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: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.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.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.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 R...