Each week of the NFL season, The Baltimore Sun will rank all 32 NFL groups. The rankings will bear in mind not simply weekly efficiency, accidents and roster depth, however how effectively every group measures up as Super Bowl contenders.
Here are the rankings heading into Week 8:
1. Kansas City Chiefs (6-1, No. 1 final week)
Last week: Win vs. Chargers, 31-17
Up subsequent: at Broncos
Perhaps flying below the radar is the truth that, along with having the most effective passing duo within the league in Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the Chiefs even have one of many league’s greatest defenses. In truth, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell ranks Kansas City second behind solely the Browns, citing improved depth below longtime defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. That makes the Chiefs the clear favorites practically midway by the common season.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (6-1, No. 4)
Last week: Win vs. Dolphins, 31-17
Up subsequent: at Commanders
Based on their document and previous efficiency, the Eagles actually have the resume of a Super Bowl contender. But there’s some trigger for concern with quarterback Jalen Hurts, who ranks second within the NFL with 10 turnovers after committing two extra Sunday night time, together with a pick-six within the third quarter that tied the sport. Philadelphia has been good, however not nice, and that may very well be the distinction within the postseason. Maybe the commerce for Titans star security Kevin Byard will push the protection again into the highest tier.
3. Ravens (5-2, No. 9)
Last week: Win vs. Lions, 38-6
Up subsequent: at Cardinals
Now that’s the Super Bowl contender everybody hoped to see. With a masterful efficiency from Lamar Jackson — who vaulted himself again to the highest of the NFL Most Valuable Player race — and one other lockdown effort from the protection, the Ravens proved they’re a group to be feared. Rarely are assertion wins so decisive; in line with the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the third-largest margin of victory in opposition to a group with the NFL’s greatest document coming into Week 7 or later. Opposing defensive coordinators needed to be spooked by what they noticed Sunday, as Jackson unfold the ball round to 9 receivers and the working recreation delivered its acquainted ruthless effectivity. Add a protection that has been directed superbly by coordinator Mike Macdonald — whose inventive pressures have helped pile up a league-leading 29 sacks — and this group has all of the makings of a convention champion. Now, let’s see it two weeks in a row.
4. San Francisco 49ers (5-2, No. 2)
Last week: Loss vs. Vikings, 22-17
Up subsequent: vs. Bengals
For the primary time since Weeks 6-7 final season, the 49ers have misplaced back-to-back video games. It’s uncharted territory for Brock Purdy, who threw two interceptions within the fourth quarter Monday night time, together with the game-sealing one with 33 seconds left. Christian McCaffrey pushed his landing streak to 16 video games, however his fumble on the 49ers’ first possession price them factors. Perhaps most regarding is the play of the protection, which couldn’t get off the sector on third down and allowed 452 yards. This will not be the dominant group we thought it was by the primary 5 weeks of the season.
5. Miami Dolphins (5-2, No. 3)
Last week: Loss vs. Eagles, 31-17
Up subsequent: vs. Patriots
The Dolphins have performed solely two groups with successful information this season, and so they’ve misplaced to them each. That’s to not diminish what Miami has finished on offense with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, however there are weaknesses right here on the offensive line and on protection that good groups have been in a position to exploit. One silver lining? The Dolphins’ entrance seven has come on sturdy of late, together with 16 pressures and three sacks Sunday night time in Philadelphia.
6. Dallas Cowboys (4-2, No. 7)
Last week: Bye
Up subsequent: vs. Rams
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2, No. 8)
Last week: Win vs. Saints, 31-24
Up subsequent: at Steelers
Like the Ravens, the Jaguars have had the same downside placing groups away. They entered the fourth quarter Thursday night time main 24-9 however wanted a late landing cross from Trevor Lawrence to win after permitting the tying rating. Four straight wins is spectacular, irrespective of the competitors, however there was loads of luck concerned. Jacksonville leads the league with 16 turnovers, an unsustainably excessive fee that would regress to the imply on the worst time.
