NFL Top 10: Week 8

Story posted October 27, 2021 in CommRadio, Sports by Ethan Hetrick

The NFL got to celebrate tight end day on the latest football Sunday. However, now that tight end day is over, the fans get to celebrate a new weekly ranking.

So, after this offensive spectacle of a week, here are the latest rankings. 

1. Arizona Cardinals (7-0)

If a team is still undefeated this late in a season it is hard to say it isn’t the No. 1 team in the league. 

Now having a reliable tight end in veteran Zach Ertz, there are nearly no flaws on this Cardinal team, both offensively and defensively.

2.  Los Angeles Rams (6-1)

This team is an offensive juggernaut. Mathew Stafford, going against his former team, managed to throw for 334 yards and three touchdowns.

In nearly every game, the Rams manage to put up 25 points or more. Putting up that many points a game and having a solid defense managed to put the Rams in the No. 2 spot this week.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-1)

With a 32-point lead against the Bears at halftime, Tampa Bay showed off why it is the reigning champ.

The wide receivers were great. Mike Evans had three touchdowns and 71 yards and Chris Godwin had over 100 yards and a touchdown. Then, the defense only allowed three points, even with cornerback troubles. This display of dominance shows why they have a good chance at a repeat.

4. Buffalo Bills (4-2)

With Josh Allen playing at an MVP level and a defense playing well, Buffalo should have a bounce back week against a surprisingly bad Miami Dolphins team.

5. Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)

Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase college connection has successfully continued into the NFL. Chase, having over 200 yards against a solid Ravens defense, helps his case as NFL Rookie of the Year. Speaking of defense, the Bengals managed to have five sacks against Lamar Jackson. 

With a 41-17 victory over the Ravens makes the Bengals the top team in the AFC North and help them become worthy of a top-five spot. 

6. Green Bay Packers (6-1)

With their stunning throwback uniforms, the Packers managed to beat the Washington Football Team 24-10. 

There is nothing new for this team. Aaron Rodgers is still playing well. The running game and defense can use some work. However, despite a long list of injuries the Packers still won. 

7. Tennessee Titans (5-2)

The Titans managed to have surprise victories against the Chiefs and Titans in back-to-back weeks. 

Derrick Henry was held only to 88 yards but threw for a touchdown. The best part of the Titans’ game was the passing game between A.J. Brown and Ryan Tannehill. If the Titans keep up this passing game and Henry’s usual running game, this offense will be terrifying.

8. Dallas Cowboys (5-1)

The Dallas Cowboys are playing better than preseason expectations. Since it was their bye week, a well-rested Cowboys team should be able to take on the Minnesota Vikings, especially if Dak Prescott starts. 

9. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)

The Ravens showed glaring weaknesses against the Bengals in their 41-17 lost. If a team manages to stop Lamar Jackson, they stop the Ravens. The Ravens have no run game without Jackson. Also, the defense got exposed by the Bengals passing game. 

Due to the Ravens previous games, and if Jackson gets back on track, they stay in the top 10. 

10. Los Angeles Chargers (4-2)

The Chargers headed into their bye week with a crushing defeat from the Ravens. After a tough loss, the Chargers had a week to refocus and rest to prepare them to go up against the New England Patriots. 

If Justin Herbert manages to play well again, this team is a force to be reckoned with.

 

Ethan Hetrick is a first-year communications major. To contact him, email eth5186@psu.edu.

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