NFL 2023 Week 8: Greatest questions, risers and takeaways

NFL Country, ESPNOct 29, 2023, 11:30 PM ET

Week 8 of the NFL season began Thursday night time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shedding their 0.33 instantly recreation, this time to the Buffalo Expenses. Can the Buccaneers give you the chance to show it round?

On Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys got here out of the gate operating towards the Los Angeles Rams, the 2023 No. 1 (Carolina’s Bryce Younger) and No. 2 (Houston’s C.J. Stroud) draft alternatives confronted off for the primary time, and the Minnesota Vikings misplaced quarterback Kirk Cousins within the fourth quarter to what resources informed Adam Schefter is a torn Achilles. In Tennessee, rookie QB Will Levis inspired in his NFL debut and threw 4 landing passes within the Titans’ win over the Atlanta Falcons.

The surprises persevered within the late-afternoon window, because the San Francisco 49ers suffered their 0.33 instantly lack of the season, and the Denver Broncos snapped their 16-game shedding streak to the Kansas Town Chiefs. On Sunday night time, the Los Angeles Chargers simply treated the visiting Chicago Bears.

Our NFL Country newshounds reacted to the entire motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every recreation and selecting out who — or what — is emerging and falling for each and every staff. Let’s get to it.

Chargers

Is Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert again? After fracturing the center finger on his left hand in Week 4, Herbert had one of the most worst three-game stretches of his profession, with profession lows in passing yards and completions. However on Sunday, Herbert, now not wearing a glove on his left hand, seemed extra at ease and assured than he has for the reason that damage took place. He started the sport with 15 instantly completions and completed with 294 yards and 3 touchdowns because the Chargers’ offense cruised towards Chicago.

Fill up after the win: RB Austin Ekeler. After lacking 3 video games with a excessive proper ankle sprain, Ekeler returned in Week 6 however hadn’t performed to his usual. That modified on Sunday as he scored the sport’s first landing and led the Chargers in receiving yards. The ranking used to be Ekeler’s thirtieth receiving landing in his profession and in addition his four-hundredth reception. He is the 7th Charger to document a minimum of 400 receptions and 30 receiving touchdowns.

Inventory down after the win: Speeding offense. The Chargers’ dashing offense has been a number of the worst within the NFL all season, and that did not trade on Sunday night time, as they completed with 54 yards. The Bears’ defensive position closed openings, and the Chargers’ rushers had been steadily stopped prior to passing the road of scrimmage. The operating struggles did not subject on Sunday, however this is a matter the Chargers want to repair transferring ahead. — Kris Rhim

Subsequent recreation: at Jets (Monday, Nov. 6, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Bears

Why did the Bears’ protection regress after two just right weeks? The entire goodwill Matt Eberflus’ protection constructed up towards the Vikings and Raiders briefly dissipated when the Bears allowed Justin Herbert to finish his first 15 passes and throw for 298 yards and 3 touchdowns. Chicago didn’t generate drive on 30 of Herbert’s 40 dropbacks (he finished 86.7% of throws in the ones scenarios) and ignored numerous tackles en path to permitting 202 yards after the catch and 58 yards after touch. The Bears allowed lengthy drives (3 TD drives of 92, 55 and 75 yards) and seemed utterly overmatched by means of an offense that went 7-of-12 on 0.33 down and located a workaround in the course of the air when it could not run the ball.

Fill up after the loss: TE Cole Kmet. For a recreation that featured only a few positives, the veteran stuck a team-high 10 passes (on 10 objectives) for 79 yards. Kmet used to be the protection blanket rookie QB Tyson Bagent had to stay Chicago’s first landing pressure alive with 3 catches after a dropped TD and unlawful shift penalty threatened to power the Bears off the sector with out issues.

Inventory down after the loss: WR Velus Jones Jr. The Bears huge receiver drew a 15-yard penalty for operating into Chargers punt returner Derius Davis and dropped a wide-open landing when he slipped and fell in any case zone. — Courtney Cronin

Subsequent recreation: at Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Broncos

Having ended the 16-game shedding streak towards the Chiefs with it, will trainer Sean Payton lean extra at the run recreation? The Broncos are higher, extra environment friendly and will grasp with the most efficient the AFC has to provide in the event that they muscle up and run the ball. There have been occasions Sunday the Broncos managed each and every little bit of the pace and the road of scrimmage with a methodical dashing assault that constantly bore first-down fruit. However then Payton will flow right into a go, go, go, punt sequence this is too steadily a rally killer. The Broncos’ run recreation passes each the attention check in addition to the complex metrics — they’ve been a number of the league’s very best in proportion of explosive runs and run block win price all season — and till someone stops it they will have to lean on it.

