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Oct 20, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) catches a pass between Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) and safety Chamarri Conner (27) in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
October 29, 2024 By  NFL

Top 10 NFL Teams After Week 8 Featuring Russell Wilson And The Steelers, Two NFC East Teams And More

10. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)

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Oct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) scores a touchdown on a seventy-five yard punt return against the New York Giants during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Steelers surpassed 400 yards of offense in both of Russell Wilson’s starts. Pittsburgh also has the 4th-best point differential in the NFL (+68), with only Detroit, Buffalo, and Washington having higher point differentials. With Wilson under center, the Steelers look to be one of the NFL’s most well-rounded teams with big play ability on both sides of the ball.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)

Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) carries the ball against Atlanta Falcons linebacker Troy Andersen (44) and linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) carries the ball against Atlanta Falcons linebacker Troy Andersen (44) and linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

After an underwhelming start to the season, Philadelphia has put together two blowout wins against the Giants and Bengals. The Eagles have cemented themselves as one of the league’s best teams when it comes to running the football, ranking 2nd in rushing yards per game and 4th in rushing touchdowns. For now, they have seemingly broken out of their malaise which had carried over from the end of last season.

8. Washington Commanders (6-2)

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Oct 20, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Despite the fact that they needed a Hail Mary to beat the Bears, Washington played very well and looked like the better team throughout the game. The Commanders totaled 481 yards of offense against a quite strong Chicago defense, all of which they did even with Jayden Daniels nursing a rib injury. They are a big threat going forward.

7. Houston Texans (6-2)

Sep 8, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) celebrates a sack during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) celebrates a sack during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Even with the loss of their best receiver (and now potentially their second best receiver), Houston has still managed to keep winning. They are comfortably atop one of the league’s worst divisions, having already swept their closest pursuer. Barring something unforeseen, they will be hosting at least one playoff game.

6. San Francisco 49ers (4-4)

Oct 27, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Dalvin Cook (20) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward (7) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
Oct 27, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Dalvin Cook (20) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward (7) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

San Francisco has weathered the storm of injuries they have been plagued with through the first few months of the season. They are currently in a three-way tie for the NFC West lead with Arizona and Seattle with the return of Christian McCaffrey looming ahead after their Week 9 bye week. The 49ers are 19-4 in November and December over the past three seasons, having not lost a game in the month of November since 2021.

5. Baltimore Ravens (5-3)

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Ravens WR Zay Flowers breaks a tackle vs. the Commanders (USA Today)

The loss to Cleveland is excusable seeing how Baltimore lost to the Raiders in Week 2 before proceeding to rattle off five straight wins. However, the Ravens’ defense is a huge liability and easily their worst in recent memory. Baltimore ranks in the bottom ten of the league in points per game (26.1), yards per game (361.2) and yards per play (6.05). Their explosive offense is enough to get it done in most weeks, but this defense could prove to be a major handicap come playoff time.

4. Green Bay Packers (6-2)

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Oct 27, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

The Packers are 13-5 since Week 11 of the last season, and are currently on a 4-game winning streak. Green Bay has proven themselves time and time again to be a consistently well-run franchise in almost every respect. They also got some positive injury news on Monday with reports indicating that Jordan Love’s groin injury is not significant and that there is a chance that he does not miss any time.

3. Buffalo Bills (6-2)

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Buffalo Bills’ Amari Cooper runs toward the end zone with the ball during the second half at Highmark Stadium.

It is not even November yet and the division race in the AFC East is already over, with the Bills having as many wins as the other three teams in their division combined. This Sunday may very well have been Buffalo’s most impressive performance of the season. They completely dominated Seattle on the road, outgaining them on offense 445 yards to 233. Josh Allen is arguably playing better than any QB in the league, having 14 passing touchdowns to just 1 interception.

2. Detroit Lions (6-1)

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Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) reacts with wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) after catching a 35 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jared Goff (not pictured) against the Minnesota Vikings the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Detroit has the highest point differential in the NFL, having outscored their opponents by a combined 100 points. They also lead the league in points per game (33.4), while also ranking highly in most other offensive categories. Dan Campbell’s squad are currently on track to be the NFC’s top seed when the playoffs roll around.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (7-0)

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Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) drops back to pass as offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (74) gets ready to block during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Chiefs have become a de facto number one in almost everyone’s power rankings, even though some could make the case for Detroit. Kansas City has won 13 straight games dating back to Christmas Day of 2023. All they do is win in any way possible, whether it appears convincing or not. On a side note, Patrick Mahomes had one of his best performances of the season so far this past Sunday against the Raiders.

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About Zane Wright

Sports writer with extensive knowledge of football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer. Previously studied journalism at UNLV and worked as a freelance writer for Fantasy Trading Room.

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