The CBS Sports Pick Six newsletter recaps a bizarre NFL Week 8 that included the first team to win with zero completions since 1974, the Cowboys blowing a two‑touchdown fourth‑quarter lead at home for the first time in franchise history, and the Ravens using three different quarterbacks in a first half for the first time since 2017.
Week 8 Team Grades
Raiders earned a B after Kirk Cousins accounted for four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) in a 38‑33 win over the Jets; Mike Washington carried 25 times for the Raiders while Ashton Jeanty had just two carries. The Jets received a B‑ despite scoring on their first six possessions, as their defense allowed 233 second‑half yards. Broncos got a B for a 28‑24 comeback over the Chiefs, sparked by Bo Nix’s 5‑of‑6, 84‑yard fourth quarter and a goal‑line stand. Chiefs received a B‑ after Harrison Butker’s missed field goal contributed to the loss.
Winners and Losers
Losers included the Cowboys, who became the first team since 2000 to lose at home after leading by 14+ points in the fourth quarter (202‑0‑1 previously). The Ravens’ quarterback situation worsened as Lamar Jackson (thumb) and Tyler Huntley (toe) were injured, forcing undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano into action. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh was criticized for retaining offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel after a 24‑9 loss to the Rams.
Overreactions
Analysts deemed it reality that the Vikings should bench Kyler Murray, the Colts should trade Jonathan Taylor and fire Shane Steichen, and the Buccaneers will win the NFC South despite Baker Mayfield completing zero passes in a 16‑0 win over the Falcons.
15 Crazy Stats
Buccaneers became the first team since 1945 to win with zero completions while allowing zero points, and the first since 1974 to win with zero completions. Bucky Irving (170 yards) and Kenneth Gainwell (140 yards) became the first teammates in NFL history to each have 25+ carries and 125+ rushing yards in the same game. Tampa Bay’s 324 rushing yards set a franchise record and the Falcons’ record for most rushing yards allowed. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix posted a 12.0 passer rating with four interceptions, the first QB since Joe Namath (1974) to have more interceptions than his opponent’s pass attempts. Joe Burrow threw for 462 yards, five touchdowns and a rushing touchdown, joining Norm Van Brocklin (1951) as the only players with 450+ passing yards, five TD passes and a rushing TD in a game. The Titans became the first team since 2007 Seattle to have a player with three interceptions (Amani Hooker) and a player with three sacks (Jacob Martin) in the same game. The Browns tied the Lions’ NFL record of 23 consecutive road losses in one city (Pittsburgh). Gardner Minshew threw three fourth‑quarter touchdowns for the Cardinals, the first QB in 33 years to throw for 175+ yards, three TDs and no interceptions in the fourth quarter/overtime of a game he didn’t start. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 153 yards against the previously 6‑0 Vikings, the first 150‑yard rusher against a 6‑0+ team since 2011. Kirk Cousins, at 38, became the second QB ever (after Drew Brees, 2019) with three passing TDs, a rushing TD and a 140+ passer rating. Brock Bowers became the first tight end in NFL history with 70+ receiving yards in each of his first six games. Trevor Lawrence posted a 153.3 rating on 10‑of‑14 passing for 210 yards and three TDs, the first such performance since Roger Staubach in 1971. The Bengals’ 43‑36 win over the Titans marked the 1,098th unique final score in NFL history.
Monday Night Preview: Bears at Seahawks
The Seahawks are 3‑point favorites. Seattle would move to seventh in the NFC playoff standings with a win; Chicago would drop to eighth. Bears lead the NFL in rushing (154.3 yards per game) and are 10‑1 under Ben Johnson when rushing for 140+ yards. Seattle’s Jaxon Smith‑Njigba has topped 100 receiving yards in six of seven games. Sam Darnold has thrown multiple interceptions in three losses. All seven CBS experts pick the Seahawks to win straight up; six pick Seattle to cover. Notable props: Smith‑Njigba over 99.5 receiving yards, Jason Myers over 1.5 field goals.
Extra Points
Lamar Jackson is expected to be placed on injured reserve, sidelining him until at least Dec. 13. The Ravens are exploring a trade for Bears backup Tyson Bagent. Saquon Barkley will not be traded by the Eagles before the Nov. 10 deadline. A Vikings‑49ers trade for Jauan Jennings fell through because Jennings refused to return to San Francisco.
