2017 NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Rams climb after shutting out Cardinals in London

4. New England Patriots (8)

All things considered, the New England Patriots deserve plenty of credit for the way they came out on a strong note against the Atlanta Falcons since they understood revenge would be on the minds of the defending NFC champions after what took place last February. With that being said, it was the Patriots who ended up with the last laugh once again after dominating this game against the Falcons from the start, and it wasn’t even close.

The first quarter may have ended up being close after ending 0-0 like the Super Bowl, but once New England started clicking on offense along with the defense coming up with numerous key stops, Atlanta seemed completely out of it by the time halftime rolled around. And when considering the times the Patriots have struggled to come up on the winning end at home in Foxborough this season, a win like this was a big statement when it comes to building the necessary momentum heading into Week 8.

Not to mention, to see the defense hold Atlanta to just seven points when seeing some of their horrendous performances from earlier in the year was just what New England needed to see. All of a sudden, the Patriots are beginning to play some solid football with their third win in a row.