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Yardbarker's NFL Week 8 game-by-game analysis, grades
Steelers QB Mason Rudolph threw for 251 yards in Pittsburgh's 27-14 win over winless Miami. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Yardbarker's NFL Week 8 game-by-game analysis, grades

On Monday night, the winless Dolphins lost a 14-0 lead and the game to the Steelers. On Sunday night, shorthanded Kansas City couldn't hold off Green Bay. Here's Yardbarker's Week 8 whip-around.

 
1 of 16

PITTSBURGH 27, MIAMI 14

PITTSBURGH 27, MIAMI 14
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph celebrates a touchdown with teammates. Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

DOLPHINS (0-7): The Dolphins inch closer to their first win, but they must defend the run better. Entering Week 8 ranked 32nd in rush defense DVOA, Miami allowed James Conner 145 rushing yards and a touchdown (6.3 yards per carry). Considering that Conner's season-bests were 55 yards and 3.9 yards per carry, it was a terrible outing for Miami. Few other teams in the NFL have issues with front seven depth that the tanking Dolphins do. It's a pass-first league, but if you can't defend the run, you won't win. GAME GRADE: C+ |  NEXT:  vs. Jets (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania


STEELERS (3-4): If the Steelers are going to get back into the AFC wild-card mix, their pass rush will be the reason. Pittsburgh's defensive stars played well Monday night. Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt combined for four quarterback hits. The Steelers totaled 10 hits and four sacks on Ryan Fitzpatrick, with Watt collecting two (season total 6.0) and Heyward one (season total 4.5). Pittsburgh entered Week 8 ranked sixth in sack rate (8.6 percent) and second in knockdown rate (8.9 percent). The Steelers' pass rush is especially good at home, where they have 21 sacks in four games (5.3 per game). Pittsburgh faces a stellar Colts offensive line in Week 9. GAME GRADE: B-minus | NEXT:  vs. Colts (Sun.) 

-- Michael Nania

 
2 of 16

GREEN BAY 31, KANSAS CITY 24

GREEN BAY 31, KANSAS CITY 24
Packers running back Aaron Jones Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

PACKERS (7-1):  Green Bay's headliner was running back Aaron Jones, who had 159 yards receiving and 67 rushing. But what also caught my eye was the play of the “Smith Brothers,” whom many thought the Packers overpaid for in free agency. In a game in which Green Bay led 14-0 after one quarter, these edge rushers thrived. The Chiefs doubled the Smiths occasionally -- mostly Za’Darius, who had both of Green Bay’s sacks. (The Smiths have accounted for 15 sacks already.) While they can bend the edge in a traditional manner, they also show great physicality at the point of attack for edge players and are capable of aligning on the inside, too. Each suffered an injury in this game, but both quickly returned, showing no ill-effects. The Packers' offense is taking off, but thanks to the Smiths, the defense is coming together too. GAME GRADE: A | NEXT: at Chargers (Sun.)

-- Matt Williamson


CHIEFS (5-3): Kansas City’s shorthanded effort did not produce an upset, but Matt Moore kept this offense in high gear in a tough spot. The Chiefs were missing two offensive linemen to start the game (left tackle Eric Fisher and left guard Andrew Wylie) and longtime right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif went out in the second half. Still, the Chiefs moved the ball. Moore is a longtime Dolphins backup who was working as a Dolphins scout and a high school assistant coach before the Chiefs’ emergency August call. He hit seven receivers in a 267-yard passing performance. Andy Reid has won games with Koy Detmer and Doug Pederson in Philadelphia. But managing to keep his offense competitive, despite going from Patrick Mahomes to a quarterback who was out of the NFL in 2018, further entrenches the Chiefs' coach as one of the modern game’s masterminds. This bodes well for the Chiefs’ chances against Minnesota.  GAME GRADE: B + | NEXT: vs. Vikings (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson

 
3 of 16

NEW ENGLAND 27, CLEVELAND 13

NEW ENGLAND 27, CLEVELAND 13
Browns running back Nick Chubb Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