Fill up after the win: CB Ja’Quan McMillian. McMillian had his first profession interception Sunday towards Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and continues to turn up with some fireplace in run protection (he had a take on for loss as neatly Sunday).

Inventory down after the win: QB Russell Wilson. Sure, he had 3 landing passes, but it surely used to be a uneven journey. He had slightly crossed 100 yards passing firstly of the fourth quarter — he had 104 — were sacked 4 occasions, fumbled two times (shedding one) and is retaining the ball a ways too lengthy. — Jeff Legwold

Subsequent recreation: at Expenses (Monday, Nov. 13, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Chiefs

How harmful is the loss within the larger image? It isn’t superb. The Chiefs had been the one AFC staff with one loss coming into Sunday however are actually in a 6-2 crew with the Dolphins, Jaguars and Ravens. It now looks like subsequent week’s recreation towards Miami is a must-win for the Chiefs if they’ll declare the AFC’s No. 1 seed on the finish of the season.

Fill up after the loss: Cross rush. The Chiefs had been in a position to get constant drive and sacked Wilson 5 occasions. Defensive finish George Karlaftis‘ strip sack past due within the first half of resulted in a Chiefs box target.

Inventory down after the loss: QB Patrick Mahomes. He wasn’t at his very best and could not even threaten the Broncos with any more or less past due comeback. He did not get a lot lend a hand as he used to be held with no landing go for the primary time since Dec. 5, 2021, towards the Broncos, however the Chiefs had been nonetheless 0-for-3 within the crimson zone. — Adam Teicher

Subsequent recreation: vs. Dolphins (in Germany) (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET)

Jerry Jeudy’s impressive catch units up his 1st receiving TD of the season

Jerry Jeudy climbs the ladder to make a fantastic catch, then hauls within the dime from Russell Wilson to pad the Broncos’ lead.

Ravens

Are the Ravens the most efficient staff within the AFC? The Ravens made that argument by means of following up a blowout of the Lions with a highway victory over the one-win Cardinals. It wasn’t a blowout, however now the Ravens are tied with the Chiefs, Dolphins and Jaguars for the most efficient document within the AFC at 6-2. Baltimore has essentially the most favorable agenda for touchdown the highest seed within the convention because it performs six of its final 9 video games at M&T Financial institution Stadium, the place QB Lamar Jackson is 26-8 for his profession. That is the third-best house mark since 2018 (minimal 10 begins) at the back of Patrick Mahomes (34-8) and Aaron Rodgers (33-8-1).

Fill up after the win: S Geno Stone. The fill-in starter recorded his NFL-leading 5th interception within the 0.33 quarter. His 5 alternatives are tied with Corridor of Famer Ed Reed (2007) for essentially the most by means of a Ravens participant within the staff’s first 8 video games of a season.

Inventory down after the win: WR Odell Beckham Jr. This marked best the second one time in his 102-game profession that he didn’t document a catch. Beckham, who left the sport past due within the 0.33 quarter with a abdomen contusion, did draw 3 consequences, regardless that. — Jamison Hensley

Subsequent recreation: vs. Seahawks (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Cardinals

Why is not the Cardinals’ offense extra constant? It is the query that plagues Arizona week in and week out, together with Sunday. After an excellent, methodical opening pressure, the Cardinals did not ranking once more till past due within the fourth quarter. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs ignored too many straightforward passes, throwing excessive on a couple of, and threw two interceptions, one pricey. When the Cardinals’ run recreation will get stagnant, because it did now and then Sunday, the go recreation cannot make up for it and all the offense seems to be find it irresistible’s caught within the dust.

Fill up after the loss: TE Trey McBride. He had a powerful fourth quarter with 74 receiving yards in a past due comeback strive. McBride completed with 10 catches for 95 yards and a landing.

Inventory down after the loss: WR Rondale Moore. He had simply 21 yards from scrimmage — 11 at the floor and 10 receiving — and used to be in large part a nonfactor, but it surely wasn’t essentially all his fault as his function within the offense is questionable. — Josh Weinfuss

Subsequent recreation: at Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Bengals

Did the Bengals reestablish themselves as Tremendous Bowl contenders? The Bengals seemed like a championship contender for the primary time this season in beating the 49ers. The protection got here up with 3 large turnovers in the second one half of. Offensively, QB Joe Burrow had an enormous efficiency (28-of-32 passing for 283 yards) that featured 19 instantly completions at one level, 3 landing passes and no interceptions. And whilst the 49ers had been just a little short-handed and are suffering, a win towards one of the most very best groups within the NFC says volumes about the place Cincinnati is at this level within the season.

Fill up after the win: WR Tee Higgins. After suffering in the course of the first six video games of the season, even prior to struggling a rib damage in Week 4, he bounced again on Sunday with 5 catches on six objectives for 69 yards.

