MY NEW NFL POWER RANKINGS, WEEK 7

TEXANS SURGE, EAGLES FALL

There was a head scratcher in London, a comeback in Philadelphia and a near-Hail Mary in Chicago. Welcome to mid-October in the NFL.

There are still a few weeks before Halloween, but there were some scary performances around the NFL. It started with the Arizona Cardinals and an ugly 45-10 home loss to the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. It was a forgettable night for Steve Wilks’ squad while rookie quarterback Josh Rosen had to find the Broncos’ pass rush quite frightening. But early Sunday morning, there was a thriller in London as the Los Angeles Chargers held off the gambling Tennessee Titans.

32: ARIZONA CARDINALS 1-6

Last week: L, 45-10 vs DEN

Last rank: 32nd

Recap: It was a short week for Steve Wilks’ club, who played host to a Denver Broncos’ squad in the midst of a four-game losing streak. Arizona’s opening possession set the tone for a long evening as a run by David Johnson gained zero yards. That was followed by a time out and then a Josh Rosen pass attempt that was returned 20 yards for a score by Broncos’ linebacker Todd Davis. Another pick-six came later in the first quarter and the Cards were down, 21-3. By game’s end, Rosen was sacked six times and committed five turnovers in the 35-point loss. The next day, offensive coordinator Mike McCoy was fired and quarterbacks’ coach Byron Leftwich got the job.

Next Week: Back in Week 5 at San Francisco (Week 5), the Cardinals got their first victory of the season thanks mainly to five turnovers from the 49ers. The results were a 28-18 winy, Arizona’s seventh consecutive triumph in this series. The Cards now look to sweep this NFC West rivalry for the fourth straight year.

Playoff hopes: That was an embarrassing performance vs. the Broncos and Wilks’ squad dropped to 0-4 at home this season. The Arizona offense can’t get out of its own way and Rosen has already taken a beating this year. The Cardinals need to ride out the storm that is 2018 and hope their young quarterback can learn from the experience.

31: OAKLAND RAIDERS 1-5

Last week: OFF

Last rank: 31st

Recap: The recent 27-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at London’s Wembley Stadium was arguably the team’s worst performance of 2018. And that’s saying a lot for a club that has had problems getting out of its own way for the most part in Jon Gruden’s return to the sidelines. The Raiders have totaled only 110 points in six outings and nearly half of that (45) came in the team’s overtime win over the Browns. Quarterback David Carr has more turnovers (10) than touchdown passes (7) while the defense can’t rush the passer. And now comes word (via Jerry McDonald of the Mercury News) that running back Marshawn Lynch will be out at least a month with a groin injury.

Next Week: The Silver and Black is off this week but when the team gets back to action in Week 8, Gruden’s club will host quarterback Andrew Luck and the struggling Indianapolis Colts. It’s the second meeting between the teams in three seasons, with Oakland claiming a 33-25 win in Week 16 of 2016 when last the clubs squared off.

Playoff hopes: The Raiders will return to action and find themselves firmly entrenched in the AFC West basement. Their 1-5 record includes zero wins and two losses within the division. Carr looks like a quarterback that has lost its confidence and there are currently more player trade rumors than wins when it comes to this team.

30: NEW YORK GIANTS 1-5

Last week: MNF at ATL

Last rank: 30th

Recap: It’s been a rough start to the Pat Shurmur Era with this franchise as the team is in the midst of a three-game skid – the latest setback a miserable 21-point home loss to the rival Philadelphia Eagles. The lone bright spot for the team to date has been rookie running back Saquon Barkley, who has amassed 811 yards from scrimmage and scored more than half (6) of the club’s 11 touchdowns this season. Quarterback Eli Manning has seen much better days and hasn’t gotten a lot of help from problem-plagued offensive line. And the New York defense has had its issues as well as Big Blue has seven sacks and only five takeaways in six contests.

Next Week: Following their Monday night tilt at Atlanta, the struggling Giants return home and face the rival Washington Redskins. The teams have split their two-game set each of the past three seasons, this after Big Blue took four straight meetings from 2012-13. The Giants own a 2-9 home record dating back to ’17.

Playoff hopes: While no team is running away from the NFC, Shurmur’s squad entered Week 7 as the only club in the division with a losing record. The Giants have yet to win a conference game this season and are 1-15 vs. NFC teams dating back to 2017. Other than Barkley, you have to search hard to find a bright spot.

29: BUFFALO BILLS 2-5

Last week: L, 37-5 at IND

Last rank: 25th

Recap: With rookie Josh Allen out for a few weeks and second-year pro Nathan Peterman continuing to struggle, the Bills opted to give veteran quarterback Derek Anderson the start at Indianapolis. But it didn’t make much of a difference for Sean McDermott’s club as the team’s shortcomings on both the offensive and defensive lines reared their ugly helmets once again. The Indianapolis Colts rolled up 220 yards on the ground on 37 attempts. On the other hand, Buffalo failed to score a touchdown for the third time this year and their offense has reached the end zone only seven times in as many contests this year.

