Friday, October 30, 2020

Tennessee Titans Week 8 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Tennessee Titans rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 6.2 (7th)
  • Best ranking: 4th (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 7th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Titans in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 7

On a second-and-8 in the second quarter against Pittsburgh, Ryan Tannehill scrambled up the middle and took a vicious hit from linebacker Vince Williams. The ball was jarred loose, but Tennessee recovered. Tannehill popped back up, went back to the huddle and on the next play threw a touchdown to Corey Davis. That sequence represents the Titans well. They are hard to kill. They could have easily let up after falling behind 27-7 and said it wasn't their day. But they battled back and were positioned to force overtime had Stephen Gostkowski connected on a 45-yard field goal with 19 seconds left.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 7

The defense just isn't good enough right now. They battled in losing to the Steelers, rallying to get into the game, but the defense has to be better.

USA Today -- Rank: 4

The value of DE Jadeveon Clowney, who's still sack-less, has rarely been reflected by stat sheet. But he's never going to get $20 million per year without being a more productive pass rusher.

ESPN -- Rank: 6

Who needs to step up: OLB/DE Jadeveon Clowney

Winning the Clowney sweepstakes was supposed to push the Titans' defense over the top. Clowney has put some pressure on the quarterback, but the Titans have yet to experience the type of game-wrecking performance that compelled them to sign him. Tennessee is last in opponent third-down percentage (60%). A large part of that percentage is due to the Titans' inability to get pressure on the quarterback. Through six games, the Titans only have six sacks. All of the blame shouldn't fall on Clowney, but he hasn't had the impact that was expected when Tennessee reunited him with Mike Vrabel. -- Turron Davenport

NFL.com -- Rank: 7

We'll give Mike Vrabel's team credit for showing some moxie. The Titans didn't pack it in after falling behind the Steelers by 20 points in the third quarter, chipping away at the deficit and eventually putting themselves in position for a game-tying field-goal attempt in the final minute. Unfortunately, Bad Stephen Gostkowski returned, and Tennessee's comeback bid fell short. Gostkowski's inconsistent performance remains a concern, but this loss should be hung on a defense that couldn't get enough stops. Pittsburgh converted on 13 of its 18 third downs, keeping the defense on the field and, more importantly, keeping Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry pinned to the bench. The Titans were hammered in the time-of-possession battle, and it cost them.

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Kansas City Chiefs Week 8 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Kansas City Chiefs rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 1.6 (T-1st)
  • Best ranking: 1st (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 2nd (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Chiefs in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 1

Our stupid, meaningless stat of the week: Teams are undefeated in 2020 when failing to convert a single third down. The Chiefs were 0-for-8 on third down against Denver (the Seahawks were 0-for-7 in a Week 5 win), but got a pair of touchdowns on defense and special teams in their 43-16 win. Barring a Patrick Mahomes injury, it's tough to envision a scenario where Kansas City wins fewer than 12 games.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 2

They have shown this season that they can win even when Patrick Mahomes doesn't put up gaudy numbers. That's a sign of a more complete team.

USA Today -- Rank: 2

RB Le'Veon Bell averaged 6.5 yards a carry in K.C. debut, nearly 2 yards better than his best game with Jets ... whom he'll face Sunday.

ESPN -- Rank: 2

Who needs to step up: K Harrison Butker

Butker has missed five extra points, and his PAT rate of 79.2% is the worst in the NFL. It hasn't cost the Chiefs yet, but it's only a matter of time until it does. What's puzzling about this is that Butker has been so good on field goals (93%). He hit two 58-yarders in a Week 2 overtime win versus the Chargers. -- Adam Teicher

NFL.com -- Rank: 1

The Chiefs can blow you out even when Patrick Mahomes plays quarterback like a mortal. Mahomes managed just one touchdown pass and 200 yards through the air, but Kansas City still hung a 40-burger on the Broncos because the team made game-changing plays in all phases of the game. Daniel Sorensen had a pick-six. Byron Pringle had a 102-yard kickoff return. Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran through four would-be tacklers on a touchdown jaunt. Playing in frigid conditions, Mahomes failed to record a single third-down conversion, but the Chiefs continue to show they don't live and die on the arm of their all-world QB. This was the second straight week that weather conditions kept the air attack at bay -- you get the feeling a bombs-away affair is coming. Oh look, there's the Jets in Week 8.

