7 biggest takeaways from Week 8 of NFL season

Week 8 of the NFL season provided plenty of storylines, from dominant individual performances to teams raising questions about their ability to compete at a high level. Here are seven of the biggest takeaways from the weekend.

MORE:NFL contenders & pretenders after Week 8

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Dallas finds another way to let a game slip away

Nov 1, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) rolls out against the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Cowboys ran the ball 39 times while Dak Prescott attempted just 29 passes. A conservative offensive approach can be difficult to maintain in the NFL, and Dallas ultimately allowed Arizona to come all the way back after building a comfortable lead. No Dallas receiver finished with more than 58 receiving yards, which was another major concern. Jerry Jones could eventually consider changes to the coaching staff, including the defensive coordinator and possibly Brian Schottenheimer, although an immediate change is unlikely.

Josh Allen leads another strong offensive showing

Oct 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks on before the game against the New England Patriots at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Josh Allen was once again a major reason for Buffalo’s success, throwing for 289 yards and two touchdowns while adding another touchdown on the ground. Allen connected with Dalton Kincaid for 86 yards and a touchdown, while DJ Moore returned from injury and contributed 82 yards and a touchdown. James Cook also had a strong performance, rushing for 80 yards and a touchdown while adding two receptions for 21 yards. Cook did leave the game with an injury but was able to return.

Las Vegas gives Mike Washington a massive workload

Oct 25, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (4) rushes the ball against the Los Angeles Rams sin the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Kirk Cousins finished with 247 passing yards and three touchdowns, including two touchdown passes to Brock Bowers. Mike Washington carried the ball 25 times for 83 yards, while Ashton Jeanty received only two rushing attempts for nine yards. Jeanty was more involved as a receiver, catching three passes for 64 yards. While Las Vegas clearly likes what Washington provides as a runner, the difference in carries between the two backs was much more significant than expected.

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Pittsburgh dominates on the ground once again

Sep 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) runs during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle combined for 32 carries, 199 rushing yards and two touchdowns to lead Pittsburgh. Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth also made a major impact, combining for five receptions and 129 yards. Pittsburgh dominated Cleveland much like it did the previous time the two teams met. The Steelers enter their bye week at 6-2 and will need to find a way to improve their passing offense if they want to make a deep playoff run.

Detroit’s rushing attack overwhelms Minnesota

Oct 25, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) enter the field for warm up against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Lions picked up a huge victory, with Jahmyr Gibbs leading the way with 23 carries for 153 yards and a touchdown. Gibbs was nearly unstoppable in the second half. Sione Vaki also contributed 11 carries for 65 yards as Detroit consistently attacked Minnesota’s run defense. Jameson Williams added four catches for 70 yards and a touchdown after finding ways to get open. Detroit’s defense has also shown significant improvement over the past couple of weeks.

Drake Maye turns things around after halftime

Oct 18, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) gets set to take the field prior to a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Drake Maye struggled during the first half before becoming more aggressive with his downfield throws after halftime. He finished with 199 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown to help New England secure the victory. The Patriots were also without A.J. Brown and TreVeyon Henderson but still managed to play well against Miami. New England needs to get healthier offensively or potentially make a trade to strengthen the unit.

Trevor Lawrence makes the most of limited work

Sep 27, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) carries the ball for seven yards during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Trevor Lawrence was extremely efficient, completing 10 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns. Jacksonville took its foot off the gas in the fourth quarter after building a large lead, limiting Lawrence’s workload. Bhayshul Tuten rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown while adding 55 receiving yards and another touchdown. When Jacksonville can get Tuten into open space, he has the ability to completely change a game.

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