(1-7) Tennessee Titans 36-43 Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)
(3-5) Arizona Cardinals 33-30 Dallas Cowboys (3-5)
Confirmation of those scores as Dallas take the nastiest of defeats at home when they had it in the bag. Important win for Cincinnati too who sit one game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers at the top of the AFC North. Right with the early window closed that is me done for the night. Thank you for joining and enjoy the rest of the action from week eight … football, bloody hell.
Titans 36-43 Bengals, final score
On 4th and 3 the Titans get nervous and call the timeout with the game on the line. The pass comes and is incomplete. Game over! The Bengals survive a spirited effort from the Titans. Joe Burrow was just next level, amazing from the Bengals QB.
It’s GOOD! Cardinals 33-30 Cowboys, final score
C Ryland 42 yard field goal
Here we go then. Can Chad Ryland redeem himself after missing the extra point in regulation for the win. That was his first extra point miss in two years. ITS GOOD!!!!!!!
Immense comeback from 17-3 down as Arizona who 20 points in the final quarter to force overtime then win it in OT!
Cardinals 30-30 Cowboys 4:13, overtime
Tyler Allegeir is leading the Cardinals to victory as they enter field goal range. The running back has an amazing 145 yards on just 10 carries. Unstoppable.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 36-43 Bengals 7:00, overtime
J Burrow nine yard rush
Tennessee have absolutely nothing on defense. They look completely shattered. Chase and Higgins gash them for 21 yards and 14 yards. The pass play then breaks down and Burrow sees the space ahead to the right and he gets in. What a day for him. 462 yards. Five touchdown passes and one with his legs.
Your move Cam Ward.
Cardinals 30-30 Cowboys 7:02, overtime
Arizona’s Josh Sweat sacks Dak Prescott on 3rd down and Dallas punt after a three and out. Arizona looking for the instant field goal win now.
Titans 36-36 Bengals 9:41, overtime
Cincinnati are at midfield quickly after a 17 yard pass from Joe Burrow to Ja’marr Chase. Another 10-yard gain from Perine keeps them marching.
Cardinals 30-30 Cowboys 8:29, overtime
The Cards are on offense and are stopped short of the sticks on 3rd down. Dallas get the 3 and out. Punt. The Cowboys just need a field goal to win now.
Scores and standings
(4-4) Baltimore Ravens 10-36 Buffalo Bills (6-1)
(6-1) Minnesota Vikings 15-19 Detroit Lions (5-2)
(2-6) Indianapolis Colts 7-42 Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2)
(4-4) Las Vegas Raiders 38-33 New York Jets (2-6)
(5-3) Cleveland Browns 6-27 Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
(3-5) Atlanta Falcons 0-16 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)
Two games running into overtime now. Titans 36-36 Bengals and Cardinals 30-30 Cowboys. Crazy.
Titans 36-36 Bengals 0:27, 4th quarter
Oh no Cam Ward. He takes a criminal sack WAY behind the line of scrimmage to kill Tennessee’s hopes of winning in regulation. 4th and 16. Punt.
Titans 36-36 Bengals 12:51, 4th quarter
Cam Ward is looking to move the Titans into field goal range. On 2nd and 10 at midfield Ward drops back and scrambles to the 45-yard line. Timeout.
Cardinals 30-30 Cowboys, overtime
We are in overtime in Dallas.
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 30-30 Cowboys 0:06, 4th quarter
G Minshew to M Wilson for 13 yards
WHAT?!?!! Arizona only need the extra point to win. And Chad Ryland MISSES. Tie game.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 36-29 Bengals 1:17, 4th quarter
J Burrow to T Higgins for 18 yards
What a day for Joe Burrow. He throws five touchdown passes for the first time in his career. They tie it up with the extra point rather than trying to kill the game with the two pointer. Both teams have all three timeouts.
It’s GOOD! Cardinals 24-30 Cowboys 1:09, 4th quarter
B Aubrey 41 yard field goal
Arizona with a shot to win it with one minute on the clock. What have you got Garner Minshew?!
