NFL Week 8 Power Rankings: Cowboys, Chiefs, 49ers Among Risers after Week 7

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NFL Week 8 Power Rankings: Cowboys, Chiefs, 49ers Among Risers after Week 7

Matt Johnson · Sportsnaut

Mon, Oct 20, 2025 ·

16 min read

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A day after we saw chaos in college football, the National Football League delivered a bit more normalcy in Week 8. Many of the best NFL teams in 2025 demonstrated why they are great, though, there were a few surprises and one insane fourth-quarter comeback.

As Sunday's action draws to a close, let's dive into our NFL Week 8 Power Rankings. We'll have updates for the teams that play on Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the best NFL team right now. Every club is dealing with injuries, and Tampa Bay is no exception. Entering Week 7, the Buccaneers are without Chris Godwin , Emeka Egbuka , Bucky Irving , Calijah Kancey , and Luke Goedeke . It hasn't mattered, as Baker Mayfield is playing like the front-runner for NFL MVP. Heading into this Monday Night Football matchup against a banged-up Lions defense, Mayfield can absolutely deliver another primetime victory.

2. Indianapolis Colts (2)

What else do the Indianapolis Colts have left to prove? The offensive line and receiving corps in Shane Steichen's system have provided the perfect supporting cast for Daniel Jones , especially with defenses still having to respect Jonathan Taylor in the backfield amid his All-Pro season. Defensively, Indianapolis just delivered one of its best performances of the season even with top corner Charvarius Ward on IR. Indianapolis is the Super Bowl contender we didn't see coming, but it's undeniable at this point.

3. Detroit Lions (3)

Injuries and a bit of inexperience (coordinators and interior offensive line) caught up to the Detroit Lions in their loss to Kansas City. It won't get any easier in a Monday Night Football matchup against Tampa Bay, especially since the Buccaneers can take away what the Lions do best—run the football. Still, Dan Campbell's team has proven it's better than just about anyone at rebounding from a tough loss. If the Lions win on Monday night, they'll reclaim the No. 1 spot in the NFL power rankings.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (5)

This is the Kansas City Chiefs offense now. Patrick Mahomes has a deep threat ( Tyquan Thornton ) that defenses have to respect, an offensive weapon ( Xavier Worthy ) and two chain-movers ( Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice ) who consistently get open. Oh, he also is playing with far more confidence in his offensive line than he has in years. The only thing Kansas City's offense is missing is an explosive running back, but there's a chance of that being found at the NFL trade deadline.

5. Seattle Seahawks (4)

The Seattle Seahawks have quietly become one of the best NFL teams in 2025. Entering Week 7, Seattle ranks sixth in scoring defense ( 19.5 PPG ) and the offense ranks fifth in scoring and top 10 in total yards per game. The advanced metrics, EPA per Play, also have this as a top-10 offense and defense. If Sam Darnold can survive the Texans ' pass rush on Monday Night Football—overcoming the biggest concern with this Seahawks team—it might be time to view Seattle as a Super Bowl contender.

6. Green Bay Packers (6)

Micah Parsons earned his money on Sunday. Not only did the All-Pro edge rusher contribute 3 sacks on his own, but his very presence proved essential in the team setting a season-high in six. We could knock the Green Bay Packers for putting themselves in a position where they nearly lost to Arizona , but the Cardinals have taken the Colts, 49ers , and Seahawks to the brink this season too. Now, the Packers get to unleash Parsons on Aaron Rodgers while hoping Jordan Love outduels his mentor.

7. Buffalo Bills (8)

It's not a given that this Buffalo Bills defense will improve coming out of the bye. During their recent two-game losing streak, Buffalo allowed opponents to average 8.1 yards per attempt, and this unit has been pretty abysmal against the run (156.3 rush ypg, 5.8 ypc allowed). Josh Allen , behind an elite offensive line, is still an incredible force who will propel Buffalo to double-digit victories and likely the AFC East crown, but there's now real reason to question if Buffalo can overcome its defensive issues come playoff time.

