- Colts (6-1); No Movement
Week 7 result: W @ Chargers 38-24
If there was ever any doubt of if the Colts are for real, this week should’ve put that thought to rest. Indianapolis held the Chargers away by three scores nearly the whole game, and despite an injury scare with Daniel Jones, kept rolling. They face a matchup in the division this week, but I wouldn’t worry about it. For several reasons.
Week 8 matchup: vs. Titans
- Broncos (5-2); Up 1 Spot
Week 7 result : W vs. Giants 33-32
Once again, the Broncos find their way up the ladder, but more so due to a team struggling ahead of them. This team looked like they were going to bottom out and exit the top 10 for three quarters, just to turn it up and score 33 and win. My opinions on this team have not changed in the slightest. A bad offense, a great defense, and a team that I wouldn’t advise anyone to bet in favor of come January.
Week 8 matchup: vs. Cowboys
- Patriots (5-2); Up 1 spot
Week 7 result: W @ Titans 31-13
I expected the Vrabel-led Pats to be solid this year, but despite still not showcasing a fully healthy unit, they’ve moved up the ladder to third and lead their division. Drake Maye set a Patriots regular season record with a 92% completion rate on Sunday, and Mike Vrabel got his revenge against the team that ditched him (albeit not against the coach that replaced him). This Pats team’s true test will come post trade deadline, but it’s been a really solid start thus far.
Week 8 matchup: vs. Browns
- Chiefs (4-3); Up 2
Week 7 result: W vs. Raiders 31-0
Yeah they’re not going anywhere. Despite a really rocky start in Arrowhead, the Chiefs have shown why they’re to be feared every year. Mahomes has led the league in passing yards since week three, and the team has won three of their last four. With Rashee Rice back in the fold, this team is going to be even more difficult to bring down. Best of luck to anyone who gets close to the king that they don’t miss.
Week 8 matchup: vs. Commanders
- Lions (4-2); Up 2 Spots
Week 7 result: W vs. #10 Buccaneers 24-9
A lesson to all teams: Be afraid of the Detroit Lions coming off a loss, because they are relentless. The Lions became the first team this season to make Baker Mayfield look mortal, and they never let Tampa get close to winning this game. Goff and Gibbs looked solid, and a short-handed secondary entering this week, notably without cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and DJ Reed (due to injury), and safety Brian Branch (due to suspension), held their own.
Week 8 matchup: BYE
- Bears (4-3); Up 2 Spots
Week 7 result: W vs. Saints 26-14
This is probably the ugliest game the Bears have played during their four-game win streak, but it still resulted in a win by double digits. However, tougher matchups will be on the way. But likely not this weekend.
Week 8 matchup: @ Ravens
- Seahawks (5-2); Up 2 Spots
Week 7 result: W vs. Texans 27-19
This team is perplexing. Despite losing the turnover battle four-to-one, the Seahawks endured and the Texans in check (both due to a solid defensive effort and the Texans being the Texans). Darnold taking sacks is still an issue dating back to last season, but as long as the JSN connection is still clicking there isn’t much to be worried about.
Week 8 matchup: BYE
- Steelers (5-2); Down 6 Spots
Week 7 result: L @ Bengals 31-33
The 2025 Unc Bowl was one for the books between Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers. Unfortunately for the Steelers, January Joe came out on top, and their team took a dive in the rankings. Some will point at Rodgers for the two turnovers despite the four touchdowns, but the real point of emphasis is the defense. The most expensive defense in the league this year is in Pittsburgh, but like happiness, money couldn’t buy talent in this situation. Look for Pittsburgh to try and make some moves at the deadline. But as for right now? The game we’ve all been waiting for: Aaron finally faces the Packers.
Week 8 matchup: vs. Steelers
- Rams(5-2); Not Ranked Last Week
Week 7 result: W @ Jaguars 35-7
No Puka Nacua, no problem for Matthew Stafford. Despite only 186 passing yards, he made the most of them by cashing in for five scores, three to Davante Adams. The defense also held down the fort despite a 300-yard game from Trevor Lawrence, and outside of a lackluster-ish day from Kyren Williams, it was an overall pretty complete day for LA. The real question is can they avoid the injury bug this year and stay healthy.
Week 8 matchup: BYE
- Buccaneers (5-2); Down 5 Spots
Week 7 result: L vs. #5 Lions 24-9
Tampa Bay, make up your mind. You go from ten to five last week, and now you’re back to ten! Baker Mayfield had his worst start of the year so far, the running game struggled to supplement that, and the defense couldn’t hang with the three-headed monster of Goff, Gibbs and the Sun God. The injury bug also never left the receiving core, this time taking Mike Evans out pretty much up until January with a broken clavicle. We’ve seen Mayfield bake up a real treat shorthanded in the kitchen, but now he’ll have to do it until the postseason. Only time will tell if the ingredients he has at his disposal are enough to get Tampa a ticket there.
Week 8 matchup: @ Saints
NOTE ABOUT RANKINGS: Rankings don’t follow one or two key factors other than winning and losing. The phrase “What have you done for me lately?” describes my thought process fairly well, as I only consider results from the current season, and thus rankings aren’t created until a full month of football has passed.