Final scores: Vikings 15-19 Lions, Colts 7-42 Jaguars, Raiders 38-33 Jets, Browns 6-27 Steelers, Falcons 0-16 Buccaneers
TOUCHDOWN! Ravens 10-36 Bills 5:58, 4th quarter
J Allen to D Kincaid for 23 yards
Still an age to go here for rookie Ravens QB Joe Fagnano who is 9/20 for 83 yards and a pick.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 37-29 Bengals 3:41, 4th quarter
C Ward to W Robinson for 15 yards
And they get the two point conversion! Let’s head to Cincinnati for the conclusion of this epic.
LIONS WIN!!!!!
Jared Goff sneaks it to move the chains and that is the ball game. Detroit endure a brutal first half but come out swinging to take it in the second. Minnesota are unbeaten no more.
Vikings 15-19 Lions
Final score: Raiders 38-33 Jets
Vikings 15-19 Lions 1:47, 4th quarter
The Lions are on the edge of handing Minnesota their first loss. Jahmyr Gibbs has been the difference, he is running like an absolute rocket. Minnesota can’t get a glove on him. He is 23 for 151 yards and a touchdown. Fantastic numbers. 3rd and 1, Minnesota use their final timeout.
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 24-27 Cowboys 2:11, 4th quarter
G Minshew to T McBride for 14 yards
Arizona keep pushing Dallas. Can they get a stop and force overtime?
Vikings 15-19 Lions 2:00, 4th quarter
At the warning Gibbs is taking this one home for Detroit as he gets a 1st down then gives the Lions 2nd and 2.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 28-29 Bengals 7:13, 4th quarter
J Burrow to M Gesicki for 25 yards
Joe Burrow with the magic darts to the big tight end. The QB is 28/36 for 320 yards, four touchdown and three interceptions. Busy.
Vikings 15-19 Lions 2:51, 4th quarter
Excellent job by Detroit who force a quick 4th down and Minnesota have to punt.
Final score: Falcons 0-16 Buccaneers
Heavy rain in Tampa Bay forces a low scoring slug fest.
Stats like you will never see again from Baker Mayfield: 0/3 passes for zero yards in a 16-0 win. Running back Bucky Irving finishes with 27 carries for 170 yards and Kenny Gainwell 25 carries for 140 yards giving the Bucs 324 yards total rushing. Unreal.
TOUCHDOWN! Vikings 15-19 Lions 4:35, 4th quarter
J Goff to J Williams for seven yards
We have a serious game breaking out in Detroit. Lions are 1st and Goal after the nine yard rush from Gibbs then Goff fakes the pass to Gibbs and then sees Jameson Williams streaking into the right corner of the end zone. TOUCHDOWN!
Updated
TOUCHDOWN! Ravens 10-29 Bills 12:18, 4th quarter
J Allen to DJ Moore for 11 yards
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 28-23 Bengals 11:29, 4th quarter
C Ward to C Dike for 11 yards
Huge pressure on Cincinnati now as they look to keep up with Pittsburgh heading for 6-2 against Cleveland.
Vikings 15-12 Lions 7:22, 4th quarter
Jahmyr Gibbs is just so special. He almost gets wrapped up way behind the line of scrimmage to the right then wheels back around to the left for a 17-yard gain. The Lions are quickly at midfield. Props to Jared Goff throwing blocks for Gibbs too.
TOUCHDOWN! Vikings 15-12 Lions 8:44, 4th quarter
K Murray to TJ Hockenson for eight yards
The Vikings dial up the play action and it works a treat. Kyler Murray sees Jordan Addison streaking down the centre of the field and puts it right in his hands for a huge 51-yard gain. 1st and Goal for Minnesota. Murray picks out his tight end with ease to take the lead then makes it pay with another pass to Addison for the two-point conversion.
Vikings 7-12 Lions 11:25, 4th quarter
The Lions are rallying through Aidan Hutchinson after the horrible injury for Jack Campbell. Kyler Murray gets to the edge then picks up a 1st down with a short pass. The Vikings have 70 yards to travel to try and retake the lead.
Vikings 7-12 Lions 12:54, 4th quarter
Detroit commit a costly penalty on 3rd and 1 with an illegal formation. Now 3rd and 6 and Jared Goff throws an errant ball out to the right. Punt is on the way.
