There is no true halfway point in the NFL season since the regular season consists of 17 weeks and even potentially more this season. Of course, each team has a halfway point at eight games, but teams don’t reach that point at the same time, so we are treating this week as the halfway point.
With a few exceptions, most teams are exactly where we thought they would be at the midway point in the season, but then we get the surprises like the Dolphins. That is the great thing about playing the game, the paper and stats no longer matter, what matters is the 60 minutes on the field.
In this week’s edition of the NFL power rankings we look at each team’s best-case scenario over the second half of the season. Best case scenarios usually entail making the playoffs or missing the playoffs and some of those are there for certain teams, but we also looked at specific things each team is hoping to improve on in a “best case scenario”.
With that being said, let’s dig into these power rankings starting with the only undefeated team remaining in the league.
Rank Pittsburgh Steelers (7-0)
1 Prev. (2 ↑1)
Week 8 Result: 28-24 W against Baltimore
Best Case Scenario: Become More Consistent
What does consistency really mean when your team is 7-0, well, it means playing the same brand of football in the first half as the second half and vice versa. For two straight weeks the Steelers have managed wins in games they easily could have lost and that is due to the inconsistency. Against Tennessee the first half was great, but they almost blew it in the second half then against Baltimore they got blown away in the first half and if not for turnovers they would have lost. If this team can start hot and stay that way throughout the game, then they are as good as any team in the league. 16-0 seems like a stretch, but in a tough AFC North they need consistency to take the division.
Rank Kansas City Chiefs (7-1)
2 Prev. (1 ↓1)
Week 8 Result: 35-9 W against New York Jets
Best Case Scenario: They Don’t Lose Again
Honestly, it is tough discussing an area where the Chiefs need to be better. On paper it looks like the only are they could improve in is the rush defense, but even that is not terrible. They have a good pass defense, great pass offense, good rush offense, and they spread out the ball as well as any team. It is entirely possible that the Chiefs go undefeated the rest of the way and it would not surprise anyone. Patrick Mahomes is playing at an MVP level and he is just the leader of the all-around great team. The Chiefs have the highest potential of any team and other than self-inflicted wounds there is certainly a chance they go 15-1.
Rank Seattle Seahawks (6-1)
3 Prev. (4 ↑1)
Week 8 Result: 37-27 W against San Francisco
Best Case Scenario: Pass Defense Strengthens Up
The Seahawks give up more yardage through the air than any other team in the league, yet they are still 6-1. That speaks volumes about the talent they have on the offensive end, but if they want to make a deep playoff run the pass d will need to tighten up. Russell Wilson has played at an MVP level all season, but sometimes it seems like he does it all because the defense gives it up. No one is expecting to see the legion of boom defense, but they can be better than worst in the league. All it takes is a little improvement and if they get that then a deep playoff run could be in the future.
Rank Baltimore Ravens (5-2)
4 Prev. (3 ↓1)
Week 8 Result: 28-24 L against Pittsburgh
Best Case Scenario: Offensive Line Makes Up for Injuries
The Ravens had one of the best offenses last season and this season things just have not looked the same. What is the main reason for that, well, we can’t say for sure but it is speculated that the loss of Marshal Yanda is a big reason. Whenever you lose a hall of famer then it will hurt the team, but the offensive line just hasn’t looked the same this season. On top of that after last game LT Ronnie Stanley and RG Tyre Phillips are now in IR so things got even tougher. Baltimore’s offense revolves around the offensive line, if they can work around the injuries then we could see an offense reminiscent of last season.
Rank Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2)
5 Prev. (5 ⏤)
Week 8 Result: 25-23 W against New York Giants
Best Case Scenario: Brady’s Weapons Get Healthy
Moving to Tampa Bay has given Tom Brady some of the best weapons that he has had in years, the problem is that they all have not been completely healthy for any one game this season. The Bucs are on a good path right now to make the postseason and if they can continue winning as well as getting their receivers healthy then this team could become dangerous during playoff time. This offense has all the potential in the world and once they are at full health then we will see how good they really are.
