Week 8 of the NFL delivered two historically improbable outcomes: the Dallas Cowboys suffered a stunning overtime collapse at home against the Arizona Cardinals, while Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow produced a statistical line unmatched in 75 years. The Cowboys blew a 10-point lead with 3:54 remaining in regulation and lost 33-30 in overtime, marking the Cardinals' fifth consecutive win at AT&T Stadium. Dallas has now allowed 30 points in the second half and overtime to backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, and the franchise's record in two-score games took a historic hit.
Loser: Dallas Cowboys
Brian Schottenheimer's decision to go for it on fourth-and-1 from his own 32-yard line in the first quarter backfired, and the defense surrendered 33 points — the unit has not held any opponent under 20 points all season. Since 2000, the Cardinals were 1-174-1 when trailing by 14 or more in the fourth quarter, while the Cowboys were 69-0 at home when leading by 14 or more in the fourth quarter, according to ESPN Insights.
Winner: Joe Burrow
Burrow became the second quarterback in NFL history with 450 passing yards, five passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in a single game, and the first since the merger. He finished with 472 total yards and six total touchdowns in a 43-36 overtime win over the Tennessee Titans, despite throwing three interceptions. The Bengals' defense limited the damage to just one field goal off those turnovers, and one Titans possession resulted in a safety.
Losers: Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley
The Baltimore Ravens lost Jackson to a thumb injury on his first play back from a sprained ankle, and backup Tyler Huntley to a toe injury, forcing undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano into action. Baltimore fell 36-10 to the Buffalo Bills, has not scored more than 13 points in its last three games (all losses), and sits at .500 and last in the AFC North. Jackson is expected to miss at least four weeks after surgery.
Winner: Broncos' One-Score Game Streak
Denver's 28-24 comeback victory over the Kansas City Chiefs extended their winning streak in one-score games to 15, tying the NFL regular-season record. The Broncos are 5-0 in games decided by seven points or fewer this season, matching the best start through Week 8 since 2000. They trailed by 11 points with under nine minutes left, scored two touchdowns, and sealed the win with a fourth-and-goal sack of Patrick Mahomes. Denver's AFC West win probability rose to 64% from 24% with a loss.
Losers: Florida Weather and the Offenses It Stifled
Torrential rain in Tampa Bay led to a 16-0 Buccaneers shutout of the Atlanta Falcons in which Baker Mayfield went 0-for-3 passing. Tampa Bay's run game dominated with Bucky Irving (170 yards, one touchdown) and Kenneth Gainwell (139 yards). Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed just 8 of 24 attempts with four interceptions, two by Alex Anzalone in the first quarter. Penix ended with more interceptions than completions at halftime.
Winner: 1972 Dolphins
The Minnesota Vikings' 19-15 loss to the Detroit Lions left the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only undefeated team in NFL history. The Vikings entered the week 6-0 as the league's last unbeaten squad.
Loser: Jim Harbaugh
Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh declined to fire offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel during the bye week despite the offense ranking last in scoring through six games. The unit managed only nine points in a 24-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, with Justin Herbert throwing two interceptions to reclaim the league lead. The rushing attack gained just 64 yards, and the Chargers are 0-7, making Harbaugh the NFL's only winless coach.
Winner: Steelers vs. Browns Home-Field Advantage
Pittsburgh's 27-6 win over Cleveland extended the home team's winning streak in the series to 11 consecutive games dating back to January 2022, the longest active streak in any NFL series. The Steelers have won 24 of their last 25 regular-season home games against the Browns, who have just two wins at Acrisure Stadium since it opened in 2021.
