49ers lose first game, Vikings take No. 1 in Week 8 NFL rankings
The gist
The 6-0 San Francisco 49ers lost 29-0 to the Falcons; the 6-0 Vikings became the only undefeated team.
The No. 1 spot changed hands after two unbeaten teams fell.
How it unfolded
- Oct 20, 2026Week 7 rankings are published, with The Athletic, NFL.com, Bleacher Report and ESPN all placing the 49ers No. 1. ESPN has the Chiefs No. 2, Bills No. 3 and Vikings No. 4.
- Oct 20, 2026The Athletic's biggest Week 7 moves are Browns +9 (No. 23 to No. 14) and Rams -9 (No. 10 to No. 19); ESPN has Texans +5 and Rams -6.
- Oct 21, 2026PFF's offensive line rankings keep the Lions No. 1 and 49ers No. 2, with the Broncos falling to No. 5.