BROWNS (2-5): Entering this matchup, only the Dolphins, Falcons, Giants and Bengals had a worse turnover differential than Cleveland. Against New England, Nick Chubb fumbled two carries in a row in the first quarter. The first was a scoop-and-score for a Patriots touchdown. Baker Mayfield’s interception (and Cleveland’s third turnover of the first quarter) was almost like a long handoff to New England’s Lawrence Guy. And yet there were many bright spots: Chubb (131 rushing yards) ripped off some good runs, the offensive line did a nice job and Mayfield endured a heavy pass rush quite well. But, yikes, it seems so long ago that many considered this a playoff team, perhaps a dark-horse Super Bowl contender. Cleveland gets a tough slate of defenses over the next three weeks: at Denver, vs. Buffalo and vs. Pittsburgh. GAME GRADE: B | NEXT: at Broncos (Sun.)

-- Matt Williamson


PATRIOTS (8-0): The Browns showed signs of life during their comeback attempt. But spotting a defense with these capabilities 17 points essentially ended Sunday’s game in the first quarter. New England forced three turnovers and did not commit any, running its season-long differential to plus-17 – in its own galaxy for that stat. Kyle Van Noy and Jonathan Jones stripped Nick Chubb on consecutive Browns plays, and Lawrence Guy’s interception on a bizarre Baker Mayfield shovel-pass attempt capped a historic sequence. Ex-Lions linebacker castoff Van Noy has forced three fumbles this season, after notching three strips in his previous five seasons combined. The Pats continue to give their offense borderline incalculable margins for error, and the Tom Brady-fronted attack figures to be better as the season progresses. GAME GRADE: A- minus | NEXT: at Ravens (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson

 
4 of 16

HOUSTON 27, OAKLAND 24

HOUSTON 27, OAKLAND 24
Raiders receiver Hunter Renfrow burns Texans CB Lonnie Johnson for a TD. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

RAIDERS (3-4): Considering the team Oakland fielded last season, Sunday’s performance shows growth for a still-rebuilding group. But a franchise that has gone 17 years without fielding a reliable defense is still at least one offseason from assembling one. The Raiders gave up 29 first downs – the most they’ve surrendered in a game since facing a record-setting Broncos offense in September of 2013 – and did not force any Texans punts or turnovers in the second half. Deshaun Watson consistently found places to target against the Raiders’ struggling secondary and vexed the visitors with his elusiveness. That trait
derailed the Chargers and Chiefs as well, and this likely would have been a less competitive game had the 2018 Raiders’ defense been given this assignment. In an AFC without many proven contenders, the Raiders are making strides. GAME GRADE: C +  | NEXT: vs. Lions

-- Sam Robinson


TEXANS (5-3): Houston has the two best players in the AFC South in DeAndre Hopkins and Deshaun Watson, who rallied them to a win Sunday. But it also has an Achilles heel: cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr., who is having an awful rookie season. One week after allowing four touchdowns in a loss to the Colts, the second-round pick was beaten for a 65-yard TD by Hunter Renfrow, who won a slant route, then broke Johnson’s attempt at a tackle. Johnson has given up six touchdowns when targeted, and there is little doubt that the rest of Houston’s opponents have taken notice. It isn’t a stretch to suggest that if the Texans miss the playoffs, Johnson’s poor performance will be a reason. GAME GRADE: B | NEXT: vs. Jaguars in London (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

 
5 of 16

LA RAMS 24, CINCINNATI 10 (LONDON)

LA RAMS 24, CINCINNATI 10 (LONDON)
Rams running back Todd Gurley Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

BENGALS (0-8): In a league littered with poor offensive lines, the Bengals' group may be the worst. So there were low expectations for Cincinnati's offense against the Rams. But there surprisingly were bright spots against LA. Andy Dalton (32-for-52, 329 yards) was sacked five times, but two were coverage sacks. Cincinnati’s linemen weren't overwhelmed, perhaps for the first time this season. Cincinnati coaches did a much better job designing passing plays to quickly get the ball out of Dalton's hands. If he gets time, he can be decent. The protection and passing game took steps forward, encouraging signs as the Bengals head into the bye week. The big question: Will wide receiver AJ Green be with the Bengals after Tuesday's trade deadline? GAME GRADE: C + | NEXT: BYE | vs. Ravens (Sun., Nov. 10)