Rank Green Bay Packers (5-2)
6 Prev. (6 ⏤)
Week 8 Result: 28-22 L against Minnesota
Best Case Scenario: Packers Rush Defense Improves
Aaron Rodgers has looked very good this season and it has helped lead this offense into being one of the best in the entire league, the defense on the other hand is not. In their latest game against Minnesota they lost and in doing so Dalvin Cook ran all over the Packers defense. Cook ran for 163 yards and three touchdowns on the day and that was not enough for the Packers offense to overcome. The Packers run D has been up and down this season, but if they can consistently stop the run that will not only help their overall defense, but it will force teams to pass into the strength of the defense. Stopping the run will help stop points and lead to victories which will put them in the playoffs as the division winner.
Rank New Orleans Saints (5-2)
7 Prev. (11 ↑4)
Week 8 Result: 26-23 W against Chicago
Best Case Scenario: Michael Thomas Returns Healthy and Better
The Saints have had their issues this season, but they could all be solved on the offensive end once Michael Thomas returns, at least that’s the hope. Thomas has only played in one game this season and since they lost him it just seems there has been something missing. We all know the slant jokes about Thomas, but there is no doubt he is an important cog in the machine for the Saints. If he can come back completely healthy then we could see a Thomas, we have never seen before and that could lead them to a division win. At worst, they get Thomas back and it helps lead them to a wild card spot, but with a top receiver coming back then the offense should go back to being great.
Rank Buffalo Bills (6-2)
8 Prev. (8 ⏤)
Week 8 Result: 24-21 W against New England
Best Case Scenario: Josh Allen Returns to Early Action
Right now, the Miami Dolphins are the biggest threat to the Buffalo Bills when it comes to winning the division and though that is possible it seems pretty certain that the Bills are in the driver’s seat. While they may be in the best position to win the division, they do need QB Josh Allen to pick up his game. Over the past four games the Bills have not scored more than 25 points and while they won two of those games that is not good. It may not be fair to place all the blame on Allen, but if he can turn around and play like he did week 1-4 then there will be no doubt the Bills will win the division.
Rank Arizona Cardinals (5-2)
9 Prev. (9 ⏤)
Week 8 Result: Bye
Best Case Scenario: Kyler Murray Leads to Division Win and Wins MVP
A popular bold prediction before the season started was to have Kyler Murray as the MVP winner, while it doesn’t look like that will happen it is still a possibility. Murray is having a good season no doubt about that (it helps having a top three receiver in the game), but there are still places where Murray’s play can improve. It is clear Murray’s favorite target is Hopkins, but he still finds his other weapons and utilizes them as well as utilizing his legs when he needs too. Murray can still play better which is the scary part and if he can, pair that with the defense and the Cardinals are legitimate threats to win the NFC West.
Rank Tennessee Titans (5-2)
10 Prev. (7 ↓3)
Week 8 Result: 31-20 L against Cincinnati
Best Case Scenario: Win Division
The Titans are in a bit of an interesting situation, through their first five games they won a ton of close games but came out on the winning side of each of them, since then not so much. In the past two games they have lost a close game and lost handily to two AFC North teams and that has put them in a tie for first place with Indianapolis. Luck is bound to run out eventually for teams, especially when they are always in tight games and so far, it has for the Titans. Now they play the Ravens and the Colts twice over the next three weeks and those games could easily decide the division. Close wins are nice, but they are bound to stop eventually, in order to win the division, they need a big win in at least two of these upcoming games.
