2019 NFL power rankings, Week 8: Packers statement, Chargers lament
8. team. 124. . 5-2. Previous: . Kansas City Chiefs
Recap: Off consecutive home losses to the Colts and Texans, the AFC West leaders had a short week when it came to preparing for the rival Broncos. The Chiefs entered the game with a seven-game winning streak in this series, including four straight wins at Denver. And Andy Reid’s club would wind up making it five consecutive victories in the Mile High City thanks mainly to a defensive unit that wound up totaling eight sacks of Joe Flacco. Linebacker Reggie Ragland returned one of his three fumbles for a touchdown. Unfortunately, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was knocked out of the game with a knee injury in the second quarter and gave way to veteran Matt Moore.
Next Week: The Chiefs have a little extra time for their next game and will be back home for the third time in four weeks when they take on the much-improved Green Bay Packers. Kansas City came away with a 19-14 win in 2011 when they last hosted this series. And the Chiefs have won six of the eight meetings between the clubs since ’89.
Playoff hopes: Late last week, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and James Palmer reported the results of Mahomes’ MRI and the 2018 league MVP will be without a minimum of three weeks. The Chiefs do have two losses but also own a 2-0 record within the division, with both of those victories on the road. There’s no reason for any panic.
7. team. 60. . 5-2. Previous: . Minnesota Vikings
Recap: The Vikings were coming off a pair of 18-point victories over the Giants and Eagles, respectively, and hosted the rival Detroit Lions. Mike Zimmer’s club had dominated this series as of late and once again got the best of the Lions thanks mainly to the team’s suddenly-potent offense. Minnesota has scored a total of 108 points during their current three-game winning streak. Quarterback Kirk Cousins totaled four touchdown passes for the second straight Sunday and finished with 337 yards though the air. Running back Dalvin Cook continued his excellent season via 142 yards rushing and two scores on 25 carries. And Zimmer’s squad did not commit a turnover.
Next Week: The Vikings take on the Washington Redskins for the third time in four years and this time around the latter will see former teammate Kirk Cousins on the other side of the field. As for this series, the Purple Gang won at Washington in 2017, 38-30, the last time the clubs met and are 3-1 in their last four meetings in this setting.
Playoff hopes: Minnesota’s offense is suddenly playing with a lot more confidence these days and today’s road win was huge as the Vikings avoided a third straight divisional setback. This is suddenly a very balanced attack and one very capable of challenging the Packers and Bears, whose defensive units certainly have some question marks.
Next: Nos. 6 and 5