NFL Power Rankings Week 8

Power Rankings Week 8

The road is beginning to split halfway through the NFL season as we watch some teams propel themselves towards playoff hopefuls while others somersaulted into treacherous ravines. As unpredictable as this season was to begin with, it has continued to shock, surprise, and guffaw those die hard, dedicated fans of one of America’s most beloved sports.

The Denver Broncos trounced the New Orleans Saints on Sunday Night Football, the Patriots demolished the Rams overseas, while the Miami Dolphins swam through the hard-knocked New York Jets. Meanwhile, the Bucs surprised the Vikings, the Colts prevailed in overtime, and the Atlanta Falcons remain undefeated after eight straight weeks.

Need I say more, let’s look ahead at the NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 9 of the 2012 NFL Season.

1. Atlanta Falcons

Record: 7-0 Rank Last Week: 3

Storming out of the bye week, the Falcons aimed to prove they’re still the number one team to beat and they did just that by slamming the Eagles Liberty Bell at home 30-17. Matt Ryan came out and quickly tossed three touchdown passes, as the Falcons offense stormed out to an early lead and never let the Eagles back in. This Falcons team is the real deal and if you think you’ve seen everything…think again because odds are this team will amp up its gameplay when they’re destined to head to the playoffs. Next Week vs. Cowboys (Sunday Night Football) 

2. Houston Texans

Record: 6-1 Rank Last Week: 1

Coming fresh off the bye week, the Houston Texans look to put just as big of a hurting on the Buffalo Bills as they did to those black birds from Baltimore. Next Week: vs. Bills

3. New York Giants

Record: 6-2 Rank Last Week: 2

The over-confident G-Men got in over their heads this week during a seesaw game in Dallas only to scrap by in the final seconds for a last minute victory. Eli Manning watched from the sidelines as the Giants 23 point first half lead fizzled away and the Giants had to climb back into an already won game. With the clock running out, the New York defense held off Tony Romo and the Cowboys offense from dancing into the end zone, even a pass that was caught by Dez Bryant that looked like a sure game winning touchdown only to be called back due to Bryant’s fingertips landing out of bounds. Lady Luck sure is playing for these powerful G-Men. Next Week vs. Steelers

4. Chicago Bears

Record: 6-1 Rank Last Week: 4

The Monsters of the Midway were a little less ferocious this week against the Cats from Carolina, but managed to pull out a close 23-22 victory to grab their fifth win in a row. Starting out a little sluggish, the Bears let Cam Newton get the best of them in the first half, but after the break came out in a full throttle force and stepped up to steal the W in the Windy City. Tim Jennings led the way for the defense picking off Newton and taking it back to the house while Jay Cutler and the offense woke up long enough in the final 30 minutes to pull off the big comeback. Beware, Beware of the dangerous Chicago Bears. Next Week @ Titans

5. San Francisco 49ers

Record: 6-2 Rank Last Week: 5

Dominance was the name of the game for the San Francisco 49ers as they man-handled the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football. Alex Smith was a little more poised in his performance, eliminating the mistakes he’s made in the previous weeks, while the Niners utilized their running offense with Frank Gore. It was all Niners on Monday night…bring on the next challenger…after a week off of course. Next Week: Bye Week

6. Green Bay Packers

Record: 5-3 Rank Last Week: 6

It wasn’t a silver platter victory for the Packers, but a win is a win. Green Bay was back in Titletown for the first time in three weeks and they got more than they bargained for in fighting off the pesky Jaguars all afternoon. Aaron Rodgers and the offense looked a tad rusty, with Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson fighting the injury bug, while the Packers defense did just enough to contain Blaine Gabbert and the Jacksonville offense. It was the Green and Gold’s special teams that stepped up, while Devon House gave the Packers their biggest play of the day in a blocked punt that was recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. A win is still a win in the National Football League, but the Packers have a lot of kinks to work out if they expect to make it to the playoffs. Next Week vs. Cardinals