Next Week: The Bills face their first AFC East opponent of the season and it comes on a Monday night as they welcome the New England Patriots to Orchard Park. Dating back to 2000, these longtime divisional rivals shave met a total of 36 times and Buffalo has come away with only five victories over that span.

Playoff hopes: McDermott’s club entered Week 7 as the only team in the AFC East with a losing record. Now the team has a little company as the New York Jets fell to 3-4. The Bills have already gone through three different starting quarterbacks this season and protecting any of them has been a problem all season.

28: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 1-6

Last week: L, 39-10 vs LAR

Last rank: 28th

Recap: Losers of four straight games, the Niners hosted the only team not to taste defeat after six weeks of play in 2018. It got ugly early for Kyle Shanahan’s club and didn’t get any better as the afternoon unfolded. From a blocked punt for a safety to four more turnovers (3 by quarterback C.J. Beathard) by the club, the San Francisco offense totaled only 228 yards and reached the end zone just once against a Rams’ team that had allowed a combined 82 points in their previous three games. Beathard was sacked seven times by an aggressive Los Angeles’ pass rush and Shanahan’s offensive line had no answers when it came to blocking Aaron Donald.

Next Week: It will be the second meeting with the well-rested Arizona Cardinals in four weeks as the Niners look to snap a seven-game losing streak in this series. Back in Week 5 at Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco turned over the ball five times in a frustrating 28-18 loss. Now the teams square off in the desert.

Playoff hopes: The Niners’ losing streak has reached five games and there’s really not to get excited about. Injuries have left the San Francisco offense very short-handed and coordinator Robert Saleh’s unit just hasn’t developed enough to make up for the team’s other issues. A long year got extremely longer on Sunday.

27: CLEVELAND BROWNS 2-4-1

Last week: L, 26-23 at TB (OT) 

Last rank: 27th

Recap: Despite the fact that he led the team with 382 yards on the ground, to go along with five touchdowns, running back Carlos Hyde was dealt to the Jacksonville Jaguars late last week. Enter a bigger role for rookie Nick Chubb, who totaled 80 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries against the Buccaneers. And the Browns wound up in overtime (for the fourth time in 2018) after trailing 16-2 at halftime. But despite four sacks and two interceptions of Jameis Winston, Gregg Williams’ defense watched the talented signal-caller throw for 365 yards and also run for 55 yards and one score. The team’s road losing streak has now reached 24 consecutive games.

Next Week: Back in Week 1 at Cleveland, the Browns and Steelers played to a 21-21 tie. That was with Tyrod Taylor at quarterback, a game which saw him sacked seven times. Now Mayfield will look to guide this improving team to its first win at Pittsburgh since 2003 and end a 14-game losing streak in the Steel City.

Playoff hopes: Make in two straight losses for a Browns’ team that is still very much in the AFC Central title chase but has watched its defensive unit give up far too many yards and points the past two weeks. It’s safe to say that next week’s battle at Heinz Field is a pivotal game for Jackson’s team.

26: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 2-5

Last week: W, 37-5 vs BUF

Last rank: 29th

Recap: The Colts took a four-game losing streak into their meeting with the visiting Buffalo Bills. Running back Marlon Mack and wide receiver T.Y. Hilton returned to the field after both missed some action the last few weeks and each reached the end zone twice in the lopsided win. Frank Reich’s club rolled up 376 total yards, with the vast majority of that coming on the ground (220). Mack ran for 126 yards and one score and also hauled in a 29-yard TD pass. Quarterback Andrew Luck threw for only 156 yards but connected for four touchdowns and the Colts played turnover-free football. And the team’s talented signal-caller was not sacked in the win.

Next Week: Reich’s squad hits the road and heads to the West Coast to face the 1-5 Oakland Raiders, who will have two weeks to prepare for this contest. It’s just the fifth meeting between these clubs dating back to 2004, with the Silver and Black coming away with a 33-25 win in ‘16 when last these clubs collided.

Playoff hopes: Indianapolis finally ended a four-game losing streak and while the team remains in last place in the AFC South, both the rival Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans continue to founder. Stranger things have happened and the Colts have won only two games. But there’s still five contests remaining vs. division rivals.

25: DENVER BRONCOS 3-4

Last week: W, 45-10 at ARI

Last rank: 26th

Recap: Riding a four-game losing skid, the Broncos had only a few days to prepare for a prime time tilt at Arizona. Denver’s defense was gashed for a combined 593 yards on the ground in consecutive losses to the Jets (323) and Rams (270). But you would have never known this unit was having some issues as Vance Joseph’s team mauled the Cardinals. The Broncos got a pair of interception returns for scores – via linebacker Todd Davis and cornerback Chris Harris – while outside linebackers Von Miller (2) and Bradley Chubb combined for four of the team’s six sacks of Josh Rosen. And wideout Emmanuel Sanders threw for one score and hauled in a 64-yard touchdown pass.

