The NFL has an annual scouting combine in Indianapolis, so perhaps it’s time to also hold the NFL Honors Ceremony there this year.
With players like Jonathan Taylor (Offensive Player of the Year), Daniel Jones (Comeback Player of the Year), and Shane Steichen (Coach of the Year) all vying for significant awards halfway through the season, the Colts find themselves unexpectedly boasting the highest winning percentage in the league. Who would have predicted that at the season’s start?
This week marks the fourth time a new team has claimed the top spot in the Post’s NFL power rankings.
The Colts are aiming to dodge the rough luck experienced by other teams like the Bills, Lions, and Buccaneers after taking the lead against the Titans this Sunday.
Here’s how the power rankings shape up for Week 8:
1. Colts 6-1 (3)
Taylor’s impressive third three-touchdown game of the season, paired with two touchdown passes from Jones, propelled the Colts to a 38-24 win over the Chargers. Taylor didn’t face any resistance on his runs—thanks to a solid offensive line—and the defense effectively stifled the Chargers’ strong rushing game, limiting them to just 54 net yards. Interestingly, the last time the Colts won in Los Angeles was back in 1986.
2. Packers 4-1-1 (2)
In what was initially a mid-game call, Josh Jacobs scored two touchdowns that helped secure a 27-23 victory against the Cardinals, including the decisive score with less than two minutes remaining. Micah Parsons made a mark with a career-high three sacks and five tackles. It was noteworthy for the Packers, as they turned around a 10-point deficit in the first half to clinch their first road win of the season.
3. Lions 5-2 (4)
The Lions’ defense, despite facing multiple injuries, effectively neutralized MVP contender Baker Mayfield (with 50 pass attempts) and the high-flying Buccaneers, earning a 24-9 win. Jahmil Gibbs shone bright, racking up 222 yards from scrimmage and scoring two touchdowns while leaving defenders in his wake. Remarkably, they haven’t lost consecutive games in their last 51 regular season outings.
4. Buccaneers 5-2 (1)
Without three key offensive players, the Buccaneers struggled early, punting on their first five drives and committing consecutive turnovers in a lackluster first half that ultimately led to their defeat against the Lions. Cade Otton led the team in catches with seven for 65 yards, although he also threw an interception.
5. Bills 4-2 (5)
After losing back-to-back games to the Patriots and Falcons, the Bills took a well-timed bye week to recuperate and reassess their strategy. Interestingly, four pass catchers are within 53 receiving yards of each other. Josh Allen might appreciate it if Dalton Kincaid, Khalil Shaquille, Keon Coleman, and Joshua Palmer could establish themselves more distinctly.
6. Eagles 5-2 (6)
This week seemed free of any internal disputes, as Jalen Hurts threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns—a pair to the often grumpy AJ Brown and one for 79 yards to DeVonta Smith—in a 28-22 win over the Vikings. Hurts only missed four passes out of 23 attempts. Additionally, Jayrix Hunt returned an interception from former Eagles QB Carson Wentz for a touchdown.
7. Rams 5-2 (7)
Matthew Stafford showcased his skills, throwing five touchdown passes—including three to Davante Adams and one to rookie Konana Mampfield—in a commanding 35-7 win against the Jaguars in London. Sean McVeigh appeared to outmaneuver student Liam Cohen in this matchup. Defenders Byron Young and Nate Landman combined for three of the Rams’ seven sacks.
8. Seahawks 5-2 (8)
The Seahawks, long celebrated for their home advantage, managed to even their home record by beating the Texans. Yet, what stands out is their flawless 3-0 record on the road. Sam Darnold is showing that his breakout season with the Vikings wasn’t a fluke, and Jackson Smith-Njigba is playing at an All-Pro level.
9. Chiefs 4-3 (10)
Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 31-0 victory over the Raiders, throwing for 286 yards and three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Notably, two of Mahomes’ touchdowns went to Laci Rice, who was making his season debut after a six-game suspension. This marked the Chiefs’ fourth shutout victory, their largest margin of victory in the 133-game rivalry.
10. 49ers 5-2 (12)
Christian McCaffrey’s stellar performance (23 carries for 114 yards, two touchdowns, and seven catches for 72 yards) helped ease the pressure while a resurgent Mac Jones showed up for the Pumpkins in a 20-10 victory over the Falcons. Tatum Bethune led the defense with ten tackles, effectively shutting down star Bijan Robinson.
11. Patriots 5-2 (16)
Mike Vrabel energized the Patriots to their longest winning streak since 2021, which now spans four games. This victory came particularly sweet, as it was achieved at the expense of the team that let him go. In their 31-13 triumph over the Titans, Drake Maye threw for two touchdowns, while K’Lavon Chaisson recorded two sacks and returned a fumble for a touchdown.
12. Jaguars 4-3 (9)
13. Broncos 5-2 (13)
14. Falcons 3-3 (14)
15. Bears 4-2 (17)
16. Steelers 4-2 (11)
17. Cowboys 3-3-1 (21)
18. Chargers 4-3 (15)
19. Panthers 4-3 (19)
20. Vikings 3-3 (20)
21. Commanders 3-4 (18)
22. Texans 2-4 (22)
23. Bengals 3-4 (25)
24. Giants 2-5 (23)
In what was one of the most shocking collapses in NFL history, the Giants suffered a 33-32 defeat to the Broncos, conceding four touchdowns in the fourth quarter after maintaining a shutout for the first 45 minutes. The Broncos’ 33 points in the fourth quarter are a record for a team ending a game with a shutout loss. Jackson Dart was particularly impressive, scoring four touchdowns both through the air and on the ground.
25. Ravens 1-5 (24)
26. Cardinals 2-5 (26)
27. Browns 2-5 (28)
28. Raiders 2-5 (27)
29. Saints 1-6 (29)
30. Titans 1-6 (30)
31. Dolphins 1-6 (31)
32. Jets 0-7 (32)
Despite changing quarterbacks, the Jets’ offense, the worst in the league, failed to improve. Missing Garrett Wilson didn’t help either. After a dismal first half without a score for the sixth game in a row, Justin Fields was benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor, who threw two interceptions in the second half. The final score? A 13-6 loss to the Panthers.
