Brad Biggs' Week 8 NFL rankings
Last week's ranking in parentheses.
1. Patriots 7-0 (1)
The Patriots continued to dominate lowly competition by crushing the Jets, 33-0, on Monday night. The Patriots are rolling, but Bill Belichick always seems intent on adding pieces that can help for the stretch run. And they reportedly shored up their receiving corps Tuesday with a trade for Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu. The Patriots will host the Browns on Sunday before a juicy matchup with the Ravens and dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson on Nov. 3.
2. Saints 6-1 (2)
Sean Payton has done a masterful job dealing with the loss of quarterback Drew Brees, and there's little doubt Teddy Bridgewater has put money in the bank in free agency this March with his performance. The Saints thoroughly dominated the Bears on Sunday as defensive coordinator Dennis Allen did a fine job flustering quarterback Mitch Trubisky. When the Saints get healthy, they will be poised to make a run at the top seed in the NFC playoffs.
3. 49ers 6-0 (3)
They have allowed only 64 points, the best for the franchise through six games since the 1976 team surrendered 63 points in the same stretch to start the season. The 49ers are on a roll and blanked the Redskins, 9-0, on Sunday. Consider, however, that five of the team's wins have come against teams with a losing record. The 49ers host the Panthers on Sunday and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo needs to settle in.
4. Packers 6-1 (5)
What's impressive about the Packers' recent roll, including Sunday's 42-24 victory over the Raiders, is that the offense is clicking without Davante Adams, who is far and away the best target on the roster for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