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Miami Dolphins Week 8 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Miami Dolphins rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 17.4 (17th)
  • Best ranking: 14th (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 20th (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Dolphins in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 16

What are fair expectations for Tua Tagovailoa the rest of the way? With Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins ranked 13th in passing and 19th overall offensively. Can Tagovailoa keep them in that same ballpark? Can he provide an upgrade? The Dolphins are 3-3 and have by far the best point differential (plus-47) in the AFC East. It's not crazy to think they could get into the postseason if Tagovailoa plays well.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 18

They come off the bye in the playoff race with Tua Tagovailoa in as the quarterback. How will he play? Was it the right move?

USA Today -- Rank: 14

How long has it been since a lefty QB started in the NFL? How about Kellen Moore on Jan. 3, 2016. Tua Tagovailoa will restore southpaw pride Sunday.

ESPN -- Rank: 19

Who needs to step up: RB Matt Breida

The Dolphins brought in two veteran running backs this offseason -- Breida and Jordan Howard -- to upgrade their run game, and both have been outplayed by second-year back Myles Gaskin. Breida was brought in for his speed and big-play ability, but he has yet to break an impact play. Over the past four games, he has 21 carries for 56 yards (2.67 yards per carry). With Tua Tagovailoa as the new starting QB, Breida needs to be more of a playmaker. -- Cameron Wolfe

NFL.com -- Rank: 20

It's Tua Time in Miami. We didn't see it coming, nor did Ryan Fitzpatrick, but you understand why Brian Flores and the braintrust made the switch. At 3-3, the Dolphins are a surprising participant in the playoff race, an underdog squad hoping to play the Cinderella role in January. But what if Tua Tagovailoa is an immediate-impact performer? What if he can give Miami the Herbert Lift? It's a worthy dice roll that lowers the Dolphins' floor but also lifts their ceiling. Flores' challenge is to stick with the decision, even if rookie growing pains end up taking the Fins out of the playoff picture.

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San Francisco 49ers Week 8 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the San Francisco 49ers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 13.6 (14th)
  • Best ranking: 10th (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 15th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the 49ers in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 10

Some teams spend big money on running backs. Others ride guys like Jeff Wilson Jr. and JaMycal Hasty to 197 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Kyle Shanahan's coaching job this year has been just as impressive as last year, even though the 49ers are just 4-3. San Francisco dominated from the jump at New England, taking a 23-3 lead into halftime before winning 33-6. Now it's on to Seattle for a huge NFC West matchup.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 15

Kyle Shanahan is doing an amazing job with this team after all the injuries. They have won two straight games as they head to Seattle to face the Seahawks.

USA Today -- Rank: 15

Just when they're finding their stride, RB Jeff Wilson and WR Deebo Samuel go down. Niners have used league-high 69 players in 2020.

ESPN -- Rank: 15

Who needs to step up: QB Jimmy Garoppolo

Over the past two weeks, the 49ers have gotten back to their formula of running the ball, playing good defense and having Garoppolo steer an efficient play-action passing attack. But the schedule is about to get tougher, and the burden is probably going to fall more on Garoppolo to deliver. That means pushing the ball down the field more consistently and taking advantage when opposing defenses stack the box to stop the run. Garoppolo has done it before, but for the Niners to remain in the NFC playoff hunt, they'll likely need him to do it again. -- Nick Wagoner

NFL.com -- Rank: 13

The 49ers got a jump-start on Halloween by crawling out of their own grave. Left for dead after a 2-3 start to the season with a seemingly impossible stretch of opponents ahead on the schedule, the Niners have righted the ship with back-to-back quality wins. On Sunday, it was a beatdown of the Patriots in Foxborough, a victory that had to be extra rewarding for ex-Patriot Jimmy Garoppolo and head coach Kyle Shanahan, the offensive coordinator of the Falcons during their infamous Super Bowl LI collapse. The Niners whipped the Pats by staying true to themselves: According to ESPN, the Niners ran by design or used play-action on 51 of their 63 offensive plays (81%), the highest percentage by any team in a game this season. Shanahan's scheme works, even when he doesn't have his best players available.