8. Los Angeles Rams (13)

No Puka Nacua ? No problem for the Los Angeles Rams . Matthew Stafford still threw five touchdowns, connecting with 10 different receivers in a remarkably efficient performance. The most impressive showing, of course, came from the Rams' defensive line, which generated 11 QB hits and 7 sacks. Los Angeles will get Nacua back following its Week 8 bye, and Sean McVay has to feel like his team should have an even better record if not for some special teams woes.

9. Denver Broncos (11)

The Denver Broncos trailed the Eagles 17-3 entering the fourth quarter and then witnessed Bo Nix lead an 18-point comeback for the victory. Evidently, that was just the opening act. Denver's outlook seemed bleak late on Sunday afternoon at home, trailing New York 19-0 in the fourth quarter. Again, Nix led a comeback and then had to watch the defense give it up with less than a minute left. So, he just pulled out another miracle drive to win another one with a 33-point fourth quarter. There's just something about this franchise and quarterbacks who struggle for three quarters and then lead fourth-quarter comebacks that will be remembered for months.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (12)

It would be an understatement to say the Philadelphia Eagles needed that one. DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown took full advantage of a Vikings' secondary that had far less talent, with Jalen Hurts taking full advantage on multiple downfield strikes. At the very least, the Eagles' passing game was explosive on Sunday and that was especially true in crunch time. We are still a bit suspect of this Eagles defnese, but right now the victory is all that matters for Philadelphia.

11. New England Patriots (14)

The New England Patriots schedule has given Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel a real shot at a 10-win season in 2025. This legitimately looks like a very good team right now. New England has a strong defense now that everyone is healthy, which is one of the best supporting elements a young franchise quarterback can have. Vrabel should feel particularly good about Rhamondre Stevenson rewarding him for sticking with the veteran, as Maye's early success came largely without a stable run game until now. The Patriots are poised to make it five consecutive wins and improve to a 6-2 record with a matchup against the Browns upcoming

12. Pittsburgh Steelers (10)

The lone bright spot for the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out of that Thursday Night Football loss is that Aaron Rodgers wasn't seriously injured when 311-pound lineman Broderick Jones tackled him to the ground . Pittsburgh had an opportunity to almost coast to an AFC North win if it could beat Cincinnati in Week 7. Instead, the Steelers' defense reverted to the form we saw in September. The timing couldn't be worse either, as the upcoming Steelers schedule pits them against three of the best NFL teams in 2025 (Packers, Colts, Chargers ), with other tough matchups ahead as well.

13. San Francisco 49ers (17)

You just have to tip your cap to Kyle Shanahan, Robert Saleh and Christian McCaffrey . Playing that well defensively without both Nick Bosa and Fred Warner is simply remarkable. Likewise, Shanahan continues to make this offense function when it needs to with Mac Jones under center and CMC was phenomenal tonight every time he touched the football.

14. Chicago Bears (18)

Ben Johnson finally has a run game. Development from Caleb Williams is great, but what's crucial to this offense being effective is a ground game that Johnson knows he can depend on. In the last two games, Chicago Bears running backs D'Andre Swift (232) and Kyle Monangai (100) have combined for 332 rushing yards. That rushing attack will be crucial to beating a healthier and motivated Ravens team in Week 8.

15. Los Angeles Chargers (14)

Every team is dealing with significant injuries at this point in the season, but no unit is as banged up as the Los Angeles Chargers offensive line. Most weeks, it just makes it nearly impossible for this offense to function even at a league-average level. Unfortunately for Justin Herbert , Los Angeles faces the Vikings' pass rush in Week 8. For Los Angeles to have any shot to win, it will require a defensive clinic, and that side of the ball isn't playing near that level as of late. The Chargers avoid a big drop in our NFL Power Rankings, but that drop will likely come next Sunday.

