9. Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)
Week 8 Result: Lost to Green Bay, 31-24
Matt Moore did a fine job guiding the Chiefs offense Sunday night, but it was clear the team missed Patrick Mahomes. Fortunately, Mahomes should be good for next week against the Vikings and are still a dangerous team, despite having lost three of their last four.
10. Los Angeles Rams (5-3)
Week 8 Result: Defeated Cincinnati, 24-10
The Rams seem to be getting their groove back. A trip to London against the winless Bengals was exactly what they needed to get themselves back on track and score their second straight win after losing the previous three. Now they get a week off before a trip to Pittsburgh in Week 10.
11. Buffalo Bills (5-2)
Week 8 Result: Lost to Philadelphia, 31-13
Sunday was a bit of a reality check for the Bills, who were beaten up by the Eagles at home. Despite that, the Bills still sport a strong defense and are in a much better position than most thought they’d be in after eight weeks at 5-2. Buffalo should bounce back in Week 9 when they host the Redskins.
12. Houston Texans (5-3)
Week 8 Result: Defeated Oakland, 27-24
Deshaun Watson is simply incredible. He even admitted he was blinded when he threw what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown against the Raiders. With how close the AFC Wild Card race is at the moment, this win could go a long way towards securing a playoff spot for the Texans. Of course, your heart is gutted from yet another season-ending injury, this time a torn pectoral muscle, for J.J. Watt.
13. Dallas Cowboys (4-3)
Week 8 Result: Bye
Dallas built some momentum before their bye with their big win against the Eagles in Week 7. The question now is can they carry that momentum out of the bye into another primetime divisional game against the Giants next Monday night?
14. Carolina Panthers (4-3)
Week 8 Result: Lost to San Francisco, 51-13
Week 8 was a major wake-up call for the Panthers as they were obliterated by the 49ers. Still, the offense has plenty of upside and we’re inching closer to the return of Cam Newton, who hopefully will be fully healthy when he does return.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (4-4)
Week 8 Result: Defeated Buffalo, 31-13
Now that’s the Eagles team we expected all season, with a strong offense and a swarming defense. The Eagles seem to have a simple formula: get out to an early lead and they win the game. Now if only they can come out of the gate hot on a consistent basis. Fortunately for them, the Eagles won’t travel again until they visit Miami in Week 13.
16. Oakland Raiders (3-4)
Week 8 Result: Lost to Houston, 27-24
Give credit to the Raiders, they have been fighting hard in every game this season, including Sunday against the Texans, despite a lot of doubt cast on the team before the season. You can see the pieces starting to build, somewhat, but these are the games Oakland needs to start winning again if they want to get back as an AFC playoff contender.