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Thursday, October 29, 2020

Fantasy Football WR Strength of Schedule (SOS): Weeks 8 to 16

When it comes to picking up or trading for players, one factor to consider is the player's fantasy football strength of schedule.

A player's fantasy strength of schedule is far from the most important aspect of his outlook. But if you're debating a pair of players and they are otherwise comparable in your view, a more favorable fantasy schedule could at least break the tie.

MORE: Our Week 8 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Post

Based on the fantasy points each team has surrendered up to this point, we average what each team's remaining opponents have given up to each position. The higher the number, the more favorable their collective remaining matchups are.

With that said, here are the WR Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule for the remainder of the year:

RankTeamPlayerCumulative PointsFantasy Playoffs
1Philadelphia EaglesTravis Fulgham31.4797
2Chicago BearsAllen Robinson30.95106.56
3Baltimore RavensMarquise Brown30.42105.06
4Indianapolis ColtsT.Y. Hilton30.17102.83
5Los Angeles RamsCooper Kupp29.7107.05
6Jacksonville JaguarsD.J. Chark29.5187.2
7WashingtonTerry McLaurin29.498.16
8Cincinnati BengalsTyler Boyd28.76104.17
9Cleveland BrownsJarvis Landry28.6187.89
10New York JetsJamison Crowder28.43111.63
11New York GiantsDarius Slayton28.4197.01
12Buffalo BillsStefon Diggs28.2693.16
13Green Bay PackersDavante Adams27.7496.22
14Los Angeles ChargersKeenan Allen27.73100.18
15Houston TexansWill Fuller27.5282.85
16New Orleans SaintsMichael Thomas27.4996.35
17Las Vegas RaidersHenry Ruggs27.4286.29
18Tampa Bay BuccaneersChris Godwin27.41111.15
19Tennessee TitansA.J. Brown27.3394.62
20Arizona CardinalsDeandre Hopkins27.3289.71
21San Francisco 49ersDeebo Samuel27.1486.25
22Carolina PanthersRobby Anderson26.8579.3
23Kansas City ChiefsTyreek Hill26.7997.6
24Detroit LionsKenny Golladay26.6392.92
25Dallas CowboysAmari Cooper26.6286.5
26Denver BroncosJerry Jeudy26.2278.87
27Minnesota VikingsAdam Thielen26.0182.22
28Miami DolphinsDeVante Parker25.5987.15
29Atlanta FalconsCalvin Ridley25.5679
30Pittsburgh SteelersJuJu Smith-Schuster25.585.64
31New England PatriotsJulian Edelman25.2677.88
32Seattle SeahawksTyler Lockett24.0571.68

* Note: Totals above are the average fantasy football points allowed based on their remaining opponents.

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Pittsburgh Steelers Week 8 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Pittsburgh Steelers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 1.6 (T-1st)
  • Best ranking: 1st (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 3rd (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Steelers in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 3

It's tough to know what exactly to make of their performance against the Titans. For the first 35 minutes, they looked like the league's best team. But Pittsburgh ended the game with two punts and two interceptions on its last four offensive possessions. Meanwhile, Minkah Fitzpatrick was in the middle of some defensive miscues. But not every game is going to be perfect, and at 6-0 they are the league's last unbeaten team. I've said it before, but the Steelers are impressive in their ability to win different types of games.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 1

They made it interesting against the Titans, but they found a way late to get it done. Ben Roethlisberger can't afford the mistakes he made in that game against Baltimore this week.

USA Today -- Rank: 1

If there's such a thing as the USA TODAY power rankings curse, welp. Pittsburgh is fourth different No. 1 in four weeks ... and needs only win at Baltimore on Sunday (right after Halloween) to break hex.

ESPN -- Rank: 1

Who needs to step up: S Minkah Fitzpatrick

Yes, Fitzpatrick had a pick-six against the Browns. But he needs to make splash plays more consistently. The Steelers traded a first-round pick last season for Fitzpatrick, who delivered almost immediately. He has been much quieter this season. His biggest play against the Titans was a holding call that gave Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry a fresh set of downs on the goal line after a would-be stop. Henry scored on the next play. Fitzpatrick also missed a tackle of AJ Brown that led to Brown's 73-yard touchdown. For the defense to play at the level it reached last season, Fitzpatrick needs to have a bigger positive impact on the game. -- Brooke Pryor

