Cincinnati Bengals

And then there was one undefeated team left as week seven saw wild upsets brewing, causing shakeups among the contenders and struggling franchises. With that in mind, let’s get into the NFL power rankings heading into Week 8. Who are the risers and fallers in this week’s NFL Power Rankings? 32) Los Angeles Chargers: (Last Week: 31)Aug 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers helmets on the bench at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports The Chargers were resting and regrouping on their bye week, but they’re currently the last winless team in the league. Will Justin Herbert regain his true self before the season ends, and will the Chargers flip the script? We’ll just have to wait and see.  31) Arizona Cardinals: (Last Week: 26)Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of an Arizona Cardinals helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Cardinals struggled at home, losing 30-16 to the Broncos on a day they honored Larry Fitzgerald. Although Jacoby Brissett threw a touchdown to Trey McBride (who had 111 receiving yards), they struggled to find the end zone for most of the game. The Cardinals’ defense surrendered multiple explosive plays to Bo Nix, including a 62-yard touchdown. The “Red Birds” have a lot of work to do before their matchup with the Cowboys. 30) Miami Dolphins: (Last Week: 32)Aug 3, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, US; A general view of a Miami Dolphins helmet on the field during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports The Dolphins went on the road to play the Jets and stunned the NFL world, winning 28-25. Malik Willis scored a rushing touchdown and threw two touchdowns to Caleb Douglas, and Ollie Gordon II had 103 rushing yards and scored a rushing touchdown.  Michael Taaffe snagged an interception, while the Dolphins’ defense had two sacks against Geno Smith. The Dolphins earned their first victory with a crucial fourth-and-one sneak and successfully ran out the clock.  29) Tennessee Titans: (Last Week: 28)Aug 25, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Tennessee Titans helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports The Titans started the game with a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, but it all slipped away in their 27-24 loss to the Browns. That’s why they also slipped a bit in this week’s NFL Power Rankings. Cam Ward threw an interception, Tony Pollard had 129 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns, and Carnell Tate had 69 receiving yards. On defense, Oluwafemi Oladejo had a sack, Cor’Dale Flott had an interception returned for 14 yards, and Tony Adams had a fumble recovery. After fighting late to tie things up, Browns’ kicker Andre Szmyt kicked the 32-yard winner with time expiring, dropping the Titans to 1-6. 28) Washington Commanders: (Last Week: 29)A Washington Commanders helmet on the bench (Brett Davis-Imagn Images) The Commanders are regrouping and recharging in their bye week, as Stefon Diggs and their remaining pass catchers must step up in Terry McLaurin’s absence, Jayden Daniels needs better protection from his offensive line, and head coach Dan Quinn must fix the defense immediately.  27) New York Jets: (Last Week: 27)Aug 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New York Jets helmets during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports While the Jets played a competitive divisional matchup against the Dolphins, they fell just short, 28-25. Geno Smith threw three touchdowns against an interception; Braelon Allen had 104 rushing yards, Mason Taylor had 62 receiving yards and scored two touchdowns, and Omar Cooper Jr. had 115 receiving yards and scored a touchdown.  The Jets’ defense had two sacks against Malik Willis. However, the rest of the team must find a way to close games better moving forward, as they’re 0-8 against divisional opponents in the Aaron Glenn era.  26) Indianapolis Colts: (Last Week: 25)Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; An Indianapolis Colts helmet sits on an equipment case during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images The Colts had a 10-6 halftime lead over the Vikings, but they blew it in their 16-10 loss. Daniel Jones threw an interception and was sacked four times; Jonathan Taylor rushed for 95 yards and scored the team’s only touchdown; and Keenan Allen had 31 receiving yards. The Colts’ defense put up a physical performance even without Sauce Gardner in the lineup, sacking Kyler Murray three times and holding the Vikings offense to one touchdown.   