NFL 2023: Week 8 Takeaways

We’ve almost approached the halfway point of the NFL season. Check out the Week 8 takeaways.

We’ve almost approached the halfway point of the NFL season. Check out previews, matchups and notes for the Week 8 slate.

First & Jenn’s Game of the Week

Los Angeles Rams @ Dallas Cowboys

Rams: I would raise a red flag when it comes to the Rams defense here. To allow 33 points in the first half is insane, and a little late to be making adjustments in the second to allow for only 10.

Cowboys: The Cowboys played a nearly perfect game with the exception of some minor issues but took a much needed win.

First & Jenn’s Game to Skip

Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos

Chiefs: I know the Chiefs are the Chiefs but to lose to the Broncos, who struggled tremendously this year, is insane to me. I think that raises some red flags about the team and where that puts them as they take on two tough teams next: the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles.

Broncos: For the Broncos, I think this is a much-needed confidence boosting win. Not only that, but it kind of puts them in some fighting position for the division – not that they’ll win it, but it doesn’t take them out of the running.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Buffalo Bills

Buccaneers: The Buccaneers defense looks to be a bigger concern after this game than probably realized. They gave up over 400 yards and 17 too many points in the first half where it was too late to turn things around in the second.

Bills: The Bills aren’t a real standout team in the AFC right now, in my opinion, so I think this was a much-needed win to put them back in the race.

Houston Texans @ Carolina Panthers

Texans: I think the Texans have the right idea and maybe win this game without the punts and penalties. 

Panthers: The Panthers managed to get their first win of the season over a team that simply played worse, but there really is no hope (in my opinion) as the season goes on.

Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

Vikings: The Vikings are quite literally average and have done just enough to keep 

Packers: This might be the worst game the Packers played this season. Any aspect that went wrong, went wrong for the team. Luckily, they can (hopefully) only go up from here.

New Orleans Saints @ Indianapolis Colts

Saints: I think this is a very impressive win for the Saints that is worthy of putting them as a middle of the pack team in the NFL. It’s what they do from here that will make me think they could be in the playoffs.

Colts: The Colts actually allowed over 500 yards. Let that speak for itself.

New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins

Patriots: And just like that, the Patriots are back to crumbling this season. Divisional games are tough, but the Dolphins are a way tougher team than people realize.

Dolphins: Very impressive win for the team. Tagovailoa put up great numbers and the rest of the team really executed in a good point of the season.

New York Jets @ New York Giants

Jets: I feel like it’s frustrating to watch the Jets struggle because we know they’re a great team. They pull out another win, but against a team that is way below .500.

Giants: Not sure what to make of this Giants team as they continue to struggle this season, I think this would’ve been the win they needed to try bounce back.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Jaguars: The Jaguars were definitely a fun team to watch in this game.

Steelers: On the other hand, things were not so fun for the Steelers.

Atlanta Falcons @ Tennessee Titans

Falcons: I think the loss stems from Heinicke stepping in, so it’s not really a huge loss.

Titans: This win puts the Titans on the right track if they want to make a late-season comeback.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Commanders

Eagles: Regardless of any bumps in the Eagles’ road right now, the team still continues to dominate and somehow, record wise, continue to be the best team in the NFL.

Commanders: The Commanders are quite the confusing and frustrating team. They might dominate or keep it close against some teams or get blown out by others. The team’s inconsistencies, especially after this game, are shooting them in the foot.

Cleveland Browns @ Seattle Seahawks

Browns: It can’t always be a good week for the Browns, and I think it starts with having a different quarterback in the game against a really good Seahawks team.

Seahawks: The Seahawks looked phenomenal, but the turnovers and takeaways keep them from being an even better team.

Baltimore Ravens @ Arizona Cardinals

Ravens: The thing that concerns me about the Ravens is how little they were able to extend plays against a one-win team.

Cardinals: I can’t tell if the Cardinals are trying to figure things out late in the season.

Cincinnati Bengals @ San Francisco 49ers

Bengals: If you’re the Bengals, this is an incredible win and confidence boost to stay in the AFC conversation.

49ers: I don’t know what anyone else is thinking, I would be very worried as the 49ers having lost by double digits for the second consecutive week. 

Chicago Bears @ Los Angeles Chargers

Bears: Usually, I’d say that having a backup QB in the game kind of gives you an edge because the opposing film doesn’t have much film on that player. Unfortunately, that couldn’t help here.

Chargers: The Chargers’ inconsistencies this season makes it really hard for me to see whether or not they can contend in the AFC.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Detroit Lions

Raiders: The Raiders needed this game in order to stay in the conversation, if there was any conversation to be had. Now, it’s officially rebuild season for the team.

Lions: Very impressed with the Lions this season, especially this game. They put up nearly 500 total yards. 

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