) (LW 6)	26. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) (LW 29)
11. Chicago Bears (4-3) (LW 13)	27. Seattle Seahawks (2-4) (LW 22)
12. New York Jets (4-3) (LW 14)	28. Minnesota Vikings (1-6) (LW 25)
13. San Diego Chargers (4-2) (LW 8)	29. Arizona Cardinals (1-5) (LW 1-5)
14. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2) (LW 16)	30. St. Louis Rams (0-6) (LW 30)
15. Dallas Cowboys (3-3) (LW 17)	31. Indianapolis Colts (0-7) (LW 31)
16. Atlanta Falcons (4-3) (LW 19)	32. Miami Dolphins (0-6) (LW 32)

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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