Rank Indianapolis Colts (5-2)
11 Prev. (15 ↑4)
Week 8 Result: 41-21 W against Detroit
Best Case Scenario: Win Division
The AFC South has some good teams, but no teams that really jump off the page to say this is the team to beat. Since they don’t have that team, the Colts are right in the thick of things when discussing potential division winners. The next four weeks will be very important for Indy though as the face Baltimore, Green Bay, and Tennessee twice. As of now, Tennessee is tied for the division lead and if Indy can get one if not two wins against them in the next four weeks then the division win will become much easier. It is not an easy road though and in order to do it then the offense will have to step up to help that defense which has been a huge reason as to why they are 5-2.
Rank Los Angeles Rams (5-3)
12 Prev. (10 ↓2)
Week 8 Result: 28-17 L against Miami
Best Case Scenario: The Bye Week Revamps the Offense
The Rams offense has been up and down this entire season with three games above 30 points and four games below with 20 or less points. In two of the games they have scored less than 20 points they ended up losing so the key seems pretty clear, score more points and win the games. Remember, this is an offense that just two seasons ago was historically good and now they are having issues being consistent. If they can use this bye to become more consistent then the playoffs should be a given, but they could also fight for the division win against both the Seahawks and the Cardinals.
Rank Chicago Bears (5-3)
13 Prev. (14 ↑1)
Week 8 Result: 26-23 L against New Orleans
Best Case Scenario: Find Their Starter
Nick Foles or Mitchell Trubisky? Well, that is not necessarily an easy answer because they have both not been good but have led the teams to victories. The problem is, if this team is going to make the playoffs then they will need to lock down on one starter for the remainder of the season. That QB looks like it will be Foles, but other than the great ending against Atlanta, Foles really has not earned that role. Both QBs have had issues on the offense and though the defense is great, they at least need a QB that can manage them to find a playoff spot, so far neither of them is even managing this offense. It may not flip back again and Foles may remain starter, but no matter what happens they need to choose soon who will remain at starter.
Rank Miami Dolphins (4-3)
14 Prev. (18 ↑4)
Week 8 Result: 28-17 W against Los Angeles Rams
Best Case Scenario: Tua Finds his Place as the Starter
Yes, Tua is already the Starter down in Miami and yes, they won their first game with him as their starter, but that does not mean he has solidified himself as a starter yet. To be fair, what starter does solidify himself after one week, none. Tua had one TD pass in the game, which is good, but he had less than 100 yards in 22 attempts which is not great. With time there is no doubt he will improve and if he can do that over their next nine games then they could potentially see the playoffs. The Dolphins defense has arguably been the best in the league, but no doubt one of the best in the game, so if Tua can help lead the offense to go along with the defense they could find a playoff spot this season and one for years to come.
Rank Las Vegas Raiders (4-3)
15 Prev. (16 ↑1)
Week 8 Result: 16-6 W against Cleveland
Best Case Scenario: The Defense Keeps It Up
This is a bit of cheap one here, but the defense in their most recent game against Cleveland was dominant as they only gave up six points. Sure, it was bad whether combined with both teams playing sloppy, but the six points allowed them to not be great on offense and still end up winning the game. This was the game that placed them back on the winning side of .500 and if that type of defense can continue then that will lead them right into the playoffs. It’s cheap though because in what world are, they going to hold teams to single digits every game, not many and that is not what they need. What they need to do is hold teams to under 25 or 20 in games and with the way they played against Cleveland, they are on a good trend.
Rank Cleveland Browns (5-3)
16 Prev. (13 ↓3)
Week 8 Result: 16-6 L against Las Vegas
Best Case Scenario: Baker Carries them to the Promised Land
For most teams the promised land involves the Super Bowl and that is still the case for the Browns, but the bigger promised land is making the playoffs. For two straight years now, the Browns have a team that should make the playoffs, but last season it did not work out well, will this season be different? There have been some key injuries on the offense including Nick Chubb and OBJ which has taken a bit away from the offensive production, but at the end of the day this will all fall back on Mayfield. Mayfield was a former Rookie of the Year so expectations are high, if they fail to make the playoffs again then the blame will go on him whether fair or not.