16. Dallas Cowboys (22)

Credit to the Dallas Cowboys for putting Washington into the one position it couldn't afford to fall into. Dallas' offense jumpted outto an early 20-8 lead, forcing the Commanders to abandon the run game and play catch-up with their top three receivers sidelined. It was over after that. This game doesn't erase the concerns abotu the Cowboys' defense long-term, but the return of CeeDee Lamb could help Dak Prescott and Co. overcome this defense even more often in the weeks to come.

17. Atlanta Falcons (7)

Just like that, we're back to wondering if the Atlanta Falcon are going to wast the season when they finally have a good defense. Michael Penix Jr. and Bijan Robinson both stood little chance behind that offensive line on Sunday Night Football and it's not like San Francisco was renowned for its excellence up front coming into Week 7. The Falcons now have two inexplicable losses on their resume this year. On paper, they should roll through Miami next Sunday, but that's clearly never a given with this team.

18. Jacksonville Jaguars (9)

What has happened to the Jacksonville Jaguars ? In their first four games this season, Jacksonville allowed just 3 sacks of Trevor Lawrence and its rushing attack averaged 144 rush ypg and 5 ypc . In these lastt wo losses, Lawrence has been sacked 14 times and Jacksonville is averaging just 76.5 rushing yards per game. It's all fallen apart right ahead of the Week 8 bye, with Jacksonville now opening up a window for the Texans to jump them in the AFC South.

19. Washington Commanders (15)

There's nothing left to make this passing game function. We might only be a week away from Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel rejoining this Washington Commanders offense, but now Jayden Daniels (hamstring) could miss Week 8. If that's not bad enough for Washington, its defense has fallen apart in the last two games before facing Patrick Mahomes and a Chiefs' offense that looks unstoppable. Last season's success seems so far away right now, especially since this year is going to get even more painful.

20. Carolina Panthers (21)

The Carolina Panthers have a winning record entering Week 8 for the first time since 2019 . Victories over the likes of the Dolphins, Cowboys and Jets might not hold much weight to many, but Carolina also blew the doors off Atlanta 30-0 back in Week 3. Once again, the story for the Panthers is the continued success of Rico Dowdle (96 scrimmage yards) and this stifling run defense. It's highly improbable that either of those will be enough to beat either the Bills or Packers in the next two games, but Carolina would still be just one game below .500 if it loses both those matchups.

21. Houston Texans (20)

Monday Night Football is the test we've been waiting to see for this Houston Texans offense. The offense looked outstanding in its last five quarters before the bye, but that success came versus the Tennessee Titans and an injury-decimated Baltimore Ravens defense. Seattle's unit is a completely different force to be reckoned with. Houston's defense can make it a close game, but whether the Texans can make it three straight victories with their biggest win of the season all comes down to the offensive line.

22. Cincinnati Bengals (25)

Hope remains for the Cincinnati Bengals . There will be 'lows' with Joe Flacco , but this Bengals' offense is happy to take the bad that comes with the explosive plays and feeding Ja'Marr Chase. Now at 3-4, Cincinnati has a viable path to climbing above .500 before the bye as long as it can win at home versus the Jets and Bears.

23. Minnesota Vikings (19)

The fact that the Minnesota Vikings would start Carson Wentz against his former team is not a promising indicator of what this coaching staff thinks of J.J. McCarthy's readiness to start. Wentz has long been a poor decision-maker, and many of his mistakes, amplified by a banged-up offensive line, came back to haunt Minnesota in Week 7. Now 3-3 on the season, the Vikings' upcoming schedule—at Chargers, at Lions, vs. Ravens, vs. Bears, at Seahawks and vs. Commanders—means there is a very strong possibility this team will be below .500 come December.

