Every week in the NFL sees a significant amount of change regarding rankings, how every team performs, and massive upsets from teams you didn’t think would pull off a win against a heavily favored opponent. This week, we saw a lot of key contributors suffer gruesome injuries that are going to have significant impacts on their respective teams:
Arizona Cardinals: D+ (Last week D+)
The Cardinals may be one of the worst teams in the league, but they can still put up a fight against one of the strongest teams they faced all year, the Baltimore Ravens. Joshua Dobbs threw two touchdowns against two interceptions, scored a rushing touchdown, and was sacked twice while Trey McBride and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown scored receiving touchdowns. Defensively, the Cardinals sacked Lamar Jackson four times but didn’t secure any interceptions all game. The Cardinals can play but cannot finish games at all this season!
Atlanta Falcons: D+ (Last week C+)
The Falcons came into week eight with a tough loss on the road in Nashville. Desmond Ridder was sacked five times all game and left the game with a concussion which gave Taylor Heinickie a chance to throw a touchdown against no interceptions. Bijan Robinson scored a rushing touchdown and Scott Miller scored a touchdown on the day. Desmond Ridder and the team need to play better in the coming weeks if they are to potentially win the NFC South.
Baltimore Ravens: B+ (Last week A)
The Ravens secured the win against the Arizona Cardinals, but the Cardinal’s offense scored 24 points against a very strong Ravens defense. Lamar Jackson threw one touchdown and no interceptions and was sacked four times in the game. Gus Edwards had quite the day as he scored three rushing touchdowns and Mark Andrews scored a receiving touchdown. Defensively, the Ravens had two sacks and two interceptions against the Cardinals all game. The Ravens are a top team but could’ve played slightly better on defense in that victory.
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Buffalo Bills: B+ (Last week D+)
Despite a quick week of practice, the Bills put their week seven loss in the backburner and secured a statement primetime win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Josh Allen threw two touchdowns against one interception and scored a rushing touchdown while Gabe Davis and Dalton Kincaid scored receiving touchdowns. The Bills defense managed to sack Baker Mayfield three times but didn’t intercept any passes from him. It was simply back to business for the Bills as they kept first place in the AFC East on lockdown.
Carolina Panthers: C (Last week Bye Week)
Congratulations Carolina Panthers, you officially got your first win of the 2023 season. Bryce Young threw one touchdown and no interceptions but was sacked six times. The Panther’s defense had two sacks against C.J. Stroud and a fumble recovery on the day. Kicker Eddy Pineiro kicked the game-winning field goal with seconds to go helping the Panthers secure their first win of the season dramatically!
Chicago Bears: D (Last week B)
The Bears truly fell flat as a whole during their Sunday night showdown in Hollywood. Tyson Bagent threw two interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown despite having negative four rushing yards on one attempt and Darrynton Evans scored Chicago’s other touchdown on the night. The Bears did recover two fumbles while the defense couldn’t even sack or pick off Justin Herbert. This Bears team has a lot of work to do to compete with tough opponents in the coming weeks.
Cincinnati Bengals: B (Last week Bye Week)
The Bengals are on a hot streak with their third straight win against the San Francisco 49ers. Joe Burrow threw three touchdowns against zero interceptions while Joe Mixon scored a rushing touchdown on the day. Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, and Andrei Iosivas each scored touchdowns in the endzone while the Bengal’s defense racked up two sacks and two interceptions against Brock Purdy and the 49ers. The Bengals are a legitimate team that can potentially make it to the Super Bowl with the way they are playing.
Cleveland Browns: D+ (Last week C+)
The Browns came into week eight ready for a battle and came out of the fight defeated in a 20-24 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. PJ Walker threw one touchdown against one interception while Kareem Hunt and David Njoku scored Cleveland’s only touchdowns of the day. Defensively, the Browns had one sack and two interceptions in the loss. The Brown’s defense is a very strong unit under Jim Schwartz but couldn’t finish the game against Seattle!