7. New England Patriots

Record: 5-3 Rank Last Week: 8

Across the sea in the London, the New England Patriots effectively derailed the St. Louis Rams 45-7. After getting off to a rocky start, Tom Brady flipped the switch and the Pats ignited the scoreboard. Brady threw for over 300 yards and 4 touchdowns, one going to Rob Gronkowski who celebrated by mimicking the changing of the guards, while Stevan Ridley and Danny Woodhead had big games running and receiving. The Pats looked true to their old selves this week. Maybe ‘Ol England gave New England just the right vibe they’ve been looking for. Next Week: Bye Week

8. Denver Broncos

Record: 4-3 Rank Last Week: 9

The Mile High faithful got a heavy dose of dominance on Sunday night as Peyton Manning and the Broncos systemically destroyed the New Orleans Saints. Manning was rifling deep throws all night in another attempt to silence his critics, while Willis McGahee danced around the banged up Saints defense with the etiquette of a perfect rendition of swan lake. Denver is beginning to climb out of their early season rut, striving towards becoming one of the AFC’s most elite teams. These horses are creating quite a stampede. Next Week @ Bengals

9. Baltimore Ravens

Record: 5-2 Rank Last Week: 7

With a week of rest, Baltimore’s black birds will look to erase some of the sloppy play they’ve had the past few weeks and move on to taking on their division rival from Ohio. Next Week @ Browns

10. Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 4-3 Rank Last Week: 10

Black and Yellow threw down the hammer on the rising Redskins and silenced RGIII into submission. Ben Roethlisberger tore up the depleted Washington defense throwing for over 200 yards and three scores, while running back Jonathan Dwyer continued to impress in the ground game, looking like a throwback to Jerome “The Bus” Bettis. Steel City wins their first consecutive games this season and now Pittsburgh is aimed at keeping this team accident free. Maybe Dwyer will eventually earn the nickname of “The Steam Roller.” Next Week @ Giants

11. Miami Dolphins

Record: 4-3 Rank Last Week: 13

This revived Dolphins team has been jumping through hoops all season and blasted the New York Jets out of their blowholes. Matt Moore led the Dolphins for the injured Ryan Tannehill as Miami beat down the trash talking New Yorkers on both sides of the ball. With their second win in a row, the Dolphins are still nipping at the heels of the AFC East New England Patriots. These fish aren’t so slippery anymore. Next Week @ Colts

12. Indianapolis Colts

Record: 4-3 Rank Last Week: 15

Don’t blink but the Indianapolis Colts have a winning record this year. In a decisive overtime effort, Andrew Luck led the Colts downfield, while it was the diving effort of Vick Ballard that scored the game winning touchdown against the Tennessee Titans. Indy continues to shine as an unlikely force that’s not willing to give up without a fight and with this win, Andrew Luck shares the same amount of wins this season with Peyton Manning. The former Colt better watch his back because “Luck” may not be on his side. Next Week vs. Dolphins

13. Detroit Lions

Record 3-4 Rank Last Week: 22

Matthew Stafford finally strutted his stuff Sunday against the Seahawks to help the struggling Lions keep pace in the NFC North race. In a battle of two unlikely juggernauts, the Detroit Lions were finally able to utilize their powerful offense and put points on the board. Stafford threw for over 350 yards and 3 three touchdowns, leading a final 16 play drive, capping off the game with a touchdown in the final minutes to send the Hawks packing. Maybe its about time these Lions have rediscovered their ferocity. Next Week @ Jaguars

14. Seattle Seahawks

Record: 4-4 Rank Last Week: 11

Bested again. When the important games are right in the grasp of the Hawks talons, they seem to slip and falter, allowing their opponents to just edge them within minutes of a sure-fire win. Russell Wilson and the offense really startled the Lions defense, as Wilson had two big touchdown passes, one coming late in the 4th quarter that put the Seahawks ahead with about 5 minutes remaining. Unfortunately, it was not enough to tame the hungry Lions from a come back victory. The Seahawks seem to struggle to finish off teams in the waning seconds of games and have had a hard time trying to cement their top spot in the NFC West. Well, better luck next week. Next Week vs. Vikings

