NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers
Oct 18, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
NFL Week 8 featured many high-scoring games, with a couple needing overtime to decide the winner. The Cincinnati Bengals were one such team, as the Titans pushed them to the limit in front of their home fans in a game many of us expected them to handle easily.
In the end, Joe Burrow led his team to the win, avoiding this list for now. Let’s look at which three teams might be in trouble as we head toward Week 9.
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Dallas Cowboys
Jul 29, 2026; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer (left) and owner Jerry Jones at training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dallas seemed to put themselves in position to make a race out of the mediocre NFC after beating the Eagles last Monday night. They were heavy favorites against the Cardinals and had a chance to even their record at 4-4, matching the first-place Giants’ win total.
They took control early and looked on track for an easy win, but their defense did what it has for the last few seasons. They let the Cowboys and their fans down. Gardner Minshew came off the bench and let a furious comeback hand the Cowboys their 5th loss, knocking them 3 games behind the Giants in the loss column.
This was a game the Cowboys needed to win to get back on track, and now they are going to have to find that win somewhere else on their schedule.
Baltimore Ravens
NFL: Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
They finally got Lamar Jackson back into the lineup after 3 missed games, and vibes were high in Baltimore. That lasted exactly one play on Sunday as Jackson suffered a hand injury on his first pass attempt and had to leave the game.
No worries, Tyler Huntley has been here before; he can step in and lead the team. Well, that didn’t last much longer. Now the Ravens will be without both players, with Jackson already being put on IR with a hand injury that will require surgery, and Huntley will miss a few weeks with turf toe.
That means Joe Fagnano will be the guy until Baltimore finds somebody else to step in. Joe Flacco? Are you out there? Unfortunately, he’s a member of the Bengals, and it’s not likely that they will be inclined to help their division rivals.
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
Losing one game isn’t the end of the world, but man, did this offense look pathetic yet again. Their defense is the real deal, and it was clear they played well enough to win by holding the Lions to just 19 points.
Kyler Murray just can’t consistently find open receivers downfield, and at this point we have to wonder if maybe this experiment might not be working. He’s still too small to play the QB position from the pocket, and now he’s not the runner he was earlier in his career.
The Vikings will be in the mix for the playoffs due to Brian Flores and this defense, but unless they can get better play from the QB position, they won’t be much of a threat to go far in the postseason.