Oct 18, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The NFL was very interesting this week, featuring some close battles and key divisional wins to build momentum. There were also some blowouts, tough injuries, blown leads, and what could be the end of an era for one of the best running backs in the league. Here are the contenders and pretenders after 8 weeks.
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Pretender: Cincinnati Bengals
Oct 25, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
The Bengals found themselves in a close battle against the Titans. They are far more talented in every way than the Tennessee Titans. Yet, they struggled. An unacceptable effort for Cincinnati, and things must improve. Their division is tough outside of the struggling Baltimore Ravens.
Can the Bengals bounce back and deliver a stronger defensive game next week? We shall see, but this one was concerning and had fans panicking.
Contender: Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws a pass during the second quarter of their game against the Dallas Cowboys
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws a pass during the second quarter of their game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Packers are playing at a high level, and a win over the Carolina Panthers was impressive. This team is getting healthy, and Micah Parsons is on his way back soon. Getting Parsons back will help this defense significantly. Huge news, and they are playing very well.
Jordan Love is playing exceptionally well, and the Packers may be inquiring about Jonathan Taylor to improve this roster even more, given the issues off the field with Josh Jacobs.
Pretender: Minnesota Vikings
NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings
Oct 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (1) rushes the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Vikings were eventually going to lose a game like this. The one-score battles finally favor the opposition. This offense is not good, and they must add a weapon at this year’s deadline if they want to turn into a contender.
For now, they continue to show the NFL that they can only play defense. Their defense is elite, with all the different ways they can call the defense. If this offense can improve, then this makes the NFC North very interesting.
Contender: Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) celebrates a touchdown against Arizona Cardinals with quarterback Jared Goff (16)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) celebrates a touchdown against Arizona Cardinals with quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the second half at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Lions have defeated back-to-back NFC North opponents. They were very close, but great teams finished games. They won this game because they dominated possession time, and Jahmyr Gibbs delivered a strong game.
They continue to have momentum and are building up steam heading into the trade deadline. Do they add a defensive player at the trade deadline? Time will tell.