Vikings 7-12 Lions 14:29, 4th quarter
Jack Campbell has left the field on the cart on a back board and the Lions are players are in tears, totally distraught. Tough for them to play on here.
Detroit get the turnover on downs though. Good for that defense.
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 17-24 Cowboys 10:46, 4th quarter
G Minshew to T Allgeier for five yards
The running back grabs his second score of the day and puts Arizona still in touch with Dallas.
SAFETY! Titans 21-23 Bengals 0:41, 3rd quarter
A good day for Tony Pollard gets a little worse as he is tackled in the end zone for the safety.
Vikings 7-12 Lions 14:49, 4th quarter
Lions linebacker Jack Campbell is down injured and it looks very serious. The game is stopped and players are kneeling around him on the field. Fingers crossed he is OK.
Fourth-quarter scores
As the final 15 minutes are upon us … except in Buffalo where there are eight minutes left of the 3rd quarter … here are the scores across the NFL.
Baltimore Ravens 10-23 Buffalo Bills
Tennessee Titans 21-21 Cincinnati Bengals
Arizona Cardinals 10-24 Dallas Cowboys
Minnesota Vikings 7-12 Detroit Lions
Indianapolis Colts 7-42 Jacksonville Jaguars
Las Vegas Raiders 35-30 New York Jets
Cleveland Browns 6-27 Pittsburgh Steelers
Atlanta Falcons 0-16 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 10-24 Cowboys 14:20, 4th quarter
D Prescott five yard rush
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 7-42 Jaguars 15:00, 4th quarter
T Lawrence to B Tuten for 25 yards
TOUCHDOWN! Raiders 35-30 Jets 11:33, 4th quarter
K Cousins to J Nailor for two yards
Kirk Cousins is on fire. The veteran QB is 17/22 for 234 yards, three scores through the air and one on the ground.
Vikings 7-12 Lions 0:32, 3rd quarter
Time to join Detroit permanently I think. Kyler Murray completes an 18 yard pass on 3rd down and Jordan Mason moves the chains again with an 11 yard dash. The Vikings have 30 yards to travel for the touchdown.
TOUCHDOWN! Ravens 10-23 Bills 8:59, 3rd quarter
J Cook five yard rush
This is why you can’t take your eye off Josh Allen. He unleashes an unbelievable 49-yard throw to DJ Moore who has to wrestle the ball off the defender to make the catch. Amazing. 1st and Goal for Buffalo. James Cook speeds out to the right and in to likely put the Bills out of sight.
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 10-17 Cowboys 0:57, 3rd quarter
T Allgeier 63 yard rush
Home run!!! Arizona back in the fight after the monster rush.
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 7-35 Jaguars 3:58, 3rd quarter
D Jones to J Downs for six yards
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 21-21 Bengals 7:41, 3rd quarter
T Pollard one yard rush
Tony Pollard doubles up and Cam Ward rushes in for the two points as Tennessee tie it up in Cincinnati.
TOUCHDOWN! Vikings 7-12 Lions 4:41, 3rd quarter
J Gibbs 30 yard rush
Advantage Detroit! Jahmyr Gibbs squirms through the trenches then skids out to the left and breaks two tackles and IS IN for the score. No running back quite like Gibbs. Two-point try is no good.
Updated
Ravens 7-16 Bills 11:49, 3rd quarter
The Ravens think they have a touchdown after Derrick Henry smashes in but Ronnie Stanley commits the holding penalty. That is as painful as they come on what looks to be a very soft call. 2nd and 10 now and Fagnano finds Mark Andrews for five yards.
Ravens 7-16 Bills 12:22, 3rd quarter
1st and Goal for Baltimore. A big penalty for roughing the passer against the Bills allowed the Ravens to move into scoring territory.
TOUCHDOWN! Falcons 0-16 Buccaneers 3:48, 3rd quarter
B Irving four yard rush
TOUCHDOWN! Raiders 28-30 Jets 4:14, 3rd quarter
K Cousins one yard rush
The touchdowns just keep coming in New York.
TOUCHDOWN! Browns 6-27 Steelers 9:38, 3rd quarter
J Warren one yard rush
Aaron Rodgers’ short pass to Darnell Washington that goes for 58 yards sets up the easiest touchdown you could ask for.
