This was the week of the injured quarterback and a batch of MRI’s on Monday will determine who shows up next Sunday. We’re seeing a shift in the NFL with the 49ers looking like a team that peaked too early. The flu is hitting the NFL and that explains, assumedly, why the Chiefs lost to the Broncos after beating them 16 times in a row. And Patrick Mahomes did not throw a touchdown. And… and… she wasn’t there.
The AFC now has a 6-2 team at the top of every division so the playoffs are still wide open. The Eagles keep winning, but seem challenged at first before finally locking in the win. The NFC South doesn’t have a winning record, again. There’s still a lot of football left to play, but injuries keep changing rosters and there’s not a lot of teams that spawn confidence that they are as good as their record. There are several teams that are easily as bad as their record.
Houston 13, Panthers 15
Forget the fact that there were nearly no points here – the Panthers won! Home town crowd, no less! The Panthers kicked the winning 23-yard field goal as time expired for an exciting finish. Still – few points, but a Panthers win.
The Panthers did nothing but throw one touchdown and kick three field goals. The Panthers’ defense hopefully got the game ball. Bryce Young passed for 235 yards and one score to Tommy Tremble (2-4, TD) while Adam Thielen (8-72) and Jonathon Mingo (4-62) were the top receivers. The backfield appears to now belong to Chuba Hubbard (15-29) since Miles Sanders only ran twice for no gain, and even Raheem Blackshear ran three times. The transition is less important for Hubbard, who was still unproductive, and more about Sanders, who cannot be considered for a fantasy start, at least for now. The 1-6 Panthers host the Colts this week.
The Texans C.J. Stroud was held to only 140 passing yards, and Noah Brown (3-57) and Nico Collins (4-30) were the only receivers with more than 16 yards. Dameon Pierce (12-46) seemed to be in a great situation to have a big game finally but did not make an impact. And Devin Singletary was allowed ten carries for 30 yards as the backfield split continues to ruin any fantasy value. The loss drops the Texans to 304, and they host the Buccaneers on Sunday. Hopefully, with a lot more points.
Los Angeles Rams 20, Dallas 43
This was never close. The Rams fell behind 33-3 in the second quarter before finally scoring a touchdown. The Dallas defense limited Matt Stafford to 162 yards and one score before he left injured. Puka Nacua (3-43) and Cooper Kupp (4-21) couldn’t get on track and Darrell Henderson was the top receiver with three receptions for 54 yards. He also rushed for 31 yards on 12 carries while Royce Freeman gained 44 yards on his nine runs with one touchdown. It was a forgettable effort in all facets for the 3-5 Rams who travel to Green Bay for Week 9.
The Cowboys doled out a beatdown largely thanks to a defense that added a pick-six touchdown and a safety when they blocked a punt. Dak Prescott threw for 304 yards and four touchdowns for his best effort of the year, and CeeDee Lamb had a monster showing with 12 catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns, while Brandin Cooks (3-49, TD) and Jason Ferguson (4-47, TD) also scored. Hidden inside the big win was a rushing offense that still lags 2022 significantly. Tony Pollard (12-53) and Rico Dowdle (5-18) had little to do with team success. The 5-2 Cowboys head to Philly for their Week 9 showdown.
Minnesota 24, Green Bay 10
The Vikings won the battle but may have lost the war since Kirk Cousins suffered what is feared to be an Achilles injury. Cousins threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns and would have broken 300 yards had he not left injured. K.J. Osborn (8-99), T.J. Hockenson (6-88, TD), and Jordan Addison (7-82, TD) have their fantasy prospects for the rest of the season in question if the Vikings no longer have Cousins. Alexander Mattison (16-31) was the busiest runner but only had one catch for two yards. Cam Akers only gained 19 yards on nine runs but was given the rushing touchdown. The loss drops the Vikings to 4-4 and their season looks close to falling off a ledge. They travel to Atlanta for Week 9.
The Packers trailed 24-3 before they scored their lone third-quarter touchdown. Jordan Love only passed for 229 yards and one score to Romeo Doubs (4-18, TD) while Jayden Reed (4-83) and Christian Watson (3-33) were the top receivers. Aaron Jones ran for 29 yards on just seven carries and only gained 17 yards on four catches as his 2023 season continues to disappoint. A.J. Dillon (6-11) was no better rushing but gained 41 yards on five catches. The (2-5) Packers still search for any signs of an actual offense and host the Rams on Sunday.