Inventory down after the win: TE Irv Smith Jr. On best of restricted manufacturing to this point in his brief stint with the Bengals, Smith had a fumble deep in San Francisco territory that raises additional questions on his function within the offense. — Ben Child

Subsequent recreation: vs. Expenses (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

49ers

What is flawed with the 49ers as they head into their bye? So much. The protection has struggled to get off the sector because of a mixture of deficient tackling and a loss of drive paired with cushy protection. The offense that after seemed unstoppable has grow to be mistake-prone within the worst conceivable scenarios. The 49ers have additionally been lacking some key avid gamers on account of damage. Simply 3 weeks in the past, they had been 5-0 and on best of maximum Tremendous Bowl contenders record. The bye week will have to lend a hand with the well being a part of the equation, however the Niners also are heading into the business cut-off date in want of a few severe soul-searching prior to the hardest stretch on their agenda.

Fill up after the loss: DT Arik Armstead. The Niners had been desperately in search of sacks in fresh weeks, and Armstead, who hadn’t recorded a complete regular-season sack since Week 18 of 2021, introduced Burrow down two times on Sunday.

Inventory down after the loss: QB Brock Purdy. Purdy used to be a ways from the issue for the primary two-plus quarters on Sunday however threw two extra interceptions and misplaced a fumble in the second one half of, costing the Niners a shot at victory. — Nick Wagoner

Subsequent recreation: at Jaguars (Sunday, Nov. 12, 1 p.m. ET)

Brock Purdy will get picked off on two instantly passes

49ers QB Brock Purdy struggles in the second one half of as he will get intercepted on two instantly passes vs. the Bengals.

Seahawks

Is the protection truly as just right because it seemed over the former 3 video games? The Seahawks had been dominant sufficient on that facet of the ball to rouse mentions of the “Legion of Growth” days, and whilst no protection will have to be held to that unimaginable usual, they did not glance just about as stout on Sunday, as they allowed 385 yards to the Browns and their backup QB. They were not nice towards the Browns, however they had been just right sufficient with 3 sacks and 3 takeaways, together with an interception by means of Julian Love that arrange the game-winning ranking. One issue used to be that they had been at the box for approach too lengthy — just about 37 mins — thank you largely to the staff’s offensive struggles. Some iffy calls towards Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon did not lend a hand, both.

Fill up after the win: LB Jordyn Brooks. The fourth-year within linebacker is having a powerful season below any cases, however particularly given the reality he is coming off a big damage. Brooks made it again by means of the season opener regardless of being not up to 8Â½ months got rid of from a torn ACL. He seems to be as just right — and as speedy — as ever. Brooks had a sack fumble within the first half of that arrange a landing. He had some other QB hit and completed with 10 tackles. Brooks is within the final 12 months of his rookie contract and enjoying his approach to a large payday.

Inventory down after the win: Run protection. The Seahawks had been the most efficient protection towards the run within the NFL over the primary month or so of the season, however they have got began to leak just a little of oil. Cleveland rushed for 155 yards on 40 makes an attempt for a three.9-yard moderate. The larger factor Sunday used to be Cleveland’s good fortune on display passes to tight finish David Njoku. — Brady Henderson

Subsequent recreation: at Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Browns

Did the PJ Walker magic run out? Walker gave the Browns a valiant 3 performances as Cleveland’s beginning quarterback (he changed Deshaun Watson within the first quarter final weekend in Indianapolis). However despite the fact that he performed his very best general recreation in Seattle, Cleveland’s upside used to be at all times going to be capped with him at the back of heart. That confirmed within the fourth quarter, with the interception off the helmet of blitzing protection Jamal Adams, which arrange the Seahawks’ successful landing pressure. Who is aware of when the Browns gets Watson again? Who is aware of what model of Watson the Browns might be getting, too? However at least, Cleveland’s ceiling might be upper when Watson is again at the back of heart.

Fill up after the loss: CB Martin Emerson Jr. The second one-year participant continues to polish, highlighted by means of an interception that burnt up a Seattle scoring alternative on the finish of the primary half of.

Inventory down after the loss: Browns’ fourth-quarter protection. After giving up 17 issues within the first quarter, Cleveland’s protection managed the sport — however could not get a hold of the overall prevent on Seattle’s successful landing pressure. — Jake Trotter

Subsequent recreation: vs. Cardinals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Jets

Some other terrific Jets comeback or simply dumb good fortune? Sure, the Jets have a penchant for comebacks, however this used to be a rabbit-out-of-the-hat win. Embarrassingly inept for 59 mins, the Jets someway pulled out an additional time mystery. That they had no trade successful this recreation; the Giants had a 98% win likelihood with 1:26 left within the fourth quarter, in step with ESPN analytics. The Jets dedicated 8 consequences for 85 yards and nearly misplaced to third-string QB Tommy DeVito. This used to be their 0.33 instantly win, however make no mistake, they’ve so much to mend.