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 0-35 Jaguars 9:08, 3rd quarter
C Rodriguez 28 yard rush
It just gets worse for Indy.
Ravens 7-16 Bills 14:51, 3rd quarter
Just 52 yards of offense for the Ravens which makes sense considering they have lost two quarterbacks in this one. Joe Fagnano is back out there for Baltimore after the break. An incompletion and a short Derrick Henry run bring up 3rd down.
It’s NO GOOD! Vikings 7-6 Lions 9:48, 3rd quarter
Doink. Jake Bates hits the left upright and Detroit miss the chance to take he lead.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 13-21 Bengals 12:25, 3rd quarter
J Burrow to T Higgins for 17 yards
Another week going behind quickly, another week roaring back for Cincinnati who capitalise on the Cam Ward fumble in one play. Ouch.
Vikings 7-6 Lions 12:25, 3rd quarter
Detroit are back on the ball and have it at midfield after Jahmyr Gibbs grabs gains of 13 and eight yards.
TOUCHDOWN! Raiders 21-30 Jets 8:20, 3rd quarter
B Allen 21 yard touchdown
The offensive onslaught continues in New York. The Jets have 161 yards rushing. Braelon Allen has 142 of them on 19 carries averaging 7.5 per tote. Not bad.
TOUCHDOWN! Raiders 21-23 Jets 9:59, 3rd quarter
K Cousins to B Bowers for two yards
It’s GOOD! Ravens 7-16 Bills 0:09, 2nd quarter
T Bass 51 yard field goal
Allen motors out to the sideline who gives Tyler Bass an easy chance for another set of three points. Bass splits the uprights with ease.
Ravens 7-13 Bills 0:19, 2nd quarter
On 3rd and forever Buffalo are looking for a field goal. They call a timeout to assess their options.
Half-time scores (almost)
Here are your scores on the doors at half-time. Except in Buffalo where rookie QB Joe Fagnano has just thrown an interception in quite possibly the weirdest game of the season. There have been two turnovers each already in a mad first-half. Buffalo have plenty of time now to extend their lead before the break.
Baltimore Ravens 7-13 Buffalo Bills
Tennessee Titans 13-14 Cincinnati Bengals
Arizona Cardinals 3-14 Dallas Cowboys
Minnesota Vikings 7-6 Detroit Lions
Indianapolis Colts 0-28 Jacksonville Jaguars
Las Vegas Raiders 14-23 New York Jets
Cleveland Browns 6-20 Pittsburgh Steelers
Atlanta Falcons 0-9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Updated
It’s GOOD! Vikings 7-6 Lions 0:05, 2nd quarter
J Bates 37 yard field goal
As tight as it gets in Detroit. Second half is sure to be an absolute nerve shredder.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 13-14 Bengals 12:51, 2nd quarter
J Burrow to J Endries for one yard
PICK SIX! Colts 0-28 Jaguars 0:10, 2nd quarter
R Lane 95 yard pick six
The rookie takes the interception almost the entire field for the score. Incredible.
TOUCHDOWN! Browns 6-20 Steelers 0:01, 2nd quarter
P Freiermuth one yard rush
Easy does it for Pittsburgh.
Vikings 7-3 Lions 0:28, 2nd quarter
Three short completions leave the Lions at 4th and 1. The Vikings just refuse to let them have any easy gains. Ooo a neutral zone infraction from Minnesota does gift a 1st down. An unusual error allows Jared Goff to find a 14-yard pass to Jameson Williams. 35 yards to go.
PICK! Vikings 7-3 Lions 1:47, 2nd quarter
Kyler Murray is PICKED!!! Minnesota were moving nicely down field but the incredible turnover as the DB DJ Reed just snags it before it hits the turf. The Lions have 60 yards to travel.
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 0-21 Jaguars 1:51, 2nd quarter
B Tuten 39 yard rush
Call it off.
SACK! Ravens 7-13 Bills 4:22, 2nd quarter
Baltimore’s defense force a three and out. Joe Fagnano back at the controls for the Ravens with 80 yards to travel. He delivers a short pass and 3rd down is quickly up. He is sacked again as the linebackers runs straight up the middle. Undrafted rookie in at QB and it the Ravens offensive line is giving him no help whatsoever.
