NFL Week 8 action concluded with a high-scoring overtime thriller in Cincinnati and significant injury updates across the league. Joe Burrow led the Bengals to a 43-36 overtime victory over the Tennessee Titans, while Lamar Jackson was sidelined with a thumb injury after just one play. Following 13 of the 14 scheduled games, the standings remain tight as the league heads into the final Monday Night Football matchup.
Burrow’s 462-Yard Performance Powers Bengals
Joe Burrow accounted for 462 passing yards and five touchdowns in the Cincinnati Bengals’ 43-36 overtime win against the Tennessee Titans. The contest saw multiple lead changes; Tennessee held a 36-29 advantage late in the fourth quarter before Tee Higgins secured an 18-yard touchdown reception with 1:17 remaining to force overtime. In the extra period, Cincinnati covered 70 yards, culminating in a nine-yard rushing touchdown by Burrow to end the game.
Burrow’s performance marked his 175th touchdown pass in his 84th game, making him the third-fastest player to reach that milestone in NFL history. Despite the victory, Burrow threw three interceptions. Tennessee’s defense was led by Amani Hooker, who recorded three interceptions, while running back Tony Pollard contributed 117 rushing yards.
Lamar Jackson Out Following Thumb Injury
Lamar Jackson exited the game against the Buffalo Bills after his first pass attempt resulted in a thumb injury. Jackson, who was returning to the lineup after missing three games, did not return to the field. Jesse Minter confirmed following the 36-10 loss that Jackson requires surgery and will be placed on the Injured Reserve list.
USA TODAY's Madison Tenenbaum breaks down NFL Week 8: Lamar Jackson's injury, Cowboys' collapse, Vikings' loss and Joe Burrow's OT win. https://t.co/5lkhzsEWBq
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen set a franchise record during the win, throwing his 259th career touchdown pass to wide receiver DJ Moore. The Bills currently hold a 6-1 record.
Tampa Bay’s Run-Heavy Victory Over Atlanta
In an unusual statistical performance, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 16-0 despite not completing a single pass. During a rain-soaked game, quarterback Baker Mayfield attempted three passes, all of which fell incomplete. The Buccaneers relied exclusively on a rushing attack, recording 55 attempts. According to ESPN, this marks the first time an NFL team has won a game without a single completion since the Buffalo Bills in 1974.
Bucky Irving led the Buccaneers with 170 rushing yards, while Kenny Gainwell added 140. It is the first time since 1998 that two Tampa Bay running backs have surpassed 100 yards in the same game. Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions and finished with a 12.0 passer rating.
Denver’s Comeback Against Kansas City
The Denver Broncos erased an 11-point deficit to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 28-24. Trailing 24-13, Denver scored 15 unanswered points, including a go-ahead five-yard touchdown run by rookie Jonah Coleman with 1:56 remaining. The Chiefs threatened to respond, but a potential touchdown pass in the final seconds was negated by a penalty, and Malcolm Roach eventually sacked Patrick Mahomes on a fourth-down attempt to secure the win.
Bo Nix holds the NFL record for the first three seasons of a quarterback with 15 game-winning drives.
Week 8 Results at a Glance
The following scores reflect the 13 completed games of Week 8:
- Green Bay Packers 27, Carolina Panthers 19
- Arizona Cardinals 33, Dallas Cowboys 30 (OT)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16, Atlanta Falcons 0
- Buffalo Bills 36, Baltimore Ravens 10
- Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Cleveland Browns 6
- Jaguars 42, Colts 7
- Raiders 38, Jets 33
- Lions 19, Vikings 15
- Bengals 43, Titans 36 (OT)
- Rams 24, Chargers 9
- Broncos 28, Chiefs 24
- Patriots 24, Dolphins 19
- Commanders 27, Eagles 10
Injury Status and League Developments
Several teams are managing significant personnel issues following the weekend’s games. The Philadelphia Eagles, who fell to the Washington Commanders 27-10, have now lost six consecutive games, their longest losing streak since 2012. Tanner McKee started for Philadelphia in place of the injured Jalen Hurts, facing five sacks and losing a fumble. Washington’s victory was bolstered by four field goals from kicker Drew Stevens. During the game, safety Michael Carter II (Eagles) and running back Jeremy McNichols (Commanders) were injured.
Remaining Week 8 Schedule
The final game of Week 8 features the Chicago Bears at the Seattle Seahawks. The game is scheduled for Monday Night Football, with an kickoff time of Tuesday 02:15 Uhr. This matchup remains the only contest yet to be played.
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