Week 8 WINNERS
Christian McCaffrey
What a day it was for Christian McCaffrey in his first full game with the San Fransisco 49ers! CMC became the first running back since LaDainian Tomlinson to register a rushing, passing and receiving touchdown in the same game as he led the 9ers to a 31-14 win in Week 8. Fans had high expectations of what McCaffrey could bring to this offence alongside Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, but no one could have expected just how explosive he would be right out of the gate. The 49ers will now take a week off and enjoy the bye at 4-4 before coming back to host the Chargers on Sunday Night Football in Week 10.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are now 5-3 with three straight wins after a 27-13 victory against the New York Giants in Week 8. In a season where they were basically written off from the start, the Hawks have been one of the most surprising teams in the league and are starting to emerge as a serious threat in the NFC. Geno Smith is proving that his hot start was not a fluke, while the defence is really starting to find their stride. With tons of cap space and a plethora of draft picks in the near future, Seattle seems to be reloading for another decade of success in the NFC. And yeah, Pete Carroll probably wasn’t the problem last season.
Alvin Kamara
Alvin Kamara may have taken those trade rumors personally. After news surfaced that the Saints may be moving on from their start running back, Kamara answered with his best game of the season. He scored his first, second and third touchdowns of the year on Sunday while racking up 62 yards on the ground and 96 on 9 receptions through the air. It was a vintage performance that reminded the whole league just how dominant he can be when given ample opportunity to shine. Recently, the Saints are finding ways to get him the ball more in the passing game, something that needs to continue if this team has any hopes of getting back in the playoff hunt.
Week 8 LOSERS
D.J. Moore and Eddy Pineiro
The Panthers really should be at the top of the NFC South division right now. Instead, they’re two games off the lead at 2-6 and in last place. Carolina was down by 6 with less than 30 seconds left in the game when QB PJ Walker made arguably the throw of the season to hit DJ Moore for a 62 yard score to tie the game. After making the grab, Moore took his helmet off during his celebration and was charged with a 15 yard penalty that would be enforced on the extra point. With the game on his leg, Eddy Pineiro missed the kick wide left, and the game moved to overtime.
In the extra quarter, CJ Henderson intercepted a pass from Falcons’ QB Marcus Mariota to once again set Pineiro up to win the game with his leg. Pineiro missed again though, this time from 32 yards, and the Panthers would never get another chance with the ball. What a way to lose a football game.
Dan Campbell
Dan Campbell and the Lions are now 1-6 following a Week 8 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The Lions actually got off to an incredible start, scoring three touchdowns on their first three drives to go up 21-7 before things started to come off the rails. After going into the second half up 27-17, the Lions did not score another point and ultimately lost by 4. Even after management came out and said that Campbell’s job is safe in Detroit, a few more losses like this one might force their hands into making a change.
Las Vegas Raiders
Derek Carr did not take a snap on New Orleans’ side of the field in Week 8. The game was an absolute disaster for the Raiders, who were shut out in New Orleans by a score of 24-0. Carr ended the game with just 101 total yards of passing while Josh Jacobs cooled down to record 43 yards on 10 touches. The team is now 2-5 and faces an extremely uphill battle as they look to get back into playoff contention.