25) New Orleans Saints: (Last Week: 24)Dec 23, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a New Orleans Saints helmet during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images The Saints played a competitive, yet sloppy battle against the Steelers in the league’s first game in Paris, but lost 16-10. Tyler Shough threw a touchdown against an interception; the Saints’ rushing attack was held to a mere 18 yards, and Devaughn Vele scored the team’s only touchdown. Defensively, the Saints played incredibly tough, limiting the Steelers to 16 points and sacking Aaron Rodgers three times. 24) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (Last Week: 30)Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet (Photo By Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) Baker Mayfield returned to action and led a refreshed Bucs team to a 43-13 statement win over the Panthers. As a result, they climbed a few spots in this week’s NFL Power Rankings. Mayfield threw a touchdown to Tez Johnson (who had 33 receiving yards), Bucky Irving had 106 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns, and Sean Tucker scored a rushing touchdown. The Bucs’ defense had a fumble recovery, five sacks, and two interceptions against Bryce Young, as they decimated their NFC South rivals with ease.  23) Houston Texans: (Last Week: 20)Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Houston Texans helmet sits on the sidelines during the 4th quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports The Texans played a wild game against the Giants, but came up short in their 27-21 overtime loss. C. J. Stroud threw two touchdowns, Woody Marks had 66 rushing yards, and Tank Dell returned to the lineup and had 43 receiving yards. The Texans’ defense had three sacks against J. J. McCarthy, but they couldn’t slow down Malik Nabers and the Giants’ rushing attack. 22) Philadelphia Eagles: (Last Week: 19)Philadelphia Eagles helmet (Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images) The Eagles started things off competitively against their divisional rivals, the Cowboys, but the Eagles’ defense couldn’t contain them in their 38-21 loss. Tanner McKee threw a touchdown to Makai Lemon after a costly interception, and Saquon Barkley had 62 rushing yards and scored a touchdown. The Eagles’ defense couldn’t touch Dak Prescott or slow down the red-hot Cowboys’ offense. The Eagles must rest and regroup before their matchup with the Commanders. 21) Carolina Panthers: (Last Week: 16)Carolina Panthers helmet (Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) The Panthers had a rough afternoon at home, losing 43-13 to the Buccaneers. Bryce Young threw a touchdown to Darren Waller against two interceptions and was sacked five times; Chuba Hubbard rushed for 33 yards, and Tetaiora McMillan had 40 receiving yards. The Panthers’ defense couldn’t get anything going against the Bucs’ offense with Baker Mayfield back, and they surrendered 258 yards of offense.  20) Dallas Cowboys: (Last Week: 23)Dallas Cowboys Helmet (Photo via Imagn Images) The Cowboys had themselves an impressive night, winning 38-21 against the Eagles. Dak Prescott threw three touchdowns and wasn’t sacked; Javonte Williams had a career-high 155 rushing yards and scored a touchdown; and CeeDee Lamb had 74 receiving yards and scored two touchdowns. The Cowboys’ defense had two sacks, and DeMarvion Overshown had an interception. The Cowboys have found a new spark of life and must build upon this spark for the coming weeks. 19) New York Giants: (Last Week: 21)New York Giants helmet (Photo via Imagn Images) The Giants bounced back from their week six loss, winning a tough 27-21 overtime battle against the Texans. The Giants’ rushing attack shone, scoring four rushing touchdowns, with Cam Skattebo rushing for 124 yards, Devin Singletary scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime, and Malik Nabers having 111 receiving yards. The defense played shorthanded without key starters, but they held the Texans to 237 yards of offense.  18) Las Vegas Raiders: (Last Week: 13)Aug 23, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders Riddell speedflex helmet on the field at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports The Raiders attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter after being down 28-6, but they fell short, 35-21. Kirk Cousins threw two touchdowns, the Raiders’ rushing attack totaled 48 yards, and Tre Tucker had 103 receiving yards and a touchdown.  On defense, Jeremy Chinn had a fumble recovery, Tonka Hemingway had a sack, and Nakobe Dean had an interception. The Raiders have some things to clean up before their next matchup against the Jets on the road. 17) Atlanta Falcons: (Last week: 22)Atlanta Falcons helmet (Stephen Lew-Imagn Images) The Falcons stunned the NFL world, upsetting the 49ers 29-20. Michael Penix Jr. looked sharp, throwing three touchdowns and not getting sacked; Bijan Robinson rushed for 63 yards, and Drake London had 66 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. The Falcons’ defense completely disrupted Brock Purdy, sacking him twice, recovering two fumbles, and getting two interceptions in an incredible upset victory.  