So much drama in the NFL this weekend. And I mean, so much drama. The facemask no call that pretty much sealed the game for the Rams, Jameis Winston’s massive game and win for the Browns, Arizona closing out in Tua’s return from concussion, Atlanta winning despite Kyle Pitts getting away with a fumble that literally could’ve swung the game in Tampa’s favor, New England taking down the Jets without Drake Maye after he sustained a concussion, and the 49ers held off Dallas at home after giving up a big lead in the fourth quarter…AGAIN!!! Jordan Love sustained an injury again while Anthony Richardson tapped out for a bit because he was tired. Buffalo even took over the 12th Man in Seattle. Fantastic! But none was more dramatic than the Hail Mary by Jayden Daniels. I enjoyed that moment before situations and questions came about with Tyrique Stevenson’s immature action and a holding that was never called…I guess. Not my problem though. Week 8 football and National Tight Ends Day was awesome!!!
10) CHICAGO BEARS
Chicago struggled to score in the first half. Defense did their job to keep them in before finding an answer. Chicago did everything possible to mount a 15-point turnaround only to lose on a Hail Mary play. The Bears need more consistency from the offense, but the defense will carry them as far as they can until that side has it all figured out. However, Tyrique Stevenson held himself accountable after whatever the heck he was doing prior to the Hail Mary throw. Karma is a real one.
9) ARIZONA CARDINALS
Miami cooked early with Tua’s return, but it wasn’t enough when Kyler Murray and company finally got going. Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. tore apart the defense in the second half while James Conner ran down their throats on a crucial drive to help seal the win with a walk off field goal. This is my underrated team alongside Washington that’s doing surprisingly well. If you look at their remaining schedule, nine to 10 wins is gettable.
8) BALTIMORE RAVENS
Slow first half immediately cooked in the second half. It became a duel between new Browns quarterback Jameis Winston and Lamar Jackson. Pass defense failed again for Baltimore, including Kyle Hamilton dropping an easy interception. While Baltimore’s defense did their job keeping Nick Chubb in check, they allowed one of the most passing yards this season, the most passing yards per game, and is tied for the third most passing touchdowns allowed (3rd worst), including three passing touchdowns this past weekend. That is a problem…
7) MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Speaking of bad pass defense, I’m questioning Minnesota on their Brian Flores-led defense. They were exposed against Detroit and it further exposed them against the Rams in Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp’s return. Yes, the officials effed up the facemask no-call and must be held accountable for it. However, if their pass defense continues to struggle, the NFC North (especially Green Bay) already have logs on them. What’s worse is their best offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw sustained an injury during the game.
6) WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Jayden Daniels managed to play a full game with injured ribs, but boy the hail mary play capped off the game in a huge way for Washington. Injured or not, Daniels is a warrior (and a Commander). He is HIM. Defense played their tails off throughout to keep Caleb Williams contained before the touchdown play. Austin Seibert was cooking before the blocked field goal. Washington has something there, but we shall see how it plays out as the season goes on.
5) BUFFALO BILLS
Buffalo goes into Seattle while the Bills Mafia took over 12th Man territory. Defense played a part and made life difficult for Geno Smith more than Kenneth Walker. Without DK Metcalf, there was nothing the offense could do to bypass Buffalo’s defense. James Cook had a great day running over Seattle’s defense for 111 yards and two touchdowns. If Miami and/or Indy can’t slow them down, there’s Kansas City before the bye week.
4) HOUSTON TEXANS
Houston survives another showdown against Indianapolis for the third straight season that was decided by four points or less. CJ Stroud, Joe Mixon, and a streamline of pass catchers chopped through Indy’s defense to take the lead and hold it as long as possible. Defense made impactful plays, including Jalen Pitre’s interception and denying a seemingly “tired” Anthony Richardson his opportunity to cannon his throw to the endzone.
3) GREEN BAY PACKERS
It was a tight game down the stretch for Green Bay. Jordan Love goes down once again, and things looked dicey again for Green Bay. Malik Willis does his job again to keep the team in winning position again. They overcame that adversity again to see Brandon McManus kick his second straight walkoff field goal in his second straight game with Green Bay. Plenty of “agains” happened, and the Packers survive…again!
2) DETROIT LIONS
The Lions punished the #1 Titans defense in several ways. Jared Goff wasn’t involved. It wasn’t the dynamic-ness of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs despite having good games. It was the special teams’ day with Khalil Dorsey (1 return for 72) and Khalif Raymond (5 returns for 190 and a TD). Detroit continues showing different aspects of their game as they run through the NFC MCDC strong.
1) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Games that Kansas City held teams under 30 points: 28 straight
The Chiefs escape Vegas with a win and keep the Raiders from trying to mount a comeback late in the game. Pat Mahomes finally scored a touchdown in October while Travis Kelce finally catches a touchdown this season on Tight End Day of all days. Kansas City’s riding the Struggle Bus, but they’re finding ways to win while their defense continues playing like the best defense in the league.
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