15. Minnesota Vikings

Record: 5-3 Rank Last Week: 11

A little less rumbling and a lot more stumbling has been the Vikings motto as of recent. Minnesota started the season with a unique energy that has seemed to fizzle away these last few weeks. Christian Ponder has suddenly turned from a poised leader into a confused rookie with his game play the last few weeks and on Thursday night, the Vikings made Josh Freeman and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look like an elite squad. Thanks to the run game of Adrian Peterson and the all around talent of Percy Harvin, the Vikings were able to put some points on the board. This Vikings team is beginning to lose its handle in the NFC and needs get a better handle of things in the next coming weeks. Next Week @ Seahawks

16. Oakland Raiders

Record: 3-4 Rank Last Week: 23

The swashbuckling Raiders are beginning to find their groove again, easily taking down the battered Kansas City Chiefs. Carson Palmer and Darren McFadden led the Black and Silver offense up and down the field, embarrassing the Chiefs defense, while the Raiders contained Matt Cassell and the injured Brady Quinn all afternoon, holding them without a touchdown until the final two minutes. The versatile game play of the Raiders is something that should be carried with them from week to week. We can only speculate what will happen down the stretch for this witty band of pirates. Next Week vs. Buccaneers

17. Buffalo Bills

Record: 3-4 Rank Last Week: 17

A true test of will and determination comes next week for this fighting Bills team in the form of the AFC’s current best team, the Houston Texans. Hopefully the week of rest was enough for Chan Gailey and his crew. Next Week @ Texans

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 3-4 Rank Last Week: 28

The fearsome Buccaneers took a giant step in the right direction after easily taking care of business against the Vikings on Thursday Night Football. Josh Freeman appeared to be more of a wiry veteran as opposed to some of the shaky performances he’s put on earlier in the year. These blade swinging Bucs are inching out of a rut and slowly becoming noticeable again. This week’s win packed a big punch for them, now it’s team for this team to move on to bigger and better things. Next Week @ Raiders

19. New Orleans Saints

Record: 2-5 Rank Last Week: 14

Just when the Saints were beginning to make the climb towards eliteness again, they stumble and fall in Mile High nation. This week marked the return of interim head coach Joe Vitt and his welcome back party was a disaster. The New Orleans offense was essentially shutdown and one of the NFL’s worst defenses saw Peyton Manning light them up. This loss could very well have the Saints already packing up their lockers for the off-season, but this is football and we say never say never…especially when Drew Brees is leading the way. Next Week vs. Eagles (Monday Night Football)

20. Tennessee Titans

Record: 3-5 Rank Last Week: 16

This up and down team needs to figure out what kind of ball club they are. Every week it’s a different story, a different performance and a different outcome for this team. Chris Johnson hasn’t been consistent in his game play and this week he looked a little mediocre compared to his huge coming out party last week. It was in overtime that the Titans just couldn’t handle a dashing Colts drive to hold them off, now the Titans are finding themselves on a backslide this season. Time to make a few changes and help these fearless warriors find their edge again. Next Week vs. Bears

21. Washington Redskins

Record: 3-5 Rank Last Week: 18

Just when you thought RGIII was gonna bump this team in the right direction, the Redskins take a fall and get stepped on by the Steelers. It was a slow afternoon for Griffin as he was kept in check all day, managing only 177 yards through the air and a lowly 10 yards rushing. This was not the performance nor the turn the Redskins were hoping for entering into the halfway point of the season. Now, Washington needs a push in the right direction if they hope to catch those gritty New York Giants in the NFC East. Next Week vs. Panthers

22. Dallas Cowboys

Record: 3-4 Rank Last Week: 19

Yes things are beginning to crumble in Dallas and Tony Romo has been having a disappointing season under center, but the Cowboys came just one play shy of beating their division rival New York Giants on Sunday. Dez Bryant’s fingertips proved to be the crux that sealed the fate of the Cowboys as his game winning catch had him land just a few inches out of bounds. This team has a lot of talent, the only problem is that the talent isn’t meshing well together on the field. One can only guess what is going through the mind of Jerry Jones at the moment. Next Week: @ Falcons (Sunday Night Football)

23. New York Jets

Record: 3-5 Rank Last Week: 20

People are beginning to wonder when Tebow Time will finally roll around to aid Gang Green’s ailments. This weekend, the Jets spiraled out of control and got completely whipped by the Miami Dolphins. Mark Sanchez had one of his better games, but that still didn’t stop the angry New York crowd from calling out to throw in number 15. These Jets’ engines are beginning to fail and who knows how much more hurting Rex Ryan can take. Sanchez will still remain the starter for now, but it’s crunch time for sure now for the New York Jets. Next Week: Bye Week

24. Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 3-4 Rank Last Week: 21

Taking on the NFL’s best team this week wasn’t the Eagles idea of making a statement and in a game that was completely controlled by Atlanta, the Eagles faltered and couldn’t find a way to best the birds from the south. Michael Vick struggled yet again to find his rhythm, ineffectively moving the offense and failing to put points on the board when it mattered most. In his post game interview, Vick hinted that he may be replaced under center…we’ll see if Andy Reid makes that prediction come to fruition in the following week. Next Week @ Saints (Monday Night Football)

25. Cleveland Browns

Record: 2-6 Rank Last Week: 29

It wasn’t the most exciting win, but the Browns held off the failing Bolts 7-6 at home. This game showed how dynamic the emerging Browns defense is becoming and how Trent Richardson is beginning to mature as a young rookie. Heck, the Browns are one of the best teams with a record under .500. They can only hope to get better from here on out. Next Week vs. Ravens

26. Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 3-4 Rank Last Week: 26

The Bengals sincerely better hope that they’re season isn’t on the verge of an epic collapse. Next week is going to be a very important season determining factor for this ball club. Next Week vs. Broncos

27. St. Louis Rams

Record: 3-5 Rank Last Week: 24

An outing in London proved to be a less than stellar vacation as the St. Louis Rams were thumped by the New England Patriots 45-7. Things kicked off to a great start when the Rams put the first points on the board, but then would go unheard from for the rest of the day. Sam Bradford’s mediocre day didn’t help inspire a Rams team looking to make a statement in the NFC West and now Jeff Fischer’s squad is in a world of hurt, with their record dropping below the .500 mark. The Rams appear to have been bucked by the competition for the time being. Next Week: Bye Week

28. Arizona Cardinals

Record: 4-4 Rank Last Week: 25

With their 4th straight loss, the Cardinals are tumbling faster than a boulder down a ski hill. John Skelton was absent, Larry Fitzgerald was quiet, and the Arizona Cardinals put up a half-hearted effort in an NFC West battle. This team is headed towards disaster if they can’t figure out how to change the way they play the game. Next Week @ Packers

29. San Diego Chargers

Record: 3-4 Rank Last Week: 27

Unable to put a touchdown on the board, the suffering Chargers have dropped their third straight game, losing this one to the Browns by one. Philip Rivers had a potential touchdown pass to Robert Meachem in the third quarter, but the quarterback/receiver combo couldn’t connect. This Chargers team is turning into the team of their haunted past. What happened to the Chargers who began 2012? Next Week vs. Chiefs (Thursday Night Football)

30. Carolina Panthers

Record: 1-6 Rank Last Week: 30

Just a week removed from firing their GM, the Carolina Panthers came out fired up to tackle the Chicago Bears, but let things turn sour in the fourth quarter as Bears kicker Robbie Gould knocked through the game winning field goal to spoil the Cats appetite. Cam Newton stepped up as the leader of this struggling team, but had a costly pick six to cornerback Tim Jennings and the momentum completely changed. The Panthers are effectively seeing their season disappear before their eyes. Next Week @ Redskins

31. Jacksonville Jaguars

Record: 1-6 Rank Last Week: 32

The Jaguars held in as long as they could against the Green Bay Packers, but just couldn’t do enough to penetrate the Dom Capers led defensive scheme. Blaine Gabbert passed for a rare 300 yards as the Jags came ready to battle the Green and Gold in Titletown, yet Jacksonville was unable to stop Aaron Rodgers and the offense from picking up a few first downs to seal the game. Maurice Jones-Drew was sorely missed in this match-up. Next Week vs. Lions

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 1-6 Rank Last Week: 31

Things could be worse, the Chiefs could have no wins at all, but yet again, the Arrowheads failed a golden opportunity to snag a much-needed win. Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn saw some action, and both were less than memorable as the Chiefs struggled to put up points on the board, only getting into the end zone with little time remaining. I wonder if Romeo Crennel’s time in KC has expired? Next Week @ Chargers (Thursday Night Football)

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