16) Pittsburgh Steelers: (Last week: 18)Pittsburgh Steelers helmet. Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images The Steelers controlled the tempo of the NFL’s first game in Paris, winning 16-10 against the Saints. Aaron Rodgers threw a touchdown to Darnell Washington, DK Metcalf had 56 receiving yards, and Jaylen Warren had 101 rushing yards. Defensively, the Steelers had two sacks, and Payton Wilson had an interception returned for 18 yards, while shutting down the Saints’ offense in the second half of the game.  15) Cleveland Browns: (Last Week: 17)Cleveland Browns helmet (Photo Via Imagn Images) The Browns played a neck-and-neck battle with the Titans and won 27-24. Hence, their spot in this week’s NFL Power Rankings. Deshaun Watson threw an interception, but had 308 passing yards; Quinshon Judkins had 96 rushing yards and scored two rushing touchdowns; and KC Concepcion had 129 receiving yards. Defensively, the Browns had a fumble recovery, a sack, and an interception. Kicker Andre Szmyt made three field goals, including the game-winner in the thrilling battle. 14) Baltimore Ravens: (Last Week: 7)Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; A view of Baltimore Ravens players’ helmets on a heated bench against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images The Ravens started the game with a 13-0 halftime lead, but it all slipped away in their 35-13 beatdown loss to the Bengals. Tyler Huntley threw a touchdown to Zay Flowers (who had 137 receiving yards) against an interception, and Derrick Henry had 45 rushing yards. The Ravens’ defense couldn’t even stop or slow down Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense in the second half. The Ravens have to regroup and move on to their matchup against the Bills on the road. 13) Cincinnati Bengals: (Last Week: 15)A Cincinnati Bengals Riddell Speedflex helmet on the field (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) The Bengals started the game slowly in the first half, but came alive in the second half, dominating the Ravens 35-13. Joe Burrow threw four touchdowns, Samaje Perine rushed for 16 yards and scored a rushing touchdown, and Tee Higgins had 148 yards and scored a touchdown. The Bengals’ defense completely shut down the Ravens’ offense in the second half, recording four sacks against Tyler Huntley. It was a strong showing from the Bengals, who are ready to cause more havoc in the coming weeks. 12) Los Angeles Rams: (Last Week: 12)Jan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Rams helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Rams snapped their two-game losing streak with a 35-21 comeback win against the Raiders. Matthew Stafford threw three touchdowns against an interception; Kyren Williams had 99 rushing yards and a touchdown; Davis Allen scored two touchdowns, and Puka Nacua had 68 receiving yards and scored a touchdown.  The Rams’ defense had two sacks in the afternoon, and the team orchestrated a 70-yard clock-draining drive to seal the victory. 11) Green Bay Packers: (Last Week: 6)Green Bay Packers helmet (Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images) The Packers played a neck-and-neck battle against their division rivals, the Lions, and lost a tough 20-17 battle. Jordan Love threw two touchdowns against an interception, Josh Jacobs had 36 rushing yards and scored a receiving touchdown, and Tucker Kraft had 48 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. The Packers’ defense recovered two fumbles, and Anthony Campbell had a sack. Rookie kicker Trey Smack missed two crucial field goals, and the team accumulated eight penalties.  10) New England Patriots: (Last Week: 5)A New England Patriots helmet sits on the field (Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images) The Patriots may have lost 30-24 to the Bears, but they made some costly mistakes and struggled on third down. Drake Maye threw two touchdowns, an interception, and scored a rushing touchdown, and Rhamondre Stevenson had 93 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. The Patriots’ defense had three sacks, but they couldn’t slow down an intense Bears offense.  