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

Recap: That sigh of relief coming from East Rutherford, New Jersey a little over a week ago came from a Jets’ team that got back starting quarterback Sam Darnold and also held on for its first win of the season. Now Adam Gase’s club looks to make it two in a row against a team they lost to in Foxborough three weeks ago, 30-14. Of course, there was no Darnold in that 30-14 setback. So could the Jets ride a big performance from running back Le’Veon Bell on Monday night to a victory over the New England Patriots? The former Steelers’ workhorse has totaled 113 touches for 425 yards from scrimmage and two of the team’s five offensive touchdowns this season to date.

Next Week: The Jets head south to Jacksonville for the second consecutive year looking to get back on track in this series. Last season in Week 4, New York fell to the Jaguars, 31-12. It snapped a four-game winning streak by the Green and White in this setting. Including playoffs, these clubs have split their previous 14 encounters (7-7).

Playoff hopes: Stranger things have happened in this league and last season, we saw a number of teams dig themselves early holes and rebound to make the playoffs. This looks like a different Jets’ squad with Darnold in the lineup. The New York defense has been steady this year. Still, a win on Monday night would be eye-opening.

Recap: Loser of two straight home games to the Broncos and Steelers, respectively, the Bolts made their way east to Nashville to clash with the Titans. A year ago, these teams squared off in London and the Chargers held on for a one-point victory. This time around, it looked like the Chargers were going to come away with a late victory. Quarterback Philip Rivers finished the afternoon with 329 yards through the air and threw touchdown passes to running back Austin Ekeler and Melvin Gordon. Speaking of the latter, he failed to punch the ball in the end zone in the closing minute. Given another opportunity, he fumbled in the final seconds on his way to the winning score.

Next Week: The Bolts make their way to Soldier Field for the first time since 2011 as these clubs clash for the first time since ’15. That year, the club fell at home at San Diego on a Monday night, 22-19. As for the team’s last appearance in the Windy City, the Chargers lost in the Windy City for the fourth straight time via a 31-20 setback.

Playoff hopes: The thing to keep in mind is that the Chargers have only faced one divisional rival in their first seven games, albeit resulting in home loss to the Broncos. In any case, Lynn’s club has not only dropped three in a row but its five setbacks are one more than their 2018 regular-season total. This is a team finding ways to lose games.

Next: Nos. 24 and 23