Football fans received quite the treat on Sunday night as they got to witness Peyton Manning enter the record books after throwing four touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers. Of course, Manning's accomplishment is just one of many topics to discuss for the 2014 NFL Power Rankings Week 8--so let's get right into it!
32. Oakland Raiders 0-6 (31)
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
32. Oakland Raiders 0-6 (31)
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Another week, another loss for the Oakland Raiders as they fell short against the Arizona Cardinals. At this rate, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Raiders end up going winless this season as the only positive thing from this year will be Derek Carr gaining experience.
31. New York Jets 1-6 (30)
(Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
31. New York Jets 1-6 (30)
(Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Nobody gave the New York Jets much of a chance against the New England Patriots, but they nearly pulled off the shocking upset in Foxboro before Nick Folk's final field goal attempt was blocked. At least Chris Ivory (107 rushing yards with one touchdown) broke the 100-yard mark for the first time since Week 1.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-5 (29)
(Cliff McBride/Getty Images)
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-5 (29)
(Cliff McBride/Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers currently rank 30th for overall offense and 32nd for overall defense--so it's safe to say they were in desperate need of the bye week. Let's hope the Buccaneers show up in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-6 (32)
(Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
29. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-6 (32)
(Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
It finally happened as the Jacksonville Jaguars picked up their first win of 2014 against the Cleveland Browns. Maybe Denard Robinson (122 rushing yards with one touchdown) has been the answer at running back for the Jaguars this whole time.
28. Minnesota Vikings 2-5 (26)
(Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
28. Minnesota Vikings 2-5 (26)
(Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
With the way things have gone this season, nobody should have been surprised by the Minnesota Vikings losing to the Buffalo Bills on a last-second touchdown. The struggles continue for Teddy Bridgewater as the rookie threw two interceptions on Sunday--giving him five over the last two games.
27. Tennessee Titans 2-5 (25)
(Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
27. Tennessee Titans 2-5 (25)
(Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Tennessee Titans were on the verge of a big road win before losing to the Washington Redskins on a last-second field goal. Bishop Sankey (56 rushing yards on 16 carries) continues to receive opportunities at running back, but he's struggling to produce big numbers for the Titans.
26. Atlanta Falcons 2-5 (23)
(Rob Carr/Getty Images)
26. Atlanta Falcons 2-5 (23)
(Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Not only have the Atlanta Falcons lost four-straight games, but Matt Ryan and the offense have only recorded 20 points over the last two weeks. Ryan and Julio Jones need to figure out a way to help turn this offense around before it's too late.
25. Houston Texans 3-3 (21) (Monday Night)
(Bob Levey/Getty Images)
25. Houston Texans 3-3 (21) (Monday Night)
(Bob Levey/Getty Images)
The Houston Texans are coming off of back-to-back losses and unfortunately, things don't get any easier on Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Texans have any chance of pulling off the road win, they're going to need the defense to show up.
24. New York Giants 3-4 (20)
(Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
24. New York Giants 3-4 (20)
(Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
After their embarrassing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6, the New York Giants actually kept it close with the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday as Eli Manning (248 passing yards with three touchdowns) saw numerous receivers step up their game with Victor Cruz out for the season.
23. Cleveland Browns 3-3 (16)
(Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
23. Cleveland Browns 3-3 (16)
(Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Did we jump the gun too quickly on the Cleveland Browns? After defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers, a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars was supposed to be an easy win, but that was far from the case as the Browns struggled on both sides of the ball.
22. Washington Redskins 2-5 (27)
(Larry French/Getty Images)
22. Washington Redskins 2-5 (27)
(Larry French/Getty Images)
The Washington Redskins came up on the winning end against the Titans, but the main thing fans are going to discuss is how Kirk Cousins--who was replaced by Colt McCoy at halftime--missed out on the perfect opportunity to show why he may not be ready to be an NFL starter. Turnovers continue to be a problem for Cousins and give credit to McCoy for putting up solid numbers after completing 11 of 12 passes for 128 yards with one touchdown.