-- Matt Williamson


RAMS (5-3): The big-time contenders in the NFC — San Francisco, New Orleans, Green Bay, Minnesota, Seattle — run the ball better than the Rams. Los Angeles has topped 100 yards rushing as a team just once since Week 2, and that was in an otherwise miserable game against San Francisco. Jared Goff was excellent against Cincinnati, particularly early on, but the fact that the Rams couldn’t muster triple digits on the ground against the league’s worst run defense is troubling. The Bengals came into the game having allowed their past three opponents to run for more than 200 yards, but the Rams got only 98 (3.8 yards per carry). Sean McVay can scheme up all the clever plays he wants, but the fact remains that Bill Belichick showed that stopping the run stops Los Angeles' offense; unless the Rams do something about it, they won’t come close to defending their NFC crown. GAME GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: BYE | at Steelers (Sun., Nov. 10)

-- Chris Mueller

 
6 of 16

INDIANAPOLIS 15, DENVER 13

INDIANAPOLIS 15, DENVER 13
Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

BRONCOS (2-6): Two sequences illustrated Denver’s lack of faith in its offense and the franchise’s outdated blueprint. With 2 minutes, 15 seconds left in the first half, the Broncos lacked urgency on a possession that included three running plays and a punt. The Colts took a timeout, mounted a drive the Broncos refused to attempt and kicked a field goal that became key in a two-point win. In the fourth quarter, with the Broncos needing to convert a third-and-5 to prevent a last Colts chance, offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello called an up-the-middle run. It failed, allowing Indianapolis a final drive. The Broncos gained fewer than 280 yards for the third straight game and finished 2-for-12 on third downs. They are 8-for-50 on third down over the past four weeks. John Elway's hope that Joe Flacco (20-for-32 for 174 yards) could resurrect a form he hadn’t shown in years was a doomed strategy since Day 1. In wasting another strong defensive effort, the Broncos again revealed their big-picture problems. GAME GRADE: C- | NEXT: vs. Browns (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson


COLTS (5-2): It feels safe to say that unless Indy wins the Super Bowl, the story of how their season ended will prominently feature a missed field goal from Adam Vinatieri. The future Hall of Famer missed an extra point that would have tied the score and sent an early 45-yarder wide right. On the flip side, he did make a 55-yarder, and a decisive FG from 51 in the waning seconds. The Colts have not played a game decided by more than eight points. A kicker who is 73.3% on FGs and 76.4% on extra points (league averages are 80.8% and 94.8%, respectively) will probably cost them dearly down the road. GAME GRADE: B-minus |  NEXT: at Steelers (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

 
7 of 16

TENNESSEE 27, TAMPA BAY 23

TENNESSEE 27, TAMPA BAY 23
Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

BUCS (2-5): Tampa Bay has the talent for a great offense, but until Jameis Winston (four turnovers) stops his giveaway program, the Bucs will never put it all together. Winston has 14 turnovers, putting him on pace to set a career-high. The quarterback deserves criticism, but a lack of a running game puts him in bad spots. On 21 carries, running backs Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones combined for 55 yards (2.6 per attempt), with their longest carry going for seven yards. The Bucs have one 100-yard rushing performance over their past 27 games; Barber was the last player to break 100, in Week 11 last season. They have not had a 150-yard rusher since 2016 (Jacquizz Rodgers). GAME GRADE: D | NEXT: at Seahawks (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania


TITANS (4-4): Tennessee is only the latest team to benefit from a date with Jameis Winston, human turnover machine. Winston gave the ball away four times — two interceptions, two lost fumbles — and the Titans were stingy when Tampa Bay got inside the five-yard line. The Bucs had to settle for field goals despite twice getting within feet of the end zone. Tennessee’s defense will keep it in just about every game, but whether it makes the Titans merely competitive or something more is entirely up to Ryan Tannehill. It’s tempting to look at Tannehill’s second straight strong start — three touchdown passes with no interceptions — and think that the Titans may finally have found their quarterback, but there’s a reason he was available for a bargain price this offseason; he’s an average quarterback, nothing more. GAME GRADE: B | NEXT: at Panthers (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

 
8 of 16

NEW ORLEANS 31, ARIZONA 9

NEW ORLEANS 31, ARIZONA 9
Saints quarterback Drew Brees Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

CARDINALS (3-4-1): Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray were never going to work miracles in Year 1 with Arizona, although getting the Cardinals to three wins could be construed as such in some corners. They saw just how far away they are against New Orleans. Chase Edmonds’ strong game against the Giants was a distant memory, as the Saints’ defense refused to let Arizona get anything going on the ground. Arizona is still a team with major holes all over the roster, particularly on the offensive line. The Cardinals don’t protect Murray well enough, although the scheme insulates him, health-wise, and they don’t get anything resembling a regular push in the running game. Murray’s rookie season is more on-the-job training than anything, and while he looks impressive when he has time and space, it is clear that Arizona won’t be a contender until at least 2021. Cardinals fans, prepare yourselves: This team might not win again until December. GAME GRADE: D-minus | NEXT: vs. 49ers (Thurs.)

-- Chris Mueller


SAINTS (7-1): With future Hall of Famer Drew Brees back and an offensive front playing at an elite level, the Saints' passing attack could be the league's most dangerous. In his first action since he hurt his thumb in Week 2, Brees completed 34 of 43 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns. (He was intercepted once.) It was his 19th game with a completion percentage over 75% on at least 40 pass attempts, 12 more than any other quarterback in league history. Brees re-ignited the explosive potential the offense was missing under Teddy Bridgewater. The Saints mustered 510 yards, more than in any of Bridgewater's five starts. The offensive line did a great job allowing Brees to thrive, allowing no sacks and just three hits. GAME GRADE: A | NEXT: BYE | vs. Falcons (Sun., Nov. 10)

-- Michael Nania

 
9 of 16

LA CHARGERS 17, CHICAGO 16

LA CHARGERS 17, CHICAGO 16
Bears running back David Montgomery Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

CHARGERS (3-5): The Chargers managed to win despite being outrushed 162-36. Los Angeles, playing without several injured starters, became the first team in the Super Bowl era to amass fewer than 40 rushing yards in four straight games. Joey Bosa helped the Bolts get away with it in Chicago, dominating the Bears’ tackles and upstaging Khalil Mack. The fourth-year Chargers defensive end registered two sacks, giving him seven this season. He added four tackles for loss. The second of those sacks stalled a fourth-quarter Bears drive in Bolts territory. The elder Bosa brother also caused a fourth-quarter turnover by driving Bears left tackle Charles Leno into Mitch Trubisky’s throwing hand, forcing a fumble and creating a short field for a Chargers winning touchdown. After an injury-plagued 2018, a healthy Bosa is gearing up for a Mack-level contract come 2020 while keeping the Chargers’ contention hopes alive. GAME GRADE: B | NEXT: vs. Packers (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson


BEARS (3-4): Mitch Trubisky can't carry this offense, so it must flow through running back David Montgomery. At least Chicago got that part right in Week 8. The rookie from Iowa State rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries, one week after stunningly carrying only two times. Montgomery runs very low and with excellent power, but it is his contact balance that really stands out. It also appears that he is starting to understand the speed of the NFL and when to put his head down and take what is there when his blocking isn’t great. Trubisky (23-for-35, 235 yards) is so pedestrian, and Chicago's red-zone effort against the Chargers was abysmal. Will the Bears trade for a veteran QB (Nick Foles, Andy Dalton or Ryan Fitzpatrick) at the trade deadline Tuesday? GAME GRADE: C | NEXT: at Eagles (Sun.)