Rank San Francisco 49ers (4-4)
17 Prev. (12 ↓5)
Week 8 Result: 37-27 L against Seattle
Best Case Scenario: Defense Carries Mullens to Playoffs
With Jimmy Garoppolo having a high ankle sprain and finding himself on the injury list once again that means that Nick Mullens has once again found himself as the starter. So, the question becomes is Mullens good enough to lead them to the playoffs, maybe but with all the injuries they have on that end it is not likely. The best scenario for the 49ers to make the playoffs will be the defense leading them to wins while the rest of the team gets healthy. If the defense can lead them to a .500 record before a bulk of the starters including Garoppolo return then we can see the 49ers still end up making the playoffs in an injury ridden season, if not then they will stay at the bottom of this tough division.
Rank Philadelphia Eagles (3-4-1)
18 Prev. (20 ↑2)
Week 8 Result: 23-9 W against Dallas
Best Case Scenario: Jalen Hurts Doesn’t Need to Start
Here me out on this one, will Hurts ever come in to start a game this season, most likely not, but could he with the way Wentz has been playing, yes. Carson Wentz has not been good this season and yes, the offense has dealt with so many injuries that it makes it tough on a QB, but Wentz was a former almost MVP. If there are no more discussions about Hurts starting this season, then that means that Wentz is back to his former self and playing at a very high level. Again, Hurts would not start no matter what happens with the play of Wentz, but if Wentz turns into a potential MVP again then the Eagles could be huge threats coming out of the NFC East.
Rank Denver Broncos (3-4)
19 Prev. (23 ↑4)
Week 8 Result: 31-30 W against Los Angeles Chargers
Best Case Scenario: Drew Lock is QB of Future
Ever since Peyton Manning retired the Broncos have been looking for their franchise QB and though Lock may not have been the original target he may have earned himself that spot. Lock has not played great this season except for his most recent game where he led the team to a victory against the Chargers. The Broncos have dealt with a ton of injuries on the season including on the offensive end and if Lock can work around the injuries into good games and wins then he will prove he is the QB of the future which will allow the Broncos to add at other positions.
Rank Detroit Lions (3-4)
20 Prev. (17 ↓3)
Week 8 Result: 41-21 L against Indianapolis
Best Case Scenario: T.J. Hockenson Continues to Improve
Hockenson may only be averaging 45.9 yards per game through the air, but he is their third leading receiver on 17 yards behind the leader and their touchdown leader. This is what they need, a tight end that they can really rely on. That is exactly why they drafted him last season with their first pick, he wasn’t having the best season before suffering an injury, but this season has flipped the script. Hockenson is having a better season than his last in almost every aspect of the game and if he continues to improve over the remainder of the season then he can not only turn into a security blanket for Stafford, but he could turn into a huge threat at tight end. Hockenson has been reliable so far which is huge, but one or two big games and we can really see him breakout.
Rank Cincinnati Bengals (2-5-1)
21 Prev. (26 ↑5)
Week 8 Result: 31-20 W against Tennessee
Best Case Scenario: Joe Burrow Wins Rookie of the Year
Joe Burrow is definitely in the conversation when discussing potential Rookie of the Year candidates and it is well deserved. Burrow has led this offense into being capable, something they were not last season through the air. Burrow still has room to improve like every other rookie, but so far, he has shown that he was worthy of that number one pick. Accolades are not always indicative of future success, but with Burrow it easily could be. Burrow has been able to find success with one of the worst offensive lines in the league, if he can win ROTY with that line, imagine what he will be for the future of the franchise.