Fill up after the win: Okay Greg Zuerlein and P Thomas Morstead. Zuerlein received it with two box objectives — a 35-yarder to ship the sport to OT and a game-winning 33-yarder. Morstead punted 11 occasions, together with 4 within the 20.

Inventory down after the win: OC Nathaniel Hackett. He made some questionable play calls, particularly on 0.33 down. The Jets went 2-for-15 on 0.33 down, together with a first-quarter fumble by means of Zach Wilson. — Wealthy Cimini

Subsequent recreation: vs. Chargers (Monday, Nov. 6, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Giants

What are the Giants going to do now at quarterback? It did not glance just right for Tyrod Taylor, so a minimum of till Daniel Jones is cleared for touch, it is Tommy DeVito’s display. The New Jersey local finished simply two passes in Sunday’s loss, however he did rush for a landing. Jones is just about a go back. The query is whether or not it’s going to be this week vs. the Raiders or the next week towards the Cowboys. Jones took extra scout staff reps on Thursday, in line with resources. It kind of feels like a sexy just right indication that he is now not a ways off. Within the interim, Matt Barkley and Ian Ebook labored out lately for the Giants. Do not be stunned to look Barkley added. He’s aware of trainer Brian Daboll’s playbook from their time in combination in Buffalo.

Fill up after the loss: LB Kayvon Thibodeaux. The No. 5 general choose in 2022 had a sack/fumble at the recreation’s opening pressure that led to a few issues and two sacks past due within the fourth quarter. He now has 8.5 sacks in 8 video games and is on tempo for 18 this season.

Inventory down after the loss: Okay Graham Gano. Perhaps we are in order that used to him hitting 90% of his kicks, like he had in his Giants profession previous to this season. However there’s no doubt Gano is suffering. He ignored two box target makes an attempt on Sunday — a 47-yarder within the first half of and a 35-yarder within the fourth quarter — marking the 0.33 time in 4 video games he has ignored a minimum of one kick. — Jordan Raanan

Subsequent recreation: at Raiders (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Jets win in OT on Greg Zuerlein’s FG

Greg Zuerlein’s 33-yard box target in additional time provides the Jets a 13-10 win over the Giants.

Saints

Can the offense construct momentum after this efficiency? The Saints were given operating again Alvin Kamara going within the go recreation, applied Taysom Hill on the proper moments and hit wide-open receivers for large performs. In addition they set a season excessive in issues after a couple of weeks of miscues, and their 511 yards of offense is essentially the most since Christmas Day towards the Vikings in 2020. The Saints got here up large after 10 days of leisure, however whether or not they are able to maintain it’s going to be key.

Fill up after the win: WR Rashid Shaheed. Shaheed had his first profession 100-yard receiving recreation (3 catches for 153 yards), had a 58-yard landing reception and had two grab catches past due within the recreation to seal the win.

Inventory down after the win: Run protection. The Saints gave up their maximum web dashing yards (164) this season and allowed two runs of greater than 40 yards on account of tackling problems. — Katherine Terrell

Subsequent recreation: vs. Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Colts

Must the Colts lean extra into their operating recreation? Indianapolis used to be the uncommon staff to have substantive dashing good fortune towards New Orleans this season. And but, Colts trainer Shane Steichen steadily appeared to forget about that seeming benefit within the recreation. Working again Jonathan Taylor had his maximum first-half yardage in just about two years (94 dashing yards), however Taylor inexplicably were given only one raise in the second one half of. The backdrop for all of this used to be the ongoing struggles of quarterback Gardner Minshew, who had issue connecting with receivers and threw a important interception after halftime. Is Steichen asking an excessive amount of of his backup quarterback?

Fill up after the loss: LB Shaquille Leonard. He has been below a lot scrutiny as he works his long ago from a irritating two years of decrease leg problems, however he is changing into extra impactful with every week, completing with a season-high 11 tackles, together with a few run stuffs.

Inventory down after the loss: Cross protection. The Colts’ go protection continues to undermine its protection as accidents have crippled the unit. Towards the Saints, little-used cornerback Tony Brown used to be torched once you have a marvel name to begin the sport, giving up 58- and 51-yard completions. — Stephen Holder

Subsequent recreation: at Panthers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Titans

Must Will Levis be the quarterback going ahead? Levis displayed his large arm on 3 landing passes that traveled 20 or extra air yards. Levis performed like a veteran, the use of pump fakes to transport defenders out of place and open passing lanes. The huge receivers got here alive with Levis below heart. Getting into the sport, Tennessee had 3 general landing receptions at the season. That they had 4 Sunday. Levis has a minimum of earned a possibility to begin Thursday towards the Pittsburgh Steelers. It is going to be a tall order going towards the attacking Steelers protection, however it’s going to additionally give Ryan Tannehill‘s proper excessive ankle sprain some other week to recuperate.