9) Seattle Seahawks: (Last Week: 14)Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Seattle Seahawks helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Seahawks snapped their two-game losing streak with a very dominant 20-3 win over the Chiefs. They climbed a few spots in this week’s NFL Power Rankings. Sam Darnold threw a touchdown and an interception; Emmanuel Wilson had 100 rushing yards and scored a touchdown; and Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 150 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. Defensively, the Seahawks crippled the Chiefs’ rushing attack, holding them to 50 rushing yards. Derick Hall sacked Patrick Mahomes, and Ty Okada had an interception.  8) Denver Broncos: (Last Week: 11)Denver Broncos helmet (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images) The Broncos came to life in their dominant 30-16 win over the Cardinals on the road. Bo Nix threw a touchdown to R. J. Harvey, rushed for 73 yards, and scored a 62-yard rushing touchdown. Harvey had 54 receiving yards, and J. K. Dobbins had 23 rushing yards and scored a touchdown. The Broncos’ defense had three sacks, while Alex Singleton had 19 tackles on the day and helped the team hold the Cardinals to one touchdown in five trips to the red zone. 7) Detroit Lions: (Last Week: 9)Helmet of Detroit Lions place kicker Jake Bates (not in the photo) before the NFC divisional round between Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders] at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. The Lions played a sloppy, yet fun, physical battle against the Packers and won 20-17. Jared Goff threw two touchdowns to Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown had 153 receiving yards, and Jahmyr Gibbs had 116 rushing yards. However, the Lions lost two fumbles.  The Lions’ defense held firm against a strong Packers offense, with Brian Branch intercepting a pass from Jordan Love and Aidan Hutchinson sacking him. Kicker Jake Bates made two field goals, including the game-winner. 6) Jacksonville Jaguars: (Last Week: 8)Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars helmets on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Jaguars are on a bye after two long weeks in London. They’re currently 4-2 and still have control of the AFC South as their rivals, the Texans, Colts, and Titans, all lost. The Jaguars return to action in week eight by hosting the Colts. 5) Chicago Bears: (Last Week: 10)Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Chicago Bears helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Bears played a strong game against the Patriots and won 30-24. Caleb Williams threw two touchdowns, D’Andre Swift rushed for 78 yards and scored a rushing touchdown, and Luther Burden III had 130 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. On defense, the Bears had two sacks and an interception. Cairo Santos missed a 53-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, but he made up for it with a career-long 58-yarder to give the Bears a comfortable two-score lead with 1:34 left.  4) Kansas City Chiefs: (Last Week: 1)Kansas City Chiefs helmets. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Chiefs looked lifeless on the road in their 20-3 loss to the Seahawks. Patrick Mahomes threw an interception and was sacked once; Kenneth Walker III had 36 rushing yards, and both Noah Gray and Travis Kelce each had 44 receiving yards. The Chiefs’ defense had no answers in stopping the Seahawks, as they gave up 410 yards of offense, but Nohl Williams had a 65-yard interception that gave the unit some life.  3) San Francisco 49ers: (Last Week: 2)A San Francisco 49ers helmet sits on the field (Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images) The 49ers suffered their first loss of the season in their 29-20 battle with the Falcons. Brock Purdy threw a touchdown to Kyle Juszczyk against two costly interceptions; Kaelon Black and Christian McCaffrey both scored rushing touchdowns, and George Kittle had 88 receiving yards. The 49ers entered the game short-handed with no Mike Evans or Deebo Samuel in the lineup, and McCaffrey left the game with a thigh injury, but he returned to action in the second half.  2) Buffalo Bills: (Last Week: 3)Buffalo Bills helmet (Photo by Imagn Images) The Bills may be on a bye week, but they have a win streak to keep alive when they square off against the Ravens coming to town in week nine. Josh Allen is a legitimate threat with his dual-threat abilities, while the defense remains fierce.  1) Minnesota Vikings: (Last Week: 4)Minnesota Vikings helmet (Photo Via Imagn Images) The Vikings are the only undefeated team left in the league, winning 16-10 against the Colts. Kyler Murray threw a touchdown to T. J. Hockenson, Jordan Mason had 68 rushing yards, and Justin Jefferson had 44 receiving yards. Defensively, the Vikings had four sacks, and Harrison Smith had an interception returned for 15 yards against Daniel Jones. Despite being down 10-6, the Vikings rallied and won out in the fourth quarter.