Rank Minnesota Vikings (2-5)
22 Prev. (28 ↑6)
Week 8 Result: 28-22 W against Green Bay
Best Case Scenario: The Offense Leads to the Playoffs
It’s fair to say that Minnesota has been extremely disappointing this season, especially from their defense, but after a huge divisional win against Green Bay they are still in the running to make the playoffs. How will they get there, the offense. The defense currently ranks as one of the worst in the league, but the offense with Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, and Justin Jefferson have led them to both of their wins. The biggest issue on the offensive end has been QB Kirk Cousins. Cousins is not doing what a playoff QB is doing and if it were not for Dalvin Cook then this team could be winless. Obviously, the defense progressing would be what leads them to the playoffs, but it is more likely Cousins changes gears, if he does that then the talent of this team should lead them into the postseason.
Rank New England Patriots (2-5)
23 Prev. (21 ↓2)
Week 8 Result: 24-21 L against Buffalo
Best Case Scenario: Cam Newton Doesn’t Lose Starting Job
Will Cam Newton end up losing his starting job, most likely not, but the bigger picture on this scenario is that he plays his way into being the starter next season. Currently, the Patriots are not in the best position to make the playoffs and while possible the team around him doesn’t make that argument any more convincing. Newton’s play has seemingly regressed as the season progressed and not only is this bad for New England, but it is bad for Cam. Newton has had some rough luck in the NFL, and this could be his final opportunity as a starter in the league, if he can up his play even if it does not lead to the playoffs then New England could be in good hands.
Rank Atlanta Falcons (2-6)
24 Prev. (30 ↑6)
Week 8 Result: 25-17 W against Atlanta
Best Case Scenario: Sneak into a Wild Card Spot
Atlanta’s offense has the potential to be up there with the best offenses in the league, while, so far this season they have not been that, the talent is there. The problem with them is their defense which ranks 22nd in the league when it comes to points allowed. In fairness to them their defense has gotten better each and every week, not allowing 30 or more points in four straight weeks. If they can keep that trend going to go along with offensive output, then they could find themselves in a good spot to find the number seven playoff spot in the NFC.
Rank Carolina Panthers (3-5)
25 Prev. (19 ↓6)
Week 8 Result: 25-17 L against Carolina
Best Case Scenario: Defensive Line Forces Pressure Fighting for Wild Card
The Panthers are not necessarily in a bad position when it comes to making the playoffs, okay yes, it hurts that they have lost three straight but there is still a chance. The offense may have names like McCaffrey and Bridgewater, the defense is what has kept this team in almost every game. The biggest issue that they have on that end is they are not good at getting to the opposing QB. Currently, the Panthers have eight sacks on the season which is averaging one per game. If a couple of players found their way to the QB consistently then this could turn their defense from good to great and help lead them to a Wild Card spot. McCaffrey will be back soon to help the offense, but that does not solve the defensive rush issue.
Rank Dallas Cowboys (2-6)
26 Prev. (24 ↓2)
Week 8 Result: 23-9 L against Philadelphia
Best Case Scenario: Dak Prescott gets Completely Healthy
Obviously, Dak Prescott will not be playing again this season, but this does not mean the best-case scenario for the team involves Prescott’s health. Prescott and the Cowboys could not agree to a long-term contract before the season as Prescott bet on himself and got drawn with the injury card. One good thing may have come out of this for him though, the Cowboys now know how desperately they need him. Ever since Prescott went down the offense has looked second rate compared to the Prescott offense. The offense on this team was the only good thing going on this season and without Prescott there is nothing good. If Prescott gets healthy then the Cowboys should do whatever they can to keep him and if they do then we should see the offense be great once again.
Rank Los Angeles Chargers (2-5)
27 Prev. (22 ↓5)
Week 8 Result: 25-3 W against Dallas
Best Case Scenario: Justin Herbert Wins Rookie of the Year
Justin Herbert got his opportunity to start once Tyrod Taylor went down and with the way he has been playing then he has earned the role of starter for the remainder of the season. Sure, the Chargers only have one win since he took over as starter, but it’s not his fault the defense has given up 29+ in four straight games. While he cannot control the defense, Herbert can control his play and so far, he is playing great for a rookie with a 67.4 completion %, 1,820 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Winning Rookie of the Year does not automatically equate to future success, but with the way Herbert has been playing he should win, and the future looks very bright.
