NFL Top 10 Teams - Week 8

1. Kansas City (6-1)

Patrick Mahomes threw for 424 yards and four touchdowns during a 31-17 win against the Chargers that improved his career record against AFC West rivals to 29-3. The offense exploded in the second quarter and added a late touchdown to beat the rival Chargers and take a commanding lead in the division. Tough games against the Dolphins (Week 9 in Germany), Eagles (Week 11), Bills (Week 14), and Bengals (Week 17) remain, but this team should be able to cruise into the playoffs barring a massive implosion. Travis Kelce celebrated “National Tight Ends Day” by probably showing off to Taylor with 12 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown.

2. Philadelphia (6-1)

A week after losing to the Jets, the Eagles dominated in a 31-17 win over the Dolphins. A.J. Brown is unstoppable, the defense limited one of if not the best offenses on the planet, and the Eagles are tied for the best record in the league. In the battle of former Alabama quarterbacks, Jalen Hurts outdueled former teammate Tua Tagovailoa in a 31-17 victory against the Dolphins. Hurts overcame a pick-six to account for three touchdowns and also converted 4 of 4 “Tush Push” runs into first downs. Josh Sweat’s two sacks and Darius Slay’s red-zone interception keyed a defensive effort to bottle up speed. Philly will have to handle their business against a Commanders team that pushed them to overtime back in Week 4 before a massive divisional game against the Cowboys in Week 9.

3. Miami (5-2)

I think the Dolphins are good and they can only play their schedule, and their two losses have come on the road. However, their five wins have come against teams with a combined 8-25 record, and all of those teams have two wins or fewer. Their point differential against those teams is +95. Their point differential against the Bills and Eagles is -42.  Just like when they played the Bills, the Dolphins were dealt another wake-up call by a Super Bowl contender thanks to the Eagles. They were held to 244 yards of offense — less than half of their season average — even with eight catches by Tyreek Hill. Once again, the combined record of the five teams beaten by the Dolphins is 8-25

4. Baltimore (5-2)

The Ravens scored 28 points in the first half, and Lamar Jackson accounted for four total touchdowns in a 38-6 win, the kind of win that announces Baltimore as a serious contender in the AFC. That’s what dominance looks like! The Ravens scored four touchdowns before the Lions gained a first down in a 38-6 rout. Lamar Jackson threw for 357 yards and three touchdowns — two to Mark Andrews — and ran for another score on a fourth down. The defense has allowed a NFL-low seven touchdowns this season. Given how well the defense has played despite injuries early in the season, Baltimore can beat anyone if the offense plays like they did against the Lions.

5. San Francisco (5-2)

Someone should tell the 49ers the season did not end in Week 5. After a nearly unprecedented run of offensive success, the wheels have fallen off over the last two weeks, and Brock Purdy has looked a lot more like a seventh-round pick than the all-conquering titan of his early career. The vaunted pass rush no-showed, failing to sack Kirk Cousins on 45 drop backs in a 22-17 loss to the Vikings. Brock Purdy’s interception in the final minute was the 49ers’ third turnover, matching their number of giveaways from the first six games combined. Christian McCaffrey scored two touchdowns to tie for the NFL season lead (11), but make that two straight losses. There is enough institutional goodwill here to assume they will get things turned around, but this has been a sharp fall from grace.

6. Jacksonville (5-2)

They escaped with a win against the Saints, but it was a solid performance from the Jaguars given the injury questions around Trevor Lawrence. Christian Kirk broke a fourth-quarter tie with a catch-and-run 44-yard touchdown that sparked a 31-24 victory against the Saints. Trevor Lawrence played like a game manager just four days after suffering a sprained knee, which allowed Travis Etienne to rush for two touchdowns. Foyesade Oluokun scored on an interception return. They are in control of the division at 5-2, but they have a tough game against the Steelers this week and then an even tougher game against the 49ers coming out of the bye.

7. Dallas (4-2)

 This is what you get during a Cowboy’s bye week. Never a slow time for the Cowboys, who created a headline during the bye week when executive Stephen Jones — owner Jerry Jones’ son — told The Athletic that Dak Prescott will get a contract extension after the season to remain the quarterback of the future despite the continuation of his turnover issues (six touchdowns, four interceptions). Meanwhile, practice and games are being played. Coming off a good win against the Chargers before the bye, the Cowboys get another test from a mid-pack team with the Rams coming to town in Week 8. Despite some disappointing performances, a win there would put Dallas at 5-2heading into a matchup with the Eagles.
 
8. Detroit (5–2)

The Lions do have a great win against the Chiefs on their resume, but much like the Dolphins, there are questions about how big a role schedule has played in their great start. The kneecap-biting toughness of the Lions met its match with the Ravens — arguably the most physical team of the last 25 teams. Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs scored the only touchdown of a blowout loss in their first full game without top rusher David Montgomery. Amon-Ra St. Brown had 13 catches for 102 yards. Jared Goff threw a rare interception. The good news is the remaining schedule is a cakewalk, and the Lions should be able to waltz into the playoffs. Still, it would be good to see another quality win before we get there.

9. Cleveland (4-2)

Even the Browns might not be sure how they came away with a win on Sunday, but they rallied for a last-second touchdown to beat the Colts in a game where the defense gave up several big plays. Who would’ve thought that the defense-first Browns could allow 38 points and still win? In-season addition Kareem Hunt’s second rushing touchdown with 15 seconds remaining finished off a 39-38 victory against the Colts. Myles Garrett’s strip sack set up a defensive touchdown. Backup quarterback P.J. Walker’s game-winning drive was kept alive by two defensive penalties. The real story, however, was Deshaun Watson struggling mightily before seemingly aggravating his shoulder issue. He might be the “all-time” biggest bust ever!! Meanwhile, they face a tough trip to Seattle this week.

10. Pittsburgh (4-2)
 
The offense still leaves a lot to be desired, but getting a win on the road against the Rams is a great result. T.J. Watt is maybe the NFL’s best defensive player. He also is maybe his team’s best offensive weapon — at least in clutch moments. His interception and 24-yard return set up the first of the Steelers’ three second-half rushing touchdowns in a 24-17 win against the Rams. Pittsburgh benefited from a controversial spot to convert a late fourth down. They also already have wins over the Browns and Ravens on their resume. It is hard to imagine this offense really pushing for the playoffs in a tough division, but they are in a great spot at 4-2. Maybe coaching is important.