NFL Week 8 Power Rankings Chargers

No. 17: Eric Edholm – NFL.com (Last week: No. 15)

Los Angeles lost more than eight minutes on its final drive, but ultimately had to settle for Cameron Dicker's fifth field goal of the night to take a 15-14 lead. Cam Hart's 15-yard flag hurt the Cardinals' ensuing drive, but giving up a 33-yard catch-and-run to James Conner on the very next play gave Arizona the chance to score the final three points snatch a 17:15 win. Justin Herbert rushed for a season-high 349 yards and made some nice throws – some caught, some not – when he wasn't under a lot of pressure. LA's lack of offensive weapons is glaring right now, especially with the running game stalling. The Chargers crossed midfield seven times but completed only one play inside Arizona's 10-yard line. The schedule will lighten up a bit in the coming weeks, but this loss will stay with Harbaugh for a while.

#18: Josh Kendall – The Athletic (Last week: #12)

Justin Herbert passed for 349 yards on Monday night, his most since Week 3 last year, but it wasn't enough for the Chargers, who, uncharacteristically for Jim Harbaugh, rushed for 59 yards. Los Angeles' three losses this season are by an average of 6.3 points, but their three wins aren't particularly impressive. The Chargers are 12th in the league in point differential (plus-23).

#18: Vinnie Iyer – Sports News (Last Week: #15)

The Chargers know themselves as a tough, defensive-minded team that can also run the ball. They should be more dangerous as Justin Herbert grows into a bigger factor, but they need to score more TDs and fewer field goals.

#18: NFL Nation, Kris Rhim – ESPN (Last week: #17)

Young newcomer: FB/DT Scott Matlock

As a rookie defensive tackle last season, Matlock played primarily on special teams. He was expected to play a larger role in interior defense this season, but coach Jim Harbaugh moved Matlock to fullback and he was an integral part of the Chargers' rushing game. Matlock, 24, still plays defense and special teams; His 236 snaps are the 11th most on the team. He's becoming an unlikely but crucial part of one of the NFL's best rushing offenses.