Dallas Cowboys: A (Last week Bye Week)
After the bye week in week seven, the Cowboys made quick work of the Los Angeles Rams. Dak Prescott threw four touchdowns against one interception, CeeDee Lamb went off and scored two touchdowns on the day while Brandin Cooks and Jake Ferguson scored touchdowns as well. The Defense had two sacks and DaRon Bland had an interception returned for a pick-six. The Eagles and the rest of the NFC need to watch out for this dangerous Cowboys team that can potentially make noise in the playoffs.
Denver Broncos: C+ (Last week C)
It was Opposite Day in the Mile High City as the Broncos got their first win over the Kansas City Chiefs since Peyton Manning was the quarterback of the team back in 2015. Russell Wilson threw three touchdowns against zero interceptions while Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Javonte Williams scored touchdowns against the Chief’s defense. The Bronco’s defense also forced Patrick Mahomes to throw two costly interceptions and kept the Chiefs offense out of the endzone all game. This Broncos team can scratch out a few wins against the mightiest of opponents despite losing most of their games.
Detroit Lions: B- (Last week D)
The Detroit Lions came out and put on a great show for their home fans in their Monday Night 14-26 victory. Jared Goff threw one touchdown pass against an interception while Jahmry Gibbs had a great night with 152 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown, and Sam LaPorta scored a receiving touchdown. The Lion’s defense was able to sack Jimmy Garoppolo six times and pick him off once all night. The Lions are back after their week seven drop to the Baltimore Ravens and are looking to strike fear in their upcoming opponents.
Green Bay Packers: D+ (Last week D+)
The Packers did not play well at home as they fell to division rival, the Minnesota Vikings. Jordan Love threw one touchdown against one interception while the Packers’ rushing attack was held to under 74 yards, Romeo Doubs scored the only touchdown for the Packers all day and Christian Watson was held to 33 yards on the day. Defensively, the Packers had three sacks and recovered two Vikings fumbles on the day. The Packers are no longer looking like the team that was led by Aaron Rodgers for all those years and seriously need to make some changes before their playoff hopes sink away in misery.
Houston Texans: C- (Last week Bye Week)
The Houston Texans left week eight with a tough and painful last-second loss to the Carolina Panthers. C.J. Stroud didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions but scored a rushing touchdown as well as Andrew Beck. Defensively, the Texans forced six sacks against rookie quarterback Bryce Young despite the 13-15 loss in week eight. The Texans have to step up more to avoid falling into trap games like they did in their week eight loss to Carolina!
Indianapolis Colts: C- (Last week C-)
The Colts played an alright week eight game against the New Orleans Saints. Gardner Minshew threw two touchdowns against one interception. Zack Moss scored a rushing touchdown while Michael Pitman Jr. and Drew Ogletree both scored receiving touchdowns. The Colts defense had one sack all game and two pass deflections. The offense played well but the defense needs to step up against upcoming competition because they have good playmakers such as Shaquille Leonard and DeForest Buckner on the roster who can impact a team’s defense in a positive light.
Jacksonville Jaguars: B- (Last week B-)
The Jaguars leave the Steel City with a well-deserved 20-10 win in week eight. Trevor Lawrence threw one touchdown against one interception while Travis Etienne Jr. had a very productive day and scored the Jaguar’s lone touchdown. Defensively, the Jaguars went after Mitchell Trubisky who took over for an injured Kenny Pickett. The Jaguars have played slightly better against their opponents, but managed to leave week eight with another well-needed win!
Kansas City Chiefs: D (Last week B+)
What on earth happened to the Kansas City Chiefs as they lost to the Denver Broncos for the first time since the 2015 season? Patrick Mahomes threw two interceptions and the offense was kept out of the endzone all game. The Chief’s defense managed to secure six sacks against Russell Wilson, but it wasn’t enough as the Chiefs lost 24-9 in the Mile High City.