Next Week: Back in Week 4 on a Monday night at Denver, Joseph’s club couldn’t hold on to 23-13 fourth-quarter lead and fell to the visiting Chiefs, 27-23. It was the Broncos’ sixth consecutive loss in this series dating back to the rivals’ second meeting in 2015. Now the teams head to Arrowhead Stadium for an important rematch.

Playoff hopes: Was the win at Arizona less about an improving Broncos’ team or more of an indictment of the struggling Cardinals? As usual, the answer to such a question probably lies somewhere in between. In any case, Joseph’s team still has a lot of ground to make up when it comes to the AFC West title chase.

24: NEW YORK JETS 3-4

Last week: L, 37-17 vs MIN

Last rank: 22nd

Recap: After a very competitive first half against the talented Minnesota Vikings, things came apart a bit for Todd Bowles’ club – especially in the final 30 minutes of play when the Jets were outscored 27-10. It was a very rough afternoon for rookie signal-caller Sam Darnold, who connected on just 17-of-42 throws for 206 yards. There was one touchdown pass but the 2018 first-round pick was sacked three times, intercepted three times and lost one of his two fumbles. Darnold did not get a lot of help from the New York running game as the team managed only 71 yards on the ground on 24 attempts.

Next Week: The Green and White, off their encounter with the Purple Gang, heads to the Windy City for the first time since 2010 to face the rejuvenated Chicago Bears. It’s the first meeting between the teams since ‘14, when the Jets came up short, 27-19, on a Monday night at MetLife Stadium.

Playoff hopes: In the very muddled AFC, these Jets remain in the postseason picture despite Sunday’s loss to the Vikings. The team has a pair of consecutive road games (at Chicago and at Miami) next up on their schedule. And that tilt with the Dolphins is crucial considering the team lost earlier this year at home to Adam Gase’s club

23: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 3-3

Last week: W, 26-23 vs CLE (OT) 

Last rank: 23rd

Recap: Six weeks into the season, the Buccaneers had allowed the second-most total yards per game and were dead last in the NFL in pass defense. Hence, the team opted to part ways with coordinator Mike Smith and promoted Mark Duffner to replace him. Tampa defenders limited the visiting Browns to 305 total yards and corralled Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield to the tune of five sacks – two from one-time Browns’ defensive end Carl Nassib. Jameis Winston was sacked four times and committed three of the club’s four turnovers. But he also threw for 365 yards and would add a team-best 55 yards rushing – including a touchdown run of 14 yards.

Next Week: For the second consecutive Sunday, Koetter’s team will clash with another AFC North opponent. Only this time, the Bucs head north to the Queen City to meet the Cincinnati Bengals. Tampa owns a 7-4 lifetime edge in this series but fell at home, 14-13, back in 2014 when these clubs last met.

Playoff hopes: The Buccaneers put an end to their three-game losing streak but also watched both the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers come up with road victories. The team does own a 1-1 record within the division and are still very much in the postseason chase thanks to Sunday’s overtime win.

22: TENNESSEE TITANS 3-4

Last week: L, 20-19 at LAC (London) 

Last rank: 19th

Recap: Off two straight losses in which the team managed four field goals at Buffalo and was then shut out at home by the Ravens, the Titans looked to get back on track overseas in a clash with the Los Angeles Chargers at London’s Wembley Stadium. After his club kicked a field goal on their opening drive, head coach Mike Vrabel watched the Bolts march down the field twice in the first quarter and take a 10-3 lead. But Tennessee managed to slow things down and hold Los Angeles to 20 points by game’s end. But all the talk this week will be Vrabel’s decision to go for the win instead of the tie in the fourth quarter. Tennessee has now lost three straight games.

Next Week: The club gets some time off after their trip to England. When the Titans return to action in Week 9, the club will travel to Dallas for a Monday night tilt with the Cowboys. It’s the start of a stretch where Vrabel and company play three road games in a four-week span.

Playoff hopes: The Titans were scratching out wins early in the season but things have gone south in a hurry for this club. During the three-game losing streak, the club has scored a total of two touchdowns and managed a combined 31 points. Fortunately, there are plenty of games left for this team vs. the AFC South.

21: DALLAS COWBOYS 3-4

Last week: L, 20-17 at WAS

Last rank: 20th

Recap: Jason Garrett’s club had not only prevailed in its last four meetings with the Redskins but the Cowboys had won five straight at FedExField entering this clash. Dallas wound up outgaining Washington in total yards (323-305) but the team’s running game stalled as running back Ezekiel Elliott and quarterback Dak Prescott were both limited to 33 yards rushing. The latter reached the end zone in the fourth quarter. But the third-year signal-caller also lost a pair of fumbles, one scooped up by Redskins’ linebacker Preston Smith for a score. And Brett Maher’s 52-yard field goal attempt hit the left upright on the final play of the game after a penalty pushed the try back five yards.