NFL.com -- Rank: 2

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. The Steelers fell into a funk in the second half against the Titans, but Stephen Gostkowski pushed a game-tying 45-yard field-goal attempt wide right to ensure a 27-24 Steelers win in Nashville. Ben Roethlisberger had an up-and-down day that included three interceptions, but the Pittsburgh offense continues to showcase its depth, with new playmakers stepping up each week. On Sunday, it was Diontae Johnson, who had two first-half touchdown receptions in his return from a back injury. JuJu Smith-Schuster also regained his place in the game plan, finishing with nine catches for 85 yards on a whopping 14 targets. Chase Claypool, the breakout star of recent weeks, was targeted just once and finished with one catch for minus-2 yards. The Steelers are 6-0 for the first time since 1978.

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Green Bay Packers Week 8 NFL Power Rankings

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Green Bay Packers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 5.4 (6th)
  • Best ranking: 4th (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 7th (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Packers in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 4

Aaron Rodgers when targeting Davante Adams Sunday: 13-for-16 for 196 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers had a hiccup against Tampa in Week 6 but bounced back with a 35-20 win over Houston. Green Bay has scored 30-plus in five of six games and ranks second in overall offense.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 6

Aaron Rodgers bounced back in a big way against the Texans after losing to Tampa Bay. They still have some defensive issues.

USA Today -- Rank: 7

If you're putting together league's best three-wide formation, Davante Adams has to be part of trio, right? His 44 TD grabs over past five season are five better than anyone else.

ESPN -- Rank: 5

Who needs to step up: OLB Preston Smith

Though six games last year, the edge rusher had seven sacks (on his way to a 12-sack season), 12 QB hits and a pass rush win rate of 24.2%. His numbers through six games this year: a half-sack, two QB hits and a PRWR of 15.6%. Smith made a key fourth-down stop on a read-option by Deshaun Watson during Sunday's game, and the Packers' defense needs more of that. -- Rob Demovsky

NFL.com -- Rank: 5

When Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams are locked in, there is no more terrifying twosome in football. The All-Pro QB looked to his star receiver early and often on Sunday, turning 16 targets into 13 receptions for 196 yards and two touchdowns in a blowout of the Texans. Adams finished with the most receiving yards by a Green Bay player since Jordy Nelson's 209 in Week 2 of 2014. It also marked Adams' second day this season with 13-plus catches -- he gathered 14 back in Week 1. A great team performance by the Packers, who put a disappointing Week 6 loss to the Bucs in the rearview.

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Dallas Cowboys Week 8 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Dallas Cowboys rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 28.2 (29th)
  • Best ranking: 25th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 31st (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Cowboys in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 30

Their loss to Washington felt like rock bottom, although with the 2020 Cowboys, you never really know for sure. Wrote The Athletic's Bob Sturm: "This team is already showing all of the worst signs of complete chaos. In fact, they are showing the telltale signs of a team that wants to get their coach fired." The offensive line is a mess. The quarterback situation is a mess. And the defense ranks 28th. The Cowboys have been outscored by 67 points this season; only the Jets have been worse.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 25

They are awful. The offense is now a mess. The defense is terrible. Yet they are still in the NFC East race heading into Philadelphia this week.

USA Today -- Rank: 31

Are we really already talking about replacing Mike McCarthy? Dallas could be alone in first place next week with a win at Philadelphia.

ESPN -- Rank: 25

Who needs to step up: LB Jaylon Smith

Just one? Well, then it's Smith. Or DeMarcus Lawrence. But let's stick with Smith. Don't be fooled by his tackle stats. He has not made impact plays, and he has been poor in coverage and out of position. He was added to the Pro Bowl last year, but his best season was in 2018. If Smith does not improve, he might be a salary-cap casualty in 2021. He is set to make $7.2 million next season, which becomes fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the league year. Given how the season has played out, nobody is safe; the Cowboys could move on from Smith if he does not pick up his performance. -- Todd Archer

NFL.com -- Rank: 30

More embarrassment for the Cowboys on Sunday, this time in the form of a 25-3 loss to a Washington Football Team that shouldn't be blowing anyone out in 2020. Dallas is a complete mess, and it got messier when Andy Dalton was knocked out of action on an illegal hit by Washington linebacker Jon Bostic. After the game, Mike McCarthy called out his own team for not rallying around Dalton or getting after Bostic, who stood pretty much off on his own while Dalton was attended to and eventually carted off the field. The Cowboys are somehow still in the mix in a ridiculously watered-down NFC East, but this feels like a team that's burning down from the inside out.

