Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season was crammed with dominant wins, because it featured the primary Sunday slate with one or zero video games determined by single digits since Dec. 20, 1970, per ESPN Analysis. That one matchup occurred to be the Jets’ first victory of the season, through which they overcame a 14-point deficit with lower than eight minutes remaining in opposition to the Bengals. Week 8 concluded with the Chiefs dealing with the Commanders on “Monday Night time Soccer.”
How do all of those groups slot in our up to date Energy Rankings? We restacked the NFL heading into Week 9, which incorporates byes for 4 groups (Browns, Buccaneers, Eagles and Jets). Along with the 1-32 rankings, our NFL Nation reporters picked one of the best offseason addition from every roster. They selected from 2025 draft picks, free agent signings, commerce acquisitions or coach hirings. Who has made essentially the most affect thus far?
Let’s get into it with our No. 1 workforce, which is totally different from final week. Our energy panel of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluated how NFL groups stack up in opposition to each other, rating them from 1 to 32.
Leap to a workforce:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Titans 38-14
Week 8 rating: 2
Greatest offseason addition: QB Daniel Jones
The one-year deal for Jones was characterised as competitors for Anthony Richardson Sr. within the spring. In the long run, it turned out to be a lot extra. Jones’ decision-making has helped the Colts turn out to be No. 1 within the NFL in yards per sport (385.3), yards per play (6.5) and factors per sport (33.8). He’s second behind the Cowboys’ Dak Prescott in QBR (79.3) and is finishing a career-best 71.2% of his cross makes an attempt. — Stephen Holder
Week 8 consequence: Bye
Week 8 rating: 1
Greatest offseason addition: RG Tate Ratledge
After dropping Professional Bowl heart Frank Ragnow (retirement) and veteran guard Kevin Zeitler (signed with the Titans), the Lions drafted Ratledge within the second spherical to assist navigate these offseason departures. He has began in all seven video games at proper guard subsequent to All-Professional deal with Penei Sewell, and Detroit hasn’t missed a beat with the third-most factors per sport within the NFL (30.7). Detroit was pressured to switch 40% of an offensive line that was on the sector for the second-most factors and touchdowns of any five-man unit within the NFL final season, per ESPN Analysis. — Eric Woodyard
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Giants 38-20
Week 8 rating: 3
Greatest offseason addition: LB Jihaad Campbell
The primary-round pick of Alabama has been a contributor in Vic Fangio’s protection from the leap. Campbell has performed 87% of the snaps with 45 tackles, eight QB pressures and an interception. His function shifted when Nakobe Dean not too long ago returned from a knee harm, shifting from beginning inside linebacker to extra of a hybrid edge participant. That has include a studying curve, however Campbell’s versatility is already proving worthwhile. — Tim McManus
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Panthers 40-9
Week 8 rating: 6
Greatest offseason addition: DT Deone Walker
The fourth-round choose has changed into a worthwhile participant for the Payments, particularly given the accidents which have hit their defensive deal with place. Enjoying time for Walker and different defensive rookies isn’t surprising, however he has began six video games and performed 51.7% of defensive performs. He’s tied for the workforce excessive in tackles for loss (seven) with Ed Oliver and is third leaguewide in run cease fee (8.2%). Since Oliver is out indefinitely with a torn left biceps, the Payments will want Walker to proceed stepping up. — Alaina Getzenberg
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Saints 23-3
Week 8 rating: 4
Greatest offseason addition: WR Emeka Egbuka
The No. 19 choose has been slowed by a hamstring harm whereas taking part in when the workforce has been with out its different prime three receivers (Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan). However Egbuka’s 562 receiving yards are seventh most within the league, and all 5 of his landing grabs (tied for eighth most) got here within the first 5 video games. The rookie put collectively his finest efficiency in Week 5 in opposition to the Seahawks, catching all seven of his targets for 163 yards and a landing. — Jenna Laine
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Commanders 28-7
Week 8 rating: 7
Greatest offseason addition: LT Josh Simmons
Though Simmons has been away from the workforce since Oct. 12 due to a household state of affairs, the first-round choose has proven he may be the Chiefs’ franchise left deal with for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In 5 video games, Simmons was distinctive in cross safety, permitting the Chiefs’ offense to be practical. When he returns, he may develop right into a Professional Bowler. A certified second candidate is left deal with Jaylon Moore, a four-year veteran who has performed properly in Simmons’ absence. — Nate Taylor
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Steelers 35-25
Week 8 rating: 8
Greatest offseason addition: DE Micah Parsons
Parsons has been every part the Packers had hoped for — and even perhaps extra — once they traded away two first-round picks plus Kenny Clark earlier than giving Parsons a $188 million contract. Parsons not solely leads the NFL in pressures (33), he has helped unencumber Rashan Gary (who leads the Packers with 7.5 sacks) and produce an general power to the Packers’ protection. Inexperienced Bay ranks sixth within the NFL in yards allowed per sport (289.4). — Rob Demovsky
1:19
Does the highway to the Tremendous Bowl undergo the Packers?