Next Week: The Cowboys have two weeks to lick their wounds before the return to the field in Week 9 and face the offensively-challenged Tennessee Titans on a Monday night at Arlington. That interconference contest is followed by back-to-back trips to Philadelphia and Atlanta. A key stretch to say the least.

Playoff hopes: Garrett’s club should feel right at home these days as every team in the NFC East is below the .500 mark, with the exception of the Redskins. The Dallas’ offense continues to be inconsistent and its erratic play has cost the Cowboys at times. However, this club is still very much in the thick of the divisional race.

20: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 3-3

Last week: OFF

Last rank: 18th

Recap: After stumbling out of the blocks with road losses at Denver and at Chicago, Pete Carroll’s club has rebounded with three victories in its past four games – the only loss over that span a heartbreaking home setback to the NFC West-leading Rams in Week 5. The key to the revival is a ground attack that has averaged 157.3 yards per outing over their last four contests. During the Seahawks’ 0-2 start, the team combined for 138 yards rushing in losses to the Broncos and Bears. And Seattle’s defense has played better as of late for the most part, although the team has proven to be highly susceptible to the run so far this season.

Next Week: The ‘Hawks head to the Motor City for the first time since 2012 to renew acquaintances with the Detroit Lions. Two years ago in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Seattle, Carroll’s club came away with a 26-6 victory. As for that last trip to Ford Field, the Seahawks fell to Matthew Stafford and company, 28-24.

Playoff hopes: Obviously, the ‘Hawks appear to be a team that is feeling a lot better about itself these days thanks to a rejuvenated running attack and the steady play of Wilson. Catching up with the talented Rams in the NFC West looks like a daunting task. But Carroll’s club is certainly in the playoff mix after a rough start this season.

19: ATLANTA FALCONS 2-4

Last week: MNF vs NYG

Last rank: 17th

RECAP: The only team in the NFC to reach the playoffs each of the past two seasons has struggled mightily six weeks into the season and the Falcons’ biggest issue has been a defensive unit that is down four of its best players in safeties Ricardo Allen and Keanu Neal, linebacker Deion Jones and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett these days. Over their past four games, Atlanta has allowed a whopping 150 points – 29 or more in each of those contests. Quarterback Matt Ryan and the offense have improved dramatically since Week 1 but it’s been wasted so far this seasons due to the shortage of bodies on defense. Rookie wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been a huge addition.

NEXT WEEK: After their Monday night tilt with the Giants, the Falcons have some time off and hope to take that time to work on their rebuilt defensive unit. The schedule has been heavy-handed in terms of home games to date. Atlanta will take to the road in six of their final nine contests this season.

PLAYOFF HOPES: The Week 6 win over the Buccaneers not only “raised” the team’s record to 2-4 but both of those wins are vs. divisional foes. That gives Quinn’s team some life in terms of staying in the NFC South race. If the Falcons can find some semblance of defense, they could climb back into the postseason race.

18: MIAMI DOLPHINS 4-3

Last week: L, 32-21 vs DET

Last rank: 16th

Recap: The Dolphins would face an NFC North foe at home for the second consecutive Sunday as the well-rested Lions invaded South Florida for the first time in eight years. A week ago, quarterback Brock Osweiler got the start in place of a banged-up Ryan Tannehill and that would be the case against Detroit. Ryan Gase’s offensive line had problems with pass protection, allowing four sacks on the afternoon. Meanwhile, Miami’s defensive unit was overwhelmed by the Lions’ ground attack to the tune of 248 yards on 35 carries. And the lack of a pass rush allowed Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford to hit on 18-of-22 throws, two of those for touchdowns.

Next Week: It’s a short week but not a long trip for the Gase’s squad. The club heads to Houston for a Thursday night clash with the Texans, a franchise that has always given the Dolphins fits. When last these clubs met, Miami came away with a 44-26 home win in 2015. Prior to that, the Texans had won the previous seven meetings.

Playoff hopes: The Dolphins are now 1-3 in their last four games after that surprising 3-0 start. The Miami defense has really taken its lumps these last four games and simply had no answers for the Detroit running game on Sunday. Gase’s squad owns a 4-3 record but hardly looks like a winner at the moment.

17: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 3-4

Last week: L, 20-7 vs HOU

Last rank: 10th

Recap: With running back Leonard Fournette still hurting, the Jaguars obtained Carlos Hyde from the Cleveland Browns two days before their clash with the Houston Texans. The Jacksonville offense continued to have its problems and after a pair of lost fumbles in just over a half of play, quarterback Blake Bortles was benched in favor of Cody Kessler. The one-time member of the Cleveland Browns threw for 156 yards and a touchdown. But he also served up one interception and sacked four times in yet another ugly offensive display for the defending AFC South champions. So who will be Doug Marrone’s starting quarterback next Sunday at Wembley Stadium?

Next Week: It’s back to their home away from home as the Jaguars will play a game in London for the sixth consecutive year (dating back to 2013). This season’s opponent is the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles. The teams last met in ’14 at Philadelphia, when the Birds came away with a 34-17 victory.

