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

Recap: Losers of two straight after a 2-0-1 start, the Lions looked to shake off that controversial Monday night loss at Green Bay and welcomed the Minnesota Vikings to the Motor City. Matt Patricia’s club got a pair of first-quarter touchdown receptions from Marvin Jones via quarterback Matthew Stafford. In fact, the Lions’ wideout would finish the afternoon with 10 grabs, good for 93 yards and all four of Stafford’s scores through the air. But in the end it was too much Kirk Cousins and Dalvin Cook as Patricia’s defense was lit up for 503 total yards and six offensive touchdowns. And the Lions not only failed to record a sack but did not force a turnover in the loss.

Next Week: The Men from Motown host the New York Giants for the first time since 2014 as these longtime NFL franchises meet for the fifth time in seven seasons. The Lions and Giants have split their last four encounters over that span, with Detroit coming away with a convincing 35-14 win in ’14 when last they hosted this series.

Playoff hopes: Three games into the season and Patricia’s team had not lost a game. But a shorthanded Detroit defense has struggled in the club’s last three outings and suddenly the Lions are the only team in the NFC North with a losing record. And two divisional setbacks in a seven-day span adds up to very bad news for this squad.

Recap: Relaxed and refreshed after a week off, the Silver and Black faced a team from the NFC North for the second straight time in the form of the 5-1 Green Bay Packers. Rookie running back Josh Jacobs continued to impress, totaling 21 carries for 124 yards. And quarterback Derek Carr threw for 293 yards and two scores while not being sacked. But he also committed the only two turnovers of the game. On the other side of the ball, Paul Guenther’s unit was taken apart by Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the tune of 429 passing yards and five touchdowns. The Raiders failed to come up with a Green Bay turnover and managed to sack Rodgers just once.

Next Week: The Silver and Black make their way to the Lone Star State for their first encounter with the Houston Texans since the teams clashed in the 2016 AFC Wild Card Playoffs. Oakland fell that afternoon on the road, 27-14. Including that postseason loss, the Raiders own a 4-7 lifetime record in a series that dates back to 2004.

Playoff hopes: Although the Oakland defense had no answers for Rodgers and the Green Bay offense, Gruden’s team continued to battle and there were actually more positives than one would think in an 18-point loss. The Raiders’ offense is certainly on the rise and once the other side of the ball catches up, more wins are to come.

Next: Nos. 14 and 13