Fill up after the win: WR DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins stuck 3 landing passes, finishing a drought of 9 video games with no receiving landing.

Inventory down after the win: QB Malik Willis. Titans trainer Mike Vrabel regarded as enjoying each Willis and Levis, however the first snap to Willis used to be a little bit excessive and went thru his palms and used to be recovered by means of the Falcons. Levis won the lion’s percentage of the snaps after that. — Turron Davenport

Subsequent recreation: at Steelers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Falcons

What do the Falcons do now at quarterback? Flipping from Desmond Ridder to Taylor Heinicke — Atlanta introduced Ridder had cleared concussion trying out — resulted in a sparked offense with 20 second-half issues. Heinicke used to be introduced in because of this: If issues were not going neatly, he may supply balance. He used to be 12-of-21 for 175 yards and a TD. Ridder has been turnover-prone, with seven over the last 3 weeks. In the meanwhile, it could be very best for Atlanta to move with the veteran Heinicke.

Fill up after the loss: WR KhaDarel Hodge. All season, Falcons trainer Arthur Smith has stated he had larger expectancies for Hodge, and Hodge confirmed why with 3 catches for 75 yards (his second-highest general in a recreation).

Inventory down after the loss: QB Desmond Ridder. What an terrible day for the second-year professional, who used to be benched after being sacked 5 occasions within the first half of, shedding his 6th fumble of the season and managing best 89 general yards prior to being changed by means of Heinicke. — Michael Rothstein

Subsequent recreation: vs. Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Will Levis’ first NFL TD is 47-yard good looks

Will Levis connects with DeAndre Hopkins downfield for his first NFL TD.

Eagles

Must A.J. Brown be regarded as for MVP? Completely. He become the primary participant in NFL historical past to document 125 or extra receiving yards in six consecutive video games, breaking a post-merger document held by means of Calvin Johnson. Brown has made existence more straightforward for quarterback Jalen Hurts. That persevered Sunday, as either one of his touchdowns towards Washington had been tightly-contested catches. Brown now has 12 receiving TDs on throws of 15-plus yards downfield for the reason that get started of final season, essentially the most within the NFL in that span.

Fill up after the win: Hurts. On an afternoon by which the protection struggled to decelerate Commanders quarterback Sam Howell, Hurts replied the bell with 4 landing passes. It used to be Hurts’ 0.33 recreation for the reason that get started of final season with a minimum of 3 TDs on passes 15-plus yards downfield in one recreation. No different participant has a couple of such video games over that span.

Inventory down after the win: Purple zone offense. The Eagles misplaced two fumbles within the 3-yard line Sunday. They’re the second one staff since 2000 with a couple of misplaced fumbles within their opponent’s 3-yard line in a recreation, at the side of the 2022 Broncos (season opener towards the Seahawks). Philadelphia has been shaky within its personal 20 thru 8 weeks — a space that should get wiped clean up for the second one half of of the season. — Tim McManus

Subsequent recreation: vs. Cowboys (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Commanders

How does the loss have an effect on the business cut-off date? At 3-5, the Commanders might be extra competitive in seeking to business long term unfastened brokers at Tuesday’s business cut-off date. The 2 who will command essentially the most consideration: ends Montez Sweat and Chase Younger. There was an be offering for Sweat. A league supply stated he’d be extra in call for than Younger on account of conceivable considerations about Younger’s restoration from a knee damage and his sturdiness. One staff supply, then again, stated it would possibly not be a fireplace sale.

Fill up after the loss: Cross coverage. It’s been the one greatest factor on offense, however quarterback Sam Howell wasn’t sacked till a fourth-and-5 past due within the recreation — a serve as of the sport plan, advanced coverage within the inside and fast passes.

Inventory down after the loss: The secondary. Philadelphia’s receivers constantly torched Washington’s corners, catching a blended 4 landing passes whilst each A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith surpassed 99 yards. — John Keim

Subsequent recreation: at Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Vikings

Has Kirk Cousins performed his ultimate recreation for the Vikings? Cousins used to be dominated out nearly instantly within the fourth quarter after struggling what ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported as a torn Achilles, in line with a supply. Cousins’ contract is because of void after the season, and he’s going to be 36 when the 2024 season begins. Previous to Sunday, it used to be an open query on whether or not the Vikings would re-sign him for subsequent season. Including a significant damage to that equation — even for a participant who hasn’t had one in his whole NFL profession — may just neatly transfer the needle in desire of parting techniques with him.