8. Buffalo Bills (4-3, No. 6)
Last week: Loss vs. Patriots, 29-25
Up subsequent: vs. Buccaneers
It’s formally time to be involved concerning the Bills. Close losses to division rivals occur on a regular basis, however there’s no purpose Buffalo needs to be trailing this Patriots group by two scores within the fourth quarter. Most regarding are the routine sluggish begins; over the previous three video games, the Bills have averaged 5.7 factors within the first three quarters. Relying on Josh Allen for some late magic each week isn’t going to work. There are extra harm considerations, too, with tight finish Dawson Knox present process wrist surgical procedure and defensive tackles DaQuan Jones (pectoral) and Ed Oliver (toe) sidelined.
9. Detroit Lions (5-2, No. 5)
Last week: Loss vs. Ravens, 38-6
Up subsequent: vs. Raiders
How the Lions reply to their beatdown in Baltimore can be telling. Detroit was used to imposing its will on each side of the ball throughout its sturdy begin, but coach Dan Campbell’s group didn’t appear like it belonged on the identical subject because the Ravens. The Lions had some notable absences Sunday, together with working again David Montgomery and cornerback Jerry Jacobs, however that’s no excuse for falling behind 28-0 within the first half.
10. Cleveland Browns (4-2, No. 10)
Last week: Win vs. Colts, 39-38
Up subsequent: at Seahawks
It may appear odd to say for a group that allowed 38 factors, however the protection received the sport for the Browns on Sunday. More particularly, star defensive finish Myles Garrett, who recorded two sacks, pressured two fumbles and blocked a subject objective try. But nearly as good because the protection is, the eye this week can be on quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was pulled after an unpleasant begin after lacking two video games with a shoulder harm. Coach Kevin Stefanski stated Monday the Browns have been nonetheless “gathering information” on it however that Watson remains to be the chief of the group. The offense has appeared a lot better with apply squad call-up PJ Walker below heart, which is a nasty signal for Cleveland’s $230 million funding.
11. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3, No. 11)
Last week: Bye
Up subsequent: at 49ers
12. Seattle Seahawks (4-2, No. 12)
Last week: Win vs. Cardinals, 20-10
Up subsequent: vs. Browns
With star receiver DK Metcalf out, rookies Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo every caught a landing cross within the first half to assist Seattle escape with a win Sunday. Geno Smith threw an interception on the Arizona 1-yard line within the third quarter and fumbled a snap in Seattle territory early within the fourth, persevering with a curiously uneven stretch for the veteran quarterback. The protection has helped carry the way in which, nevertheless, permitting simply 4.7 yards per play, and may very well be seeing a breakout season from 2022 second-round choose Boye Mafe, who has a sack in every of the previous 4 video games. That could be large, particularly if Uchenna Nwosu misses time with a strained pectoral muscle.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2, No. 17)
Last week: Win vs. Rams, 24-17
Up subsequent: vs. Jaguars
It’s been ugly at instances, however the Steelers simply preserve successful. They solely had three factors and 91 yards at halftime Sunday, but they scored on three of their first 4 drives of the second half after T.J. Watt intercepted a cross on the opening play of the third quarter. Kenny Pickett got here alive within the fourth, going 7-for-7 for 138 yards together with a pleasant back-shoulder throw to George Pickens — a staple of this Matt Canada offense. Pittsburgh won’t stack up effectively with the AFC’s elite, however coach Mike Tomlin has at all times saved this group within the combine to the bitter finish.
14. Minnesota Vikings (3-4, No. 25)
Last week: Win vs. 49ers, 22-17
Up subsequent: at Packers
This Vikings group may be … higher than the one which received 13 video games final season? A press release win over the 49ers, led by two landing catches from rookie Jordan Addison and two interceptions by Camryn Bynum, offers loads of hope for a Minnesota group that has quietly received three of 4 since beginning 0-3. Kirk Cousins delivered an unbelievable efficiency Monday, significantly on third down, and completed 9 of 12 for 201 yards and two touchdowns on passes over 10 air yards. This may very well be a harmful playoff group.
