32 Thoughts Ahead of NFL Week 8
Each Friday throughout the 2024 NFL season, we're performing a leaguewide check-in with quick-hit takes about all 32 squads based on news, fodder, trends and/or results.
With the NFL's Nov. 5 trade deadline now less than a fortnight out, the buzz is picking up.
Let's jump into what's dominating the national football conversation this week.
AFC East
1 of 8
Buffalo Bills: It's nearly November, and Josh Allen still hasn't thrown an interception this season. The Bills have only two turnovers in seven games even though Allen ranks fifth in intended air yards per target. That's something to keep in mind, as Buffalo remains at least slightly under the radar due to a pair of tough road losses to Baltimore and Houston.
Miami Dolphins: It's going to be tough to watch Tua Tagovailoa if he returns Sunday because of the physical trauma we've seen him endure over the last few years. There's this fear of impending doom, and I'm not convinced he alone can fix the seemingly broken Dolphins, who still have to travel to Buffalo, Green Bay and Houston in November and December.
New England Patriots: What Drake Maye is doing with very limited support is quite remarkable. His strong play alone is making this brutal season worth it for the Patriots.
New York Jets: We all knew firing Robert Saleh would do nothing. He and his defense weren't the problem. The Jets won't have a chance until they accept that bringing in Aaron Rodgers was a mistake that has done far more harm than good.
AFC North
2 of 8
Baltimore Ravens: At the very least, this has become the NFL's most entertaining team. There have been at least 53 points scored in each of their last three games, and at least 45 in all seven of 'em. The Ravens' defense is flawed, but that might not matter.
Cincinnati Bengals: They remain a bit out of sync, but a friendly schedule has helped them overcome that to rebound from a horrendous start. They'll now need to bring it all together with the Eagles and Ravens looming in the next three weeks.
Cleveland Browns: Prior to his Achilles tear on Sunday, Deshaun Watson completed 12 throws for first downs on 47 third-down attempts. Jameis Winston has completed five throws for first downs on five third-down attempts. OK, I'm at least a little intrigued. I also wonder if that's it for Watson in Cleveland, and possibly even as an NFL starter.
Pittsburgh Steelers: In his Steelers debut, Russell Wilson completed four of five deep pass attempts for 138 yards and a 118.8 passer rating. He brings an element to the offense that Justin Fields can't quite offer.
AFC South
3 of 8
Houston Texans: The Texans are losing the exact games you can tolerate losing: road inter-conference matchups against strong opponents. Nobody's going to judge you too harshly for losing in Minnesota or Green Bay, especially since those results are less likely than anything else to impact playoff tiebreakers.
Indianapolis Colts: They do keep finding ways to compete, but Anthony Richardson has to be much better than he has been. He's been generally awful as a passer, especially in key situations like in the second half of one-score games and on third down. Let's see if the NFL's lowest-rated qualified passer can iron some things out, or if he'll wilt during an incredibly tough upcoming run against the Texans, Vikings, Bills, Jets and Lions.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Considering what they've invested in Trevor Lawrence and Doug Pederson, I don't think they have much choice but to remain all-in and hope like hell for a miraculous climb back from 1-5. That likely means holding onto Travis Etienne Jr. to pair with the emerging Tank Bigsby.
Tennessee Titans: In the fourth quarter this season, they're averaging 2.8 yards per play and have scored only one touchdown. That's something the coaching staff has to fix, as it's indicative of good scripting and scheming but poor adjustments and depth.
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AFC West
4 of 8
Denver Broncos: They're now 11-7 in their last 18 games despite shakiness at quarterback and unspectacular talent across the board. At some point, we need to start crediting head coach Sean Payton.
Kansas City Chiefs: At this point, there are a million ways to go with takes on the Chiefs. The offense is bound to get back on track, at which point they'll become unstoppable. The offense is broken, which will eventually catch up to them. The current model works because their record speaks for itself. Eventually their luck will run out. Pick a lane, ideally before they travel to Buffalo in three weeks' time.
Las Vegas Raiders: The shame is there are some good parts here, both offensively and defensively. The right quarterback really could turn this franchise into something legit, but that doesn't exist on this roster.