Las Vegas Raiders: D+ (Last week D-)
The Las Vegas Raiders did not have a good showing on Monday Night Football as they were beaten 14-26 in Detroit. Jimmy Garoppolo threw one interception while Josh Jacobs scored an offensive touchdown and on defense, Marcus Peters picked off Jared Goff and scored a pick-six. It was a very frustrating night for DaVante Adams who caught one reception for 11 yards in the entire game. This game once again showed the audience that Josh McDaniels’ coaching just isn’t working for this team that needs to hit the reset button!
Los Angeles Chargers: B+ (Last week D+)
The Los Angeles Chargers turned their sinking ship around from their week seven loss to a massive victory on Sunday Night Football. Justin Herbert threw three touchdowns and was not sacked or intercepted all night long. Austin Ekeler had an impressive night scoring a receiving touchdown while Donald Parham Jr. and Simi Fehoko both scored receiving touchdowns as well. Defensively, the Bears had one sack and two interceptions on the night to complete their statement victory.
Los Angeles Rams: D (Last week C-)
The Rams entered week eight with a lot on the line regarding standings in the NFC West and the Wildcard. It wasn’t a good day for LA. Matthew Stafford threw one touchdown against one interception and was sacked once all game. Puca Nakua was cooled down by the Cowboy’s defense but Ben Skowronek and Royce Freeman scored the Ram’s only touchdowns on the day. The defense got three sacks and Jordan Fuller got an interception against Dak Prescott, but the Rams have a lot of work to do to return to form in the coming weeks.
Miami Dolphins: A- (Last week C)
The Miami Dolphins dominated the visiting New England Patriots in a 31-17 week eight victory. Tua Tagovailoa threw three touchdowns against one interception, while Cedrick Wilson Jr., Jalen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, and Raheem Mostert all scored touchdowns for Miami. Returning to on-field action was Jaylen Ramsey who intercepted a Mac Jones pass for 49 yards while the rest of the defense had three sacks on the game. The Dolphins continue to look like a potential dark-horse Super Bowl team every time they secure a statement win.
Minnesota Vikings: B- (Last week B+)
The Vikings entered Lambeau Field and came out victorious, but with a heavy loss as Kirk Cousins suffered a torn Achilles injury that ended Cousins’ season. Before Cousins went down, he threw two touchdowns against no interceptions while Cam Akers, T.J. Hockenson, and Jordan Addison scored touchdowns on the day. Defensively the Vikings had four sacks against Jordan Love and Josh Metellus had an interception on the day. The Vikings may have won the battle but suffered a massive loss without Kirk Cousins.
New England Patriots: C- (Last week B-)
The Patriots took a slight step back against their South Beach rivals in a 17-31 loss. Mac Jones played all right by throwing two touchdowns against one interception while Kendrick Bourne and Juju Smith Schuster scored one receiving touchdown each. Bourne suffered a torn ACL which is a major blow to the Patriots’ offense. Defensively, Kyle Dugger was the leader of the defense with nine tackles, a sack, a pass deflection, and an interception for New England. The only thing the Patriots can do is regroup and move forward to the next game as the weeks move faster.
New Orleans Saints: B- (Last week D+)
After dropping two straight games in the previous weeks, the New Orleans Saints turned things around in Indianapolis and secured a massive road win. Derek Carr threw two touchdowns and no interceptions, the always-reliable Taysom Hill scored two touchdowns, Alvin Kamara scored two touchdowns, and Rashid Shaheed scored a touchdown. The Saint’s defense had two sacks and forced a Gardner Minshew interception caught by Paulson Adebo. The Saints are a hit-or-miss team so far this season and could potentially win the NFC South if they keep playing like this.