15. Atlanta Falcons (4-3, No. 21)
Last week: Win vs. Buccaneers, 16-13
Up subsequent: at Titans
The Falcons tried to provide the sport away Sunday, however the Bucs wouldn’t take it. Desmond Ridder fumbled thrice within the crimson zone, together with on the 1-yard line on a run that may have given Atlanta a 10-point lead within the fourth quarter. It was a maddening offensive efficiency, made much more so by the confusion surrounding Bijan Robinson’s availability, which was later defined because the rookie working again affected by complications. The Falcons are in first place within the NFC South, however this group doesn’t have the look of a division champion.
16. Los Angeles Rams (3-4, No. 13)
Last week: Loss vs. Steelers, 24-17
Up subsequent: at Cowboys
If the Steelers don’t get a beneficiant spot on a quarterback sneak to transform a fourth-and-1 on the Los Angeles 38 on the ultimate snap earlier than the two-minute warning, maybe this Rams season feels totally different. They’ve been aggressive in each recreation and have one of many league’s greatest offenses due to rookie receiver Puka Nacua, however they haven’t been in a position to string collectively wins. It positive looks like a rebuilding 12 months.
17. Houston Texans (3-3, No. 18)
Last week: Bye
Up subsequent: at Panthers
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3, No. 13)
Last week: Loss vs. Falcons, 16-13
Up subsequent: at Bills
The Bucs are nonetheless in rivalry to win the NFC South, however they’re going nowhere quick with an offense that has struggled to attain. They’re averaging simply 17.2 factors per recreation, making Baker Mayfield’s fourth-quarter interception to finish a promising drive Sunday all of the extra painful. Nine penalties and three.7 yards per carry isn’t going to chop it, irrespective of how good the protection is.
19. New York Jets (3-3, No. 19)
Last week: Bye
Up subsequent: vs. Jets
20. Indianapolis Colts (3-4, No. 22)
Last week: Loss vs. Browns, 39-38
Up subsequent: vs. Saints
It was the total Gardner Minshew expertise Sunday, as he dedicated 4 turnovers but additionally averaged 13.3 yards per try and accounted for 4 touchdowns in opposition to maybe the league’s greatest protection. The Colts might want to journey that curler coaster so long as rookie Anthony Richardson is out, however first-year coach Shane Steichen’s group has been a lot better than anticipated.
21. Los Angeles Chargers (2-4, No. 16)
Last week: Loss vs. Chiefs, 31-17
Up subsequent: vs. Bears
This is beginning to really feel like the tip of the road for this Chargers regime. Coach Brandon Staley constructed his popularity on protection, and Los Angeles allowed 24 factors and 321 passing yards within the first half Sunday. The Chargers wanted their stars to paved the way to choose up that elusive postseason victory, but accidents and ineffective play have held them again. Asking Justin Herbert to hold the group with a fractured finger is a becoming scenario for this franchise.
22. Washington Commanders (3-4, No. 15)
Last week: Loss vs. Giants, 14-7
Up subsequent: vs. Eagles
How lengthy can the Commanders keep on with their Sam Howell experiment? The first-year starter has taken a league-high 40 sacks this season, which have killed drives and set the offense again. Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen’s frustration is warranted given how few indicators of progress there have been over his seven seasons in Washington. A training change feels inevitable, and a brand new quarterback may quickly comply with.
23. New Orleans Saints (3-4, No. 20)
Last week: Loss vs. Jaguars, 31-24
Up subsequent: at Colts
If tight finish Foster Moreau hangs on to that cross to the again of the tip zone with 30 seconds left Thursday, perhaps the Saints enter their mini-bye sitting in first place within the division. Instead, they’ll face extra questions on an offense that has put up empty stats below quarterback Derek Carr. They’ve scored a landing on simply 9 of 24 journeys contained in the crimson zone, a 37.5% fee that ranks fifth-worst within the NFL.