Playoff hopes: The Jaguars have been outscored a combined 90-28 during their current three-game losing streak. And that promising 3-1 start has morphed into some major issues for Marrone and company. There’s not a lot of positives coming out of Jacksonville these days. Could some big changes be on the horizon?

16: DETROIT LIONS 3-3

Last week: W, 32-21 at MIA

Last rank: 24th

Recap: The Lions returned from their off week and came out of the gate strong against the host Dolphins. Matt Patricia’s club jumped out to a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter and owned a 13-point advantage in the second half. The offensive catalyst was rookie running back Kerryon Johnson, who totaled 158 yards on the ground on 19 carries and helped his team roll up 248 yards on the ground. Quarterback Matthew Stafford missed on only four of his 22 pass attempts, throwing for 217 yards and two scores. Detroit’s offensive line allowed only one sack at Patricia’s club played turnover-free football in the 11-point win.

Next Week: The Lions and Seattle Seahawks renew acquaintances for the first time since their playoff meeting in 2016, a 26-6 home win for Pete Carroll’s team. Detroit hosts this series for the first time since 2012, a 28-24 victory for Stafford and company. It’s just the fourth overall clash between the clubs in seven seasons.

Playoff hopes: Consecutive losses by the Chicago Bears means the NFC North is a total mess these days. And the Lions are now at the .500 mark after that rough 0-2 start. There’s five games remaining within the division, including a pair with the first-place Minnesota Vikings. This is suddenly a very interesting team.

15: HOUSTON TEXANS 4-3

Last week: W, 20-7 at JAC

Last rank: 21st

Recap: Winners of three straight games, the Texans looked to get back above .500 at the expense of a Jaguars’ team that Bill O’Brien’s team was swept by a year ago by a combined 74-14 score. But talk about a complete reversal of fortunes? Houston got 100 yards rushing and a touchdown on 22 carries from running back Lamar Miller. Quarterback Deshaun Watson connected on only half of his passes (12-of-24) for 139 yards but found DeAndre Hopkins in the end zone in the third quarter to give his team a 20-0 lead. The Texans forced Blake Bortles into a pair of lost fumbles. And after he was benched, sacked Cody Kessler four times and picked him off once.

Next Week: Two teams looking to rebound from miserable 2017 showings collide on Thursday night in the Lone Star State as the Texans play host to the perplexing Miami Dolphins. While Houston owns an overwhelming 7-1 lifetime edge in the standings, that lone Miami victory came in 2015 when last these clubs squared off.

Playoff hopes: There have been only five occasions in NFL history in which a team overcame a 0-3 start and reached the playoffs. There’s obviously a lot of football to be played but suddenly the Texans are the only team in the AFC South above .500 and the team now owns road wins at Indianapolis and at Jacksonville.

14: GREEN BAY PACKERS 3-2-1

Last week: OFF

Last rank: 12th

Recap: It’s been an up-and-down start to the season for a team that many felt would rebound smartly after a 7-9 season. But the team’s 33-30 come-from-behind win over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night at Lambeau Field epitomized the club’s inconsistency. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense bailed out a Green Bay defense that looked disinterested and made a short-handed Niners’ attack look potent. All’s well that ends well for Mike McCarthy’s club but this off week could not come at a better time for a squad that is still trying to find its identity. Fortunately for this team, no one is running away and hiding in the NFC North.

Next Week: McCarthy’s club begins a stretch that will have his team playing four road games in a five-week span. It begins with a visit to the L.A. Coliseum to face Jared Goff and the explosive Rams. Then it’s up to Foxborough for a prime time clash with the Patriots. There are also trips to Seattle and Minnesota on the horizon as well.

Playoff hopes: The last time the Packers missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons was in 2005 and ’06. There’s no reason to forecast doom for a club that is right in the middle of the divisional race as every team in the division has lost at least two games. We will learn a lot about this club after a brutal five-game stretch.

13: PITTSBURGH STEELERS 3-2-1

Last week: OFF

Last rank: 14th

Recap: Mike Tomlin’s takes some time off and was able to right their ship a bit these past two weeks with a resounding home win over the Falcons followed by a crucial road victory at Cincinnati. The club have strung together back-to-back victories for the first time this year and the club’s much-maligned defense has played better as of late. On the other side of the ball, second-year running back James Conner is off to a terrific start and has already rolled up 710 yards from scrimmage. He also leads the team with seven touchdowns (all rushing), one more than Antonio Brown. And Ben Roethlisberger has already thrown for 2,033 yards in six games.

Next Week: The Steelers and Cleveland Browns renew acquaintances for the second time this year. On opening weekend at Cleveland (Week 1), Tomlin’s club coughed up the football six times, squandered a 14-point fourth-quarter lead and when it was all said after five quarters, settled for a 21-all tie.

