Week 8 of the NFL saw the top tier teams distance themselves from the pack, while other playoff contenders proved that they aren’t quite ready to challenge the best teams in league as we passed the halfway point of the season.
Here’s where all 32 NFL teams stand ahead of Week 9 of the 2020 NFL season.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-0)
Super Bowl Odds: +550
Previous Rank: 2
For the first time this year, Pittsburgh sits on top of the Power Rankings following their four-point victory over the Ravens. As it has been all season, the Steelers defense was the key to their success, forcing Lamar Jackson into a career high four turnover performance. The win puts Pittsburgh two games ahead of Baltimore in the AFC North and leaves them as the only undefeated after Week 8. And, with the Cowboys, Bengals and Jaguars to come, Pittsburgh should continue their undefeated streak past Week 11.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (7-1)
Super Bowl Odds: +350
Previous Rank: 1
For the third week in a row, Kansas City found a different way to dismantle their opponents, unleashing Patrick Mahomes on the dismal Jets defense. Mahomes threw for 416 yards and five touchdown passes in a performance that once again showed off the Chiefs versatility. Kansas City are the real deal, only losing top spot this week given the Steelers success over Baltimore and the fact that their 35-9 victory was against the now 0-8 Jets.
3. Seattle Seahawks (6-1)
Super Bowl Odds: +800
Previous Rank: 3
With the outright top spot in their division on the line, Seattle made easy work out of their NFC West rivals, defeating the 49’ers 37-27 to maintain a one game lead over the Cardinals. Russell Wilson threw four touchdowns, taking his season tally to 26, now only one shy of Tom Brady’s 2007 record for the most TD’s in NFL history through seven games. The Seahawks defense was solid only allowing 116 yards in the first half as well as forcing two turnovers. Bobby Wagner delivered a vintage performance with 11 tackles and two sacks in a rare two score victory for by Seattle.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2)
Super Bowl Odds: +650
Previous Rank: 4
It was far from the blowout that the Bucs would’ve been expecting, however Tampa Bay managed to grind out an ugly victory against the Giants on Monday Night Football. New York’s defense put Tom Brady under immense pressure, forcing the Bucs defense to play a bigger role in the victory. Tampa Bay registered two interceptions and disrupted the Giants game tying two point conversion attempt in the dying stages of their 25-23 victory. A huge division showdown against the Saints looms, with the Bucs seeking revenge for their 34-23 Week 1 defeat.
5. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)
Super Bowl Odds: +900
Previous Rank: 5
Another opportunity went begging for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens to claim a big scalp. Baltimore is certainly the third best team in the AFC, however they look to be a step behind Pittsburgh and Kansas City. A career high four turnovers for Lamar Jackson and nine penalties really tells the tale from this four point loss. Beating up on bad teams will only get you so far in the NFL.
6. Arizona Cardinals (5-2)
Super Bowl Odds: +2500
Previous Rank: 10
The Cardinals enjoyed a bye in Week 8 and will come into Week 9 looking to build on their active three-win streak against Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins.
7. New Orleans Saints (5-2)
Super Bowl Odds: +1400
Previous Rank: 9
The Saints registered their third consecutive three point victory in Week 8 after edging out the Bears 26-23 in overtime. New Orleans are now 5-2 with four of their victories having been decided by six points or less. A Week 9 matchup against Tampa Bay will give New Orleans a chance to reclaim top spot in the NFC South. Giving us a better indication of whether the Saints have a genuine chance of winning the division, and contending for this year’s Super Bowl.
8. Buffalo Bills (6-2)
Super Bowl Odds: +2200
Previous Rank: 8
Another win for the Bills, who are now an impressive 6-2 to start the season. However Buffalo’s three-point victory against New England is their second consecutive single score victory against a team below .500. The Bills are still getting the job done, but not in the most convincing manner. Buffalo did however end a four-year, seven-game losing streak against the Patriots with their 24-21 win on Sunday, and are now two games clear of Miami for top spot in the AFC East.
9. Green Bay Packers (5-2)
Super Bowl Odds: +1400
Previous Rank: 6
The Packers have looked like a different team since their Week 5 bye having lost two of their past three games. A three touchdowns performance from the Aaron Rodgers/Davante Adams combo wasn’t enough to outplay Dalvin Cook who rushed for 163 yard and four total touchdowns for the Vikings, proving to be the difference in the Packers 22-28 defeat. In their past two losses, Green Bay has given up an average of 165.5 rushing yards per game as well as conceding 5 rushing touchdowns, clearly an area of their game that needs improvement.
10. Indianapolis Colts (5-2)
Super Bowl Odds: +2500
Previous Rank: 15
The Colts defense was the difference in Indianapolis’ 20 point win over the Lions. Returning star Darius Leonard registered a pivotal strip sack that led to a Colts score, before Kenny Moore put the game to bed with a pick-six on the Lions next possession. The win, coupled with a second consecutive Titans loss, moves the Colts into a first-place tie in the AFC South, with two games against Tennessee in the next four weeks.
