NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Where does every NFC team stand?

The top five in the NFL's NFC Power Rankings remain consistently above the pack. The other 11 teams in the conference continue to shuffle. Heading into Week 8 of the 2021 NFL season, the good and bad teams are starting to separate themselves. There are currently six teams in the NFC that have lost at least three in a row while the top five have all won at least three consecutive games.

NFC Power Rankings: Teams struggling the most

#16 - Detroit Lions (0-7)

Last week: #16

Next week: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The Detroit Lions are one of the most consistent teams in the NFC but for the wrong reasons. They are in last place every week in the NFC Power Rankings. They are still the only team in the entire NFL to not yet win a game.

The Lions have at least been competitive and have been close to winning games. They are not getting blown out and get a good opportunity to get their first win in Week 8 against the struggling Eagles. Until they win a game, the Lions are an easy choice for last place in the Power Rankings.

#15 - Washington Football Team (2-5)

Last week: #13

Next week: vs. Denver Broncos

The Washington Football Team continues to fall in the Power Rankings after another loss in Week 7. Their defense continues to be extremely disappointing. They were projected to be a top-five defense this season but instead are one of the worst.

Their passing defense ranks last place in the NFL. Their talented young defensive line has not had as much success as they did last season and their secondary can't cover anyone right now.

#14 - Philadelphia Eagles (2-5)

Last week: #12

Next week: vs. Detroit Lions

The Eagles are another team that drops in the Power Rankings after losing another game. They couldn't get it done in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders but have an opportunity to get back in the win column in Week 8 when they play the winless Lions.

Jalen Hurts has been inconsistent this season as he auditions to be the starting quarterback of the future for the Eagles. He shows flashes of great potential but overall leaves much to be desired. He is a productive rusher from quarterback but needs to work on his passing if he wants to keep the job.

#13 - San Francisco 49ers (2-4)

Last week: #10

Next week: vs. Chicago Bears

After winning their first two games of the season the 49ers have now lost four in a row. They continue their disappointing run heading into Week 8 and keep falling further down the Power Rankings. The quarterback is a major question mark in San Francisco.

Neither Jimmy Garoppolo nor Trey Lance have been particularly impressive this season. Lance has found some success with gadget plays and designed quarterback runs, but his passing still needs to develop. Garoppolo has regressed greatly this season.

NFC Power Rankings: Teams that need to do better

#12 - New York Giants (2-5)

Last week: #15

Next week: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The New York Giants moved up a few spots in the Power rankings after getting their second victory of the season. They are the only team in the bottom half of the Week 8 NFC Power Rankings that are coming off a win.

The Giants have an interesting game next on their schedule. They face a high-powered offense from the Chiefs but get them at a time when they aren't playing their best football. The Giants will try to score a major upset on Monday Night Football.

#11 - Seattle Seahawks (2-5)

Last week: #11

Next week: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The only thing keeping the Seahawks from being lower in the Power Rankings is Russell Wilson's injury. They have somewhat of an excuse for the terrible play lately. Geno Smith is nothing more than a back-up quarterback and their offense has been invisible since he took over.

The 2021 NFL season is quickly getting away from the Seahawks. The NFC West division is pretty much out of reach already with how good both the Cardinals and Rams are. They need to turn it around quickly if they want to get back in the Wild Card race.

#10 - Carolina Panthers (3-4)

Last week: #9

Next week: vs. Atlanta Falcons

The Panthers have now lost four straight games after starting the season with a 3-0 record. The only reason they haven't dropped further than they have in the Power Rankings is because of how weak the bottom half of the NFC has been.

Almost all of the teams in the bottom half of the Power Rankings, including the Panthers, have lost multiple games in a row. The Panthers haven't won a game this season since Christian McCaffrey's injury.

#9 - Chicago Bears (3-4)

Last week: #8

Next week: vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Bears, like the Panthers, only remain as high as they are in the Power Rankings because of how bad the teams below them have been this year. It has not been at all been because of anything they are doing right recently.

