2021 NFL power rankings, Week 8: Titans impress, Ravens stunned

Losers of three consecutive games, Matt Rhule’s club looked to end the bleeding at MetLife Stadium vs. the disappointing Giants. But the Panthers were limited to a first-quarter field goal and allowed the final 25 points of the game. Carolina’s offense was limited to only 173 total yards and Sam Darnold would wind up being benched. Both he and backup P.J. Walker were sacked three times. And Carolina has dropped to the bottom of the division.

Last season’s second-ranked defense had taken a beating in its first six outings this year. And now Washington was in Green Bay to take on Aaron Rodgers and the first-place Packers. Ron Rivera’s club ran for 195 yards – 95 of those via quarterback Taylor Heinicke – and actually outgained the Pack, 430-304, in total yards. But the young signal-caller was sacked four times and turned over the ball twice. And fourth down proved to be a nightmare.

The Bears headed south to Tampa to take on the defending Super Bowl champions. You would have never guessed that Matt Nagy’s team gained 311 total yards. That included running back Khalil Herbert’s 100 yards rushing on 18 carries. But rookie quarterback Justin Fields had an even more forgettable outing than his first NFL start vs. the Browns in Week 3. He was sacked four times, served up three interceptions and lost two of his three fumbles.