NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Colts, Jets Earn Respect
By Dean Holden
SLR’s Week 8 NFL Power Rankings: The Top 8
Oct 20, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (81) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
8. New England Patriots (5-2) ▼3
Doubt them, and they win. Put your faith in them, they lose. Believe it or not, the defense is actually outplaying the offense right now. That’s odd to think about on a team with Tom Brady, but it’s true. Maybe working Gronk back into the offense will help. Eventually. It didn’t against the Jets.
7. Green Bay Packers (4-2) ▲1
Three weeks ago, the Packers were 1-2 and close to the NFC North’s basement. It took them three weeks to regain the division lead, and despite missing a bunch of weapons on both sides of the ball, they posted one of their best performances of the season over the Browns. Adversity actually seems to make them better.
6. San Francisco 49ers (5-2) ▲1
It was a slow start, but it looks like they’re back to being the same team with the stifling defense, power running game and mediocre passing attack. And I mean that in the most respectful way possible. They’re really good, as expected.
5. New Orleans Saints (5-1) ▼1
They might hear some footsteps from the Panthers over the bye, but nothing to worry about. If they just keep playing their game, they’ll be in line for a home playoff game. It’s not really fair that they drop, but they’ll have plenty of opportunities to make up the difference.
4. Denver Broncos (6-1) ▼3
Remember that time when I put the Broncos in second and said they were vulnerable because of their defense, and everyone lost their minds? What does everyone think now? The Broncos didn’t just lose this game, they were dominated for large portions of it. They’re obviously a very good team, but they have flaws just like any other team.
3. Seattle Seahawks (6-1) NC
They took care of Arizona in a game that wasn’t a blowout, but was still pretty much a yawner. They have a very quiet, understated way of dominating teams. Except for Richard Sherman. He’s not especially quiet.
2. Indianapolis Colts (5-2) ▲4
Think the Colts are too high with two losses? I don’t care. Show me a team you think should be higher than the Colts here, and I’ll show you a team the Colts have probably already shown up. The Broncos and Seahawks have one loss each, both at the hands of the Colts. Doubt them at your own risk. They’re for real.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (7-0) ▲1
It doesn’t matter if their quarterback is a game manager or if they haven’t played anyone. There is one undefeated team left in the NFL, and this is it. They play stifling defense, and can shove it down your throat on offense. Tamba Hali is gunning for DPOY honors. They’re No. 1 until somebody proves they aren’t. Wins are wins, period, unless you’re playing college ball. Then you can let a computer tell you a win actually wasn’t valuable enough. But this is the NFL, where fairness and parity rule, hence the Chiefs are tops. Somehow.