11. Tennessee Titans (5-2)
Super Bowl Odds: +2500
Previous Rank: 7
Only eight days ago the Titans were undefeated, now at 5-2 Tennessee have opened the door for the Colts in the AFC South after a 31-20 loss to the Bengals. Tennessee’s defense failed to force a turnover or register a sack against Cincinnati while also allowing the Bengals to convert 10/16 third down attempts. Ryan Tennehill and Derrick Henry are keeping them competitive on offense, however the Titans will have to improve defensively if they are going to challenge the Colts for the AFC South.
12. Chicago Bears (5-3)
Super Bowl Odds: +6000
Previous Rank: 13
With top spot in the NFC North on the line, the Bears defense did everything possible to push the Saints in their 26-23 overtime loss. Chicago’s defense is undeniably one of the strongest in the league, however the inconsistent play of their offense won’t win them games against top tier teams. Given the Packers loss to the Vikings, Chicago still shares the top spot in the NFC North with Green Bay, as they head into their Week 9 matchup against Tennessee.
13. Los Angeles Rams (5-3)
Super Bowl Odds: +3300
Previous Rank: 11
The Rams dominated every statistical aspect of their game against the Dolphins, despite still suffering a nine-point loss. Los Angeles’ defense kept Miami to 145 total yards and only two touchdowns on offense, however Jarred Goff and the Rams offense turned the ball over on four occasions allowing Miami’s defense and special teams units to score three touchdowns. With no big scalps amongst their five wins, the Rams are looking more like pretenders than contenders in 2020, however they can change that narrative with matches against the Seahawks, Buccaneers, 49’ers and Cardinals in the coming weeks.
14. Miami Dolphins (4-3)
Super Bowl Odds: +6600
Previous Rank: 18
For the first time since 1993 the Dolphins scored a passing, rushing, defensive and special team touchdown while getting Tua Tagovailoa a win in his first game as a starter. The Dolphins are now two games behind the Bills for top spot in the AFC East and will have a chance at challenging Buffalo if they can maintain their current level of play.
15. Las Vegas Raiders (4-3)
Super Bowl Odds: +5000
Previous Rank: 16
In horrifically windy conditions, the Raiders reignited their running game against the Browns. Josh Jacobs led the way, moving the chains on numerous occasions while rushing for a game high 128 yards. The Raiders defense was also solid restricting the Browns to zero touchdowns and only two field goals for the day.
16. Cleveland Browns (5-3)
Super Bowl Odds: +6000
Previous Rank: 14
In tough conditions for receivers to make a catch, the Browns really missed Odell Beckham Jr against the Raiders. With their best ball runner (Nick Chubb) and their best receiver (OBJ) on the side lines, Cleveland are going to struggle to put up points for the foreseeable future, as was evident by their most recent six points from two field goals against the Raiders.
17. San Francisco 49’ers (4-4)
Super Bowl Odds: +4000
Previous Rank: 12
After injuries ruled out George Kittle and Jimmy Garopolo for the remainder of the afternoons, backup QB Nick Mullens led the 49’ers to a 20 point fourth quarter, throwing 238 yard and two touchdowns for the game. Despite the 49’ers fight back, San Francisco suffered a 10-point loss to Seattle, leaving them at the bottom of the NFC West. The 49’ers growing injury list is looking to be too much for San Francisco to overcome in 2020.
18. Philadelphia Eagles (3-4-1)
Super Bowl Odds: +4000
Previous Rank: 22
Philadelphia’s 23-9 victory over Dallas was exactly what you would expect from the two NFC East franchises, an ugly spectacle. Another two interceptions for Carson Wentz takes his tally for the season up to a league high 12 as the Eagles will roll into their much needed bye in Week 9 with the hope of getting some key players back for the second half of the season.
19. Denver Broncos (3-4)
Super Bowl Odds: +15000
Previous Rank: 24
Down 14 points at the final break, Denver mustered up an amazing 21-6 fourth quarter to steal the game from the Chargers on the final play. Drew Lock played one of the more impressive games of his young career while Denver’s defense once again had a resounding impact bringing in two interceptions and scoring a pivotal touchdown.
20. Los Angeles Chargers (2-5)
Super Bowl Odds: +10000
Previous Rank: 17
The Chargers blew a 24-3 second-half lead in an excruciating 31-30 last-second loss to the Broncos. Given their experience on offense, Los Angeles’ inability to close out tight games this season reflects poorly on their coaching, with all five of the Chargers losses having come by seven points or less. Justin Herbert impressed again with 278 yards and three touchdowns, however his two interceptions proved costly in the Chargers one point loss.
