Oct 18, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) hands off the ball in the first half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Week 8 of the NFL season is officially in the books. We saw plenty of surprises and impressive performances, along with changes atop a division. Injuries continue to be a big story as we head into Week 9. Here are the Week 8 report card grades for every AFC team.
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AFC East
Oct 18, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
Buffalo Bills: A
The Bills take care of business against the Ravens. The offense looked good once again despite one interception. Josh Allen moves up to #1 in total touchdowns all time in Bills history, and the team is now 6-1 under Joe Brady.
New England Patriots: B+
The Patriots faced the Dolphins and won a close battle. A big performance from Drake Maye helped this team capture a big divisional win.
New York Jets: C+
The Jets just can’t seem to finish games and get wins out of it. Another loss for the Jets, but the team gets good news with the Cowboys and Colts losing. This helps the Jets with their draft picks heading into the 2027 draft.
Miami Dolphins: B-
The Dolphins find themselves in a close battle against the Patriots, but can’t pull through. They battled for 60 minutes, but the better team won. Dolphins lose a close game to the Patriots.
AFC West
Oct 25, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Kansas City Chiefs: B-
The Chiefs play a close game against the Broncos, but Patrick Mahomes gets taken down, and the Broncos hold onto the win. The team continues to not be able to figure out how to win against the Broncos in Denver under Sean Payton.
Denver Broncos: B+
The Broncos take the top of the AFC West with this key victory. The struggles in the first half continue for Bo Nix. It is another close victory for Denver, but a big win for them, and now they are the top team in the AFC West.
Los Angeles Chargers: D+
The Chargers come off the bye, and nothing changes. 9 points from this offense, and it is embarrassing for this product on the field. Things are not working with the offense, and change has to come now. The team is 0-7. Try something new, and playcalling has to change from an offensive standpoint.
Las Vegas Raiders: B-
The Raiders take care of the Jets on the road, and Brock Bowers hauled in an impressive catch with one hand. The team gets back in the win column after suffering some losses.
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AFC South
Oct 11, 2026; Tottenham, ENG; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) drops back to pass during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Jacksonville Jaguars: A+
The Jaguars embarrassed the Colts, winning big by scoring 42 points. Trevor Lawrence threw 3 TDs, and Bhayshaul Tuten had a strong game as he rushed for 104 yards on 16 carries.
Indianapolis Colts: F
The Colts’ fire sale is underway, and Jonathan Taylor may be the next player moved. The team is unorganized, and their offense was very poor. They continue to look lifeless and have suffered another loss. They don’t own their own first-round pick, as the Jets own theirs.
Tennessee Titans: B+
The Titans lost a heartbreaker in overtime after leading the game. Joe Burrow was able to overcome his struggles, and the Bengals defeated the Titans in overtime. A strong game from Cam Ward was not enough to beat the Bengals.
Houston Texans: Bye
The Texans hit the reset button as they are on bye this week. Their next opponent will be the Los Angeles Chargers.
AFC North
Oct 25, 2026; Paris, FRA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) passes the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at Stade de France Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Steelers: A
The Steelers win big, and there were many big contributors in this one. Jaylen Warren continues to be a big impact in this running back room, and the big tight end Darnell Washington was able to be a big contributor for this team too. The Steelers are in first place in the AFC North.
Baltimore Ravens: D+
This team gets bad news as Lamar Jackson is out for a while with a thumb injury, and it showed today that their QB situation is not in good shape. Tyler Huntley also suffered an injury. The Ravens are going to have to sign a QB or trade for one. But the morale of the season is in tough shape right now.
Cincinnati Bengals: C+
Joe Burrow and the Bengals win over the Titans, but it was not a clean victory. They win in overtime against them. They were unable to win big, and there are some questions about their defense after seeing them carve up this defense. A win is a win, but they will need to fix their defensive mistakes for next week.
Cleveland Browns: C-
The Browns failed to defeat the Steelers on the road, and their struggles playing in Pittsburgh continue. They are 1-9 in their last 10 games played in Pittsburgh. Harold Fannin Jr. had a strong game with 10 receptions, but overall the Steelers were the more physical team in this game.