New Orleans 38, Indianapolis 27
How great was this game? The visiting Saints only led 21-20 at halftime but then dominated in the second half. Derek Carr ended with 310 passing yards and two scores, while Rashid Shaheed (3-153, TD) had a career-best performance. Michael Thomas was no lock to play but still gained 68 yards on four catches while Chris Olave was held to only 46 yards on five receptions. Alvin Kamara scored as a runner (17-59, TD) and as a receiver (4-51, TD), while Taysom Hill ran for 63 yards and two scores on nine rushes. The win lifts the Saints to 4-4 and they host the Bears on Sunday.
The Colts put in a solid effort on offense. Gardner Minshew threw for 213 yards and two scores while Josh Downs (7-72) and Michael Pittman (8-40, TD) were the top receivers. The Colts still split the backfield with Jonathan Taylor (12-95) and Zack Moss (11-66, TD) which still limits Taylor who has been highly productive when they let him touch the ball. The Saints had the early lead and never let the Colts focus on their run game. The loss drops the Colts to 3-5 and they visit the Panthers on Sunday.
New England 17, Miami 31
The Patriots still cannot matchup with the Dolphins. Mac Jones threw for just 161 yards and two scores while losing top receiver Kendrick Bourne (3-36, TD) and DeVante Parker (1-14) during the game. Notable was that JuJu Smith-Schuster caught a touchdown, though it was on his only catch. Rhamondre Stevenson ran for 39 yards on ten carries, while Ezekiel Elliott gained 36 yards on just seven rushes. No receiver or rusher gained over 40 yards in the game and the 2-6 Patriots got a reminder why they are in the AFC East basement. The Pats host the Commanders for Week 9.
The Dolphin’s vaunted rushing game was largely held in check with Raheem Mostert only rushing 13 times for 46 yards and a score, and Jeff Wilson (5-23) seeing minimal action. But Tua Tagovailoa passed for 324 yards and three touchdowns. Jaylen Waddle (7-121, TD) and Tyreek Hill (8-112, TD) did nearly all the damage since no other receiver gained more than 28 yards. The 6-2 Fins were solid on both offense and defense and will be more challenged in Germany on Sunday against the Chiefs.
New York Jets 13, New York Giants 10
The Battle of New York was hardly full of fireworks. This game went into overtime and yet the Giants passed for seven yards total. Entire game – seven yards. This wasn’t played in gale force winds or in sub-zero temperatures with snow falling. It was 51 degrees, no real wind and some rain. Seven yards and that was from 14 passes and six completions. There were 24 punts, only three short of the NFL record. Saquon Barkley ran for 128 yards on 36 carries and caught three passes for zero yards. Both Tyrod Taylor and Darren Waller were lost to injury. If the Giants were to lose Barkley, they should consider forfeiting just to save gas and help global warming. They fall to 2-6 and travel to the Raiders this week.
The Jets had no rushing game. Breece Hall only gained 17 yards on 12 carries while Dalvin Cook gained five yards on his two runs. Zach Wilson was the top rusher with 25 yards on four runs. He threw for 240 yards and one score which was mostly using Garrett Wilson (7-100) and Breece Hall (6-76, TD). Hall’s 50-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter was critical to the win, and Wilson gets some credit on the final drive that ended with the game-winning field goal though the 30-yard pass interference penalty on the Giants placed the ball at their 15-yard line. The 4-3 Jets host the Chargers on Monday night.
Jacksonville 20, Pittsburgh 10
The Jaguars always led this matchup though never by much. Trevor Lawrence passed for 292 yards and one touchdown to Travis Etienne (3-70, TD) thanks to the 56-yard scoring catch in the third quarter. Evan Engram (10-88) and Calvin Ridley (6-83) were the top receivers while Christian Kirk was held to only 46 yards on four catches. Etienne also gained 79 yards on 24 runs but left with a sprained ankle. The win lifts the Jaguars to 6-2 and they head onto their bye.
The Steelers could do little against the Jacksonville defense. Kenny Pickett was knocked out of the game and Mitchell Trubisky replaced him but they combined for only 211 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Diontae Johnson (8-85) was the only receiver with more than 42 yards though George Pickens’ lone catch was a 22-yard touchdown. Najee Harris only gained 13 yards on seven runs but gained 42 yards on five catches. Jaylen Warren ran for only 19 yards on his five rushes and added four receptions for 19 yards. The loss drops the Steelers to 4-3 and they host the Titans on Thursday night.