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Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Cleveland Browns Week 8 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Cleveland Browns rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 12.6 (12th)
  • Best ranking: 9th (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 17th (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Browns in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 17

EPR still does not consider the Browns a top-tier team, despite their thrilling win against the Bengals. Baker Mayfield after the first quarter against Cincinnati: 22-for-23 with 297 yards and five touchdowns. His one incompletion was a spike to kill the clock. Mayfield put up those numbers without Odell Beckham Jr. or starting tight end Austin Hooper. With Beckham out for the season, the Browns will need others to pick up the slack like they did against the Bengals. One player who popped Sunday was rookie tight end Harrison Bryant, who caught four of five targets for 56 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 9

So that's the Baker Mayfield many Browns fans were waiting to see. Can he continue his hot second half against the Bengals the rest of the way?

USA Today -- Rank: 11

Bummer to lose WR Odell Beckham Jr. for season. But let's be real: Baker Mayfield and Co. looked pretty potent without OBJ on Sunday.

ESPN -- Rank: 14

Who needs to step up: WR Rashard Higgins

With Odell Beckham Jr. out for the season with a torn ACL, the onus will fall on Higgins to replace him in the lineup. Higgins and QB Baker Mayfield, who also are close friends, have enjoyed a rapport on the field going back to Mayfield's rookie season in 2018. The Browns will need Higgins to be Mayfield's security blanket alongside new No. 1 WR Jarvis Landry if the Browns are to finally snap the league's longest playoff drought, which dates to 2002. -- Jake Trotter

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

A hugely important performance by Baker Mayfield, who silenced the doubters (temporarily, anyway) in a 37-34 shootout win over the Bengals. After starting the game 0-for-5 with an interception on his first throw, Mayfield completed 22 of his final 23 attempts, posting a perfect passer rating in the final three quarters. Baker's only incompletion was a clock-killing spike that preceded his game-winning 24-yard touchdown strike to Donovan People-Jones in the final minute. Baker went on his rampage without Odell Beckham, who suffered a knee injury on Mayfield's initial pick that was later diagnosed as a season-ending ACL tear. A crushing blow for Beckham, but Sunday showed us the Browns can still be explosive without their high-profile star.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 8 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 5.0 (T-4th)
  • Best ranking: 3rd (NFL.com)
  • Worst ranking: 7th (ESPN)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Bucs in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 5

Tom Brady threw for 369 yards and four touchdowns against the Raiders, and the Buccaneers looked like legit Super Bowl contenders. Tampa is 5-2 with an NFL-best plus-80 point differential, which makes the organization's decision to bring on a complete wild card in Antonio Brown so confusing. Bruce Arians described Brown as an insurance policy, but the bottom line is adding him is a high-risk move that could blow up on Tampa. They will have a lot of mouths to feed on offense once Brown joins the mix.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 5

That team that we saw against the Raiders is the real deal. That team can win a Super Bowl. But what happens now with Antonio Brown on board?

USA Today -- Rank: 5

Second-year LB Devin White is becoming one of the top impact players at his position, fresh off sacking Derek Carr three times.

ESPN -- Rank: 7

Who needs to step up: TE Rob Gronkowski

I wouldn't say Gronkowski needs to step up as much as I think he needs to continue doing what he has done over the past two weeks -- catching 10 passes for 140 yards and two TDs. He is starting to own the middle of the field and is having success on crossing routes and in the red zone on back-shoulder fades. This is especially important without O.J. Howard (Achilles) and with Mike Evans continuing to recover from an ankle injury. -- Jenna Laine

NFL.com -- Rank: 3

We know the Bucs have a championship-caliber defense. But what would happen if you paired that elite unit with peak-level Tom Brady? The G.O.A.T. passed like it was 2007 on Sunday, rolling up 369 yards and four touchdowns in a blowout of the Raiders in Vegas. Speaking of crank-back-the-clock performances, Rob Gronkowski has knocked off the rust and is starting to play a bit like the guy who tore apart the league with Brady back in their New England salad days. And while Gronk partied, the defense made life hell for Derek Carr, who was completely stymied by Devin White and Co. as the Bucs pulled away in the second half. This is the best team in the NFC.

