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Week 8 of the NFL season wrapped up on Monday night when the Detroit Lions handled the Las Vegas Raiders, 26-14. The victory moved the Lions to 6-2 on the year, putting them in second place in the NFC while they remain atop the NFC North.
However, the Lions weren’t the only team to flex their muscles this week.
Other teams proved they belonged among the best in the league, while others pulled off upsets that nobody saw coming.
Before we look ahead to Week 9, let’s look back on the week that was and five headlines from Week 8 of the NFL regular season.
5. The Will Levis Show
What a moment for the Levis family 💙 pic.twitter.com/0w0oIp4Cjf
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 29, 2023
On Sunday, the Tennessee Titans were staring down the barrel of waving the white flag early in the 2023 season. The team was without starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and chances of using a two quarterback system successfully didn’t bold well.
However, head coach Mike Vrabel decided to give rookie Will Levis the opportunity to lead this team, and he delivered.
The second-round pick of the 2023 draft threw four touchdown passes, including three to DeAndre Hopkins. The Titans earned a hard-fought 28-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, proving that there may just be a little magic left in Nashville this season.
4. Cowboys Back?
1️⃣1️⃣ straight wins at OUR HOUSE 🏠#LARvsDAL | @WinstarWorld pic.twitter.com/iXFoYWXS5B
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) October 29, 2023
Since their embarrassing loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football, the Dallas Cowboys have looked like a completely different team. T
wo weeks ago, the Cowboys earned a hard-fought victory over the Chargers in Los Angeles. This past Sunday, Dallas looked to be a Super Bowl threat once again after controlling the Los Angeles Rams from the opening kickoff.
Dallas led 17-3 after the first quarter, and things only got worse after that for the Rams. The 43-20 final score proved that the Cowboys are still a viable threat for the NFC crown.
3. A New King Of The NFC West
Happy Victory Monday, do you like our painting? 😌🎨 pic.twitter.com/U2t0xlzdH2
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 30, 2023
Not only did they wear the best look in the entire league with their 90s throwbacks, but the Seattle Seahawks looked the part of a top team in the NFL. The Seahawks accepted the challenge of a stout Cleveland Browns defense, and behind the outstanding play of Geno Smith, the team now sits alone on top of the NFC West standings.
Smith’s play can’t be understated, however, running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet combined for over 100 yards on the ground.
With the Seattle offense firing on all cylinders, they are continuing to prove that the NFC West is more than a one-trick pony.
2. Broncos Country Went On A Ride
❄️ outside, but we brought the 🔥
Sights & Sounds from #KCvsDEN: pic.twitter.com/GAex2ur6OB
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 31, 2023
The biggest shocker of the weekend belonged to the Denver Broncos. The Broncos, a team used to rotten weather, had no issue with dismantling the reigning Super Bowl champions in a 24-9 contest.
It was reported before the game that Patrick Mahomes was dealing with an illness before the game, and it sure seemed like the “illness” was slowing down the top quarterback. Mahomes threw two interceptions in the Kansas City loss, but the biggest surprise was that he didn’t find the endzone at all.
A game that will undoubtedly have KC back at the drawing board is also the highlight of a tough Broncos season.
1. Here Come The Later Blooming Bengals
Joe Burrow in Week 8
🔸28/32
🔸283 passing yards
🔸43 rushing yards
🔸3 TDs
🔸134.8 passer rating pic.twitter.com/mBSbcJ40y5— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 30, 2023
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but the Cincinnati Bengals are looking to overcome a rough start to the season. After starting the season 1-3, the Bengals have now won their last three, including a monster win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
The 31-17 victory proved that the Bengals are a threat again and that Joe Burrow may finally be 100 percent healthy.
Burrow lit up the San Francisco defense, tossing three touchdowns. But the biggest positive with Burrow regaining his health is his ability to escape the pocket and extend the play.
Don’t count the Bengals out just yet.