Atlanta 23, Tennessee 28
The Titans held off a fourth-quarter comeback bid by the Falcons who trailed 21-9. Desmond Ridder was checked for a concussion, passed that, but was kept off the field so that Taylor Heinicke could eventually throw a touchdown. But Drake London (5-55) injured his groin and left the game. KhaDarel Hodge ended with a team-high 75 yards on three catches while Kyle Pitts settled for only 35 yards on three catches. Bijan Robinson ran for 62 yards and a score on 11 carries while Tyler Allgeier still handled eight rushes for 31 yards. Robinson was thrown five targets and had no catches. The loss drops the Falcons to 4-4 and they host the Vikings for Week 9.
The Titans started the rookie Will Levis who impressed with 238 yards and four touchdowns. Those went to DeAndre Hopkins (4-128, 3 TD) and Nick Ikhine-Westbrook (1-33, TD). Derrick Henry continues to be rumored to be traded, but he played a full game with 22 rushes for 101 yards and caught four passes for 21 yards. The Falcons had no answer for Hopkins on a deep route and Levis took advantage of a defense that had not prepared for his arm. The 3-4 Titans travel to Pittsburgh on Thursday.
Cleveland 20, Seattle 24
The Browns trailed 17-7 in the first quarter and battled back to lead 20-17 until the final 38 seconds. P.J. Walker passed for 248 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions. Amari Cooper (6-89) and David Njoku (4-77, TD) led the receivers and were the only one with more than two catches. Jerome Ford played despite being diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain last week, but only gained 37 yards on nine rushes. Kareem Hunt was the top back with 14 rushes for 55 yards and a touchdown and he added a 12-yard catch. Pierre Strong was also given ten carries to gain 41 yards. In all, the Browns rushed the ball 40 times and yet still didn’t have any back with more than 55 yards. The Browns drop to 4-3 and host the Cardinals on Sunday.
The Seahawks stopped scoring in the first quarter but finally scored with 38 seconds left to play. Geno Smith threw for 254 yards and two scores but tossed two interceptions. Tyler Lockett had been questionable but still led the Seahawks with eight catches for 81 yards and one score. DK Metcalf (5-67) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (3-36, TD) were the top receivers. Kenneth Walker ran for 66 yards on eight carries thanks to a 45-yard scamper and Zach Charbonnet added five runs for 53 yards. The 5-2 Seahawks head to Baltimore for Week 9.
Baltimore 31, Arizona 24
The Ravens led this matchup 31-15 with under three minutes to play but the Cardinals would not go away. Lamar Jackson threw for 157 yards and one score to Mark Andrews (4-40, TD) while Zay Flowers was held to only five receptions for 19 yards. Jackson only rushed for 17 yards on five runs while Gus Edwards (19-80, 3 TD) had a career-best performance and added two receptions for 14 yards. It was a rare game where Jackson only produced marginal stats and allowed the primary back to do almost all of the scoring. The 6-2 Ravens host the Seahawks on Sunday.
The Cardinals battled back and made this a game. Joshua Dobbs passed for 208 yards and two scores but only totaled 55 yards and an interception at halftime. Trey McBride (10-95, TD) had a career-high game with Zack Ertz gone and Marquise Brown (6-33, TD) caught the other score. There’s not much for Kyler Murray to return to but this could still be Dobbs’ final start potentially. Emari Demercado (20-78) handled almost all of the backfield work but it was surprising that they had as many carries as they did given how badly they trailed for much of the game. The Cardinals drop to a dismal 1-7 and play in Cleveland for Week 9.
Kansas City 9, Denver 24
He had the flu. Patrick Mahomes picked up the illness sometime after the final injury report was issued on Friday. And he clearly looked effected. Mahomes passed for only 241 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions. Travis Kelce (6-58) and Rashee Rice (4-56) were still the top receivers but the Chiefs struggled without a healthy Mahomes. Isiah Pacheco faced the worst defense versus running backs and only gained 40 yards on eight runs, and he caught three passes for a net of (-3) yards. Even more astounding was that the Chiefs had won the previous 16 meetings and finally lost. That drops the Chiefs to 6-2 and they play early next Sunday morning against the Dolphins in Germany.
