NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Which Teams Are Already Peaking?

Regardless of what critics believe as to how the following three franchises performed in the season's first half, the second half won't shape up so well.

Whether they underachieved, overachieved or landed right where they're suppose to be, they have unfortunately already peaked.

New York Giants (4-2)

The Giants may be 4-2 and ranked in the top 10 below, but thanks to a gauntlet-esque schedule beginning in November, New York is going to have a tough time making the playoffs.

The Giants have games on the road at New England, San Francisco, New Orleans and Dallas, as well as a matchup with the Packers at home. That's five games right there they could very well lose, especially if they play like they did against Washington, Seattle and Arizona (despite beating the Cardinals).

And now with Dallas and Philadelphia really looking like they're making strides, it will be interesting to watch how New York responds. That said, don't get your hopes too high, Giants fans.

San Diego Chargers (4-2)

If the loss at the Jets told us anything, it's that San Diego not only has trouble winning on the road, but that they've played down to the level of their opponents this season.

Sure, TE Antonio Gates is back, but not only does he not play defense, but anyone will tell you that one player doesn't make a team. The Bolts' four wins have come against teams with a combined record of 6-19.

And all four of those wins were by no more than 10 points. With a not-so-easy schedule remaining, if the Chargers keep playing like they did in the first six weeks of the season, they'll be lucky to finish 8-8.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)

The only things keeping the Tampa Bay Bucs alive right now are their two divisional wins over Atlanta and New Orleans.

Unfortunately however, the Buccaneers only have three home games left compared to six away games. So, not only are the odds against them in that matter, but two of their three losses have come away from the Sombrero. Yes, they beat Minnesota on the road, but the Vikings are 1-6 so it's not all that impressive.

Additionally, their second half schedule opens up with New Orleans (away), Houston (home) and Green Bay (away) in Weeks 9, 10 and 11. Those games will be very telling of the 2011 Bucs. However, based on their inconsistency it would come as no surprise if they lose all three.

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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