Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season brought several standout moments as key players across the league took center stage. From significant comebacks to milestone achievements, these performances changed storylines and impacted entire divisions. As the dust settles, five standouts carved their names into the week’s headlines with impact that echoed far beyond box scores.
Sep 28, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) and Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) on the field after the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jonathan Taylor and Daniel Jones were at the heart of the Indianapolis Colts’ surge, propelling their team to the best record in the league. Taylor’s unstoppable energy and Jones’ consistent leadership put them in early MVP conversations, with Taylor notching his fourth game this season with three touchdowns, two by run, one by reception, pushing him alongside league greats in historical rankings which meant Indianapolis was the first team since the Super Bowl era to allow fewer than ten sacks and make fewer than five turnovers in the first eight games.
Breece Hall stepped up in a big way for the Jets, leading a fourth-quarter rally that finally earned New York its first season victory against Cincinnati. What makes Hall’s feat remarkable is that only two other running backs in NFL history have managed to rush for two touchdowns and throw a touchdown pass within the same quarter.
Justin Herbert kept the Chargers firmly in the playoff hunt with a commanding display against the Vikings.. His ability to execute under pressure showed why he is widely regarded as one of the most promising quarterbacks to follow in the coming years.
Tyler Huntley showed resilience for Baltimore. He stepped in for Lamar Jackson, keeping the Ravens competitive and helping secure a vital win over Chicago.. This demonstrated that the next men up can sustain momentum without stars.
“I knew this was a moment to show what we’re building,” said Taylor postgame, defining not just the Colts’ rise, but also a week where individuals elevated their teams.
These five performances exemplify how Week 8 became a showcase for heart, strategy, and the unexpected. Each headline act justified the spotlight, transforming championship trajectories and delivering the NFL’s brand of drama at its best.