As the dust settles on another week of the 2024 NFL season, we’re starting to get a clearer picture of which teams are contenders and which are pretenders. How does every NFL team stack up against each other going into Week 8 with a lot of teams making statement victories in Week 7? Almost halfway through the 2024 season, the haves are separating from the have-nots.
While it’s still early, patterns are emerging that allow us to reassess the league’s power structure. There is only one undefeated team left, and it shouldn't come as a surprise that it's the reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champions. The AFC has several familiar contenders, while the NFC is seeing new teams flex.
Week 8 Top 10
1. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs currently have a perfect 6-0 record after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 28-18 in Week 7. They remain the NFL’s only undefeated team. The defense is carrying the team while the offense works through its challenges. Mahomes threw his 7th INT against the 49ers in the first quarter. He's only thrown 6 passing TDs this year. How are they undefeated is the real question? The Chiefs are becoming harder to beat because Patrick Mahomes will get his big plays — somehow — to make up for mistakes. They also are playing sharp defense every week. They might not lose for a long time. The passing game needs to become more consistent, especially with the current receiver situation.
2. Detroit Lions
The Lions now have a 5-1 record after defeating the previously undefeated Vikings 31-29 in Week 7 on a last-second field goal. The Lions looked sharp again offensively by spreading the ball around in a different way to keep Jared Goff hyper-efficient. They should be considered strong NFC favorites after knocking off Minnesota. They are now tied with the Vikings at 5-1 but hold the tiebreaker due to their head-to-head victory. Quarterback Jared Goff has been outstanding, the offensive line dominant, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s play-calling praised. The Lions currently hold the #1 seed in the NFC. Rumors are flying that a Max Crosby trade might be coming from the Raiders.
3. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings currently have a 5-1 record after suffering their first loss of the season to the Detroit Lions in Week 7, with the Lions winning on a last-minute field goal. Despite taking their first loss, the Vikings showed well against the Lions and fought back from a 21-10 halftime deficit. The Vikings fought hard to come back vs. Detroit with their passing game and defense, but they saw their pass rush not come through late, leading to the first loss and giving up the division lead.
4. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens can score with anyone in the league with their elite running game and Lamar Jackson working on MVP No. 3, but they need to shore up their pass defense, stat. The Ravens have now won five in a row after taking care of business against the Bucs on Monday night. Baltimore did concerningly let Tampa Bay back into the game in the fourth quarter – they have allowed the most points in the fourth quarter this season – but the offense continues to be a juggernaut other than two players. The only person who can keep Jackson from that MVP might be Derrick Henry.
5. Houston Texans
The Texans now have a 5-2 record after suffering a narrow 24-22 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 7. The Texans need more out of C.J. Stroud and can't lean so much on the running game if they want to win bigger in the AFC. C.J. Stroud had his worst game of the season, completing only 10 of 21 passes for 87 yards, a career low. The defense kept the game close despite the offensive struggles. However, their 4-0 record in AFC games still gives them an advantage in potential tiebreaker scenarios.
6. Buffalo Bills
The Bills currently have a 5-2 record after securing a big 34-10 victory over the Titans in Week 7 amassing only 90 yards on 20 offensive plays in the first half. The Bills started slowly with their passing game, but once Josh Allen could unleash his remixed weapons, they were rolling more like the team we expected. That's good timing for a battle with the Seahawks. New acquisition Amari Cooper made an immediate impact, catching 4 passes for 66 yards and a touchdown in his Bills debut. They need to utilize the run game more effectively, especially with James Cook’s abilities.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are 4-2 after a dominant 28-3 victory over the Giants in Week 7. The defense has shown remarkable improvement and dominance in recent weeks, recording 8 sacks against the Giants following a 5-sack performance against the Browns in Week 6. The Eagles got the first Saquon Barkley revenge game out of the way and want to keep up that rushing momentum to help their defense with the Bengals next. Barkley, facing his former team, had an outstanding game with 187 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 19 touches. The Eagles are trending upward with two consecutive dominant performances. I wouldn’t be a surprise if the Eagles trade for the Rams Cooper Kupp before the November 5th deadline.
8. Washington Commanders
The Commanders are 5-2 after a dominant 40-7 victory over the Panthers in Week 7. The Commanders can breathe easy about Jayden Daniels and the injury to his ribs for two reasons: They still blew out the Panthers with Marcus Mariota, and they got their rookie QB some key rest before a big Bears matchup. The biggest concern is the injury to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who left the game in the second quarter with a rib injury and did not return. Initial reports suggest X-rays came back clean, but he is week to week. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota performed exceptionally well in relief, completing 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and 2 touchdowns, while the defense played well against the Panthers. The team’s depth may be tested in the coming weeks depending on the severity of other key injuries.
9. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are 5-2 after a narrow 24-22 win over the Texans by a last-second 45-yard field goal from newly signed kicker Brandon McManus. The defense has been a standout feature of their season with first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley leading the eighth-best unit in yards per play allowed. While the defense shined, the offense struggled with 3 turnovers. The Packers don't always get style points with Jordan Love, but he always figures out how to score enough points with the defense just doing enough. The strong defense gives them a solid foundation for contending in the postseason.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin made the right move, again. The Steelers are 5-2 after a 37-15 win over the New York Jets.
The Steelers made the QB move to Russell Wilson and got the more explosive offense they were looking for while also opening up the running game. Wilson, in his first start since Christmas Eve 2023, had a solid performance, completing 16 of 29 passes for 264 yards and 2 touchdowns. The offense generated a season-high 0.296 EPA (Expected Points Added) per passing play, highlighting a significant boost in efficiency on their way to 31 unanswered points. Wilson’s ability to shake off rust quickly and lead the offense effectively bodes well for the Steelers’ future games.
There are numerous teams that are 4-3 or 3-4. Now’s their time to see what they have.