There were a lot of exciting games in Week 8.  Important victories this week were: Cardinals @ Panthers (20-30), Seahawks @ Saints (20-25), Chiefs @ Colts (30-14), Jets @ Browns (31-28), Patriots @ Bills (41-25), Raiders @ Buccaneers (30-24 after overtime), Packers @ Falcons (32-33), Eagles @ Cowboys (23-29 after overtime), and Vikings @ Bears (10-20).  The game in London ended in a tie as the Bengals and Redskins, two teams that needed victories to remain near the top of their divisions, drew 27-27.

There were a few players who had spectacular outings in Week 8.  Derek Carr was instrumental in the Raiders’ 30-24 overtime win in Tampa Bay, throwing for 513 yards and four touchdowns, including the game-winner.  Kirk Cousins put up remarkable numbers in the tie against the Bengals in London, throwing for 458 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Jordan Howard took over the game for the Bears on Monday Night Football, rushing for 153 yards and a touchdown.  Amari Cooper led the NFL in receiving yards with 153.  Bobby Wagner (Seahawks) and Telvin Smith (Jaguars) tied for most tackles in Week 8 with 15 apiece.

Week 9 is another slow week as many teams have byes.  The Cardinals, Bears, Bengals, Texans, Patriots, and Redskins all have byes this week.  The Falcons play the Buccaneers in the Thursday Night matchup, while the Bills play the Seahawks on Monday night.  Important Sunday matchups include: Lions @ Vikings, Steelers @ Ravens, Jets @ Dolphins, Eagles @ Giants, Panthers @ Rams, and Colts @ Packers.  The Sunday Night Football matchup will be Broncos @ Raiders.