SACK! Vikings 7-3 Lions 3:10, 2nd quarter
Andrew van Ginkel is making Jared Goff’s life a living hell right now. The Lions punt again after Van Ginkel records a third sack of Goff.
Vikings 7-3 Lions 5:06, 2nd quarter
Since the pick of Jared Goff the Vikings have punted twice and the Lions are back on offesnse at midfield.
It’s NO GOOD! Ravens 7-13 Bills 7:37, 2nd quarter
Doink. Tyler Loop hits the left upright as this madcap first half just gets madder. Baltimore having no luck right now as they are now running with their third-string quarterback rookie Joe Fagnano.
SACK! Ravens 7-13 Bills 7:49, 2nd quarter
Baltimore have an excellent chance of scoring with a short field after a 60 yard return on the kickoff from Rasheen Ali.
Rookie QB Joe Fagnano is in the game for the Ravens as Snoop Huntley has hurt a foot. The young passer throws a 15 yard strike and the Ravens are 1st and Goal. Landon Jackson delivers the sack on the next play. Welcome to the NFL.
This game is all over the place. Amazing.
It’s GOOD! Ravens 7-13 Bills 9:51, 2nd quarter
T Bass 22 yard field goal
Another solid defensive effort from Baltimore is keeping the Ravens well in the fight. Can the offense respond?
TOUCHDOWN! Raiders 14-20 Jets 6:17, 2nd quarter
G Smith to A Mitchell for 12 yards
Where is the defense in New York? Shootout is in session.
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 0-14 Cowboys 5:16, 2nd quarter
D Prescott to R Flournoy for nine yards
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 0-14 Jaguars 7:14, 2nd quarter
T Lawrence to N Boerkircher for 31 yards
Cracking start for the home sides in total control.
Ravens 7-10 Bills 12:14, 2nd quarter
Scrap that. James Cook has now been ruled not short. 1st and Goal Buffalo.
Vikings 7-3 Lions 11:21, 2nd quarter
Detroit back on offense after a 3 and out from Minnesota. Only 92 yards for Jared Goff for travel after the brilliant punt. Good luck. Rather you than me.
Ravens 7-10 Bills 11:34, 2nd quarter
The Bills go for it on 4th and short. Josh Allen looks like he sneaks it but throws the lateral to James Cook. Cook reaches out and is ruled SHORT. Turnover on downs. How about that?! Huge stop from Baltimore.
FUMBLE! Ravens 7-10 Bills 14:01, 2nd quarter
Snoop Huntley is smashed and fumbles the ball to Buffalo. Josh Allen taking over in the red zone and gets five yards on a scramble. 15 yards to go.
PICK! Vikings 7-3 Lions 12:49, 2nd quarter
Jared Goff is intercepted by James Pierre who gets the ball to midfield for the Vikings. Cracking start from the best defense in the NFL. Would you expect anything less?
TOUCHDOWN! Raiders 14-13 Jets 10:44, 2nd quarter
D Laube 95 yard kickoff return
A classic clanger from the Jets as they let Dylan Laube run almost the length of the field and instantly put the Raiders back on top.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 13-7 Bengals 13:20, 1st quarter
J Burrow to J Chase for 30 yards
Cincinnati on the board after a lovely deep ball to Ja’marr Chase.
TOUCHDOWN! Vikings 7-3 Lions 14:25, 2nd quarter
K Murray to J Jefferson for one yard
Minnesota take the lead after a 15 yard rush put the Vikings on the goal line. A short pass to their star receiver gets the job done on the 74-yard drive.
TOUCHDOWN! Raiders 7-13 Jets 10:56, 2nd quarter
G Smith to I Williams for 18 yards
It’s GOOD! Browns 0-10 Steelers 14:05, 2nd quarter
C Boswell 20 yard field goal
Pittsburgh’s red zone offense struggles, as it often does, as Aaron Rodgers throws a couple of balls away on 1st and 2nd and Goal. On 3rd Jaylen Warren is stuffed well short of the goal line. Chip shot is good but chance wasted for Pittsburgh.
