NFL Week 8: Top 5 storylines from Sunday
With the NFL Week 8 games behind us, here are the five storylines which will dominate the news cycle for the days to come.
5. The Bengals not ready for primetime?
After beating the Baltimore Ravens to become the AFC’s No. 1 seed, the Bengals went on the road and faced the New York Jets. New York, who started rookie quarterback Mike White in his first NFL start, gave up 405 passing yards and three touchdowns to the neophyte, losing 34-31 after leading 31-20 with less than five minutes remaining. A brutal loss for the Bengals, especially considering they have a tough schedule ahead.
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4. Vikings falter against backup quarterback, might be through
The Minnesota Vikings had a bye week at 3-3. They came back and got a home game in primetime against Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback Cooper Rush, with Dak Prescott nursing a calf injury. Because of course they did, the Vikings managed to lose 20-16 while allowing 360 passing yards. At 3-4, Minnesota remains in th thick of the wild card chase, but it’s tough to take them seriously after such an absurd defeat.
3. What to make of the Steelers and Browns
With the Steelers and Browns both getting ample rest coming into Sunday — Cleveland played last Thursday and Pittsburgh was on a bye — the AFC North clash was supposed to be a good one. Instead, both teams slopped through a 15-10 Steelers win, giving Pittsburgh a half-game edge over Cleveland for third place in the division. Through half the season, it’s tough seeing either making the AFC playoffs considering the still competition.
Read: NFL Week 8 – Notes And Observations From Sunday
2. The Saints are without Jameis Winston, and maybe for the year
New Orleans pulled off perhaps the day’s most impressive win, pulling within a half-game of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South by beating them 36-27. However, the victory as costly with quarterback Jameis Winston potentially suffering a season-ending torn ACL. If Winston is indeed finished, the combination of Trevor Siemian and Taysom Hill has to figure out a way to get New Orleans from 5-2 into the playoffs. It’s possible, but it won’t be easy.
1. The Jaguars might not win another game (save for the Houston rematch)
Jacksonville is a mess. After somehow winning a game — the Jaguars should send a thank you note to the Miami Dolphins — Urban Meyer’s team had a bye week before going to Seattle to face Geno Smith and the Seahawks. Jacksonville was crushed, losing 31-7 while Trevor Lawrence threw for 238 yards on 54 attempts. A brutal showing to be kind.
