Week 8 NFL Power Rankings

Two things happen when such a high percentage of heavy favorites win straight-up and cover the spread, as was the case in NFL betting for Week 7.

First, bookies and online sportsbooks take a big hit. Dog money exists but it is usually not going to be enough to counter all of the late public money that pours in on Peyton, Brady and Drew Brees.

Secondly, the BetRepublic Power Ranking charts get a bit dusty. The good teams that were supposed to win did their part this week while the bad teams, well; they just kept on being Oakland.

NFL Power Rankings for Week 8

Top of the Charts
No change this week at the top of our power rankings as the New Orleans Saints illustrate yet another talent in a comeback win over Miami. Back-to-back divisional home games, starting with Atlanta in this week’s Monday Nighter will give anyone who hasn’t seen much of the Saints this year a chance to witness the improved defense and potent offense. New Orleans (-10) was quickly bought up to double-digit favorites in early betting.

New England has made back-to-back attempts at taking over the No. 2 spot from Indianapolis but the Colts’ dominance over St. Louis is on par with the Patriots win vs. Tampa Bay in London so rankings stay inline.

The Pats are off this week and Indy (-12) hosts San Francisco so we are unlikely to see any change in the Top 3 for Week 9 either, unless…

Upticks
Pittsburgh pulled out all the stops in its 27-17 win against Minnesota, covering the spread (and then not covering), and then covering it again when Steelers LB Keyaron Fox returned an interception 82 yards for a TD with a minute to play. Pittsburgh has now won four-straight and will follow a Week 8 bye with a Monday Night clash against the Denver Broncos.

Read here for more results from Denver’s game.....