Week 8 of the NFL season delivered unprecedented chaos across the league, featuring historic statistics, stunning fourth-quarter collapses, and a wave of devastating quarterback injuries. From unusual shutout wins to rare scoring milestones known as scorigami, Sunday's slate of games upended expectations and sent shockwaves through the conference standings.
Historic Milestones and Bizarre Stat Lines
Sunday's matchups produced feats that had not been witnessed in decades, or in some cases, ever before in NFL history. Baker Mayfield led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 16-0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons despite going 0-for-3 passing. This unusual stat line made the Bucs the first team since 1974 to win a game without completing a single pass. Meanwhile, the Falcons surrendered a staggering 324 rushing yards, the most allowed in franchise history.
In another wild contest, the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Tennessee Titans 43-36, achieving a true scorigami—marking the first time that specific final score has ever occurred in an NFL game. Over in Detroit, Jahmyr Gibbs dominated the Minnesota Vikings with 153 rushing yards, becoming the first player since 2011 to rush for at least 150 yards against a team that entered the matchup with a record of 6-0 or better.
Ravens Devastated by Quarterback Injuries
The Baltimore Ravens suffered a brutal blow to their roster during the first half of their matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Lamar Jackson exited the game on the very first offensive play due to a thumb injury, and backup Tyler Huntley followed him to the sideline in the second quarter with a toe injury.
This string of misfortune made the Ravens the first team since 2017 to have three different quarterbacks throw a pass in the first half of a single game. With Jackson headed for injured reserve, undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano was forced to step in as the team's remaining healthy signal-caller. The Bills defense capitalized on the depleted roster, forcing three turnovers to secure the win.
Key Takeaways and Team Performances
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Led by a dominant pass rush featuring T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Patrick Queen, the Steelers sacked Deshaun Watson eight times. Running back Jaylen Warren rushed for 143 yards, propelling Pittsburgh into the AFC North lead ahead of their bye week.
- Denver Broncos: Trailing the Kansas City Chiefs late in the game, Bo Nix engineered a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback, capped off by an epic goal-line stand to seal the victory.
- Washington Commanders: In their first game without Terry McLaurin, the Commanders applied constant pressure on Tanner McKee, sacking him five times to secure a decisive divisional win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
- New England Patriots: After a sluggish first half, Drake Maye sparked a dramatic second-half turnaround, going 9 of 10 for 146 yards and two touchdowns to overcome a 13-3 deficit against the Miami Dolphins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team won a game without completing a single pass in Week 8?
Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 16-0 while going 0-for-3 passing, making them the first team since 1974 to win without a completed pass.
What historic quarterback injuries did the Baltimore Ravens face?
Lamar Jackson left the game on the first play due to a thumb injury, and Tyler Huntley exited in the second quarter with a toe injury, forcing undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano into action.
How many rushing yards did Jahmyr Gibbs put up against the Vikings?
Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 153 yards against Minnesota, marking the first time a player rushed for at least 150 yards against a 6-0 or better team since 2011.