-- Matt Williamson

 
10 of 16

SAN FRANCISCO 51, CAROLINA 13

SAN FRANCISCO 51, CAROLINA 13
San Francisco rookie Nick Bosa sacks Kyle Allen. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

PANTHERS (4-3): Focus on the Cam Newton vs. Kyle Allen QB debate all you want, but the run defense is really the most pressing issue for Carolina. The Panthers entered Week 8 ranked 30th in DVOA and 31st in EPA; the rush defense had its most embarrassing outing yet in San Francisco. Carolina allowed 232 yards on 38 carries (6.1 per attempt) and a whopping five touchdowns — inexcusable. It was the first time in Panthers history they had allowed 200 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns in a game, and the first time any team had done that since Week 10 of 2017. Carolina entered the week allowing the third-highest first down rate on rushing plays (29.6%), and that issue clearly persisted as they allowed the 49ers to pick up 10 first downs on 35 non-kneel rushes (28.6%). Allen, by the way, had three picks. Let the debate begin. GAME GRADE: F | NEXT: vs. Titans (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania


49ERS (7-0): Any questions? There shouldn’t be, not after the 49ers flattened Carolina in by far their most dominant performance of the season. The NFL has unquestionably turned into a passing league, but there is still plenty of value in being able to run the ball and stop the run. If it was good enough for Bill Belichick’s Patriots last year (fifth in rushing yards, 11th in rushing yards allowed), it’s good enough for Kyle Shanahan’s team. San Francisco came into the game second in the league in rushing yards and eighth in yards allowed. While Christian McCaffrey’s stats looked impressive, 40 of his 117 yards came on one play, when the game was already out of hand. The Niners ran for 232 yards, the third time they’ve topped 200 this season. It remains to be seen whether Jimmy Garoppolo can win a game by himself, but the way things are going, he may never have to. GAME GRADE: A + | NEXT: at Cardinals (Thur.)

-- Chris Mueller

 
11 of 16

JACKSONVILLE 29, NY JETS 15

JACKSONVILLE 29, NY JETS 15
Jets running back Le'Veon Bell Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

JETS (1-6): Le’Veon Bell skipping the 2018 season nearly ended in disaster, but the Jets were desperate for talent and became his financial parachute. Since-fired GM Mike Maccagnan’s four-year, $52.5 million deal for the ex-Steelers All-Pro has predictably backfired – as Adam Gase seemed to think it would. Sunday’s loss to the Jaguars marked a new low. Bell finished with nine carries for 23 yards and three receptions for 12. Behind a Jets offensive line much worse than Bell’s former Pittsburgh fronts, he is averaging 3.3 yards per carry and has no 75-yard rushing games. If the Jets are going to give Bell 12 touches against middling opponents, what is the justification for this contract? With Todd Gurley and David Johnson battling injuries after signing top-market extensions, Bell’s season represents another reason teams will hesitate to pay backs. Bell has a fully guaranteed 2020 salary, but it is fair to wonder if New York’s new-look front office will gauge his trade value next offseason. GAME GRADE: D +  | NEXT: at Dolphins (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson


JAGUARS (4-4): If you were worried that Minshew Mania was losing steam, worry no more. Jacksonville’s rookie quarterback delivered his best game as a pro, throwing for 279 yards and three scores. Gardner Minshew won’t be confused with Steve Young when it comes to mobility, but it is an underrated aspect of his game. He’s much more scrambler than runner, but one of his best qualities is that he keeps his eyes upfield even when he breaks the pocket. That’s what allowed him to hit Chris Conley on a 70-yard touchdown, and that’s what has continued to make him tough to defend. Three of Minshew’s four runs against the Jets resulted in first downs, and one of those kept alive a drive that ended in a Jacksonville field goal. His arm might be making the headlines, but his legs are a secret, sneaky weapon. GAME GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: vs. Texans in London (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

 
12 of 16

PHILADELPHIA 31, BUFFALO 13

PHILADELPHIA 31, BUFFALO 13
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