Rank Houston Texans (1-6)
28 Prev. (25 ↓3)
Week 8 Result: Bye
Best Case Scenario: Late Season Playoff Push
Okay, it most likely won’t happen but that is why these are best case scenarios. The AFC South does not have a true team that looks like the division winner. As of now that race is between the Colts and the Titans, but the second half of the Texans schedule is miles easier than the first half of their schedule was. Houston plays Indianapolis twice, Tennessee once, and Jacksonville once over the remainder of the season, if they can win these four games then the playoffs seem more and more likely. There have been a ton of issues in the Houston team this season, but we have seen crazier things happen this year, so it is still possible for the Texans to make a playoff run.
Rank Washington Football Team (2-5)
29 Prev. (27 ↓2)
Week 8 Result: Bye
Best Case Scenario: Figure Out Dwayne Haskins Role
Haskins was named the starter for the Football Team entering the season and while his play wasn’t spectacular by any means, it also wasn’t terrible. Even though he led the team to a 1-3 record, that was enough for the coaching staff to see and Kyle Allen was then promoted to starter leaving Haskins in the afterthought. Now this is not a piece advocating for Haskins to get another shot at starter, nor is it a piece advocating for cutting Haskins, but this is saying his role needs to be decided upon. The Football Team had very high hopes for Haskins and now it seems like they gave up on him. Whether they did give up on him or whether he is getting another shot, Haskins needs to have his role defined before the end of the season.
Rank New York Giants (1-6)
30 Prev. (30 ↑1)
Week 8 Result: 25-23 L against Tampa Bay
Best Case Scenario: Daniel Jones Improves
This is a very vague best-case scenario, but when a team spends a top draft pick on you (#6) then they expect some sort of productivity soon after. Jones showed some moments last season of being the future of the franchise, but he has not improved this season so far and you could say he has actually regressed. One of the few things he has done better this season than last is rushing, Jones already has 316 yards on the ground compared to 279, but when discussing the good that is about it. In only one game this season has Jones not thrown an interception compared to four games not throwing a touchdown, if you’re the future of the team those numbers have to switch. There is no one solution to Jones improving, but he needs to prove that their faith is well put.
Rank Jacksonville Jaguars (1-6)
31 Prev. (29 ↓2)
Week 8 Result: Bye
Best Case Scenario: The Defense at least Doubles Sack Output
Losing Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue obviously made getting to the QB a lot tougher than it previously had been, but they have been abysmal getting to the opposing QB. So far this season, the Jaguars have six sacks in seven games making them the only team in the league averaging less than one sack per game. To put that into context, Campbell and Ngakoue combined have nine sacks on the season. Losing those two players meant that Josh Allen was going to be the primary rusher, which he has been totaling a third of his team’s sacks. Not being able to get a rush on the QB makes the secondaries job tougher so if the defense could at least average one per game moving forward then winning could be in the future this season.
Rank New York Jets (0-8)
32 Prev. (32 ⏤)
Week 8 Result: 35-9 L against Kansas City
Best Case Scenario: Lose Enough for #1 Pick
Whether or not they are “tanking for Trevor” or not, the best thing that could happen for the Jets is to get the number one pick in the upcoming draft. As of right now the Jets have two first round picks including the Seahawks pick in exchange for Jamal Adams, assuming they will take Trevor Lawrence then that number one pick will be needed. Let’s play a game though for fun, they don’t want Trevor, then what? Well, Lawrence will most likely go number one and if they don’t want him then they will get a hefty sum in return. Drafting a potential franchise QB such as Lawrence doesn’t come along all that often so the Jets would get a ton of picks in return if they decide to stick with Darnold. That’s why getting that pick is so important, either get Lawrence or trade those in for more picks, pick your poison.