24. Denver Broncos (2-5, No. 31)
Last week: Win vs. Packers, 19-17
Up subsequent: vs. Chiefs
For all of the criticism the Broncos have obtained for his or her horrible begin to the season, Russell Wilson has not been the issue. The 34-year-old quarterback ranks seventh in passer ranking, forward of extra celebrated stars corresponding to Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert and Trevor Lawrence. The protection has been the larger downside, rating final in DVOA, however it held up lengthy sufficient Sunday to assist safe the win.
25. Tennessee Titans (2-4, No. 26)
Last week: Bye
Up subsequent: vs. Falcons
26. Chicago Bears (2-5, No. 28)
Last week: Win vs. Raiders, 30-12
Up subsequent: at Chargers
With the caveat that his common depth of goal was 2 yards Sunday, former Division II quarterback Tyson Bagent was environment friendly and averted errors in serving to Chicago finish a 10-game house shedding streak. At the very least, the Bears needs to be aggressive as they anticipate starter Justin Fields to return.
27. New England Patriots (2-5, No. 30)
Last week: Win vs. Bills, 29-25
Up subsequent: at Dolphins
Mac Jones delivered the second game-winning drive of his NFL profession, and it couldn’t have come at a greater time. His landing cross to Mike Gesicki with 12 seconds left will at the least preserve questions on his long-term outlook because the starter at bay for one more week. Bill Belichick is now the third coach in NFL historical past with 300 regular-season victories, however it doesn’t appear like he’ll get many extra this 12 months except this win sparks a dramatic turnaround.
28. New York Giants (2-5, No. 29)
Last week: Win vs. Commanders, 14-7
Up subsequent: vs. Jets
Do the Giants have a Daniel Jones downside? It’s arduous to disregard how a lot better the offense has appeared with backup Tyrod Taylor below heart, regardless that it’s solely produced 23 factors in two video games. Perhaps New York would have been higher off using with a stopgap quarterback this season fairly than giving Jones a brand new contract. It’s nonetheless early, however the strain is on for the 26-year-old to show himself when he returns from a neck harm.
29. Las Vegas Raiders (3-4, No. 23)
Last week: Loss vs. Bears, 30-12
Up subsequent: at Lions
Without Jimmy Garoppolo, that is an unserious group. Brian Hoyer and Aidan O’Connell mixed to common 4.5 yards per try and threw three interceptions Sunday, and the working recreation averaged simply 2.8 yards per carry. There should not many explanation why coach Josh McDaniels ought to preserve this job for for much longer.
30. Arizona Cardinals (1-6, No. 27)
Last week: Loss vs. Seahawks, 20-10
Up subsequent: vs. Ravens
The Cardinals’ protection did its job Sunday, however the offense turned three Seattle turnovers into simply three factors. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs has struggled three weeks in a row after a surprisingly sturdy begin, with Arizona now slipping to twenty eighth within the NFL in passing (180.9 yards per recreation). The working recreation stays the group’s solely energy.
31. Green Bay Packers (2-4, No. 24)
Last week: Loss vs. Broncos, 19-17
Up subsequent: vs. Vikings
Make that three straight losses for Green Bay — and it may simply be 5 in a row if not for the Packers overcoming a 17-0 fourth-quarter deficit in opposition to the Saints in Week 3. The essential story popping out of Sunday’s debacle was coach Matt LaFleur reaffirming his religion in Jordan Love, which isn’t one thing you need to hear halfway by a quarterback’s first season because the starter. Injuries have taken their toll on offense, however Love hasn’t met expectations thus far.
32. Carolina Panthers (0-6, No. 32)
Last week: Bye
Up subsequent: vs. Texans
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Source: www.bostonherald.com