Playoff hopes: If this team intends to repeat as AFC North champions, the first-place Steelers’ next two games are vitally important. The team returns to action in Week 8 at home against the Browns and then travel to Baltimore for a rematch with the Ravens. Tomlin’s team is just 1-1-1 vs. their divisional rivals this season.

12: LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 5-2

Last week: W, 20-19 vs TEN (London) 

Last rank: 15th

Recap: Riding a three-game winning streak, the Bolts headed to London to take on the suddenly-struggling Tennessee Titans. Not long before kickoff, running back Melvin Gordon was declared inactive due to a hamstring issue. But that didn’t stop the Chargers’ offense from getting on the board quickly. After spotting the Titans a field goal, quarterback Philip Rivers found wide receiver Tyrell Williams for a 75-yard score down the left sidelines. Late there would be another long-distance TD connection with Mike Williams (55 yards). When it was all over, the Bolts had the football for less than 25 minutes but the team wound up holding for an exciting 20-19 win.

Next Week: The 5-2 Chargers take their midseason vacation and then next take the field in Week 9 with a trip to the Pacific Northwest to take on the 3-3 Seattle Seahawks. Then it’s another road game for the Bolts when they square off with the Oakland Raiders seven days later.

Playoff hopes: The Bolts haven’t been to the playoffs since 2013 and have not won the AFC West since ’09. The team has now come up with four consecutive victories after a 1-2 start and is right on the heels of the Kansas City Chiefs. Lynn’s club is suddenly finding ways to win rather than squandering golden opportunities.

11: BALTIMORE RAVENS 4-3

Last week: L, 24-23 vs NO

Last rank: 11th

Recap: One week after shutting out the Tennessee Titans and racking up 11 sacks of Marcus Mariota, the Ravens got to Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees just once. And the lack of a consistent pass rush proved costly at the end. New Orleans came up with 17 fourth-quarter points against a Baltimore squad that had not allowed a touchdown in the second half of any of their first six games. John Harbaugh’s club wound up squandering a 10-point fourth-quarter lead and the league’s third-ranked run defense entering the weekend gave up 134 yards on the ground on Sunday. And the first missed PAT of Justin Tucker’s great career cost the club a shot at overtime.

Next Week: It’s another NFC South foe for Harbaugh’s team as they head to Charlotte to take on the Panthers. This interconference matchup features two of the NFL’s best inside linebackers in Baltimore’s C.J. Mosley and Carolina’s Luke Kuechly. It marks just the sixth clash between these clubs in a series that dates back to 1996.

Playoff hopes: Harbaugh’s Ravens remain unpredictable at best and this latest loss is indicative of their lack of consistency. And things don’t get any easier next Sunday on the road to Carolina. That Week 9 rematch with the visiting Steelers is looming as a very large game for Baltimore and the AFC North in general.

10: WASHINGTON REDSKINS 4-2

Last week: W, 20-17 vs DAL

Last rank: 13th

Recap: Jay Gruden’s team had dropped four straight games to the Cowboys. And the Redskins were also winless at home in their last five encounters with their bitter NFC East rivals. But running back Adrian Peterson continues to drink from the Fountain of Youth and provided Washington with 99 yards rushing on 24 carries. Quarterback Alex Smith threw for 178 yards and one score and the team played turnover-free football. But the ‘Skins offense was virtually non-existent in the second half and the team held on for the win. Outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan had two of the team’s four sacks of Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott.

Next Week: The up-and-down Redskins head to MetLife Stadium as they renew acquaintances were there with their longtime NFC East rivals. The Giants and ‘Skins have split their season series each of the past three years. But dating back to 2013, Washington owns a disappointing 3-7 record vs. Big Blue.

Playoff hopes: The surprising Redskins are now the only team in the NFC East that doesn’t have a losing record. And this club owns at least a two-game advantage in the loss column over both the 3-4 Cowboys, the 3-4 Eagles and the 1-5 Giants (the latter pending Monday night’s game at Atlanta).

9: CHICAGO BEARS 3-3

Last week: L, 38-31 vs NE

Last rank: 7th

Recap: After a surprising 31-28 overtime loss at South Florida, the Bears welcomed the New England Patriots for the first time since 2010. Chicago’s offense was spearheaded by the legs and not the arm of quarterback Mitch Trubisky. Yes, the second-year signal-caller did throw for 333 yards and a pair of scores. But he also served up a pair of costly interceptions. The former Tar Heel did run for a game-high 81 yards and a touchdown. But Matt Nagy’s team wound up being betrayed by its special teams, giving up a kickoff return and blocked punt for touchdowns. The Bears have given up a combined 69 points in their last two games – both losses.

Next Week: Nagy’s team hosts an opponent from the AFC East for the second straight week and the Bears play their third consecutive interconference foe as the New York Jets invade legendary Soldier Field for the first time since 2010. Chicago has taken four straight meetings in this series dating back to ‘02.

Playoff hopes: Consecutive losses to the Dolphins and Patriots and suddenly Nagy’s club has lost its grasp of first place in the NFC North. But keep in mind that these Bears have yet to face either the Minnesota Vikings or Detroit Lions this season. And at this stage of 2018 no team looks capable of running away with the division.

