NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Colts Soar to No. 1 and Prove They’re for Real

Pete Prisco’s Week 8 Power Rankings are here, and the Indianapolis Colts have ascended to the top spot, prompting a major reassessment of their legitimacy as contenders. Prisco admits he had to "eat his words" – and a bit of paper with hot sauce – after the Colts delivered a dominant 38-24 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. He acknowledges that the Colts have definitively proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with.

The Colts’ offensive prowess is a major factor in their rise. They currently lead the league in scoring, averaging an impressive 33.1 points per game. Through seven games, they’ve amassed 232 points, a feat even the Peyton Manning-era Colts teams didn’t achieve. This offensive explosion is spearheaded by two legitimate MVP candidates: quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor.

Jones has been enjoying a resurgent year, completing 71% of his passes, ranking fifth in the league in passing yards, and throwing for 10 touchdowns while averaging 8.4 yards per attempt. The Colts are consistently making big plays through the air, showcasing Jones’s improved decision-making and accuracy.

However, Jonathan Taylor is the engine that drives the Colts’ offense. He had a stellar performance against the Chargers, scoring three touchdowns, his third three-touchdown game of the season. Taylor leads the league in rushing with 697 yards and has a remarkable 11 touchdowns on the season. His ability to contribute as a receiver adds another dimension to the Colts’ attack. While running backs rarely win MVP awards in the modern NFL, Taylor’s dominant performance has placed him firmly in the conversation.

While the Colts’ offense has been grabbing headlines, the defense has also shown improvement under new coordinator Lou Anarumo. Although there’s still room for growth, particularly in the secondary, Anarumo has implemented a scheme that is more aggressive and allows the Colts to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Biggest Movers in the Power Rankings:

• Indianapolis Colts (1st, Up 3): Their offensive machine, orchestrated by Shane Steichen, has propelled them to the top of the rankings. Steichen is now considered a frontrunner for NFL Coach of the Year.

• Kansas City Chiefs (2nd, Up 9): The return of Patrick Mahomes’s receivers has revitalized the Chiefs’ offense, making them a dynamic force once again. The defense also played a crucial role in their shutout victory over the Raiders.

• Green Bay Packers (3rd, Up 1): Despite being 4-1-1, the Packers have yet to reach their full potential. Their pass rush was particularly effective in their recent game against the Cardinals.

• Detroit Lions (4th, Up 1): The Lions’ impressive performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense, achieved with a makeshift secondary, showcased their defensive capabilities. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs continues to impress.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5th, Down 4): The Buccaneers’ offense struggled against the Lions, and injuries continue to plague the team. However, their 5-2 record still keeps them atop the NFC South.

Other Notable Teams:

• Denver Broncos (6th, No Change): While their comeback victory against the Giants was positive, the Broncos still face challenges, particularly their slow starts on offense.