21. St. Louis Rams 2-4 (28)
(Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
21. St. Louis Rams 2-4 (28)
(Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Even if there was controversy towards the end of the game, the St. Louis Rams have to feel good about pulling off the big upset over the defending Super Bowl champions. Don't be surprised if Stedman Bailey's punt return for a touchdown ends up being the top play of the year.
20. New Orleans Saints 2-4 (18)
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
20. New Orleans Saints 2-4 (18)
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
You don't expect a team like the New Orleans Saints to blow a 13-point lead in the final minutes of a game--but they did. This was a game the Saints needed to win and it doesn't get any easier in Week 8 against the red-hot Green Bay Packers.
19. Buffalo Bills 4-3 (22)
(Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
19. Buffalo Bills 4-3 (22)
(Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
Talk about winning in exciting fashion as Sammy Watkins caught a touchdown pass with one second left to help the Buffalo Bills pick up a big win against the Vikings. Unfortunately, Sunday's win still came up with a few losses C.J. Spiller is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
18. Chicago Bears 3-4 (15)
(Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
18. Chicago Bears 3-4 (15)
(Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
It's hard to believe the Chicago Bears have yet to win a home game so far this and the frustration is starting to build up in the locker room after another disappointing loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Matt Forte continues to carry the offense on his shoulders, but unless the Bears' defense can turn things around, this team won't make the playoffs.
17. Carolina Panthers 3-3-1
(Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
17. Carolina Panthers 3-3-1
(Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Once again, the defense of the Carolina Panthers struggled as their game against the Green Bay Packers was basically over at halftime. The Panthers have now allowed 75 points over their last two games and Ron Rivera may be finding himself on the hot seat after this loss.
16. Cincinnati Bengals 3-2-1
(Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
16. Cincinnati Bengals 3-2-1
(Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Remember when the Cincinnati Bengals were considered one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC after their 3-0 start? The Bengals hit a new low after they were shutout against the Indianapolis Colts and it's safe to say this team desperately needs A.J. Green to get healthy again.
15. Miami Dolphins 3-3 (24)
(David Banks/Getty Images)
15. Miami Dolphins 3-3 (24)
(David Banks/Getty Images)
This was a big win for the Miami Dolphins as Ryan Tannehill (25 of 32 for 277 yards with two touchdowns) played one of the best games of his career against the Chicago Bears. With the win, the Dolphins managed to stay close to the New England Patriots and Bills in the AFC East standings.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers 3-3 (19) (Monday Night)
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
14. Pittsburgh Steelers 3-3 (19) (Monday Night)
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
After they were embarrassed by the Cleveland Browns, the Pittsburgh Steelers realize how important Monday's game against the Houston Texans is. Hopefully, the banged-up defense won't be an issue for the Steelers on Monday night.
13. San Francisco 49ers 4-3 (12)
(Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
13. San Francisco 49ers 4-3 (12)
(Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Sunday night was a tough loss for the San Francisco 49ers as their banged-up defense had zero answers for stopping Peyton Manning. For the second-straight week, Frank Gore (20 rushing yards) struggled on offense as he's recorded just 58 rushing yards over his last two games.
12. Kansas City Chiefs 3-3 (17)
(Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
12. Kansas City Chiefs 3-3 (17)
(Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
After an 0-2 start, the Kansas City Chiefs have now won three of their last four games--with their biggest win coming on the road in Week 7 against the San Diego Chargers. If the Chiefs can continue playing this well, there's no reason why they shouldn't be considered playoff contenders in the AFC.
