Vikings top NFL power rankings after Chiefs, 49ers losses
The Minnesota Vikings moved to No. 1 in the NFL Power Rankings for Week 8, becoming the only undefeated team as the Chiefs and 49ers suffer their first defeats.
Key points
- Vikings are the sole undefeated team and claim the top spot in the rankings.
- Kansas City Chiefs fell to No. 4 after a 20‑3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
- San Francisco 49ers lost their first game of the season, dropping them from the top.
- Dallas Cowboys climbed in the rankings after a Monday night win.
- Green Bay Packers lost 20‑17 in Detroit but remained near the top of the list.
The Minnesota Vikings have claimed the No. 1 spot in the NFL Power Rankings entering Week 8 of the 2026 season, becoming the league's last remaining undefeated team. The shift in the top rankings follows the first losses of the season for the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, which triggered significant changes across the board.
The Kansas City Chiefs, now with a 5-1 record, fell to No. 4 in ESPN’s NFL Power Rankings after a 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The defeat marked the first time the Chiefs dropped in the rankings following a loss this season. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys moved up in the Week 8 power rankings after securing a win on Monday night. Although the Cowboys are making progress in the latest rankings, analysts note there is still a long way to go for the team.
Other teams have also seen fluctuations in their standings. The Green Bay Packers lost 20-17 in Detroit on Sunday but were not driven off a cliff in the consensus power rankings. The Minnesota Vikings, who are currently undefeated, hold the top position in the updated league pecking order. The San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs are no longer at the top of the list after their respective defeats. The power rankings reflect the current state of the 2026 NFL season as it approaches the halfway point.
Your questions, answered
Why did the Vikings move to No. 1 in the NFL power rankings?
They became the only undefeated team after the Chiefs and 49ers lost their first games.
What happened to the Kansas City Chiefs in the rankings?
They dropped to No. 4 after a 20‑3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
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