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Philadelphia Eagles Week 8 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Philadelphia Eagles rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 22.4 (22nd)
  • Best ranking: 21st (ESPN)
  • Worst ranking: 24th (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Eagles in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 24

At 2-4-1 with a minus-33 point differential, they are in first place in the NFC East. The Eagles put together two touchdown drives late Thursday night to escape with a victory over the Giants, but the offense ranks 26th overall. The Eagles are capable of losing in any given week, but they'll be favored in their next two games against the Cowboys and Giants and could improve to .500 with a couple victories.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 22

They didn't look great in beating the Giants, but they are in first place in the division. That's simply amazing, with the Cowboys on tap this week.

USA Today -- Rank: 23

They should request more Thursday night games given coach Doug Pederson is 6-0 when pitted against "Must See TV" and "Grey's Anatomy."

ESPN -- Rank: 21

Who needs to step up: DT Fletcher Cox

Carson Wentz has picked up his game, so now it's critical for the primary driver on defense to do the same. Cox has 1.5 sacks through seven games, putting him on pace for 3.5 this season -- a far cry from his 10.5-sack campaign in 2018. Cox draws plenty of double-teams and has had his share of impact plays, but big expectations come with an average salary of $17 million and the billing as one of the NFL's best defensive players. With Hassan Ridgeway lost for the season and Malik Jackson dealing with a quad injury, it's as important as ever that Cox sets the tone for a defense that's yielding 28 points per game. -- Tim McManus

NFL.com -- Rank: 22

Beware of Post-54 Carson Wentz. If you don't destroy the monster in the first 53 minutes of game time, he will kill your season and haunt your dreams. Just ask the Giants, who let Philadelphia hang on the periphery on Thursday night, to disastrous results. Wentz's stat line over the final two drives: 5-for-7, 121 yards, two touchdowns, 153.3 passer rating. The first of those scoring drives covered 78 yards on four plays; the second, 71 yards on six. Given the Cowboys' retreat into laughingstock status, the Eagles have a wide-open path to an NFC East title and a home playoff game. Just need to find a way to win eight games ... or seven ... OK, maybe six. Yeah, probably five.

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New York Jets Week 8 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the New York Jets rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 32.0 (32nd)
  • Best ranking: 32nd (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 32nd (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Jets in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 32

Glass half-full: They were competitive, and young players like Denzel Mims got some experience in an 18-10 loss to the Bills. Glass half-empty: They had 4 yards of offense in the second half, which is the second-lowest total for any team in the past 10 years.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 32

At least it looked better against the Bills. That's progress. That's all they can hope for now.

USA Today -- Rank: 32

Are we really already talking about replacing Adam Gase? Well, yeah ... but why upset the apple cart with NYJ holding a scant one-game lead in the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes?

ESPN -- Rank: 32

Who needs to step up: QB Sam Darnold

In five starts, Darnold is averaging less than 200 passing yards per game, with twice as many interceptions (six) as touchdown passes (three). He might not be back next year if the Jets land the No. 1 overall pick, but they need him to play well to boost his trade value for the offseason if they decide to make a change. The thing is, if he plays well, it could result in a couple of wins, which could cost them Trevor Lawrence. Ah, such a dilemma. -- Rich Cimini

NFL.com -- Rank: 32

Adam Gase relinquished play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains on Sunday, but the results were about the same in an 18-10 loss to the Bills. We saw an early spark as the Jets jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the second quarter, but the offense was shut down completely after halftime in another grim performance. Sam Darnold was sacked six times and threw two interceptions in his return from a shoulder injury, and the Jets managed 4 total yards on 16 plays in the second half. With the Jets barreling toward the No. 1 overall pick, the clock is ticking louder than ever for Darnold. He'll need to be significantly better in the final nine weeks to stay in New York's long-term plans.

Previous update: New York Jets Week 7 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Denver Broncos Week 8 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Denver Broncos rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 22.8 (23rd)
  • Best ranking: 20th (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 25th (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Broncos in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 25

Flea flickers gone wrong are on the short list of the most entertaining football plays. And when it's a flea flicker gone wrong during a snow game, it's pretty much impossible to beat. Not a lot to take away from the Broncos' loss to the Chiefs. You can't let Kansas City score on defense and special teams and have a chance to win.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 23

Drew Lock had a rough go of it against the Chiefs. Those games will happen for young passers, but it's how he responds that matters.