Vikings 0-3 Lions 0:51, 1st quarter
Minnesota in the red zone after a 29-yard strike from Murray to TJ Hockenson. Wonderful shake and bake from the tight end to get into space.
Updated
TOUCHDOWN! Ravens 7-10 Bills 3:18, 1st quarter
D Henry two yard rush
The Ravens are 1st and Goal and only three yards out after an 11 yard rush from Derrick Henry. That interception from the Baltimore defense is exactly what the doctor ordered and they have the score through Henry who rumbles through the middle. Boy did they need that.
It’s GOOD! Vikings 0-3 Lions 2:18, 1st quarter
J Bates 25 yard field goal
Jared Goff is frustrated as he walks off but the Lions will be happy to have something on the board against the Vikings.
Lamar Jackson will not return
Brutal for the Baltimore Ravens who will be without quarterback Jackson for the remainder of the game against Buffalo.
… meanwhile the Ravens pick off Josh Allen! Game on!
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 0-7 Cowboys 2:33, 1st quarter
Fumble return for touchdown
Dallas ahead as they chase getting to 4-4 on the season.
Ravens 0-10 Bills 4:17, 1st quarter
The Ravens quickly are forced to punt. Buffalo on top and then some with Lamar Jackson on the sidelines.
Vikings 0-0 Lions 4:27, 1st quarter
Andrew van Ginkel has his second sack of the day already in Detroit. The Lions think they have a touchdown to Amon-Ra St Brown but it is chalked off due to it being ruled incomplete. 2nd down and 25 yards to go for the Lions to draw first blood.
It’s GOOD! Ravens 0-10 Bills 12:51, 1st quarter
T Bass 56 yard field goal
Slice of luck for Tyler Bass who hits a post and it still goes through. Meanwhile Lamar Jackson has injured the thumb on his throwing hand. Waiting to see if he will be able to return.
TOUCHDOWN! Browns 0-7 Steelers 7:57, 1st quarter
R Dowdle nine yard rush
The big back gets the nod and fights into the end zone to give Pittsburgh an early lead in the battle for the AFC North.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 10-0 Bengals 12:51, 1st quarter
T Pollard 41 yard rush
Tennessee pick up where they left off from last week’s defeat using the skills of Tony Pollard. Another hat-trick this week might secure a much-needed win.
TOUCHDOWN! Raiders 7-3 Jets 7:23, 1st quarter
K Cousins to B Bowers for 12 yards
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 0-7 Jaguars 5:30, 1st quarter
T Lawrence to B Thomas for 12 yards
Great start for Jacksonville who are looking to put their disappointing loss in London to Houston behind them after their bye week.
Jackson EXITS after first play
Ravens 0-7 Bills 10:00, 1st quarter
Oh no. On the opening play for Lamar Jackson hits his hand on Greg Rousseau and is out of the game. Tyler Huntley in at QB as Jackson goes straight to the locker room. Bills bring up an early 3rd down.
SACK! Vikings 0-0 Lions 9:28, 1st quarter
The Lions are punting after a pair of sacks from Andrew van Ginkel and Eric Wilson. Minnesota take over from their 10-yard line.
TOUCHDOWN! Ravens 0-7 Bills 10:10, 1st quarter
J Allen one yard rush
Wow. Khalil Shakir is in for the touchdown but it is ruled out as the receiver just put his foot out of bounds before being tackled into the end zone.
Buffalo have to go back to it on the one-yard line. Josh Allen goes for the sneak but goes way too wide to the left and the Ravens get the stop.
On 4th and Goal Allen goes again and is met by a huge mass of bodies. He rises above the sea of muscle and reaches the ball in for the score! Very strong start from Buffalo, they were not going to be denied.
Ravens 0-0 Bills 11:38, 1st quarter
No such problems for Josh Allen. Buffalo cruise to 1st and Goal on the back of 18 and 25-yard passes to Khalil Shakir.
Vikings 0-0 Lions 13:08, 1st quarter
Minnesota are finding some offensive production immediately against Detroit. A short pass from Kyler Murray to Ben Yurosek goes for 24 yards. Shortly after two incompletions and the Vikings miss a 57-yard field goal. Early chance for the Lions on the way.
