Games of the Week
Jets 39, Bengals 38
Coming into the week, the Jets were winless, Justin Fields was taking heat from Woody Johnson, and Aaron Glenn was being evasive about who would start at quarterback. The Bengals, meanwhile, were rolling after a big win with Joe Flacco connecting with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. For three quarters, everything looked normal. Cincinnati built a 28–16 lead, and the Jets looked stuck in neutral.
Then, in fifteen wild minutes, everything flipped. The Jets stormed back for their first win, the Bengals defense fell apart, and Fields had his redemption moment. It was chaos in the best way, but Cincinnati now faces serious questions about its defensive identity moving forward.
Packers 35, Steelers 25
Aaron Rodgers wanted this one badly against his former team, but despite taking a five-point lead into the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh could not close it out. The Packers exploded for 21 points in the final frame and ran away with a ten-point win.
Jordan Love was outstanding, throwing for 360 yards and three touchdowns, while tight end Tucker Kraft continued his breakout season with 143 yards and two scores. Kraft looks every bit like an emerging All-Pro halfway through the year.
Broncos 44, Cowboys 24
This week lacked competitive games, but Denver-Dallas was at least entertaining. The Broncos were sharp across the board. Bo Nix threw four touchdowns on just 19 completions, and rookie RJ Harvey added two more scores on the ground.
Denver still feels like a team playing slightly above its true level, but with the offense humming and the defense forcing two Dak Prescott interceptions, they have real momentum heading into November.
Top Player Performances
Jordan Love, QB, Packers
Love was in total command against Pittsburgh, completing more than 75 percent of his passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns. He avoided every major mistake, taking no sacks, no fumbles, and no interceptions. It was the kind of performance that changes how the league views a quarterback.
James Cook, RB, Bills
Buffalo needed a spark, and Cook delivered. He ran for 216 yards and two touchdowns on just 19 carries, averaging 11.6 yards per attempt. The Bills offense finally looked like itself again in a 40-9 blowout over the Panthers.
Tucker Kraft, TE, Packers
The biggest beneficiary of Jordan Love’s big day, Kraft led the NFL in receiving yards in Week 8. His seven catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns capped off a dominant showing on National Tight Ends Day. Three years into his career, Kraft has become one of the league’s most dangerous tight ends.
The Skattebo Injury Spells Trouble for the Giants
Cam Skattebo’s rookie year came to an abrupt and brutal end with a severe ankle injury. The former Arizona State star had been a perfect complement to fellow rookie Jaxson Dart, with over 600 total yards and seven touchdowns through eight weeks. His intensity and edge gave the Giants offense personality.
Without him, New York faces a serious identity crisis. Tyrone Tracy Jr. has been inconsistent, and defenses can now focus more on Dart and Wan’Dale Robinson. Head coach Brian Daboll’s seat is already warming after a pair of disappointing seasons and the league fine related to the mishandled Dart concussion protocol. If the Giants cannot find three or four more wins down the stretch, Daboll’s time in New York could be over.
Betting Strategy Adjustments After Week 8
A Letdown Year for the Commanders
Jayden Daniels cannot stay healthy, and the Washington defense has not been able to compensate. What was expected to be a breakout season has turned sour. For now, it is best to avoid betting heavily on the Commanders until they show some stability.
Wait to See What McCarthy Can Do
With Carson Wentz out for the season, J.J. McCarthy returns from injury to reclaim the starting job in Minnesota. He struggled early in the year, so bettors should proceed with caution until he proves he can lead the Vikings offense effectively.
Keep an Eye on Joe Flacco’s Injury Status
Cincinnati remains a strong over bet when Joe Flacco is healthy, but his shoulder injury leaves him day-to-day. If the Bengals have to pivot back to Jake Browning, expectations should drop significantly. Monitor Flacco’s status closely, as early confirmation of his return could create valuable line opportunities before sportsbooks adjust.
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