Week 8 NFL Power Rankings | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Week 8 NFL Power Rankings

A tie, really?

1
Week 8 NFL Power Rankings
The Salt Lake Tribune

Am I the only one extremely frustrated and intrigued by this year's NFL season. I truly don't know who's Super Bowl worthy and who isn't. Unlike other years where a group of teams pulls away headed into the second half of the season, no one team has seemed to do that to this point. Honestly, I had a list of nine teams that I thought were worthy of being in this top five. After some thinking and deliberation, here are my power rankings this week.

1. The Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys were off this Sunday, but we're no closer to finding out whether this Dak Prescott thing is permanent or temporary. Nevertheless, I am at a point that I never thought I would be at. Headed into the second half of the season, I think two of the best three teams in league are in the NFC and I think the NFC East is the best division. More specifically, I think the Cowboys are the best team in the league this week. Despite not playing this week, I moved them up a few spots because of the Vikings loss and my refusal to believe the Patriots are all that good this year. In addition, they have the league's leading rusher, they're third in the league on 3rd down conversions and 2nd in the league in passing completion percentage. However, their defense, like the Patriots, is suspect. On the defensive side of the ball, their 27th in opposing QB completion percentage and 21st in passing yards allowed per game. Luckily, the rest of their division, aside from Washington, has average passing offenses. Still, that defense can come back to haunt them if their offense does not stay healthy.

Last Week: Bye

This Week: Home against The Philadelphia Eagles, 8:30 p.m. (Sunday Night Football)

2. The New England Patriots

The New England Patriots are the most interesting story in the NFL to me at this point in the season. The reason for them being so interesting is they are 6-1, while only beating two teams with a winning record. One of those teams was led by Brock Osweiler and the other was led by Landry Jones. I don't blame Tom Brady and Bill Belichick for this, but I am also not impressed by it. My skepticism doesn't come from Tom Brady's side of the ball, but rather the side of the ball that doesn't seem to get much attention, the defense. The Patriots are 18th in total defense and 21st on the 3rd down conversions. This is all while facing the likes of Charlie Whitehurst, Brock Osweiler, Ryan Tannehill, Landry Jones, Andy Dalton and Tyrod Taylor, who handed the Patriots their only loss this season. Luckily, the Patriots only have to play Tyrod Taylor one more time and the only elite quarterback they will play for the rest of the regular season is Russell Wilson.

Last Week: Win against The Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-16

This Week: At The Buffalo Bills, 1:00 p.m.

3. The Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles pulled off the upset by defeating the then undefeated Vikings at home on Sunday. Best of all, they avoided falling two games behind the Cowboys and have a chance to take the division lead on Sunday when they travel to Dallas. The one major question that remains for this team is whether Carson Wentz can be consistent. Will his performance against Detroit be an outlier or something you have to worry about week to week. We'll find out on Sunday because if you can't play well against the Cowboys defense, I don't know what to tell you. Also, those fans up in Philadelphia don't like losing at Dallas too often.

Last Week: Win against The Minnesota Vikings, 21-10

This Week: At The Dallas Cowboys, 8:30 p.m. (Sunday Night Football)

4. The Minnesota Vikings

Despite the Vikings falling for the first time this season, they are still a playoff team that will more than likely win their division and get a bye. The only thing stopping them is their quarterback play. The Vikings are last in total offense and 27th in passing, but 13th in total QBR and in the top ten in the league on 3rd down. As long as the Vikings continue to hide Sam Bradford's weaknesses, they should be fine until the postseason.

Last Week: Loss at The Philadelphia Eagles, 21-10

This Week: At The Chicago Bears, 8:00 p.m. (Monday Night Football)

5. The Seattle Seahawks

I seriously considered not putting them in the top five after making me sit through that television program that appeared to be a game of football last night. I want my time back. I want my mental energy back. I want all of it back. I demand a refund and I didn't even pay to go watch that live. All of those fans should get a piece of Russell Wilson's next contract. Nevertheless, the defense held up on its end. Hopefully, Russell Wilson can be a little bit more productive this Sunday against the turnstyle that is the New Orleans defensive unit.

Last Week: Tie with The Arizona Cardinals, 6-6

This Week: At The New Orleans Saints, 1:00 p.m.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1199
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

730
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199867
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20669
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments