Eight weeks are officially in the books, and we’re starting to get a better idea of which NFL teams are legitimate contenders and which ones are already falling behind. With the trade deadline approaching, teams are running out of time to decide whether they want to make a push for the playoffs or start looking toward next season. Some have already reached the point where selling off veteran pieces makes the most sense, while others still have a chance to turn things around. Here are the teams on the panic meter after Week 8.
7/7 — Fire sale. Time to gather draft capital.
6/7 — Full-blown panic. Someone needs to answer some questions.
5/7 — Sound the alarms.
4/7 — Serious concerns.
3/7 — Keep an eye on it.
2/7 — Not great, but relax.
1/7 — Probably nothing to worry about.
NFL Panic Meter – Week 8
Los Angeles Chargers – Panic Meter: 7/7
Welcome back to the panic meter, the Los Angeles Chargers! After a week away due to their bye, the Chargers got right back to doing what they do best: losing games in embarrassing fashion. Honestly, we’re running out of things to say about this team. The same problems continue to show up every week, and there doesn’t seem to be much reason to believe things will improve anytime soon.
The season is essentially over, and it’s time to start looking toward the offseason. That means evaluating the coaching staff, considering a move from expiring contracts like Khalil Mack and Donte Jackson, and deciding whether players who haven’t fit the system, such as Quentin Johnston, still have a place on the roster.
There’s really no reason for the Chargers to keep pushing for a lost season. They should start taking calls, see what they can get for some of their veterans and focus on building toward next year.
Panic Meter: 7/7
Philadelphia Eagles – Panic Meter: 7/7
It’s fair to say the Philadelphia Eagles season is officially falling apart. Six straight losses, including an ugly defeat against divisional rival the Washington Commanders, have put the Eagles in a position nobody expected them to be in.
The Eagles have already started making changes, moving on from Cam Jurgens, while Lane Johnson has retired. If the front office is already heading in that direction, it should be willing to listen to offers for some of its remaining veterans. Players like Dallas Goedert and Saquon Barkley could attract interest from teams looking to make a playoff push.
The coaching staff shouldn’t be safe either. If things continue down this path, Philadelphia may need to make some serious changes on the sidelines this offseason. At some point, the organization needs to accept that this group isn’t getting the job done. The trade deadline could be the first step toward a much-needed reset.
Panic Meter: 7/7
Dallas Cowboys – Panic Meter: 6/7
The Dallas Cowboys never fail to provide great television and storylines. Honestly, it’s quite impressive. This week was no different, as Dallas somehow managed to turn a 14-point fourth-quarter lead into another embarrassing loss. After allowing 20 points in the final quarter, a missed extra point sent the game into overtime. A quick three-and-out later, the Arizona Cardinals kicked a field goal and walked away with the win.
Somehow, the Cowboys keep finding new ways to lose games they should be winning. Now, the front office has a major decision to make ahead of the trade deadline. There are really two options here. With the NFC East still wide open, Dallas could add a few pieces and try to sneak into the playoffs by winning the division. Or, it could accept where things stand, sell off some assets and start focusing on next season.
Neither option is particularly appealing, but doing nothing isn’t going to help. The Cowboys can’t afford to sit back and wait for things to improve. Whatever direction they choose, they need to make a decision before the deadline passes.
Panic Meter: 6/7
New York Jets – Panic Meter: 5/7
Last week, the New York Jets sat at 3/7 on our Panic Meter following a disappointing loss to the Miami Dolphins and some sideline drama. This week, we’ve bumped them up after another ugly defeat, this time at the hands of the Las Vegas Raiders, who managed to put up 38 points.
It’s getting harder to defend what Aaron Glenn has put together in New York. The defense has struggled to contain opposing offenses, and the team continues to find ways to lose games. With the AFC being as competitive as it is, the Jets are quickly running out of time to get back into the picture.
At this point, it might be worth picking up the phone and listening to what other teams have to offer. Running back Breece Hall could be an attractive trade target for a contender, and if the Jets receive a strong enough offer, it’s hard to see why they wouldn’t consider moving him. There’s still time to turn things around, but the Jets need to start showing some signs of life.
Panic Meter: 5/7
Atlanta Falcons – Panic Meter: 3/7
The Atlanta Falcons managed to lose to a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that didn’t complete a single pass. Yes, you read that correctly. The Buccaneers couldn’t complete a pass, and the Falcons still found a way to lose. To make matters worse, Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions in what was an incredibly frustrating performance.
Still, one embarrassing loss doesn’t mean Atlanta should throw in the towel just yet. The NFC South remains wide open, and there’s still an opportunity to make a push for the division title. If anything, we’d lean toward the Falcons looking to add some help rather than taking a step back.
That said, a loss like this is hard to ignore. How the coaching staff and players respond over the next few weeks will be worth watching. The Falcons are still in the hunt, but they’ll need to clean things up quickly if they want to remain in the division race.
Panic Meter: 3/7
The Last Word
With the trade deadline approaching, the next week could bring some major decisions for teams across the league. The Chargers and Eagles appear to be headed toward significant changes, while the Cowboys and Jets need to figure out whether they’re buying or selling. Meanwhile, the Falcons are still in the mix in a wide-open NFC South, but they’ll need to put this latest loss behind them quickly.
We’re getting closer to the point in the season when teams can no longer afford to waste opportunities. Some are already looking toward the offseason, while others still have plenty to play for. Tune in next week as we take another look at the teams feeling the pressure and see who’s making progress and who’s falling further behind.
Main Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
