When Tom Brady unveiled his power rankings last week, he teased that the Chicago Bears could jump from No. 6 to No. 1 if they defeated the Seattle Seahawks â and that was before they added All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.Â
Well, the Bears made it tough for Brady not to be a man of his word this week. They picked up a decisive victory in the defending champs’ home stadium, winning 34-17 as Caleb Williams, D’Andre Swift and Simmons all showed out. But other top teams, like the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos, also picked up impressive victories in Week 8, making the debate for the No. 1 spot in Brady’s power rankings even stronger following the Minnesota Vikings’ first loss of the year.Â
So, was Brady a man of his word with his power rankings this week? Here’s his full top 10.Â
Week 8 result: 27-6 win vs. Cleveland Browns
Brady’s thoughts: I kind of chose a temporary winner from the Cloud of Dust that’s the AFC North. The Pittsburgh Steelers, welcome to the top ten. The defense lived in Cleveland’s backfield all afternoon, and the offense ran it all over them. Aaron Rodgers and Co. secured their payback for the loss in Cleveland earlier this year. They’ve won four in a row, hold sole possession of first in the division, and they’ve got a defense that’s been suffocating during the streak. Enjoy the bye, fellas.
I think Rodgers has done such a great job playing from the pocket this year. He’s always done a great job protecting the football, but I always thought a lot of that was because he could get out of the pocket and turn somewhat would-be sacks or negative plays into big gains because he was outside the pocket. But his transition in is his game â playing from the pocket, still throwing the ball as great as ever, man. He’s an ageless wonder.
Up next: Bye
Week 8 result: 28-24 loss at Denver Broncos
Brady’s thoughts: Two weeks ago, I had the Chiefs at No. 2 when they were unbeaten, and now they’ve dropped two straight. And this one in Denver kind of stings. K.C. had a lead going into the fourth and didn’t score again. Over 100 yards in penalties will do that to you, and I hate pouring salt in the wound, but the knee flinched. The refs made the right call.Â
The good news? Pat Mahomes looked like Pat Mahomes again â three touchdowns, no picks. Clean up the flags, and this offense will be right back in it as the Jets visit Arrowhead.
Up next: vs. New York Jets (Sunday)
Week 8 result: 24-19 win at Miami Dolphins
Brady’s thoughts: New England went into the half down double digits in Miami â been there before. But they flipped a switch, scoring three straight touchdowns for the win. And Drake Maye was super efficient, throwing for two tuddies, and rushing in another. Mike Vrabel helped steady the ship through some crazy, crazy South Florida weather. I love the humidity these days, but I’m not sure the Pats would agree.Â
Up next, we’ve got Packers at Patriots on Sunday. I am going to need a new parking pass, though. Hey Vrabes, can you help me out there?Â
I’m always excited to go back to that stadium, to see so many friends that, over the years, have made such a positive difference in my life. There’s a big reunion going on for the 2016 team. So many fun things this weekend. I got to make sure I pace myself. We’ve got Gronk’s induction ceremony on Saturday, the game on Sunday and a lot of family and friends. It’s gonna be an awesome weekend.
Up next: vs. Green Bay Packers (Sunday)
Week 8 result: 19-15 loss at Detroit Lions
Brady’s thoughts: The victory lap is over, as Minnesota’s unbeaten run ends in Detroit. I was there, and the Vikings couldn’t slow down the Lions’ ground game in the second half and couldn’t put a drive together late when they needed a touchd