Fill up after the win: WR Okay.J. Osborn. With Justin Jefferson halfway thru his minimal stint at the injured reserve record, Osborn stepped as much as be crucial outlet with six receptions for a team-high 99 yards.

Inventory down after the win: The run recreation. The Vikings truly attempted to run the ball Sunday, however between Alexander Mattison and Cam Akers, they controlled best 50 yards on 19 carries. That is an extremely relating to shortcoming for the reason that they are going to most probably be enjoying with out Cousins. — Kevin Seifert

Subsequent recreation: at Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Packers

What took place to quarterback Jordan Love? 3 video games into the season, it seemed like the Packers had their subsequent franchise quarterback. Now, now not such a lot. Love does not seem like the assured passer he used to be early on. He ignored open receivers, took off operating on third-and-long when there used to be no probability at changing and threw some other choose — his 8th previously 5 video games — on a ball that Vikings protection Josh Metellus took clear of Jayden Reed as it used to be underthrown. It used to be Love’s 5th instantly recreation with an interception, the longest streak by means of a Packers quarterback since Matt Flynn (2013 to ’14).

Fill up after the loss: OT Yosh Nijman. The Packers after all made a metamorphosis at the offensive line after weeks of looking at Rasheed Walker fight at left take on. They changed him in the second one quarter with Nijman, who for some reason why had performed best 24 snaps on offense all season regardless of having the second-highest wage ($4.3 million) amongst Inexperienced Bay offensive linemen this season. Now not that it helped a lot, and when Nijman left past due within the recreation (foot damage), Walker returned and used to be referred to as for some other penalty, his 6th of the season.

Inventory down after the loss: The third-down protection. It seems to be now just like the enhancements the Packers confirmed on protection in fresh weeks had been the made from enjoying horrible offenses, as a result of Cousins ruled on 0.33 downs, going 12-for-13 for 139 yards and a landing prior to he left the sport. — Rob Demovsky

Subsequent recreation: vs. Rams (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Jaguars

How just right are the Jaguars? The Jaguars are 6-2 for the primary time since 1999, however they are coming off a sloppy victory in Pittsburgh and haven’t begun to place in combination an entire recreation. They’ll get again 4 injured starters after the bye — WR Zay Jones, LG Walker Little, CB Tyson Campbell and S Andre Cisco — and will have to be at complete power for the second one half of of the season — which is just right as a result of they are going to be examined immediately towards San Francisco and even have a three-game stretch towards Cincinnati, Cleveland and Baltimore in December. The Jaguars, who have already got a victory over Buffalo, can display they are authentic contenders within the AFC, or now not.

Fill up after the win: S Andrew Wingard. Subbing for inactive starter Andre Cisco (hamstring), the core special-teamer Wingard got here up with six tackles, two go breakups and a fourth-quarter interception that resulted in the Jaguars’ ultimate box target.

Inventory down after the win: Purple zone offense. They Jaguars became it over on two in their 3 journeys — TE Evan Engram misplaced a fumble and QB Trevor Lawrence threw an finish zone interception — and the ones performs allowed the Steelers to hang out past due into the fourth quarter. — Mike DiRocco

Subsequent recreation: vs. 49ers (Sunday, Nov. 12, 1 p.m. ET)

Steelers

Can the Steelers conquer pricey accidents on a brief week? The Steelers dropped Sunday’s recreation and in addition misplaced a number of key avid gamers with a Thursday night time recreation towards the Tennessee Titans at the horizon. Protection Minkah Fitzpatrick went down with a hamstring damage halfway in the course of the first quarter, quarterback Kenny Pickett used to be knocked out 17 seconds prior to the half of with an damage to his ribs, and best receiver Diontae Johnson limped into the blue damage tent after George Pickens‘ 22-yard landing. Johnson returned for the following sequence, however left take on Dan Moore Jr. exited in short with a knee damage. With out Fitzpatrick, the Steelers’ best tackler, the staff gave up a 56-yard landing reception to Travis Etienne Jr. The unit, regardless that, nonetheless pressured 3 turnovers. Whilst Pickett’s damage is not just right on a brief week, essentially the most relating to is Fitzpatrick’s, given the Steelers’ loss of high quality intensity at protection.

Fill up after the loss: Within linebackers. Elandon Roberts blended with Alex Highsmith to sack Trevor Lawrence at the first play of the second one pressure. At the subsequent pressure, Kwon Alexander pressured Evan Engram to fumble and Cole Holcomb recovered the unfastened ball.

Inventory down after the loss: Run recreation. The Jaguars have one of the most league’s very best run defenses, and the Steelers’ run recreation all however disappeared after they wanted it maximum. Najee Harris had seven carries for 13 yards, whilst Jaylen Warren had 5 carries for 13 yards. Harris and Warren did mix for 9 catches and 61 yards. — Brooke Pryor

Subsequent recreation: vs. Titans (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Jaguars seal win with interception

Mitch Trubisky makes an attempt a deep throw to finish the sport however will get intercepted by means of Antonio Johnson.

