2019 NFL power rankings, Week 8: Packers statement, Chargers lament

Recap: In the span of seven days, the undefeated 49ers shackled the Browns and Rams to a combined 10 points. Now 5-0 San Francisco headed east to the D.C. area to take on a Redskins’ team that finally got its first win of the season the previous Sunday. Veteran specialist Robbie Gould sent his first goal attempt of the game from 45 yards wide left in what proved to be a scoreless first half. But he connected on kicks of 28, 22 and 29 yards, respectively, over the final two quarters and that was all the points Kyle Shanahan’s club would need in rainy Landover. The Niners’ defense limited Washington to 154 total yards, got one takeaway and sacked Case Keenum three times.

Next Week: The 49ers are back in the Bay Area and take on the well-rested Carolina Panthers in a series that has not gone San Francisco’s way as of late. Dating back to 2004, the Niners have dropped six straight regular-season meetings with Carolina. But the 49ers did come up with a 23-10 in the 2013 NFC Divisional Playoffs at Charlotte.

Playoff hopes: In their last three games, the Niners have held the Browns, Rams and Redskins to a combined 10 points. The team found a way to win a road game without scoring a touchdown, made even more impressive by the fact that the 2018 49ers didn’t win away from home all season. The San Francisco defense is fearsome.

Recap: It was a short week for Matt LaFleur’s club but the Packers would be at home for the fifth time in their first seven games. The suddenly-dangerous Oakland Raiders came calling while quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offense was hobbled a bit at wide receiver, which included the fact that Davante Adams would be sidelined once again. So Rodgers would go on to hit on 25 of his 32 throws for 429 yards and scores to five different players. The talented pro also ran for one touchdown as the Packers rolled up 481 total yards and did not commit a turnover. The defense did allow 155 yards rushing but Green Bay came up with two more takeaways.

Next Week: LaFleur’s club heads to Arrowhead Stadium as the Packers take on an AFC West team for the second straight Sunday and make their first appearance at Kansas City since 2011. Four years ago, Green Bay came away with a 38-28 Monday night win over the Chiefs at Lambeau Field when these last renewed acquaintances.

Playoff hopes: The Packers have now equaled their win total of a season ago after only seven weeks. But it is also worth noting that LaFleur’s club has benefitted from the fact that it has played five of its first seven games at Lambeau Field. Still, Green Bay owns a 3-0 record within the division – including an important road win at Chicago.

Next: Nos. 2 and 1