The article highlights five key elements to monitor during Week 8 of the NFL season, including the Chiefs as the sole unbeaten team, the Ravens aiming for a record-setting offensive performance, rookie Brock Bowers’ impressive stats, Giants’ Dexter Lawrence leading in sacks, and two quarterbacks on notable streaks. Each point emphasizes historical context and potential achievements as teams compete on the field.
Every weekend in the NFL, various dynamics and record-breaking opportunities come to the forefront. As we dive into the eighth week of the season, here are five key points worth monitoring.
– Explore more: Our Week 8 Predictions: Here’s hoping Tua stays on track…
– Discover: The Chiefs prepare for battle
1. Only One Team Remains Undefeated
Following the Vikings’ defeat to the Lions, the Chiefs stand as the sole unbeaten team in the NFL with a 6-0 record. They will face off against the Raiders, aiming to join the ranks of exceptional Super Bowl champions by improving to 7-0. The last team to achieve this feat was the Patriots in 2019, along with previous teams like the 2015 Patriots, the 2011 Packers, the 2007 Colts, the 1998 Broncos, and the 1990 49ers. After their match against the Raiders, the Chiefs will take on the Buccaneers, Broncos, Bills, Panthers, and then the Raiders again as November progresses.
2. Dominant on the Road
The Ravens boast the top offense in the NFL, averaging 31.1 points and 461.4 yards per game. They are heading to Cleveland, where they could achieve a remarkable milestone. In their previous two road victories—against Tampa in Week 7 and Cincinnati in Week 5—the Ravens scored 41 points each time. If they can replicate this performance in Cleveland, they will become the first team since the Houston Oilers in 1961 to score at least 40 points in three consecutive road games.
3. A Standout Rookie
Despite playing for the struggling Raiders, rookie tight end Brock Bowers deserves more recognition this season. Selected as the 13th pick in the recent draft, he has already accumulated 47 receptions for 477 yards. If he maintains his current trajectory, he could finish the season with 114 catches and 1,158 yards, setting new records for rookie tight ends. Facing the Chiefs, he has the potential to become the first rookie tight end ever to achieve at least eight receptions in five separate games, as well as the third tight end since Mike Ditka (1961) and Charlie Young (1973) to record four games with at least 90 receiving yards.
4. A Monster on Defense
Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is a force to be reckoned with this season, defying expectations despite the team’s struggles. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 340 pounds, he currently leads the league with seven quarterback sacks. As he prepares to take on the Steelers, he aims to etch his name among the few defensive players who have topped the league in sacks in a single season—previously achieved by Aaron Donald (20.5 in 2018), La’Roi Glover (17 in 2000), and John Randle (15.5 in 1997). Notably, Lawrence is often double-teamed, as he faces this challenge on an astonishing 63% of plays, showcasing his sheer talent.
5. Two Excellent Quarterback Streaks
We have two quarterbacks showcasing impressive streaks of their own. Packers quarterback Jordan Love has thrown at least two touchdown passes in nine consecutive games. If he can maintain this against the Jaguars on Sunday, he will join an elite group of quarterbacks under 26 who have managed at least ten straight games with two or more touchdown passes. The current record stands with Patrick Mahomes, who achieved this in 14 consecutive games. On the other hand, Bills quarterback Josh Allen has displayed an impressive 189-pass streak without an interception. Should he avoid a pick during his first 11 passes against the Seahawks, he would become only the fifth quarterback in history to reach 200 consecutive passes without an interception in his first eight games, alongside Alex Smith, Brian Hoyer, Jason Campbell, and Bernie Kosar.