USA Today -- Rank: 20

Thorough performance Sunday, surrendering TDs on the ground, through the air, via turnover and special teams. When it snows, it snowballs.

ESPN -- Rank: 23

Who needs to step up: QB Drew Lock

Broncos coach Vic Fangio is correct when he calls the team's passing-game struggles "an 11-man operation." And the Broncos certainly have issues in pass protection (13 sacks combined in Weeks 2 and 3), dropped passes and a propensity for negative plays. Yet Lock is just a 53% passer since returning from a shoulder injury that kept him out of two games. He has looked impatient in the pocket at times, leaving his progressions too early and passing up easier completions to make riskier and unsuccessful throws downfield. He needs help, but he can control how he operates in the pocket and how he handles the way defenses are playing him. -- Jeff Legwold

NFL.com -- Rank: 23

If the Broncos want to be taken seriously in the AFC West, let's start with being mildly competitive against the Chiefs. We're not there yet, as evidenced by the 43-16 thumping at frigid Mile High on Sunday. That's 10 straight losses to Kansas City, turning this one-time rivalry into a one-sided party. The Broncos were blown out despite holding Patrick Mahomes to 200 passing yards and a single touchdown. It spoke to how poorly Denver played in all other phases of the game. A frazzled Drew Lock was part of the problem, and it's not unfair to start wondering if Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway has -- once again -- misjudged his own quarterback room.

Previous update: Denver Broncos Week 7 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Fantasy Football RB Strength of Schedule: Weeks 8 to 16

When it comes to picking up or trading for players, one factor to consider is the player's fantasy football strength of schedule.

A player's fantasy strength of schedule is far from the most important aspect of his outlook. But if you're debating a pair of players and they are otherwise comparable in your view, a more favorable fantasy schedule could at least break the tie.

MORE: Our Week 8 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Post

Based on the fantasy points each team has surrendered up to this point, we average what each team's remaining opponents have given up to each position. The higher the number, the more favorable their collective remaining matchups are.

With that said, here are the RB Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule for the remainder of the year:

RankTeamPlayerCumulative PointsFantasy Playoffs
1Indianapolis ColtsJonathan Taylor21.8772.96
2Chicago BearsDavid Montgomery21.6576.9
3Cleveland BrownsKareem Hunt20.9463.94
4Minnesota VikingsDalvin Cook20.9255.47
5Denver BroncosMelvin Gordon20.4969.94
6Philadelphia EaglesMiles Sanders20.2165.37
7Los Angeles ChargersJoshua Kelley20.265.11
8Detroit LionsD'Andre Swift20.0968.71
9New England PatriotsJames White19.9264.24
10Tampa Bay BuccaneersRonald Jones19.8870.01
11Kansas City ChiefsClyde Edwards-Helaire19.8363.74
12New York JetsLe'Veon Bell19.6558.97
13Miami DolphinsMyles Gaskin19.5872.85
14Green Bay PackersAaron Jones19.3977.15
15Tennessee TitansDerrick Henry19.3482.17
16WashingtonAntonio Gibson19.362.72
17Jacksonville JaguarsJames Robinson19.1557.53
18San Francisco 49ersRaheem Mostert19.0764.63
19Carolina PanthersChristian McCaffrey19.0361.51
20Houston TexansDavid Johnson18.9357.36
21Cincinnati BengalsJoe Mixon18.8968.66
22Atlanta FalconsTodd Gurley18.7860.39
23Las Vegas RaidersJosh Jacobs18.5461.85
23Los Angeles RamsDarrell Henderson18.5467.08
25Baltimore RavensMark Ingram18.4569.16
26Pittsburgh SteelersJames Conner18.2859.73
27Arizona CardinalsKenyan Drake18.0655.89
28Seattle SeahawksChris Carson17.8960.69
29New York GiantsDevonta Freeman17.2659.49
30New Orleans SaintsAlvin Kamara17.0861.75
31Buffalo BillsDevin Singletary16.9652.37
32Dallas CowboysEzekiel Elliott15.9954.76

* Note: Totals above are the average fantasy football points allowed based on their remaining opponents.

