NFL Power Rankings for Week 8: Chiefs still breaking new ground in Patrick Mahomes era

All hail the Chiefs.

In their quest to accomplish the NFL’s first three-peat since the pre-Super Bowl era, the Chiefs are the last remaining undefeated team – thanks to a Vikings loss to the Lions – and the seventh defending Super Bowl champion since 2000 to begin the following season with at least a 6-0 record.

What’s crazy is that, through all their success since Patrick Mahomes took over as the quarterback in 2018, this is the Chiefs’ first 6-0 start since 2013, when head coach Andy Reid took over a two-win roster and struck gold by trading for Alex Smith.

So, the Chiefs are obviously No. 1 in The Post’s power rankings for Week 8. Here is the rest of the order:

1. Chiefs 6-0 (1)

A rematch of two of the last five Super Bowls ended just like those two games – with the Chiefs on top of the 49ers. Mahomes overcame two interceptions and made a couple big plays with his feet – a regular-season career-long 33-yard scamper and a 1-yard rushing touchdown (his first since 2022). Kareem Hunt also ran for two touchdowns.

2. Lions 5-1 (3)

Jake Bates kicked a game-winning 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining to top the previously unbeaten Vikings, 31-29. The Lions exploded for 21 second-quarter points, including two touchdowns by Jahmyr Gibbs, who ran for 116 yards. Jared Goff is one of four quarterbacks in NFL history with a 140-plus passer rating and no turnovers in three straight games.

3. Vikings 5-1 (2)

The Vikings rallied from an 11-point fourth quarter deficit to take a one-point lead on two field goals and a defensive touchdown by Ivan Pace Jr before Bates sent them to heartbreak. Aaron Jones had 93 rushing yards and Justin Jefferson added 81 receiving yards – and both players scored touchdowns. Sam Darnold took a sack near midfield to end the game.

4. Ravens 5-2 (5)

After spotting the Buccaneers the first 10 points, the Ravens ripped off 34 unanswered over the second and third quarters – a span that included four Lamar Jackson touchdown passes, including two to the forgotten Mark Andrews – to coast to victory. The Ravens had a 100-yard rusher (Derrick Henry) and a 100-yard receiver (Rashod Bateman). Marlon Humphrey notched two interceptions.

5. Packers 5-2 (8)

Brandon McManus is officially a Packer. Back in the NFL after he “resolved” a lawsuit alleging sexual assault, McManus kicked the game-winning 45-yard field as time expired and did a Lambeau Leap to celebrate a 24-22 win against the Texans in his Green Bay debut. Jordan Love threw three touchdowns, including six-year veteran Josh Jacobs’ first career receiving score, but added two interceptions.

6. Texans 5-2 (4)

Scoring 16 points off of Packers’ turnovers still wasn’t enough for the Texans to hang on against the Packers in a game with seven lead changes. Second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for a career-low 86 yards, but Joe Mixon picked up the slack with 115 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Still, a three-game winning streak ended.

7. Bills 5-2 (6)

It didn’t take long for Amari Cooper to get acclimated, as he made four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown in his first game since being acquired from the Browns in a 34-10 rout of the Titans. Rookie Keon Coleman benefited from Cooper’s presence with four catches for 125 yards. Josh Allen threw for 323 yards in his 100th career start.

8. Commanders 5-2 (10)

Despite losing rookie sensation quarterback Jayden Daniels after he had one big run and two pass attempts in the first quarter, the Commanders pounded the Panders, 40-7, behind Marcus Mariota. The journeyman quarterback threw for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Dante Fowler’s 67-yard interception return touchdown started the scoring on the way to building a 37-0 lead.

9. Steelers 5-2 (11)

Head coach Mike Tomlin benched Justin Fields after six starts. Russell Wilson responded to Tomlin’s vote of confidence by throwing for two touchdowns and running for another in a 37-15 whooping of the Jets. Rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop had two interceptions, both of which were converted into touchdowns as the Steelers scored 31 unanswered points.

10. Buccaneers 4-3 (9)

Mike Evans joined the exclusive club with 100 career touchdown catches, but he re-injured his hamstring trying to make his 101st in the loss to the Ravens. Then Chris Godwin, who was second in the NFL in receiver yards, suffered a dislocated ankle in the game’s final seconds that will cost him the rest of the season. The Buccaneers were left to rue missed opportunities to extend their 10-0 first-quarter lead, including a missed field goal.

11. Eagles 4-2 (12)

12. Seahawks 4-2 (20)

13. Falcons 4-3 (7)

14. Broncos 4-3 (15)

15. 49ers 3-4 (14)

16. Bears 4-2 (16)

17. Cowboys 3-3 (17)

18. Cardinals 3-4 (18)

19. Chargers 3-3 (13)

20. Bengals 3-4 (21)

21. Colts 4-3 (22)

22. Jets 2-5 (19)

Are there any other superstars the Jets want to add to try to save this wayward season? Davante Adams’ addition (three catches, 30 yards) didn’t make much of a difference in the loss to the Steelers. Now Haason Reddick is joining the fold. Aaron Rodgers’ two interceptions and continued kicking woes more than offset Breece Hall’s breakout game (141 yards from scrimmage).

23. Rams 2-4 (26)

24. Raiders 2-5 (25)

25. Giants (24)

As worst nightmares go for owner John Mara, this one was pretty horrifying. Saquon Barkley – who the Giants let walk in free agency – returned to MetLife Stadium and carved up the defense for 176 yards and a touchdown on the ground in a 28-3 win for the Eagles. The Giants netted 119 offensive yards and the offensive line folded (eight sacks allowed) without injured left tackle Andrew Thomas.

26. Jaguars 2-5 (27)

27. Saints 2-5 (23)

28. Titans 1-5 (28)

29. Dolphins 2-4 (29)

30. Browns 1-6 (30)

31. Panthers 1-6 (31)

32. Patriots 1-6 (32)