Alex Smith, Adam Schefter and Rex Ryan focus on the Packers’ younger roster and their possibilities of reaching the Tremendous Bowl.
Week 8 consequence: Bye
Week 8 rating: 5
Greatest offseason addition: WR Davante Adams
The Rams retooled their receivers room this offseason, including the veteran on a two-year, $46 million deal to pair with Puka Nacua. Whereas Adams and quarterback Matthew Stafford have stated constructing chemistry with a brand new teammate takes time, that development confirmed up within the Rams’ final sport earlier than their bye. Towards the Jaguars in Week 7, Adams had his most efficient efficiency of the season with three landing catches in London. — Sarah Barshop
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Cowboys 44-24
Week 8 rating: 11
Greatest offseason addition: RB J.Okay. Dobbins
After getting 4 touchdowns from rookies on Sunday, the long-term reply right here may very well be totally different. However proper now, fifth-year ball provider Dobbins is third within the league at 79.3 dashing yards per sport and second solely to the Colts’ Jonathan Taylor in runs of at the very least 10 yards. Dobbins is the primary Broncos operating again with two 100-yard dashing video games in a season since Melvin Gordon had three in 2021. And together with his reliability as a cross protector and a receiver, Dobbins has checked each attainable field. — Jeff Legwold
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Browns 32-13
Week 8 rating: 12
Greatest offseason addition: HC Mike Vrabel
When Vrabel was employed in January because the sixteenth head coach in franchise historical past, he stated: “I wish to provoke our soccer workforce. I wish to provoke this constructing. I wish to provoke our followers.” Think about all of it galvanized. The Patriots are off to their finest begin since 2019; Vrabel’s clear concentrate on workforce identification and objectives have resonated all through the group. The Pats play with “effort and end,” as Vrabel stated, and are forward of schedule on their first purpose of competing for the AFC East title, as they maintain a half-game lead over the Payments. — Mike Reiss
Week 8 consequence: Bye
Week 8 rating: 9
Greatest offseason addition: QB Sam Darnold
You might provide you with an extended checklist of dwelling run additions that basic supervisor John Schneider and coach Mike Macdonald made this previous offseason, together with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, defensive finish DeMarcus Lawrence and rookie left guard Gray Zabel. However when a workforce adjustments quarterbacks and will get the sort of play that Darnold has given Seattle, he is the straightforward alternative. Signed to a three-year, $100.5 million deal after the Seahawks traded Geno Smith to the Raiders, Darnold ranks sixth in Whole QBR, and he is displaying that his good season with the Vikings was no one-year marvel. — Brady Henderson
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Texans 26-15
Week 8 rating: 10
Greatest offseason addition: DC Robert Saleh
Take it from San Francisco tight finish George Kittle, who has stated all 12 months that Saleh has been the Niners’ greatest addition. By way of eight video games, Saleh has needed to earn each penny with a revamped protection that has misplaced star linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) and finish Nick Bosa (ACL) to season-ending accidents. It hasn’t been excellent, as there may be nonetheless a scarcity of cross rush and interceptions, however Saleh’s protection is eighth finest in factors allowed (20.5). It might be no shock if Saleh is once more a powerful candidate within the subsequent head teaching cycle. — Nick Wagoner
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Packers 35-25
Week 8 rating: 13
Greatest offseason addition: QB Aaron Rodgers
Of all of the uncharacteristic offseason acquisitions, Rodgers, maybe essentially the most controversial addition, has been the Steelers’ most dependable. At 41 years outdated and two years faraway from an Achilles tear, it was unclear precisely what he had left within the tank. Rodgers, although, has been a steadying chief for the offense, and he has proven flashes of classic strikes by extending the play, breaking the pocket and firing deep balls downfield. However he is not a cure-all for the Steelers’ offense, which transformed simply 1-of-10 third-down alternatives in opposition to the Packers. — Brooke Pryor
2:19
Rex Ryan: Steelers’ protection obtained outdated
Rex Ryan, Alex Smith and Adam Schefter focus on the Steelers’ struggling protection and the way it may very well be detrimental to their season.