Panthers

May the win give the Panthers (1-6) momentum to begin a mini run? The wild birthday celebration after the walk-off box target needs to be value one thing. The Colts are at Financial institution of The united states subsequent week and the next week Carolina is at Chicago. Get to 3-6 within the vulnerable NFC South, the place no staff has taken keep watch over, get a couple of key avid gamers off injured reserve and provides avid gamers some hope, and who is aware of what may just occur. The second one half of of the season is not daunting out of doors of video games towards Dallas and Jacksonville. And the arrogance of quarterback Bryce Younger is rising.

Fill up after the win: QB Bryce Younger. His statistics (22-of-31 passing for 235 yards and a landing) would possibly now not display it, however he performed his very best recreation relating to decision-making and getting the ball upfield. He nonetheless does not have the offensive line and playmakers to do extra, however he confirmed one of the causes Carolina picked him over C.J. Stroud.

Inventory down after the win: Purple zone offense. Carolina had a possibility to make a remark early however could not ranking on 3 performs after having second-and-goal on the Texans’ 1. That would possibly have precipitated the Panthers to kick a box target on fourth-and-short within the 0.33 quarter within the crimson zone. — David Newton

Subsequent recreation: vs. Colts (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Texans

Have defenses discovered quarterback C.J. Stroud? In his first 4 video games, Stroud averaged 303 yards passing. Up to now 3, he has averaged 196 yards in step with recreation. It isn’t all on Stroud, as receivers and tight ends have not helped the rookie. However to stay aggressive within the AFC playoff race, the unit should get the passing assault heading in the right direction.

Fill up after the loss: DE Jonathan Greenard. Greenard stood out with 2.5 sacks for the Texans and now has a complete of six sacks at the season.

Inventory down after the loss: WR Nico Collins. Collins had his season low of 30 yards after coming into the day ranked in best 12 in receiving yards. — DJ Bien-Aime

Subsequent recreation: vs. Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Dolphins

How dire is the Dolphins’ scenario at offensive line? At one level Sunday, the Dolphins had been down 4 starters with Terron Armstead and Isaiah Wynn on injured reserve, Connor Williams energetic however now not enjoying with a groin damage and Robert Hunt out of the sport with a hamstring damage. To make issues worse, backup left take on Kendall Lamm additionally in short left the sport with an stomach damage, however used to be in a position to go back in the second one half of. It isn’t superb, however Armstead is eligible to go back for subsequent week’s recreation towards the Chiefs, and Williams will have to be wholesome sufficient to play as neatly. Dropping Hunt can be a big blow, however he by no means left the sideline and gave the impression in a position to play in an emergency. Do not hit the panic button simply but, Dolphins enthusiasts.

Fill up after the win: CB Jalen Ramsey. He made his presence identified in his Dolphins debut, permitting only one reception for twenty-four yards on 3 objectives as the closest defender — one in every of which led to his first interception of the season.

Inventory down after the win: The operating recreation. The Dolphins ran for best 78 yards on 26 carries Sunday (3 in step with raise), marking Miami’s moment instantly lackluster efficiency at the floor. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Subsequent recreation: vs. Chiefs (in Germany) (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET)

Patriots

Will QB Mac Jones in finding solutions to keep away from committing pricey turnovers? Jones’ interception past due in the second one quarter used to be one of the most key performs within the recreation, as his go sailed and used to be picked by means of Ramsey. The Patriots had been trailing 14-7 however had complex to the Dolphins’ 23-yard line, dealing with first-and-10 on the two-minute caution. Running the clock and coming away with issues used to be important in that scenario. As a substitute, the Dolphins became the miscue right into a box target and had been in a position to stay the Patriots at bay the remainder of the best way. Jones performed a cleaner recreation in Week 7 towards the Expenses, with out a interceptions whilst main a past due fourth-quarter comeback, so this used to be a step again, very similar to his struggles in Weeks 4-6. He went 19-of-29 for 161 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

Fill up after the loss: S Kyle Dugger. The beginning protection intercepted his first go since Jan. 1, 2023 — additionally towards the Dolphins — and led the staff with 9 tackles and one sack. He did seem to be answerable for a past due TD, regardless that.

