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2017 NFL Power Rankings Summary - Week 8
| Average ranking (# of rankings) | 5.75 (8) |
|---|---|
| Average ranking (# of rankings) | 5.75 (8) |
| Average change from last week | +2.50 |
| Highest ranking (source) | 2nd (NFL.com) |
| Lowest ranking (source) | 7th (multiple sources) |
| Biggest positive change (source) | +5 (CBS) |
| Biggest negative change (source) | +1 (multiple sources) |
SB Nation: 5th (last week: 8th)
Maybe it was the 3-1 start to the 2016 season that fell to pieces or maybe it was the five turnovers against the Seahawks, but I was hesitant to really believe that the Jared Goff show in Los Angeles was the real deal.
But now we’re almost halfway through the season, and the Rams are still No. 1 in points scored.
And now the team is pitching shutouts too? Both the Rams and Jaguars already eclipsed their 2016 win totals, and each gets a Week 8 bye to recuperate.
21.8 percent [chance to win NFC West]. How do the Rams, who currently lead the NFC West and have the best point differential (+74) in the NFL, have a less than 22 percent chance of winning the division? In Los Angeles, it's all about who you know ... er, who've you beat, and the Rams didn't beat the Seahawks. That puts L.A. in the back seat until it can beat Seattle or create more separation.
Impressive showing from the Rams overseas, fueled by a calm Jared Goff, consistent performance from the biggest star on offense (Todd Gurley) and more improvement from Wade Phillips' defense. The latter shut down the Cardinals, even when Goff's biggest mistake provided Arizona with excellent field position late in the third quarter. Meanwhile, Gurley continues to churn out yards and touchdowns -- 920 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns in seven games this season. Not bad.
CBS Sports: 5th (10th)
Do you believe yet? They head to their bye at 5-2 and in first place? They are getting better on defense, too.
Yahoo! Sports: 6th (9th)
The Cardinals have their issues and losing Carson Palmer during Sunday’s game didn’t help. But the Rams defense was really good in shutting out Arizona on Sunday. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is one of the best, and it makes sense if the Rams are starting to show signs of a big improvement on that side of the ball. (Yes, I’m surprised I have the Rams this high too, but who behind them clearly deserves to be here?)
Pro Football Talk: 7th (9th)
Why do I have a feeling people would be saying “we’re not sure what to think of this team” even as they are hoisting the Lombardi Trophy?
Sports Illustrated’s MMQB: 7th (10th)
USA Today: 7th (8th)
Yes, they played in London on Sunday, but they're now allowing 13 points per game in what count as home dates - a figure that balloons to 28.7 on road.