21. Minnesota Vikings (2-5)
Super Bowl Odds: +10000
Previous Rank: 29
Dalvin Cook recorded 226 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns in his return for the Vikings, who upset Green Bay 28-22. Cook’s return allowed Minnesota to reignite their rushing game and limit the amount of passing required by Kirk Cousins (11/14, 160 yards, 1 TD). The victory over the Packers was the first of three consecutive games against NFC North rivals, giving the Vikings a chance of getting out of last place in the division in the coming weeks.
22. Cincinnati Bengals (2-5-1)
Super Bowl Odds: +50000
Previous Rank: 23
For the first time in the 2020 season, Cincinnati’s offensive line kept Joe Burrow safe, not allowing a single sack on the rookie quarterback. Burrow returned the favour by throwing 249 yards and two touchdowns in the Bengals 31-20 upset win over the Titans. The Bengals also managed to rush the football effectively, putting up 118 yards and two touchdowns on the ground without their first string running back Joe Mixon. Having lost four games by less than one touchdown Cincinnati are playing better than a 2-5-1 team, and it showed on Sunday.
23. Carolina Panthers (3-5)
Super Bowl Odds: +15000
Previous Rank: 20
The Panthers offense really missed Christian McCaffrey on Thursday Night Football as Carolina suffered their third consecutive loss. Teddy Bridgewater was sacked three times against the Falcons while also suffering an illegal hit that left him in discomfort in the second half. McCaffrey is likely to return this week and will be able to take some pressure off Bridgewater by picking up first down yards and keeping the ball on the ground. Although I doubt it will be enough to stop an inform Kansas City in Week 9.
24. Detroit Lions (3-4)
Super Bowl Odds: +10000
Previous Rank: 19
The Lions are now winless at home after suffering a 20 point loss to the Colts on Sunday afternoon. After losing wide receiver Kenny Gollady to a hip injury, Detroit’s lack of an offensive running game was exploited, only picking up 29 yards on the ground. Matthew Stafford did everything that he could, throwing for 336 yards and three touchdowns. However, Matt Patricia’s defense got ripped apart.
25. New England Patriots (2-5)
Super Bowl Odds: +10000
Previous Rank: 21
Having won 17 of the past 19 division titles, Sunday’s loss to the Bills marks the end of New England’s era of division dominance as Buffalo and Miami march on in the AFC East. The Pats were once again let down by Cam Newton who fumbled the ball in the final minute of their three point defeat. The Patriots four straight losses, roster deficiencies, injuries and covid opt-outs have made this once powerhouse franchise look mediocre in their division.
26. Atlanta Falcons (2-6)
Super Bowl Odds: +25000
Previous Rank: 26
The Falcons have now won two of their last three games and realistically should have won three in a row. Matt Ryan once again failed to throw an interception, however he still managed to find Julio Jones on seven occasions for a game high 137 yards after losing fellow receiver Calvin Ridley to an ankle injury. Atlanta scored two rushing touchdowns and a defensive touchdown in their 25-17 win over the Panthers.
27. Washington Football Team (2-5)
Super Bowl Odds: +15000
Previous Rank: 25
Washington enjoyed a bye in Week 8, although still managed to make headlines confirming that they are open to trading 23-year-old quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Washington will face the Giants in Week 9 and have the chance of equalling Philadelphia for top spot in the NFC East with three wins.
28. Houston Texans (1-6)
Super Bowl Odds: +20000
Previous Rank: 27
With the Jaguars, Browns, Patriots and Lions to come after their bye week, the Texans will look to make up ground in the AFC South. However, given their lack of an offensive weapon, namely a wide receiver, it’s going to be hard for Houston to put up points.
29. New York Giants (1-7)
Super Bowl Odds: +30000
Previous Rank: 30
Despite a 70-yard final scoring drive that put the Giants in position to tie their Monday Night Football game against the Bucs, Daniel Jones’ two second-half interceptions proved to be the difference in New York’s 25-23 defeat. The Giants have been playing better than their record suggests with their last three losses all coming by three points or less.
30. Dallas Cowboys (2-6)
Super Bowl Odds: +15000
Previous Rank: 28
The only thing worse than the Cowboys defense right now is their luck at quarterback. Ben DiNucci started in his first game for the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, completing 21 of 40 passes for 180 yards and registering two fumbles. If the Cowboys can get Andy Dalton back for Week 9 and beyond there is still hope that this offense can stabilize and be competitive in the lacklustre NFC East.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-6)
Super Bowl Odds: +100000
Previous Rank: 31
A much needed bye week for the Jags, who will face the 1-6 Texans in Week 9, the winner of which will claim their second win for the season. Quarterback Gardner Minshew has a small break and a strained ligament in this right thumb, and will likely miss Jacksonville’s Week 9 clash.
32. New York Jets (0-8)
Super Bowl Odds: +200000
Previous Rank: 32
Another week without a touchdown for the Jets who never really stood a chance against the Chiefs. The 35-9 defeat marked the fifth time this season that New York had been defeated by 20+ points, resulting in a 0-8 record. 2020 is the second season in franchise history that the Jets have been without a win after Week 8.
*Odds correct at time of publication.
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