24. New York Giants (23)

We could focus on the fact that two missed extra-points are responsible for why the New York Giants lost in Denver on Sunday. However, that would also be letting the rest of this team off the hook for allowing THIRTY-THREE POINTS in the fourth quarter. It's unfathomable, but New York found a way to do it. Just when it felt like this team was in a new era under Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo , the same ol' Giants appear. It's maddening for fans, but at least the three rookies (Dart, Skattebo and Abdul Carter ) offer hope for the future.

25. Arizona Cardinals (24)

The Arizona Cardinals seem like a glutton for punishment. They led for nearly all four quarters on Sunday against Green Bay and then collapsed again. There are truly moments, as we've seen against the Seahawks, Packers, 49ers, and Colts, where it looks like this could be one of the best NFL teams in 2025. Then, the Cardinals implode. It's happened with different starting quarterbacks, too. At some point, the blame has to fall on the head coach.

26. Baltimore Ravens (31)

There's a glimmer of hope for the Baltimore Ravens coming out of the Week 7 bye. Because of the Steelers' TNF loss, the Ravens are now just three games back of first place in the AFC North. That's with Lamar Jackson and Roquan Smith set to rejoin the team in Week 8. The Ravens schedule–Bears, Dolphins, Vikings, Browns, Jets, Bengals, Steelers– also gives this team a path to climbing out of its 1-5 hole.

27. Cleveland Browns (29)

The Cleveland Browns were perfectly positioned to crush Miami, especially given the weather conditions. Quinshon Judkins continues to prove that he can be the centerpiece of this offense for years to come, and Cleveland is still fielding a top-five defense. Those are two great building blocks for a young quarterback, but that caliber of passer is not currently on the Browns' roster.

28. New Orleans Saints (26)

It feels like Spencer Rattler heard all the national buzz about playing well enough to take the New Orleans Saints out of the quarterback market in the 2026 NFL Draft and decided to remind everyone there is another side to his play. That said, Rattler's performance in the first two months of the season, combined with how poorly the 2026 quarterback class has played, makes it a smarter bet to keep building the core of this roster. As for the game itself, New Orleans simply lost to a much better team.

29. Las Vegas Raiders (28)

The Las Vegas Raiders are nearing rock bottom. With the Chiefs' offense recapturing its elite form, the Raiders' defense was embarrassed on Sunday afternoon. For once, there isn't much blame placed on Geno Smith 's shoulders, but he's clearly not going to make things any better. The Raiders made a bit of a gamble this offseason by acquiring Smith and betting on Pete Carroll, who is now 74 years old, to still have something left in the tank. If there is one glimmer of hope, it is that many around the NFL remain high on the first-year Raiders general manager's chances of rebuilding this roster.

30. Tennessee Titans (30)

The real victory for the Tennessee Titans came days before their Week 7 matchup, with ehad coach Mike McDaniel fired. Proverbial icing on the cake arrived on Sunday, with rookie Cam Ward delivering his best performance of the season. It didn't result in a win, those are nearly impossible to come by with this Titans roster, but Ward's game at least showed more glimpses of what he's capable of once Tennessee provides him with a better supporting cast.

31. Miami Dolphins (27)

We can't wait to see who Tua Tagovailoa throws under the bus this time. Firing Mike McDaniel might fix the Miami Dolphins ' lack of culture and could bring some accountability to the organization. That said, the next head coach will not make much of a difference if Tagovailoa and general manager Chris Grier remain. Miami needs a full house cleaning. That is the only solution. Unfortunately, that is not a given with owner Stephen Ross as the fan base knows all too well.

32. New York Jets (32)

Well, at least Aaron Glenn made the change at quarterback. The frustration from New York Jets fans is justified. Glenn waited far too long to bench Justin Fields . His decisions at the end of the first half in the last two games are inexcusable. However, the calls for him to be fired are still premature. This is a multi-year rebuild, and it's worth giving this new regime at least two full years. After all, many fans called for Dan Campbell to be fired after he went 4-19-1 in his first 24 games. Just have a little patience.

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