Benigno's Best: Week 8 NFL Power Rankings
By Joe Benigno
» More Columns
Seven weeks into the season the Eagles have fired their defensive coordinator, the Panthers have fired their GM, Romeo Crennel has named Brady Quinn the starter in K.C. and we get another game in London this week (oh joy). Atlanta remains the league's only unbeaten team, and only three AFC teams have winning records.
1. Atlanta Falcons (1) 6-0
Atlanta comes off their bye week. I don't think this is the best team in the NFL, but they are the only unbeaten one.
Next: @ Eagles
2. New York Giants (2) 5-2
RGIII stole the show at the Meadowlands on Sunday. Eli Manning won the game.
Next: @ Cowboys
3. Houston Texans (3) 6-1
In a showdown of the AFC's two best teams, Houston showed who's the boss -- at least for now -- in a 30-point whipping of the Ravens in Houston.
Next: Bye
4. Chicago Bears (4) 5-1
There were no defensive touchdowns for Chicago this week. It was just Jay Cutler to Brandon Marshall in Monday night's win over the toothless Lions at Chicago.
Next: vs Panthers
5. San Francisco 49ers (5) 5-2
The Niners were fortunate that Seahawk receivers couldn't hold onto the ball in their listless win over Seattle. They still have to be concerned about their offense.
Next: @ Cardinals
6. Green Bay Packers (10) 4-3
The Pack looks to be back after winning its second straight in St. Louis, and let's face it -- they really should be 5-2.
Next: vs. Jaguars
7. Minnesota Vikings (unranked) 5-2
Minny continued to get it done with a home win over the slumping Cardinals. 153 yards and a TD on the ground for Adrian Peterson, whose knee looks fine, by the way. Through seven weeks, this has to be the league's biggest surprise.
Next: vs. Bucs
8. Baltimore Ravens (6) 5-2
They looked horrible in a blowout loss in Houston. Terrell Suggs is back, but just about everyone else on the defense is banged up. It looks like this team is all about Joe Flacco now.
Next: Bye
9. New England Patriots (unranked) 4-3
They can thank the Jets for playing not to lose in an OT win in Foxborough. They may lead the AFC East, but they sure don't look like your father's Pats.
Next: vs. Rams (in London)
10. Seattle Seahawks (7) 4-3
If they could only hold onto the ball they would be in first all alone in the AFC West. Pete Carroll has the league's most underrated defense.
Next: @ Lions
What do you think of Joe's rankings? Who is too high or too low? Let us know in the comments section below...