The Bears rank last in the entire NFL in offense this season. They are not gaining yardage or scoring points. Their defense has been pretty solid all year, but the offense just isn't doing enough with rookie quarterback Justin Fields.

NFC Power Rankings: Teams that are close

#8 - Atlanta Falcons (3-3)

Last week: #14

Next week: vs. Carolina Panthers

The Atlanta Falcons made the biggest jump up the NFC Power Rankings this week. They are now on a two-game winning streak and have evened their record back to 3-3 this season.

The Falcons' offense is starting to get into a rhythm. Calvin Ridley is playing much better after a bit of a slow start and Cordarrelle Patterson is having a breakout season late in his career. Rookie Kyle Pitts is establishing a dominant role as well.

#7 - Minnesota Vikings (3-3)

Last week: #7

Next week: vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Vikings retained their spot in the Power Rankings while on a bye last week. They have a big opportunity in Week 8 of Sunday Night Football against one of the top teams in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys.

The Vikings will continue to establish their rushing game with Dalvin Cook, who finally looks back to full strength now after his injury. An upset victory over the Cowboys in Week 8 could improve their spot in the Power Rankings.

#6 - New Orleans Saints (4-2)

Last week: #6

Next week: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The New Orleans Saints are improving as the season goes along. Their offense is trying to re-establish its identity with new quarterback Jameis Winston. Head coach Sean Payton always does a great job of scheming favorable game plans.

The Saints have one of the best defenses in the NFL, especially against the run. They have a huge divisional clash in Week 8 with the Buccaneers. A win this week would push the Saints higher in the Power Rankings.

#5 - Green Bay Packers (6-1)

Last week: #5

Next week: vs. Arizona Cardinals

One of the best games of Week 8 of the 2021 NFL season is Thursday Night Football, when the Packers take on the Cardinals. It's a heavyweight battle in the NFC between two Super Bowl hopefuls. It's a pivotal game for the NFC Power Rankings.

The Packers opened the season by getting destroyed by the New Orleans Saints. Since then they have won six straight games. It will be tough to get their seventh consecutive victory against the undefeated Cardinals, especially with Davante Adams likely to be ruled out.

NFC Power Rankings: The top teams

#4 - Dallas Cowboys (5-1)

Last week: #4

Next week: vs. Minnesota Vikings

The Cowboys retained their spot in the Power Rankings while on a bye last week. They have one of the top offenses this season and quarterback Dak Prescott is playing like an NFL MVP candidate.

Their defense has much improved since last season. New defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has made a huge difference. Cornerback Trevon Diggs leads the NFL in interceptions and is one of the favorites to win Defensive Player of the Year.

#3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-1)

Last week: #3

Next week: vs. New Orleans Saints

The Buccaneers are firmly near the top of the NFC Power Rankings. Tom Brady is having yet another excellent season while leading the defending Super Bowl champions to another successful season so far.

The Buccaneers have a tough matchup with a highly motivated Saints team in Week 8. Jameis Winston will be playing against his former team while the Saints try to make a statement that they can compete for the NFC South title and move their own way up the Power Rankings.

#2 - Los Angeles Rams (6-1)

Last week: #2

Next week: vs. Houston Texans

The Rams have earned their spot in the Power Rankings by defeating everyone on their schedule so far besides the undefeated Arizona Cardinals. They are the most balanced team in the NFL and demonstrate no weaknesses.

The addition of Matthew Stafford this season has elevated the Rams offense to a new level. The threat of the deep ball is the one thing that was missing in Sean McVay's scheme and now he has it. The Rams are real contenders to win it all this season.

#1 - Arizona Cardinals (7-0)

Last week: #1

Next week: vs. Green Bay Packers

The Cardinals are the easy choice for top spot in the Power Rankings. They are the last remaining unbeaten team in the NFL and have been for a few weeks now. They have a difficult challenge this week against the streaking Packers.

The Cardinals have clearly been the best team in the 2021 NFL season. Their defense has been a pleasant surprise and quarterback Kyler Murray is the most electric player in the league. He is surrounded by solid weapons and is the current favorite to win NFL MVP.