2020 NFL power rankings, Week 8: Eagles rally, Raiders humbled
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 25: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball while being chased by Brian Burns #53 of the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 25, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
5-2. Previous: . Cleveland Browns. 12. team. 53.
The club was in Cincinnati and in position to sweep their intrastate rivals for the second time in three years.
Third-year quarterback Baker Mayfield overcame an early interception and finished the afternoon with 297 yards and five scores, connecting on 22-of-28 passes. His fifth score of the game came with just 11 seconds to play as he found rookie wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones from 24 yards out to finally put the stubborn Bengals away.
team. 51. . 4-2. Previous: . Los Angeles Rams. 11
Six games into 2020 and the club is 4-0 vs. one division and 0-2 in losses to the Bills and 49ers. Sean McVay’s squad allowed a combined 59 points in those two setbacks, compared to surrendering just 55 points in their wins.
All four of their victories have come in sweeping the NFC East, which owns a combined 7-20-1 record after seven weeks of play. Hence why question just how good these Rams truly are and why the tilt with the Bears is so very important.
team. 15. . 4-2. Previous: . New Orleans Saints. 10
Sean Payton’s club returned from their off-week, faced the visiting Panthers and would still be without wide receiver Michael Thomas. But the Saints still have running back Alvin Kamara and the versatile performer ran for 83 yards on 14 carries and caught eight passes for 65 yards. Drew Brees did lose a fumble but threw for 287 yards and two scores.
Payton’s team was a gaudy 12-of-14 on third down but the secondary continues to have its issues.