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Vikings 37-10
Week 8 rating: 15
Greatest offseason addition: WR Keenan Allen
Allen is just technically an addition. He spent his first 11 seasons with the Chargers however was traded to Chicago for a fourth-round choose after a contract dispute previous to the 2024 season. He returned to the Bolts in early August, and he has been quarterback Justin Herbert’s favourite goal. Allen is first within the workforce in yards (479), receptions (48) and targets (70). He has earned the nickname “third-and-Keenan” from teammates, as he has the fifth-most first-down receptions within the NFL (31). — Kris Rhim
Week 8 consequence: Bye
Week 8 rating: 17
Greatest offseason addition: WR/CB Travis Hunter
He is arguably the Jaguars’ finest receiver and cornerback already. Coach Liam Coen is also making it a precedence to name extra performs the place Hunter is the No. 1 choice on offense. He leads the workforce with 28 catches and is coming off his first 100-yard sport (eight catches, 101 yards and a rating in opposition to the Rams). Hunter has three cross breakups in restricted work on protection, together with one on third down in opposition to Davante Adams. — Mike DiRocco
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Ravens 30-16
Week 8 rating: 14
Greatest offseason addition: HC Ben Johnson
The Bears are a reliable, well-coached soccer workforce underneath Johnson. The outcomes aren’t at all times there, as purple zone effectivity and penalties proceed to be an issue. However Chicago put collectively a four-game win streak, and it has buy-in that feels totally different than different seasons. Johnson has preached accountability, which he has demonstrated in his trustworthy reflection on selections and calls that did not work. That is a breath of contemporary air because the tradition shifts inside Halas Corridor. — Courtney Cronin
Week 8 consequence: Beat the 49ers 26-15
Week 8 rating: 21
Greatest offseason addition: RB Woody Marks
The fourth-round choose has been a pleasant addition to the offense. Marks is increase or bust at occasions, however when he booms, he reveals explosiveness and dynamic capability within the operating and passing video games. He has had three catches for over 20 yards this season. The rookie out of USC has been a pleasant complementary participant to Nick Chubb, who’s extra of a bruiser on early downs. Marks leads the Texans in scrimmage yards with 379. — DJ Bien-Aime
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Broncos 44-24
Week 8 rating: 16
Greatest offseason addition: RB Javonte Williams
No person may have predicted Williams could be on tempo for a 1,345-yard, 17-touchdown season when the Cowboys signed him to a one-year deal. But, right here he’s. Williams has proven the power to interrupt some lengthy runs and choose up the soiled yards. How he holds up over the course of the season with the utilization he has thus far (on observe for a career-high 264 carries) will probably be of curiosity. But when groups wish to play their safeties deep to defend huge receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, then the Cowboys will proceed to feed Williams. — Todd Archer
2:58
Stephen A. to Jerry Jones: ‘You have to strive one thing’ to repair the protection
Stephen A. Smith urges Jerry Jones to strengthen the Cowboys’ protection to go together with their sturdy offense.
