NFL Power Rankings - Week 8: One trade deadline move for every team
NFL Power Rankings takes stock of all 32 teams throughout the season.
This week, we identify one move or strategy for every team looking ahead to the Nov. 4 trade deadline.
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1. Detroit Lions (5-2)
Previous rank: 2
Find bookend for Hutchinson. The Lions have had a glaring need for an edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson for a while now. With a Super Bowl run still on the table and several candidates to fill that spot, now is the time to get aggressive. Trey Hendrickson, anyone?
2. Indianapolis Colts (6-1)
Previous rank: 3
Trade for cornerback. The Colts' defense has done some good things, but the cornerback room is in rough shape with Charvarius Ward headed to IR and Xavien Howard suddenly retiring. Perhaps a reunion with Lou Anarumo could help Cam Taylor-Britt make good on his early career flashes.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)
Previous rank: 4
Bolster defensive line. The pass rush was already a bit of a weak spot for Kansas City, and rookie defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott is now out for the year with a torn ACL. The Chiefs could use reinforcements both inside and on the edge.
4. Los Angeles Rams (5-2)
Previous rank: 5
Upgrade at cornerback. The Rams' defense has been sneaky great this campaign, sitting tied for second in EPA/play, according to TruMedia. But the cornerback room feels dangerously thin. A veteran addition would help ensure this group continues to operate at a high level.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2)
Previous rank: 1
Add to defensive front. Tampa Bay's pass rush is trending up, but there's no time to get comfortable. The Bucs' defense could push another step forward with an addition to the group, either on the edge or as an interior complement to Vita Vea.
6. Seattle Seahawks (5-2)
Previous rank: 8
Improve interior O-line. Seattle's run game finding more consistency would take the team's offensive breakout to new heights, and that'll have to start up front. With the Saints shaping up to be sellers, Cesar Ruiz could fit the team's needs. He played under Seahawks offensive line coach John Benton last year in New Orleans.
7. Green Bay Packers (4-1-1)
Previous rank: 6
Fill need at cornerback. If this struggling group is going to hold up in the playoffs, the Packers have to move Nate Hobbs to his natural position in the slot and make an addition on the outside. A trade to reunite with Rasul Douglas could be the perfect low-cost acquisition to solve that problem.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
Previous rank: 9
Trade for an edge rusher. The Eagles' defense is tied for 26th with 11 sacks and ranks dead last in rush success rate. A true three-down player on the edge, like Dolphins defensive end Bradley Chubb, would go a long way toward addressing both issues.
9. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
Previous rank: 7
Pursue No. 1 target. Here we are, once again, waiting for the Bills to make the big move they need at receiver. Will they be bold enough to do it? History says probably not. But a top talent like Chris Olave would be the dream addition to open up this passing game.
10. San Francisco 49ers (5-2)
Previous rank: 11
Improve pass rush. Getting back with Robert Saleh has again unlocked Bryce Huff's unique rush skill set. Could the Jets being in sell mode give the 49ers' defensive coordinator another opportunity for a reunion? Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson II are logical targets to help replace Nick Bosa.
11. New England Patriots (5-2)
Previous rank: 13
Add another WR. Drake Maye is already playing at an MVP level. Maybe he pulls away from the rest of the pack if the Patriots stay aggressive and make a move at receiver, perhaps bringing back a familiar face in Jakobi Meyers.
12. Denver Broncos (5-2)
Previous rank: 18
Upgrade interior offensive line. The Broncos' offense had been sputtering before an absurd 33-point fourth quarter against the Giants. Replacing the injured Ben Powers at left guard may be imperative if this group is going to find a shred of consistency looking ahead.
13. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3)
Previous rank: 10
Round out pass rush. Calais Campbell signed in Arizona to finish his career where it started. With the Cardinals spiraling, though, might another former team come calling for the defensive tackle? The Jaguars could use another interior presence to complete a strong group up front.
14. Chicago Bears (4-2)
Previous rank: 15
Trade for a running back. D'Andre Swift posted back-to-back 100-yard performances, but Chicago's run game could have an even higher ceiling with a top talent leading the backfield. Breece Hall has seemed like a sensible Bears trade target for months, and the impending free agent should be available with the Jets sitting at 0-7.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
Previous rank: 12
Find a No. 2 receiver. The Steelers have to bring in another receiver to run opposite DK Metcalf. Jakobi Meyers is a fit here, but Rashid Shaheed might be the best-case scenario if his speed allows Aaron Rodgers to improve upon his 6.1 air yards per attempt, which ranks 32nd among all qualified quarterbacks.
16. Atlanta Falcons (3-3)
Previous rank: 14
Add another receiver. Darnell Mooney is a capable running mate for Drake London, but the Falcons' receiver depth chart is in rough shape otherwise. Finding a capable No. 3 could be an important move for the ongoing development of Michael Penix Jr.
17. Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)
Previous rank: 17
Patch up the offensive line. Justin Herbert is seeing pressure on 39.1% of dropbacks, tied for the fourth-worst rate in the league. That has to change if the Chargers' offense is going to get back on track, and this beat-up offensive line will need reinforcements to make it happen.
18. Carolina Panthers (4-3)
Previous rank: 21
Stay patient. The Panthers deserve credit since they've been better than anyone expected. However, that doesn't mean they need to get crazy at the deadline. With Bryce Young suffering a high ankle sprain before the upcoming big games against the Bills and Packers, staying in this position might be difficult for Carolina.
19. Dallas Cowboys (3-3-1)
Previous rank: 22
Bolster defense. Sitting just one spot ahead of the last-place Bengals in defensive success rate, the Cowboys could use help at all three levels of the field. Jerry Jones sitting back at the deadline would virtually guarantee that this elite offense goes to waste.
20. Minnesota Vikings (3-3)
Previous rank: 19
Add OL depth. The Vikings' offensive line hasn't been the strength we expected after a busy offseason. That group might need help if Minnesota wants to set up J.J. McCarthy for success when he returns from his ankle injury.
21. Washington Commanders (3-4)
Previous rank: 16
Be flexible. Washington had its sights set on competing, but things change. Now 3-4 and with Jayden Daniels nursing a hamstring injury ahead of a challenging three-game stretch, the Commanders might have to be prepared to accept this isn't their year. Given the club has the NFL's oldest roster, selling at the deadline has to be an option.
22. Houston Texans (2-4)
Previous rank: 20
Stand pat. The Texans still have a chance to turn it on and make a run, but it's certainly no guarantee after a 2-4 start. With that in mind, it might be a good idea for Houston to stay patient and hang onto what could be an important collection of 2026 draft assets.
23. New York Giants (2-5)
Previous rank: 24
Get Dart a receiver. Who says you need to be a playoff team to buy at the deadline? Some things are more important than short-term success. Aiding Jaxson Dart's development with a top target to replace the injured Malik Nabers could pay off in the long run.
24. Baltimore Ravens (1-5)
Previous rank: 23
Swing big for edge rusher. The Ravens certainly won't pack it in after a 1-5 start. And considering the state of the AFC North and the favorable schedule that lies ahead for the club, Baltimore might still have a chance. Addressing its biggest defensive need can only help those efforts.
25. Cleveland Browns (2-5)
Previous rank: 28
Sell a veteran guard. The Browns probably don't want to decimate an already suspect offensive line by parting with Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller. Still, it might be wise to get something for at least one of the two, as the longtime teammates are free agents in March.
26. Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)
Previous rank: 30
Trade Trey Hendrickson. It's long been clear that the Bengals aren't going to meet Hendrickson's price tag on a long-term contract. Passing up the opportunity to flip him for a Day 2 pick before he leaves in free agency would be the latest misstep in this saga.
27. Arizona Cardinals (2-5)
Previous rank: 25
Get all the picks you can. The Cardinals' season is quickly going down the drain. There aren't too many obvious trade candidates on the roster, but Jonah Williams and Calais Campbell are the kind of veterans on expiring deals who are worth shopping.
28. New Orleans Saints (1-6)
Previous rank: 27
Sell, sell, sell. Although they may favor a long-term extension for Chris Olave, the Saints have plenty of other veterans whom they should make available. That group could include Alvin Kamara, Rashid Shaheed, Demario Davis, and Alontae Taylor.
29. Miami Dolphins (1-6)
Previous rank: 26
Trade everyone. It's time for Miami to tear things down. Assuming they're willing to accept that reality, the Dolphins should be the busiest seller at this year's trade deadline. Bradley Chubb, Jaelen Phillips, and Rasul Douglas are just a few of the many names potentially on the move.
30. Las Vegas Raiders (2-5)
Previous rank: 29
Sell expiring veterans. It's been jarring to see the Raiders somehow get worse after bringing in Pete Carroll and Geno Smith. While this probably won't be a true fire sale, there's no reason to hang on to impending free agents like Jakobi Meyers and Malcolm Koonce.
31. Tennessee Titans (1-6)
Previous rank: 31
Listen on almost anyone. The Titans probably don't want to be doing anything that impacts Cam Ward's development, so perhaps they'll resist subtracting from his offensive line and receiving corps. Everyone else could be available for the right price.
32. New York Jets (0-7)
Previous rank: 32
Pick your spots. Teams will certainly call about a number of standout defenders, and the Jets will likely end up making a few deals. A little restraint may be in order, though. Players like Quinnen Williams and Jermaine Johnson II should remain foundation pieces for what is still a talented defense.
Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.