EAGLES (4-4): The struggling pass defense took full advantage of a matchup against Josh Allen, locking him down in a crucial road win. After entering Week 8 ranked 24th in pass defense EPA, the Eagles held Allen to 4.1 net yards per pass attempt (league average 6.5). All levels of the defense played a role. With cornerback Ronald Darby back in the lineup, the coverage was tight, as Philadelphia allowed a completion rate of only 47.1%. The pass rush picked up four sacks and nine hits. Pass defense has been the most consistent issue for the Eagles, so this performance is a huge confidence-booster with matchups against Tom Brady (Week 11) and Russell Wilson (Week 12) looming.  GAME GRADE: B+ | NEXT: vs. Bears (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania


BILLS (5-2): If the Bills cannot rely on their defense, their offense is not talented enough to compensate. The Dolphins approached 400 yards in Week 6, and the Bills gave up a season-high 218 rushing yards vs. the Eagles. Philly netted 2.8 yards per carry in the first half, but it gashed the Bills’ interior line in the second. Following Miles Sanders’ 65-yard touchdown run, Jordan Howard’s contract-year reliability continued to help Philadelphia protect its lead. Philadelphia’s between-the-tackles back keyed a game-sealing drive, blitzing through Buffalo’s interior front with a 20-yard gain that led to his 3-yard touchdown run. The Bills lost emerging defensive tackle Harrison Phillips to a season-ending injury weeks ago, and their first-round pick – D-tackle Ed Oliver – boasts more pass-rushing potential than run-stoppage chops. Highly paid run-stuffer Star Lotulelei has not come close to justifying his $10 million-per-year contract. GAME GRADE: D + | NEXT: vs. Redskins (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson

 
13 of 16

SEATTLE 27, ATLANTA 20

SEATTLE 27, ATLANTA 20
Falcons QB Matt Schaub Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

SEAHAWKS (6-2): The problem for Seattle is it can’t deliver a dominant 60-minute performance. Sunday’s win over the Falcons was no exception. Seattle raced to a 24-0 halftime lead, completely in control, and with Russell Wilson looking like an MVP candidate again. Pete Carroll’s team proceeded to let a moribund Atlanta squad without Matt Ryan back into the game in the second half. This has been something of a theme for Seattle, as only one of its six wins has been by more than seven points. Tampa Bay in Week 9 will provide the Seahawks with another chance to deliver a consistent game-long effort, but if they don’t produce one, they could be in big trouble against San Francisco, whom Seattle faces in Week 10; the 49ers demolished Carolina and appear to have answered any questions about the legitimacy of their unbeaten start. GAME GRADE: B + | NEXT: vs. Bucs (Sun.)


FALCONS (1-7): If Matt Schaub  -- subbing for an injured Matt Ryan (ankle) -- can be as productive as he was against Seattle, the Falcons could scratch out a victory or two. In his first start as a Falcon since 2005, the 38-year old completed 39 of 52 passes for 460 yards, the second-best passing yardage total in team history. He averaged an efficient 8.8 yards per pass attempt, his best mark in a start since Week 6 of 2013. Those numbers came against a solid Seahawks pass defense that entered the week ranked ninth in lowest opponent passer rating allowed (84.9). But the big question about this team is: How long will the Falcons, losers of six straight, stick with Dan Quinn as head coach? Three coaches on the staff -- Dirk Koetter, Mike Mularkey and Raheem Morris -- have served as head coaches. Owner Arthur Blank is not pleased. GAME GRADE: C-  | NEXT: BYE | at Saints (Sun., Nov. 10)