It may not signal a turnaround in the Broncos season, but beating the Chiefs after 16 straight losses creates at least one positive to the year. Russell Wilson only threw 19 passes, completed 12 for 114 yards and yet three touchdowns. He even rushed for 30 yards on eight runs. Jerry Jeudy (2-50, TD) and Courtland Sutton (2-29, TD) were the top receivers in the meager passing stats. Javonte Williams ran for 85 yards on 27 carries and scored on his three receptions for 13 yards. The Broncos didn’t have to do much more than not make mistakes and let this win finally happen. The 3-5 Broncos head onto their bye.
Cincinnati 31, San Francisco 17
So this is what peaking too early looks like. The Bengals faced a 49ers team at their home after they had lost the previous two games. And the Bengals led 14-10 at halftime and never looked back. Joe Burrow passed for 283 yards and three touchdowns with Ja’Marr Chase (10-100, TD), Tee Higgins (5-69), and Tyler Boyd (3-40, TD) as the top receivers just like the game plan always calls. Joe Mixon ran for a healthy 87 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, plus caught three passes for 23 yards. The Bengals defense rose to the occasion and the full-team effort looked very much like the Bengals of the last two years. They rise to 4-3 and host the Bills on Sunday night.
The 49ers were 5-0 and looked like the team to beat in the NFC. Three losses in a row and the 49ers are trying to remember who they were. Deebo Samuel and LT Trent Williams were out this week. Brock Purdy threw for 365 yards and a touchdown but had two interceptions and lost a fumble. George Kittle (9-149) and Brandon Aiyuk (5-109) were the top receivers and Christian McCaffrey ran for 54 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, and caught six passes for 64 yards and a second score. The 49ers defense continue to play worse and the offense is having problems sustaining drives and turning the ball over. They fall to 5-3 which improbably has them tied with the Seahawks in the NFC West. The 49ers head onto their bye where they can get healthy again and figure out what has gone wrong.
Chicago 13, Los Angeles Chargers 30
The game was never in doubt and the Bears second score was with just 2:12 left in the game. Tyson Bagent second start only resulted in 232 passing yards, no scores and two interceptions. Cole Kmet (10-79) and DJ Moore (4-55) were still the primary receivers but the passing game couldn’t consistently move the ball. The backfield was back to a convoluted attack between D’Onta Foreman (9-34), Roschon Johnson (6-21), and Darrynton Evans (4-18). Each added a couple of catches and none of them mattered. Foreman’s impressive Week 7 won’t likely happen again unless all the rest of the backs are injured. The 2-5 Bears host the Colts this week.
The Bears’ defense usually serves up plenty of fantasy points and Justin Herbert ended with 298 yards and three touchdowns. Austin Ekeler finally met expectations when he ran for 29 yards on 15 carries, and then led the Chargers with seven catches for 94 yards and a touchdown. Keenan Allen (8-69) was solid but did not score. Joshua Palmer was knocked out of the game and Quentin Johnston looked better with his five catches for 50 yards. This was a game that met expectations but still didn’t produce any monster games. The 3-4 Chargers play at the Jets this week.
GAME-O-THE-WEEK: Philadelphia 38, Washington 31
Here’s a matchup that fantasy football loved. The Commanders led 14-3 before the Eagles woke up and still led 24-17 in the fourth quarter before Philly reeled off three touchdowns to take the lead for good. Jalen Hurts ended with 319 yards and four touchdowns while A.J. Brown (8-130, 2 TD) and DeVonta Smith (7-99, TD) were the top receivers. D’Andre Swift ran for 57 yards and a score on his 26 carries though he only gained seven yards on two receptions. Dallas Goedert was held to only36 yards on four catches. The 7-1 Eagles own the best record in the NFL and can take a big step forward in wrapping up the NFC East when they face the visiting Cowboys on Sunday.
Sam Howell had a career-high performance – almost double his previous best – when he passed for 397 yards and four touchdowns against the Eagles. For once, all the Washington receivers showed up between Jahan Dotson (8-108, TD), Terry McLaurin (5-63, TD), Jamison Crowder (7-95, TD), and even Logan Thomas (6-44, TD). Brian Robinson ran for 59 yards on ten carries and added 20 more yards off two receptions. The rushing offense wasn’t used much, but Howell threw 52 passes and took a step forward in his development. The 3-5 Commanders drop their second straight game and head to New England for Week 9.