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Atlanta Falcons Week 8 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Atlanta Falcons rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 25.4 (25th)
  • Best ranking: 22nd (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 29th (ESPN)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Falcons in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 22

Falcons fans are granted permission to smack anyone who uses the term "win probability" around them. Even after Todd Gurley mistakenly scored a touchdown, the Lions still had to go 75 yards in 64 seconds for the win. Atlanta's defense allowed completions of 22 and 29 yards with the game on the line. Since 1990, there have been 41 teams that have started 1-6 through seven weeks. Only the 2001 Chiefs got to that record with a better point differential. Atlanta is doing this in pretty much the most gut-wrenching way imaginable.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 26

They find new ways to lose games every week. On Sunday, they lost by scoring a touchdown. Think about that.

USA Today -- Rank: 25

Will Arthur Blank interview Raheem Morris as his full-time head coach even though an 11-0 interim stint is now out of the question? Morris might need some momentum to carry him into the owner's office.

ESPN -- Rank: 29

Who needs to step up: Interim coach Raheem Morris

Morris might have lost his chance to be a prime candidate for the Falcons' permanent coach when they fell to Detroit on Sunday. But what if Morris leads the Falcons to a 10-1 record? The reality is, Morris isn't just auditioning for Falcons owner Arthur Blank; Morris is essentially auditioning for a coaching position for every team that will have any kind of opening on its staff next season. -- Mike Wells

NFL.com -- Rank: 25

The Falcons always find a way ... just not in the way their fans would like. Who else but this team could turn a go-ahead touchdown run with 1:04 to play into the opening salvo of another football tragedy? Matthew Stafford needed just 64 seconds to take the Lions 75 yards to a game-winning touchdown after Todd Gurley's accidental score, and Atlanta was again the talk of the league for the worst possible reason. You wonder if Dan Quinn watched the end of this latest collapse. As he sat on his couch with a beer and a bowl of popcorn, did he lament no longer being part of the action? Or was he relieved to be free of the Falcons' enduring pain? Let us know, DQ.

+ Previous update: Atlanta Falcons Week 7 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Carolina Panthers Week 8 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Carolina Panthers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 18.8 (18th)
  • Best ranking: 17th (ESPN)
  • Worst ranking: 20th (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Panthers in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 20

Is any team doing more with less? The Panthers matched the Saints blow for blow until the end Sunday. With a third-and-11 from the New Orleans 39, the Saints got to Teddy Bridgewater with a pressure scheme that matched defensive lineman Marcus Davenport on running back Mike Davis. Bridgewater took an 8-yard sack. That left Joey Slye to attempt a 65-yard field goal that missed just short. Three of Carolina's four losses on the season have been by seven points or fewer.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 19

Two consecutive losses has them coming back to reality after the fast start. They have a chance to change that this week with a winnable home game against the Falcons.

USA Today -- Rank: 19

QB Teddy Bridgewater has three TD passes covering 50+ yards this season. Prior to 2020, he had just two for the entirety of his career.

ESPN -- Rank: 17

Who needs to step up: TE Ian Thomas

It would be easy to say the entire defense that just allowed the Saints to convert 12 of 14 third downs and has been horrible on third down all year. But I'm going with Thomas, because in seven games, he has only seven catches for an offense in which he should thrive. Sure, the tight end has been downplayed somewhat in Joe Brady's scheme. But one reason it has been downplayed is the lack of consistent playmaking ability by Thomas. It makes that position a possible target before the trade deadline. -- David Newton

NFL.com -- Rank: 19

A classic what-if loss for the Panthers. Teddy Bridgewater took a sack on the team's penultimate play from scrimmage, turning a potential 57-yard game-tying field-goal attempt into a 65-yard would-be record-setting prayer. That prayer was almost answered, too, as Joey Slye's kick was dead center and missed the crossbar by a foot or so. "I have the leg strength to kick further than that," Slye lamented after the 27-24 loss. Frustrating stuff, but Carolina's ability to go punch for punch with the Saints in the Superdome reinforces what we already knew: Matt Rhule's team is well-coached and well-populated with playmakers who can make things happen, even with Christian McCaffrey's lingering absence.

Previous update: Carolina Panthers Week 7 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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