-- Michael Nania

 
14 of 16

DETROIT 31, NY GIANTS 26

DETROIT 31, NY GIANTS 26
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

GIANTS (2-6): Despite the loss, the Giants should be thrilled with the bounce-back performance from Daniel Jones. He completed 28 of 41 passes for 322 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. Jones joined Marcus Mariota and Marc Bulger as the only rookie quarterbacks to have a game with 300+ yards, 4+ touchdowns and zero interceptions. His 124.2 passer rating in a game is the second best by a Giants rookie, trailing only the 130 mark posted by Tom Kennedy in 1960. On the downside, Jones lost another fumble (which was returned for a touchdown), extending his league-leading total to six. Still, Jones did much to make up for the mistake. His stellar performance in Detroit halted a four-game cold stretch in which he threw seven interceptions and had a 64.8 passer rating. GAME GRADE: C | NEXT: vs. Cowboys ( Mon., Nov. 4)

-- Michael Nania


LIONS (3-3-1): The Lions led nearly the entire game, but they ran for only 59 yards on 25 carries. Without Kerryon Johnson, out for the season with a right knee injury, the Lions' rushing attack won't go far with Ty Johnson (7 carries for 25 yards) or Tra Carson (12 for 34). Could the Lions make a call to the Chargers to see what Melvin Gordon might cost them in trade? If the Lions are to get back into the wild-card race, they need to get another back by the Tuesday trade deadline. GAME GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: at Raiders (Sun.)

-- Matt Williamson

 
15 of 16

BYE: BALTIMORE | DALLAS

BYE: BALTIMORE | DALLAS
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

RAVENS (5-2):  Baltimore, entering its bye in control of the AFC North, is superb on special teams, and the offense is extremely difficult to play against with Lamar Jackson at the helm. The problem is defense, a huge issue if Baltimore is to compete in the AFC with the Chiefs and especially the Patriots. The Ravens' front seven isn’t great, but the secondary, with the recent addition of cornerback Marcus Peters from the Rams, has a chance to raise its game to the top-notch level it was at last season. This is crucial because leaning on that potentially outstanding group could allow the Ravens to put extra defenders in the box as well as blitz more often, masking talent issues up front. NEXT: vs. Patriots (Sun.)

-- Matt Williamson


COWBOYS (4-3): Against the Eagles in Week 7, Dallas fixed the issue that plagued it most over its three-game losing streak: slow starts. After scoring zero first-half touchdowns from Weeks 4-6, the Cowboys, benefiting from the field position afforded by two fumbles, scored touchdowns on their first two drives. They scored 27 first-half points, their most since Week 17 of 2014. Following the 37-point explosion on Philly, the Dallas offense is now ranked No. 1 in DVOA. The hot streak could continue in Week 9. The Giants, the Cowboys' next  opponent, had allowed a touchdown on 45% of first-quarter drives (second worst in NFL) entering Week 8. NEXT: at Giants (Mon., Nov. 10)

-- Michael Nania

 
16 of 16

THURSDAY: MINNESOTA 19, WASHINGTON 9

THURSDAY: MINNESOTA 19, WASHINGTON 9
Vikings QB Kirk Cousins David Berding-USA TODAY Sports

REDSKINS (1-7): Washington's defense allowed only 19 points on the road, but its performance was only fair. Minnesota held the ball for an average of 4 minutes, 4 seconds per drive (league average is 2:42); notably, Minnesota had an 8:16 drive that ran the clock down to under a minute in the fourth quarter. Third down was a huge problem, as the Vikings converted on eight of 15 chances. The secondary was shredded for key conversions; Kirk Cousins completed 23 of  26 passes for 285 yards (11 yards an attempt). A positive note: Entering the game, the Vikings were averaging 35.3 points in the previous three games. GAME GRADE: C-  | NEXT: at Bills (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania


VIKINGS (6-2):  As Minnesota preps for the Chiefs, its next opponent, it should focus on tackling, which was shoddy in Week 7 against Washington. The Vikings struggled to bring down their former star, Adrian Peterson (14 carries for 76 yards). The aging star was the Redskins' only legit offensive threat. The biggest offenders for Minnesota were cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes and safety Anthony Harris. Even without Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs are a much greater threat on offense than Washington. Kansas City’s backfield isn’t overly daunting, but Andy Reid is a master at designing plays to get his stars in position to excel after the catch. GAME GRADE: B | NEXT: at Chiefs (Sun.)

-- Matt Williamson

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