11. Detroit Lions 5-2 (13)
(Leon Halip/Getty Images)
11. Detroit Lions 5-2 (13)
(Leon Halip/Getty Images)
It wasn't pretty for most of the game, but the Detroit Lions rallied when it mattered the most to pick up the big win against the Saints. What's even more impressive is the Lions came up on the winning end without Calvin Johnson as Golden Tate--who caught 10 passes for 154 yards with one touchdown--continues to show just how valuable of a wideout he is.
10. Seattle Seahawks 3-3 (5)
(Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
10. Seattle Seahawks 3-3 (5)
(Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Russell Wilson had one of the best games of his career (313 passing yards and 106 rushing yards with three total touchdowns) against the Rams and even that wasn't enough as the Seattle Seahawks have now lost two games in a row. It's still early, but next weekend's game against the Carolina Panthers is looking like a must win.
9. Philadelphia Eagles 5-1 (6)
(Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
9. Philadelphia Eagles 5-1 (6)
(Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
After an impressive win against the New York Giants, the Philadelphia Eagles are using the bye week to rest up for two tough road games against the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans. They may be 5-1, but the Eagles still need plenty of improvement on both sides of the ball.
8. New England Patriots 5-2 (9)
(Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
8. New England Patriots 5-2 (9)
(Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Shane Vereen came up big for the New England Patriots with Stevan Ridley out, but the team avoided a scare against the Jets as a late blocked field goal helped this team picked up their third-straight game. With the way the Dolphins and Bills have been playing, every win is important for the Patriots as far as the division is concerned.
7. Baltimore Ravens 5-2 (10)
(Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
7. Baltimore Ravens 5-2 (10)
(Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
At this point in the season, the Baltimore Ravens should be considered the team to beat in the AFC. Not only does Joe Flacco have the offense rolling, but the defense has looked solid as they've allowed just 24 points over the last two weeks and even kept Matt Ryan and Julio Jones in line on Sunday.
6. Green Bay Packers 5-2 (8)
(Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
6. Green Bay Packers 5-2 (8)
(Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
Ever since he told fans to relax, the Green Bay Packers have looked like one of the hottest teams in football after picking up their fourth-straight win against the Carolina Panthers. Rodgers may have one of the league's best duos at wide receiver between Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson.
5. Indianapolis Colts 5-2 (7)
(Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
5. Indianapolis Colts 5-2 (7)
(Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
While most of the success with the Indianapolis Colts usually goes to Andrew Luck, it was the defense that came up big on Sunday after shutting out the Bengals. With their fifth-straight win, the Colts are one of the hottest teams in the AFC and T.Y Hilton continues to set himself apart from the rest of the league with 25 catches over the last three games.
4. San Diego Chargers 5-2 (1)
(Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
4. San Diego Chargers 5-2 (1)
(Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The San Diego Chargers were one of the hottest teams in football prior to Sunday, but the defense struggled to contain Jamaal Charles as they lost for the first time since Week 1. Now, it looks like Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos is even more important for Philip Rivers and company.
3. Arizona Cardinals 5-1 (4)
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
at O.co Coliseum on October 19, 2014 in Oakland, California.
3. Arizona Cardinals 5-1 (4)
(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Can you believe the Arizona Cardinals are the team to beat in the NFC West? Andre Ellington continues to impress on offense after another big game against the Oakland Raiders, but they'll be heavily tested over the next two weeks with games against the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.
2. Dallas Cowboys 6-1 (3)
(Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
2. Dallas Cowboys 6-1 (3)
(Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Make that six wins in a row for the Dallas Cowboys as Tony Romo has this squad looking like the team to beat in the NFC. DeMarco Murray made his way into the record books after recording his seventh-straight 100-yard rushing game to start the season--which is beyond impressive.
1. Denver Broncos 5-1 (2)
(Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
1. Denver Broncos 5-1 (2)
(Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Now that Peyton Manning has the monkey off his back when it comes to the NFL record for touchdown passes, the Denver Broncos can focus on what they do best--winning football games. Sunday night's game agains the 49ers was the perfect example of just how dangerous this team can be with all of the weapons they have on offense and defense.
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