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Payments 40-9
Week 8 rating: 18
Greatest offseason addition: RB Rico Dowdle
Over a two-game stretch when Chuba Hubbard was injured, Dowdle set a franchise report with 473 scrimmage yards and Carolina went 2-0. For the season, the previous Cowboys operating again has a team-leading 551 dashing yards to go together with 121 receiving yards. Whereas the Panthers at the moment are splitting sequence between Hubbard and Dowdle, the latter clearly has made extra impactful performs. — David Newton
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Chiefs 28-7
Week 8 rating: 19
Greatest offseason addition: LT Laremy Tunsil
Washington traded away 4 picks, together with a 2025 third-rounder and a second-rounder in 2026, to Houston for Tunsil and a fourth-round choose. He has offered the Commanders with their finest deal with play since Trent Williams in 2018. Tunsil is credited with permitting three sacks, although a type of got here on a play that took 3.7 seconds. Regardless, he got here at a premium value, and he’s worthy of an extension with one 12 months left on his deal, even at age 31. “I’d undoubtedly need Laremy to be my bodyguard,” Washington coach Dan Quinn stated after Week 1. That is still true two months later, although a hamstring harm suffered Monday will must be monitored. — John Keim
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Chargers 37-10
Week 8 rating: 22
Greatest offseason addition: RB Jordan Mason
Acquired through commerce from the 49ers, Mason has proved to be a strong and resourceful runner. He’s averaging 2.02 yards after contact per carry, a part of the explanation his first-down fee is 28.4%, which is eleventh finest within the NFL and by far the best for a Vikings operating again since coach Kevin O’Connell arrived in 2022. Mason’s 4 dashing touchdowns may appear modest, however they’re just one in need of what Aaron Jones Sr. produced in all of 2024. — Kevin Seifert
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Bears 30-16
Week 8 rating: 26
Greatest offseason addition: Okay Tyler Loop
The Ravens took a threat by going with a sixth-round choose to switch Justin Tucker, the NFL’s most correct kicker on the time when Baltimore reduce him amid accusations of sexual misconduct. However Loop has exceeded expectations thus far, making 12 of 13 discipline objectives (92.3%). His solely miss was from 55 yards. As compared, Tucker was 12-of-15 (80%) in his first seven video games final season, which ended up because the worst of his profession. Loop has struggled at occasions on kickoffs, and he has missed an additional level, however he has been an improve over Tucker on discipline objectives thus far. — Jamison Hensley
1:19
Schefter: NFL to analyze Lamar Jackson’s harm standing
Adam Schefter tells Pat McAfee that the Ravens will probably face some punishment over the Lamar Jackon harm report situation.
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Jets 39-38
Week 8 rating: 23
Greatest offseason addition: TE Noah Fant
Fant was a late addition to the Bengals’ roster due to the accidents they had been coping with on the place. However he has been a worthwhile asset for his or her offense, particularly given the harm to beginning quarterback Joe Burrow. Fant has 23 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns. With Mike Gesicki on injured reserve (pectoral harm), Fant has turn out to be a vital participant for Cincinnati. — Ben Child
Week 8 consequence: Bye
Week 8 rating: 24
Greatest offseason addition: Edge Josh Sweat
Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett has a powerful case, however since Arizona misplaced in each of his begins, Sweat turns into one of the best offseason acquisition. Sweat has made an instantaneous affect on Arizona’s protection, which has saved the Cardinals in a variety of video games whereas the offense has struggled. He has 5 sacks, two pressured fumbles and a batted cross. Extra importantly, Sweat is without doubt one of the focal factors for opposing offensive coordinators to game-plan round, thus opening the cross rush for everybody else. — Josh Weinfuss
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Falcons 34-10
Week 8 rating: 30
Greatest offseason addition: CB Rasul Douglas
Douglas signed with the Dolphins simply earlier than the common season and was thrust right into a beginning function after an harm to Storm Duck in Week 1. Now that he has had two months to digest Miami’s playbook, Douglas has stabilized the place for a protection that desperately wanted it. He has been the Fins’ most focused defensive again however has allowed just one landing this season — on a play through which Jets wideout Garrett Wilson had lower than a yard of separation when the cross arrived. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Dolphins 34-10