New York Giants: D (Last week C+)
The Giants played an ugly game and lost 13-10 against their crosstown rivals, the New York Jets. Tyrod Taylor left the game with a rib injury giving Tommy DeVito a chance to play. Both quarterbacks didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions but were each sacked twice. DeVito did score the Giants only touchdown of the day. Saquon Barkley had a productive day on the ground while the Giant’s defense had four sacks of their own against Zach Wilson. The Giants truly need to fix their offensive line and make sure their quarterbacks are healthy for week nine and onward.
New York Jets: C+ (Last week Bye Week)
The New York Jets earned their third straight win in overtime against their crosstown rivals, the New York Giants. Zach Wilson threw one touchdown pass against zero interceptions, the Jets’ rushing attack was held to 58 yards, but Breece Hall scored a receiving touchdown and Garrett Wilson had a great game. The incredible Jets defense secured four sacks against the G-men but didn’t force any interceptions. Greg Zuerlin secured the victory for the Jets in overtime!
Philadelphia Eagles: A- (Last week A-)
The Eagles had themselves a competitive victory against their NFC East rival, the Washington Commanders. Jalen Hurts threw four touchdown passes against no interceptions, A.J. Brown scored two touchdowns, and the game saw the return of veteran wide receiver Julio Jones who caught a touchdown in the game. Defensively, the Eagles forced one sack and one interception caught by Reed Blankenship. It was a good day for the Eagles nonetheless despite the close score.
Pittsburgh Steelers: D+ (Last week B-)
The Steelers were dealt with an offensive blow as Kenny Pickett left the Steelers’ week eight game with a rib injury which gave the offensive control to Mitchell Trubisky who threw one touchdown against two interceptions. George Pickens played an alright game and scored the Steelers’ only touchdown of the day. The Steelers need an improved mindset to compete against much tougher competitors whether it’s in the AFC North or any other team they face this season.
San Francisco 49ers: D (Last week D)
The San Francisco 49ers have been playing sloppy football lately and their week eight performance doesn’t help their case of being a playoff contender. Brock Purdy threw one touchdown against two interceptions and was sacked twice while Christian McCaffrey scored the only two touchdowns for the 49ers. The 49ers defense managed to sack Joe Burrow three times but didn’t get any interceptions. The 49ers need to get healthy or they can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye.
Seattle Seahawks: C+ (Last week C+)
The Seattle Seahawks, wearing their awesome throwback uniforms, got the victory over a hot Cleveland Browns team. Geno Smith threw two touchdowns against two interceptions while Jake Bobo, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxson Smith-Njigba scored touchdowns on the day. Defensively, the Seahawks had three sacks and two interceptions on the day. The Seahawks, similar to their opponents, the Browns, have a great defense that can suffocate opponents and get the job done despite the lack of offense some of the time.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C+ (Last week D)
Despite the loss, Baker Mayfield and company played a good game of football. Mayfield threw two touchdowns to Chris Godwin and Mike Evans respectively. The Bucs defense picked off Josh Allen once and sacked him twice. It was a productive day for the Bucs despite the 18-24 close loss. They will turn things around in the coming weeks and get more wins as the season continues.
Tennessee Titans: B (Last week Bye Week)
The Titans coming off a bye week turned to Will Levis and he didn’t look back as he played a phenomenal game against the Atlanta Falcons. Levis threw four touchdowns all game and three of those touchdowns were caught by DeAndre Hopkins who also had an amazing performance against the Falcon’s defense as well. The Titan’s defense had six sacks all game and Azeez Al-Shaair had a fumble recovery in the victory. It may be time for the Titans to permanently move on from Ryan Tannehill as Levis is the guy to lead the team moving forward.
Washington Commanders: C+ (Last week D)
The Commanders played themselves a good game despite the loss against their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. Sam Howell threw four touchdowns against one interception, while Jahan Dotson had himself a game with 108 receiving yards and one touchdown on the day. Defensively the Commanders forced two sacks against Hurts and got him to fumble the ball in the game. The Commanders can play good football but need to finish more games to stay relevant.