Inventory down after the loss: Workforce well being. The Patriots misplaced 3 key avid gamers — best WR Kendrick Bourne (knee), best off-the-ball LB Ja’Whaun Bentley (hamstring) and WR DeVante Parker (head) — including extra issues to a 2-6 staff. — Mike Reiss

Subsequent recreation: vs. Commanders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Cowboys

Are the Cowboys able for the Eagles? 4 weeks after a 32-point loss to the 49ers, the Cowboys can turn out they are able to compete with the NFL’s very best after they take at the Eagles subsequent week. Coming off a 23-point win towards the Rams is the suitable approach to enter it. Dak Prescott had 3 first-half landing passes and hit 8 other pass-catchers, despite the fact that the O-line used to be shaky. The protection had some other ranking (a DaRon Bland pick-six) and Micah Parsons used to be a threat on protection.

Fill up after the win: WR CeeDee Lamb. Getting into the week, Prescott had finished 81% of his passes to Lamb, the second one very best of any QB-WR duo with a minimum of 30 makes an attempt. Lamb had 12 catches, 158 yards and a couple of TDs for his moment instantly 100-yard recreation and his 5th recreation with 10 or extra catches, tied with Miles Austin for the fourth maximum in staff historical past.

Inventory down after the win: The offensive line. Prescott used to be sacked 3 times, together with two of the primary 3 snaps, and it could had been 3 of the primary 4 if now not for a Rams penalty. The unit settled down, and the go back of Tyron Smith (neck) will lend a hand a great deal towards the Eagles’ go rush. — Todd Archer

Subsequent recreation: at Eagles (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Rams

What occurs if QB Matthew Stafford (thumb) misses time? Trainer Sean McVay must get ingenious on offense, with RB Kyren Williams already sidelined. Brett Rypien finished 5 of 10 passes for 42 yards in reduction of Stafford. The Rams’ offense struggled with out Stafford final season, despite the fact that the crowd used to be lacking Cooper Kupp for all however a kind of video games and rookie Puka Nacua used to be now not at the staff. The Rams drafted backup QB Stetson Bennett in Spherical 4, however he has been at the reserve/non-football sickness record since Sept. 13.

Fill up after the loss: DT Aaron Donald. The defensive take on had two sacks on Sunday, his first two-sack recreation since final season towards the Cowboys. It used to be his nineteenth profession recreation with two sacks. Best J.J. Watt and Cameron Jordan (20 every) have extra since Donald entered the league in 2014, in line with ESPN Stats & Data.

Inventory down after the loss: Stafford. Ultimate week, McVay referred to as the quarterback’s interception firstly of the second one half of “a killer.” His interception on Sunday — a pick-six — got here previous, but it surely had the similar impact. It used to be the twenty seventh of his profession, tying him with Dan Marino for the second one maximum all time. — Sarah Barshop

Subsequent recreation: at Packers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

DaRon Bland rankings a pick-six for the Cowboys

DaRon Bland jumps on a go supposed for Cooper Kupp for a 30-yard pick-six.

Thursday

Expenses

How relating to is the Expenses’ incapacity to near out fighters? There may be some worry. The Expenses have allowed fighters to attain a mean of 9.5 fourth-quarter issues over the last 4 video games, the fourth maximum within the NFL. Of their earlier two video games, the Patriots staged a past due rally to overcome the Expenses and the Giants got here inside of one play of doing the similar. The protection used to be in a position to carry off the Bucs on Thursday — after giving up 8 issues on a 17-play Tampa Bay pressure within the fourth quarter — however it is one thing to keep watch over.

Fill up after the win: WR Khalil Shakir. The second one-year receiver had a profession day towards the Buccaneers, completing with six receptions on six objectives for 92 yards, all from the slot, and performed the second-highest snap proportion of his profession and best of the season (66.2%).

Inventory down after the win: CB Kaiir Elam. The truth that 35-year-old observe squad nook Josh Norman used to be increased instead of 2022 first-rounder Elam is simply the most recent signal of the place Elam stands with the staff. — Alaina Getzenberg

Subsequent recreation: at Bengals (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

Buccaneers

Will 3 instantly losses snowball right into a shedding season? A past due landing from Baker Mayfield to Mike Evans and two-point conversion to Cade Otton towards the Expenses did flip this right into a extra decent loss and confirmed the Bucs have numerous battle. However the realization has set in, as Mayfield put it this week that they “don’t seem to be a run-first staff,” they usually would possibly not beat many high quality fighters in the event that they proceed to drop again and go 40-plus occasions each and every recreation. Tampa Bay wishes offensive steadiness and should choose up one of the slack from a protection that has surrendered 400-plus yards of offense in back-to-back weeks.

Fill up after the loss: RB Rachaad White. Speeding yards had been difficult to come back by means of for the Bucs’ lead again, however White led the Bucs with seven catches for 70 receiving yards and for the second one instantly week performed a the most important function within the passing recreation.

Inventory down after the loss: OT Luke Goedeke. Goedeke has seemed way more at house at proper take on than he did at left guard final 12 months, however his 3 pre-snap consequences Thursday had been harmful. — Jenna Laine

Subsequent recreation: at Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)