Week 8 rating: 20
Greatest offseason addition: S Xavier Watts
Watts has been such a superb complement to Professional Bowl security Jessie Bates III that Bates has stated the rookie out of Notre Dame reminds him of a youthful model of himself. Watts has two interceptions and 4 cross breakups. He was named an NFC Defensive Participant of the Week in September. Watts has been a key determine for a Falcons protection that has allowed the second-fewest yards per sport (275.6) within the league. Thus far, he has appeared like a steal as a third-round choose. — Marc Raimondi
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Patriots 32-13
Week 8 rating: 25
Greatest offseason addition: DT Maliek Collins
The Browns signed Collins to a two-year, $20 million deal this offseason. The 30-year-old lineman has been an ideal match, benefiting from the one-on-one alternatives afforded him whereas star cross rusher Myles Garrett faces double-teams. Collins ranks tenth within the league in cross rush win fee at defensive deal with (12.4%), and his 3.5 sacks are second most on the Browns. He additionally has been a worthwhile mentor for younger gamers similar to No. 5 choose Mason Graham. — Daniel Oyefusi
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Eagles 38-20
Week 8 rating: 27
Greatest offseason addition: QB Jaxson Dart
The rookie quarterback has impressed regardless of being 2-3 as a starter. He has injected life into a dull Giants offense that had bother scoring the earlier two-plus seasons. It is extra than simply Dart’s arm. Maybe most spectacular has been his capability to keep away from sacks and use his legs. Dart joined Cam Newton this week as the one quarterbacks since 1950 to have a passing and dashing landing in 4 of their first 5 profession begins, per ESPN Analysis. — Jordan Raanan
1:09
Wealthy Eisen: Cam Skattebo’s ankle harm is a bummer
Wealthy Eisen reacts to Giants operating again Cam Skattebo’s season-ending ankle harm.
Week 8 consequence: Bye
Week 8 rating: 29
Greatest offseason addition: CB Eric Stokes
Stokes, who signed a one-year take care of Las Vegas within the offseason, has been pretty stable as a starter. In 221 protection snaps, Stokes has allowed 11 catches for 161 yards and a landing on 21 targets. He has given up a passer score of 93.6 and a completion fee of 52.4%. “He is only a regular participant… Very athletic [and] good,” Raiders defensive backs coach Joe Woods stated. “He hasn’t made loads of performs on the ball as a result of there have not been loads of alternatives coming his manner. However on the identical time, he hasn’t given up loads of performs.” — Ryan McFadden
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Buccaneers 23-3
Week 8 rating: 28
Greatest offseason addition: S Jonas Sanker
The rookie third-round choose needed to fill in nearly instantly after Julian Blackmon suffered a season-ending shoulder harm within the Saints’ Week 1 loss to the Cardinals. Sanker has been a stable addition to a workforce that has struggled; he has registered one interception, one fumble restoration and 38 complete tackles in seven begins. Sanker’s 27 solo tackles are essentially the most by any rookie defensive again this season. — Katherine Terrell
Week 8 consequence: Beat the Bengals 39-38
Week 8 rating: 32
Greatest offseason addition: RT Armand Membou
Drafted with the No. 7 choose, Membou assumed a beginning function in OTAs, and he hasn’t appeared again whereas taking part in each offensive snap. He’s excelling as a run blocker, rating seventh out of 63 certified tackles in run block win fee. Membou has had some hiccups in cross safety (thirty ninth in cross block win fee), however he hasn’t appeared misplaced. He’s a gradual rookie with a excessive ceiling. — Wealthy Cimini
Week 8 consequence: Misplaced to the Colts 38-14
Week 8 rating: 31
Greatest offseason addition: WR Chimere Dike
Dike has been a shiny spot in an in any other case dismal season for the Titans. The rookie fourth-round choose leads the league in all-purpose yards, thanks largely to an NFL-high 991 return yards. With out prime receiver Calvin Ridley (hamstring) for the previous two weeks, Dike has led the workforce in receiving yards. His seven receptions for 93 yards in opposition to the Colts had been profession highs. He and quarterback Cam Ward have spent elevated time collectively within the movie room to enhance their chemistry. — Turron Davenport