8: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 3-4

Last week: L, 21-17 vs CAR

Last rank: 5th

Recap: Doug Pederson’s club had some extra time to prepare for Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers. And the defending Super Bowl champions owed a 17-0 lead early in the fourth quarter. But it all came apart in the final 10-plus minutes as the Philadelphia defense allowed touchdown drives of 80, 87 and 69 yards, respectively, down the stretch. The Eagles were limited to 58 yards on the ground and while quarterback Carson Wentz threw for 310 yards and a pair of scores, he was sacked four times and fumbled twice – losing the second one on the Eagles’ final play of the game when they were looking to regain the lead. A tough one to swallow.

Next Week: Off their tilt with the Panthers, the Eagles take on another kind of cat as they travel across the Atlantic to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. It’s just the sixth lifetime encounter between these clubs dating back to 1997. The Birds came away with a 34-17 home win four years ago when last these clubs met.

Playoff hopes: The defending NFL champions have now lost more games than they did all of last season. And since that Week 1 prime time victory over the visiting Atlanta Falcons, the Birds are 2-4 in their last six games – including back-to-back home losses. The NFC East is still up for grabs but these Eagles are hard to figure at the moment.

7: CINCINNATI BENGALS 4-3

Last week: L, 45-10 at KC

Last rank: 6th

Recap: A week ago at Cincinnati, the Bengals’ pass rush generated little or no heat on Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. And in the team’s prime time loss at Arrowhead Stadium, Marvin Lewis’ defense had no answers when it came to slowing down Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense in general. Coordinator Teryl Austin watched his unit give up a whopping 551 total yards and five offensive touchdowns. Cincinnati’s run defense was gashed for 198 yards and Andy Reid’s team made it look easy as the Chiefs owned a 24-7 halftime advantage. Lewis’ team has allowed a combined 73 points in their last two contests.

Next Week: After back-to-back encounters with a pair of 2017 playoff teams in the Steelers and Chiefs, Lewis’ team returns home and takes on the very-interesting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Cincinnati host this series for the first time since 2010. But it’s worth mentioning that the Bucs own a 7-4 lifetime edge in this interconference setting.

Playoff hopes: The Bengals’ defense has had its hands full the last few weeks and the team has dropped two straight after a 4-1 start. However, that’s hardly a reason to push the panic button as all four teams in the AFC North have had their ups and downs. But this club needs to stop the bleeding sooner than later.

6: CAROLINA PANTHERS 4-2

Last week: W, 21-17 at PHI

Last rank: 9th

Recap: Talk about never say die? Ron Rivera’s club trailed the defending Super Bowl champions, 17-0, early in the fourth quarter at Philadelphia. The Panthers finally got on the scoreboard early in the fourth quarter thanks to a Cam Newton touchdown pass to a 14-yard run by Curtis Samuel. But Graham Gano missed the PAT and Carolina still trailed by 11 points. But Newton and his team was relentless and he drove the team to two more touchdowns, the second including a one-yard TD toss to tight end Greg Olsen with 1:22 to play to give Carolina the lead for good. The Panthers held off a late Eagles’ drive and got their first road win of the season.

Next Week: Rivera’s club welcomes the Baltimore Ravens to Charlotte for the first time since dropping a 37-13 decision in 2010. While Carolina owns a 3-2 edge in this short-lived series that dates back to 1996, the Panthers have dropped the last two encounters – the latest a resounding 38-10 setback four years ago at Baltimore.

Playoff hopes: The Panthers hung in there and got a huge win against a fellow NFC playoff contender. It was far from a perfect performance but it kept them within striking distance of the New Orleans Saints for the division top spot. It was a nice bounce back performance for a team that has been erratic to date.

5: MINNESOTA VIKINGS 4-2-1

Last week: W, 37-17 at NYJ

Last rank: 8th

Recap: The Vikings took on the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium and got off to a quick start as quarterback Kirk Cousins and wideout Adam Thielen (who totaled 100-plus receiving yards for the seventh consecutive game) combined for a 34-yard score just 1:38 into the game. The Jets would tie the score later in the quarter but Mike Zimmer’s club retook the lead for good roughly 10 minutes before intermission via a Dan Bailey 26-yard field goal. Minnesota would put up 27 second-half points as the Purple Gang forced rookie Sam Darnold into four turnovers. Make it three straight wins for the defending NFC North champions.

Next Week: For the third time in roughly 14 months, the Vikings host the New Orleans Saints – this time on a Sunday night. The Vikings took a pair from Sean Payton’s team a year ago. And who could forget that scintillating playoff win thanks to a remarkable Case Keenum-to-Stefon Diggs touchdown connection in the closing seconds?

Playoff hopes: With the Bears stumbling the past two weeks, the Vikings suddenly find themselves all alone at the top of the divisional standings after seven weeks of play. The Minnesota defense has looked better in recent weeks and that could be the difference when it comes to defending that NFC North title.

