NFL Week 8 breakdown: 49ers look like force to be reckoned with. Falcons win wild game in OT.
NFL Week 8 is (almost) complete. Here are some of the biggest developments from Sunday's action:
- The 49ers had the look of a Super Bowl contender against the Rams.
- What was an entertaining game in Atlanta turned sideways late.
- The Bills continue to show why they are considered a top Super Bowl contender.
- Happy-fun times in Philly: Eagles are undefeated, Game 3 of the World Series is Monday night, Union is off to MLS Cup.
Biggest moments of NFL Week 8
- Hail Mary touchdown, penalty, missed kicks: Relive the madness of the Falcons' overtime win against the Panthers.
- Christian McCaffrey became the first player since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2005 to catch, rush and throw for touchdowns.
- Vikings CB Patrick Peterson took a subtle "Call of Duty" jab at Kyler Murray after the quarterback threw two interceptions in the Cardinals' loss.
- Vikings legend Jared Allen emerged on horseback for a induction ceremony for the team's Hall of Fame.
- Patriots owner Robert Kraft put the spotlight on antisemitism in an ad that aired during NFL broadcasts.
Key storylines from NFL Week 8
- Winners and losers: While the Eagles remain undefeated behind MVP candidate QB Jalen Hurts, the Rams look like an average team.
- 32 things we learned: A QB class that was widely celebrated going into the 2021 draft has left a lot to be desired.
- First-place Falcons? Anything can happen in the NFL, as the Falcons' rebuilding project has made a pit stop atop the league's worst division, Jarrett Bell writes.
- 49ers are legit: The Seattle Seahawks might be leading the NFC West right now, but the 49ers are the best team in the division, Tyler Dragon writes.
- Apologies, Cowboys. You should not have been underestimated: If you wrote off the Cowboys after Dak Prescott’s hand injury in the season opener, shame on you, Safid Deen writes.
NFL Week 8 results
- Bills 27, Packers 17: The undermanned Packers never seemed capable of pulling off an upset Sunday night.
- 49ers 31, Rams 14: The 49ers continue to own the Rams during the regular season.
- Commanders 17, Colts 16: An impressive first NFL start for Sam Ehlinger went for naught after Taylor Heinicke engineered a long game-winning drive.
- Seahawks 27, Giants 13: Surprising Seattle held Saquon Barkley to a season-low 53 yards rushing to remain atop the NFC West.
- Titans 17, Texans 10: When in doubt, give the ball to Derrick Henry.
- Patriots 22, Jets 17: The Patriots won a 13th straight against the Jets and Bill Belichick passed George Halas for second place on the NFL's career coaching wins list.
- Eagles 35, Steelers 13: Philly sports fans are having the best time. The Eagles are undefeated, the Phillies host Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night and the Union are headed to their first MLS Cup.
- Saints 24, Raiders 0: Alvin Kamara scored three touchdowns as the Saints delivered an embarrassing defeat to the Raiders.
- Cowboys 49, Bears 29: The Cowboys scored touchdowns on their first four possessions for the first time since 2014.
- Vikings 34, Cardinals 26: Minnesota continued to stay perfect at home under first-year head coach Kevin O'Connell.
- Falcons 37, Panthers 34 (OT): The Falcons prevailed in a fun and absolutely bonkers game.
- Dolphins 31, Lions 27: As the Dolphins won two straight since Tua Tagovailoa's return, the Lions now have lost five in a row.
- Broncos 21, Jaguars 17 (in London): The Broncos had to travel across the Atlantic Ocean to get a must-needed victory.
- Ravens 27, Buccaneers 22 (Thursday): For the first time in two decades, Tom Brady has lost three consecutive games.
The week ahead in the NFL
Monday: Week 8 wraps up with a Halloween night matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN and ESPN2). The Browns have won seven of the past eight games in the "Battle of Ohio."
Tuesday: Paste BN Sports offers its power rankings for all 32 NFL teams after Week 8.
Thursday: Week 9 kicks off with the Houston Texans hosting the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles at NRG Stadium (8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime Video). Before the game, make sure to check out our expert predictions for every Week 9 game.
Talk some football!
Run a post route to our NFL Facebook Group📲, The Ruling Off the Field 🏈, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with football fans 🏟. Not a member yet? Sign up today!✍
If you enjoy reading 4th & Monday 📰, tell your football fan friends to subscribe. Follow the writer of this newsletter on Twitter @jimreineking 📱.