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3 min read Weekly Recap

NFL Week 8 Recap

NFL Week 8 Recap
Greg Fiume/Getty Images - Jayden Daniels (QB Washington Commanders)

Highlights

  • The Lions roared to their best start since 1956, improving to 6-1 with Jared Goff orchestrating an efficient offense despite throwing only 15 passes7. Their complete team performance shows why they're emerging as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
  • The Browns provided one of Week 8's biggest surprises, with Jameis Winston leading them to a thrilling 29-24 victory over the Ravens. Winston, starting for the injured Deshaun Watson, breathed new life into Cleveland's offense, throwing for 334 yards - something Watson hasn't achieved once during his Browns tenure24. The victory snapped Baltimore's five-game winning streak and showcased a Browns offense that finally reached 20 points for the first time this season2.
  • The Commanders provided the most dramatic finish of the week, with Jayden Daniels shaking off a rib injury to throw a 13-second Hail Mary for an improbable victory over the Bears7.

Laggards and Stalwarts

Note: We are using standard scoring for fantasy points.

Laggards:

  • Anthony Richardson (QB, Colts): Struggled mightily, completing just 10 of 32 passes for 175 yards with one touchdown and an interception. The rookie was also benched for the next game against the Vikings after tapping out against the Texans.
  • Kenneth Walker III (RB, Seahawks): Completely bottled up with just 12 yards on 9 carries, adding 4 catches for 33 yards (4.5 fantasy points) against the Bills.
  • Tyreek Hill (WR, Dolphins): With Tua back under center Cheetah had a better yet still quiet Week 8, managing just 6 catches for 72 yards (7.2 fantasy points), well below his usual explosive numbers.

Stalwarts:

  • Kirk Cousins (QB, Falcons): Dominated with four touchdown passes and a 145.9 passer rating against Tampa Bay.
  • Ladd McConkey (WR, Chargers): The rookie had a breakout performance with eight catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
  • CeeDee Lamb (WR, Cowboys): Exploded for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns on 13 receptions (26.6 fantasy points).

Waiver Wire Watchlist

  • Jameis Winston (QB, Browns): Could see significant playing time with Watson injured.
  • Malik Willis (QB, Packers): Potential starter if Love misses time with groin injury1.
  • Isaac Guerendo (RB, 49ers): Showed promise before tweaking his leg, could see expanded role.

Injuries to Monitor

  • Drake Maye (QB, Patriots): Left game with a concussion1.
  • Jordan Love (QB, Packers): Groin injury, status uncertain for Week 91.
  • Stefon Diggs (WR, Texans): Out for the season with an ACL tear.
  • Mike Evans (WR, Buccaneers): Hamstring injury, though hopeful to return after Week 11 bye.

Player Spotlight: Jayden Daniels

The Commanders' rookie quarterback continues to silence doubters with his electrifying play, capped by Week 8's miraculous Hail Mary victory over the Bears. Through eight weeks, Daniels has put together an impressive rookie campaign that has him in the conversation as the front runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year.Let's look at his season stats through Week 8:

  • 148/206 passing (71.8% completion rate)
  • 1,736 passing yards
  • 7 passing touchdowns
  • Only 2 interceptions
  • 424 rushing yards
  • 4 rushing touchdowns
  • 163.8 fantasy points (20.5 points per game)

What makes Daniels' performance particularly noteworthy is his dual-threat efficiency. His 71.8% completion rate ranks among the NFL's best, while his 424 rushing yards showcase the dynamic playmaking ability that made him a first-round selection. Even more impressive, he's protected the football remarkably well for a rookie, throwing just 2 interceptions in 206 attempts.Week 8's dramatic finish, where Daniels launched a 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown to Noah Brown despite playing through a rib injury, exemplifies his growing legend in Washington. The play, which will be replayed for decades to come, demonstrated both his arm strength and poise under pressure.With favorable matchups ahead and growing chemistry with his receivers, Daniels appears poised to continue his impressive rookie campaign. For fantasy managers, his consistent floor (20.5 points per game) combined with his explosive ceiling makes him a valuable QB1 option moving forward.