Ravens 0-0 Bills 15:00, 1st quarter
Great to see Lamar Jackson going through his warmups. The NFL isn’t the same without his extraordinary talents. The Bills defense will likely be a little nervous as they sit comfortably as the worst in the NFL.
Fortunately for them Josh Allen will take over on offense for the Bills at the 40-yard line aster the Ravens boot it out of play to start. Oops.
Kick-offs on the way very shortly! Don’t want to jinx it but I am getting very good vibes that there are going to be some thrillers on the way. Blue 52, blue 52, hut … hut … HIKE!
One of the biggest surprises of the season has to be the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers juking it out at the top of the AFC North both on 5-2. I had both down to struggle mightily but strong defenses have kept the Ws flowing for both franchises.
The rivalry between the two is serious. Browns edge rusher Jared Verse caused a stir earlier this season when he criticised for the Steelers for playing dirty after Cleveland’s 27-24 win from week four.
“I don’t got no respect for anybody that plays too dirty, and that does too much extra shit after the game,” he said.
“I can’t wait until we see them again,” Verse added. “I’m going to put that one on the calendar. I can’t wait to get my hands on them again.”
Pittsburgh’s defensive lineman Cam Heyward fired back this week.
“Double teaming, sliding, chipping, are those not allowed in our game?” Heyward said. “Yeah, I got the bruises to prove it. But we don’t whine about it, baby. It’s part of the game. And so, I’m looking forward to this game. It’s gonna be a fun game.”
The Steelers are heavy home favourites but Verse leads a Browns defense with the power to spring a surprise.
Something has to give in Detroit today as the NFL’s best defense meet an offense scoring more than 30 points per game. Minnesota’s defensive coordinator Brian Flores has unbelievable stopping power at his disposal and will need to unleash all of it to stop the Lions’ impressive offense.
If the unbeaten Vikings do have any struggles in shutting down running back Jahmyr Gibbs and their strong receiving crew then it will be fascinating to see if Minnesota’s quarterback Kyler Murray can find some joy against a poor Lions defense. Murray and company have only nine offensive touchdowns so far but will have opportunities to flex their muscles today. Some more confidence and offensive production will certainly be needed in the postseason.
Updated
A pair of quarterback heavyweights?! Yes, just a bit. Lamar Jackson returns from a three-game absence for the Baltimore Ravens to face Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. Jackson’s two MVP awards play Allen’s one but Allen is very much the favourite to add to a second to his trophy cabinet after a scintillating start to the season.
After their own hot start with Jackson at the controls the Ravens have slumped to 4-3. Two defeats in succession leave Baltimore bottom of the AFC North. So they will be hoping Jackson can jump back in and stop the slide. Unfortunately the omens aren’t great. The Bills have beaten the Ravens on three straight occasions at home, the latest being last season’s thriller from the opening week as Buffalo scored 16 unanswered points in the final four minutes to overturn a 15-point deficit in their 41-40 victory.
Let’s hope for another epic today.
Preamble
Hi and hello football fans! With Halloween in the rearview mirror and the season’s halfway point almost upon us the race to the playoffs is beginning to take shape. Who can overcome early struggles for a spot in January? Who will maintain their searing run to the postseason? Week eight might just provide a couple of answers in an exciting early window of eight games from 12pm CST/1pm EST/5pm GMT (home teams listed second):
(4-3) Baltimore Ravens v Buffalo Bills (5-1)
(1-6) Tennessee Titans v Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)
(2-5) Arizona Cardinals v Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
(6-0) Minnesota Vikings v Detroit Lions (4-2)
(2-5) Indianapolis Colts v Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2)
(3-4) Las Vegas Raiders v New York Jets (2-5)
(5-2) Cleveland Browns v Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
(3-4) Atlanta Falcons v Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5)
There is a potential classic between two QB heavyweights in the AFC as the Ravens take on the Bills, then the Browns and Steelers battle it out for top spot in the AFC North with the main event coming from the NFC North as the unbeaten Vikings take on the Lions in Detroit. It could be a very fun afternoon. Strap in!
