- Colts (7-1); No Movement
Week 8 result: W vs. Titans 38-14
The Colts might have an MVP frontrunner on their team. The question is, who exactly is it? On one side of the aisle, you have Indiana Jones himself, slinging another three TDs in this game. And on the other hand, you have Jonathan Taylor, who also had himself a day, including an 80 yard touchdown that helped him accumulate a league-leading total of 13 on the year thus far. Regardless of who it is, the Colts have thrived so far to a league best 7-1 mark on the year, and they aren’t looking to hold their horses anytime soon. Their remaining schedule also isn’t the most difficult either, with the most difficult being the Steelers, Seahawks and Chiefs. It’s a perk of playing in the AFC South for sure, but the question you have to ask yourself is if this will help them or just fatten them up for a letdown in January. Only time will tell.
Week 9 matchup: @ Steelers
- Broncos (6-2); No Movement
Week 8 result : W vs. Cowboys 44-24
If this is a sign of how well the Broncos play in their classic “Orange Crush” duds, then they might need to make them the full-time look next season. Bo Nix had his best performance of the season, and so did RJ Harvey, housing it three times en route to an absolute blowout of America’s team. The defense also did their job, and unfortunately with cornerback Pat Surtain sidelined at least a month, they’ll have to do it a little thin in the secondary moving forward.
Week 9 matchup: @ Texans
- Patriots (6-2); No Movement
Week 8 result: W vs. Browns 32-13
Entering the season, it seemed like Mike Vrabel would need a season to lay the foundation for the future of the New England Patriots. We are mistaken. Vrabel was known to exceed expectations with a “less than” roster at his disposal, and he’s shown that skill to be true in his old stomping grounds in Foxborough, helping this team show flashes of the old dynasty. Drake Maye is competing with Jayden Daniels to be the face of the 2024 QB class, and he’s doing it with a receiver core lacking a standout, and a running back room lacking a lead. The offensive line did take a hit this weekend, giving up 5 sacks to Myles Garrett alone, but overall they beat a team they should’ve beaten. Whether they decide to buy at the deadline to address some of the concerns is to be determined, but the future of this franchise looks insanely bright. And after the end of the Belichick era and the year of Mayo, some never thought it would get this good this fast.
Week 9 matchup: vs. Falcons
- Chiefs (5-3); No Movement
Week 8 result: W vs. Commanders 28-7
The Chiefs tradition of ugly play still amounting to wins has carried into 2025. Mahomes showcased a sub-80-yard, two-interception first half, only to end the day with two touchdowns to compensate. Kelce was a yard shy of 100, and Rashee Rice exploded back onto the scene. The 1-2 combo of Hunt and Pacheco was also noteworthy, and left even more confusion as to who exactly, if anyone, is the number one in KC. Now they gear up for their pre-January meeting with Buffalo, a game they hope to win for the first time in the regular season since 2020.
Week 9 matchup: @ Bills
- Lions (5-2); No Movement
Week 8 result: BYE
Some rest and relaxation is just what the doctor ordered for the Lions. Unfortunately, the medication may have been prescribed too early. Detroit has had their run of bad luck with injury troubles in the past, and this year is no different, taking hits in the secondary. Brian Branch will return from his suspension, but Terrion Arnold and Kerby Joseph won’t be guaranteed to make their returns after absences against Tampa Bay. And to add insult to injury, DJ Reed is still on injured reserve, putting even more pressure on the secondary to hang on. They do match up against a lethal skill position unit with the Vikings, but they currently hold a five-game winning streak against Minnesota dating back to 2022, and look to keep it going against Michigan hero JJ McCarthy on Sunday.
Week 9 matchup: vs. Vikings
- Seahawks (5-2); Up 1 Spot
Week 8 result: BYE
Sometimes nothing is needed to move up, and after their week of rest in the nest of the NFC West, the birds from the cappuccino capital look to continue their hot start. Just a tip though: dunk on teams, not on crossbars.
Week 9 matchup: @ Commanders
- Rams (5-2); Up 2 Spots
Week 8 result: BYE
Another NFC West team that took a much-needed vacation last week was the Rams, hoping to get Puka Nacua back in the fold in light of Tutu Atwell now going on IR. If not, then Matthew Stafford will have to give his attention almost entirely to Davante Adams and Kyren Williams.
Week 9 matchup: vs. Saints
- Buccaneers (5-3); Up 2
Week 8 result: W @ Saints 23-3
The Bucs may as well have had their bye week as well, making quick work of the divisional rival Saints in a defensive showcase. However the injuries may have finally taken their toll on this offense, as the absences of Mike Evans and Bucky Irving have made Baker Mayfield look mortal, going touchdown-less on the day. And even though it won’t help Mike Evans return, the Bucs will get a much-needed bye week before their three-week gauntlet of Super Bowl contenders.
Week 9 matchup: BYE
- Packers(5-1-1); Not Ranked Last Week
Week 8 result: W @ #8 Steelers 35-25
After a three-game winning streak involving the student besting the master, the Packers finally find themselves in the top 10 of the Momentum Shift. Tucker Kraft became the face of Tight Ends Day 2025, going for almost 150 yards and two scores. Josh Jacobs had a relatively quiet day for his standards, but Emmanuel Wilson stepped up in his place, having many solid runs to lock in his spot as RB2 on the depth chart in the future. And the return of Christian Watson, though somewhat quiet, was very solid and needed for an offense lacking Jayden Reed. Big tests come their way in the future, but the biggest one personally is now behind them.
Week 9 matchup: vs. Panthers
- Eagles (6-2); Not Ranked Last Week
Week 8 result: W vs. Giants 38-20
After a rough two-game slide, Philly rebounded to a two-game glide to compensate, including a revenge game against a division foe they lost to along the way. The Eagles haven’t felt whole this year, as something always seems amiss whether it’s execution, player morale or even both, but it’s tough to complain about an 18-point win. Now they get a chance to cool off and look ahead for a chilly one in Green Bay in two weeks.
Week 9 matchup: BYE
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.