4: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 5-2

Last week: W, 38-31 at CHI

Last rank: 4th

Recap: Off a game vs. the Chiefs in which the Patriots allowed 40 points and still pulled out a victory, Bill Belichick’s club needed contributions from all aspects of his team to hold off the Bears at Soldier Field. New England surrendered 453 total yards and 31 points to Matt Nagy’s club. But this resilient club overcame a total of three turnovers and not only got 277 passing yards and three scores (1 interception) from quarterback Tom Brady, the Pats’ special team added a pair of touchdowns via a kickoff return (95 yards by Cordarrelle Patterson) and a blocked punt (via Dont’a Hightower) taken back for a score via heady linebacker Kyle Van Noy.

Next Week: The reigning AFC champions are on the road for a second straight and heads to Orchard Park to clash with the Buffalo Bills. It’s been a pretty lopsided series over the years, with the Pats owning a decisive 31-5 advantage in this AFC East rivalry under Belichick dating back to 2000.

Playoff hopes: After stumbling to find itself early in the season, the Patriots have now won four straight games and at 5-2, are all alone atop the division they have won each of the previous nine years. The team has now found a way to score at least 38 points in each of those last four outings and look awfully dangerous once again.

3: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 5-1

Last week: W, 24-23 at BAL

Last rank: 3rd

Recap: The Saints came up with another impressive road win and kudos to head Coach Sean Payton for remaining aggressive against the league’s top-ranked defense entering the week. New Orleans not only finished the game a very-respectable 6-of-14 on third-down conversion but were 4-of-5 on fourth down as well. It added up to a balanced attack that ran 70 offensive plays and saved its best for last. Against a Ravens’ squad that had allowed only 15 points and zero touchdowns in the second half of their first six games of the season, Drew Brees and company reached the end zone twice in a 17-point fourth quarter.

Next Week: What’s the over/under on replays of Stefon Diggs’ game-winning touchdown grab in the 2017 NFC Divisional Playoffs? Including that postseason loss, New Orleans makes its third appearance in the Twin Cities over these past two seasons. A year ago on Monday night (Week 1), the Saints also fell, 29-19, to Mike Zimmer’s club.

Playoff hopes: The red-hot Saints have won five consecutive games since that opening weekend home loss to the Bucs. But Payton’s club has the 4-2 Carolina Panthers and 3-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers are right on their heels. And that’s a good thing as this club can’t afford to take its collective foot off the pedal.

2: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 6-1

Last week: W, 45-10 vs CIN

Last rank: 2nd

Recap: The Week 6 prime time loss to the Patriots was put in the rear view mirror very quickly as Andy Reid’s offense simply overwhelmed the visiting Cincinnati Bengals. Second-year signal-caller Patrick Mahomes threw for 358 yards and four scores (1 interception) as the Chiefs rolled up 551 total yards. Running back Kareem Hunt ran for one touchdown and added a pair of scores via the arm of Mahomes. And the much-maligned Chiefs’ defensive unit limited Marvin Lewis’s team to 239 total yards, including just 65 yards on the ground. The 35-point victory marked the third time in seven games this season that the Chiefs scored at least 40 points.

Next Week: Back in Week 4 on a Monday night at Denver, the Chiefs rallied for a 27-23 win over the Broncos. Kansas City has now prevailed in 6 straight meetings in this series. Now they will host the Men from Mile High in position to sweep this long time AFC West rivalry for the third consecutive year.

Playoff hopes: While the Los Angeles Chargers currently own the longest active winning streak in the AFC West, the Chiefs remain one game ahead of their divisional rivals in the standings. It’s shaping up as a two-team race, at least for now, and containing Reid’s offense is proving to be a near-impossible task.

1: LOS ANGELES RAMS 7-0

Last week: W, 39-10 at SF

Last rank: 1st

Recap: There was a little bit of everything from Sean McVay’s team at San Francisco, especially in the first half against the struggling 49ers. There was a touchdown run and scoring reception, a pair of field goals and a blocked punt for a safety as the Rams took a 22-0 second-quarter lead. When it was all said and done, it was a day for running back Todd Gurley (3 total touchdowns) and an even bigger afternoon for Aaron Donald. The 2017 NFL Defensive Player of the Year finished with nine tackles, four sacks a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. McVay’s club forced four turnovers and scored at least 33 points for the sixth times in seven outings this year.

Next Week: Talk about the potential for fireworks? Los Angeles hosts the 3-2-1 Green Bay Packers, who last took the field on a Monday night back in Week 6 and came away with a thrilling 33-30 over the visiting San Francisco 49ers. The teams have split their two-game set three of the past four seasons dating back to ‘14.

Playoff hopes: The last time the season the Rams opened the season 7-0 was actually 33 years ago (1985) in a season that did not result in a Super Bowl appearance. But these are different times and this club has shown that it is more than a few notches above the rest of the league. And they are currently running away with the NFC West.