Admin October 24, 2024
Lions hand Vikings first loss, Russell Wilson cooks in Steelers debut
Mackenzie Salmon breaks down the top storylines from Week 7 in the NFL.
Sports Seriously
With the midway point of the season drawing nearer and nearer, we’re starting to realize just which teams are actually contending for the Super Bowl this year. However, there are still some squads with numerous questions heading into Week 8.
Are the San Francisco 49ers still a competitive team with all of their injuries? Do the New York Jets need just one more friend of Aaron Rodgers to put it all together? Are the Cincinnati Bengals finally back and ready to compete in the AFC?
While nobody has clear answers to these questions, that hasn’t stopped NFL experts across the internet from analyzing those teams, trying to determine where they rank. Here’s what those very experts are saying as we approach Week 8.
NFL power rankings Week 8: Bucs, Vikings slip in reshuffled NFC picture
NFL Week 8 Power Rankings:
Nate Davis, USA Today: 49ers fall out of top-16
Davis writes, “With WR Brandon Aiyuk lost to a season-ending ACL injury, it’s now apparent this crew will never be whole in what is something of a “The Last Dance” situation. Depending on which wideouts can answer the bell in Week 8 against Dallas, the Niners might be relying on the likes of rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing.”
USA Today’s top-10:
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Baltimore Ravens
- Detroit Lions
- Minnesota Vikings
- Green Bay Packers
- Houston Texans
- Buffalo Bills
- Atlanta Falcons
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Washington Commanders
Eric Edholm, NFL.com: Chiefs reclaim No. 1 spot after Vikings loss
Regarding the Vikings, Edholm writes, “It has to be a little concerning to the Vikings that the Lions moved the ball with ease through the middle part of the game, especially against a defense that had been borderline elite this season, but in no way, shape or form should Sunday’s 31-29 loss be discrediting of Minnesota. Kevin O’Connell’s team lost its first game in the final seconds to a highly motivated, highly talented division rival.”
NFL.com’s top-10:
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Baltimore Ravens
- Detroit Lions
- Minnesota Vikings
- Buffalo Bills
- Green Bay Packers
- Washington Commanders
- Houston Texans
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Philadelphia Eagles
Thomas Valentine, Pro Football Focus: 49ers remain top-3
Valentine writes, “Despite facing the 27th-toughest schedule to date, the 49ers are 3-4 after losing to the Chiefs, 28-18. They’ll likely be down Brandon Aiyuk for an extended period, and Deebo Samuel also left Sunday’s game early. The vibes are not good in Santa Clara, but the offense is still sixth in EPA per play (0.062).”
PFF’s top-10:
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Baltimore Ravens
- San Francisco 49ers
- Detroit Lions
- Buffalo Bills
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Green Bay Packers
- Houston Texans
- Minnesota Vikings
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