Los Angeles Chargers: The defense has unexpectedly surrendered a league-low 13.8 points per game, but I still doubt that's remotely sustainable. The schedule has done them plenty of favors. They rank eighth in defensive DVOA, and that is also likely inflated based on their overall talent.
NFC East
5 of 8
Dallas Cowboys: The bye better have fixed them, because their season is on the line during their upcoming stretch against San Francisco, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Houston and Washington. Things are about to heat up in Big D.
New York Giants: So much for that not-horrible start to the season from Daniel Jones. I don't know that he'll survive the remainder of this tough run with Pittsburgh and Washington on deck. I remain convinced we'll see a lot more of Drew Lock soon.
Philadelphia Eagles: It's not difficult to remain in the picture when you're drawing teams like Cleveland and the Giants following a bye week. However, I still don't trust the Eagles one bit as they prepare for a brutal six-game stretch that includes trips to Cincinnati, Dallas and Baltimore.
Washington Commanders: The Jayden Daniels injury is a shame, even if you're not a Washington fan but enjoy exciting things in life. However, the team is right to be patient with him. This is about the long run. The Commanders ain't winning the Super Bowl this year.
NFC North
6 of 8
Chicago Bears: Good timing for a matchup with Washington post-bye. They might hit November without having lost since Sept. 22. I wouldn't be surprised to see Caleb Williams light it up in the vicinity of where he grew up.
Detroit Lions: They've hit a groove, and it's becoming increasingly obvious that they're the team to beat in the NFC. Their remaining schedule is tough, and the NFC North could become cannibalistic, but the rest of the division has it just as tough schedule-wise. Besides, it's not as though any team in the NFC East, South or West looks like a potential No. 1 seed right now.
Green Bay Packers: They can't afford to overlook Jacksonville in Week 8, but the most important juncture of their season lies just beyond that. Their Week 10 bye is sandwiched by meetings with Detroit and Chicago. If they go 2-0 there, they'll be the team to beat. But if they go 0-2, their season may be headed down the drain.
Minnesota Vikings: The schedule doesn't present too many challenges between now and a back-to-back against Green Bay and Detroit to finish the year, so they'll likely hang around even if some of that September magic continues to fade.
NFC South
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Atlanta Falcons: Kirk Cousins is going to have letdown games on occasion. Always has. They're still the favorite in this division, but the big question is whether the 36-year-old quarterback will have another dud in a big spot.
Carolina Panthers: Wishing Andy Dalton a quick recovery, as you hate to see guys go down on or off the field, but I am looking forward to seeing Bryce Young back in there for Carolina. There wasn't much of a point in not giving him a chance to work through things in what is clearly a lost season. Keep in mind, he's barely 23!
New Orleans Saints: It's time to blow it up. The party's over. They can't let themselves be fooled by potential victories over the Chargers and/or Panthers between now and the trade deadline.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The defense might be a problem, and it's fair to wonder if Baker Mayfield is coming back to earth with five interceptions in his last two games. At the very least, the Bucs' ceiling is a lot lower than Atlanta's, especially with Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the year and Mike Evans (hamstring) out through at least their Week 11 bye.
NFC West
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Arizona Cardinals: At the very least, I think Kyler Murray has done enough so far to shut down any debate about his future in Arizona beyond 2024. There's a long way to go, but the ingredients may be in place.
Los Angeles Rams: They now have time to potentially discuss trades during an extended stretch off before a meeting with Seattle that could represent the end of an era if they become busy at the trade deadline.
San Francisco 49ers: This division is obviously still winnable, but I'm beginning to believe this might be a lost season for the 49ers. The real Brock Purdy may be appearing now that his supporting cast is depleted, and there isn't a lot to be positive about. Even if they sneak into the playoffs, the road might be too tough. And then huge questions will surround Purdy's future entering 2025.
Seattle Seahawks: That big win in Atlanta came out of nowhere, but the Seahawks don't strike me as a team that can do that consistently. A team that has generally struggled at home is in big trouble with the Bills coming to town Sunday.
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