The NFL’s Week 8 matchups saw some teams struggle with frustrating missteps, especially for fans of the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears. While Robert Saleh and Jerod Mayo found victories and gained support, other players and coaches, like Anthony Richardson, Matt Eberflus, and Tyrique Stevenson, faced tough scrutiny.n

Winners

Robert Saleh: Saleh’s week was highlighted by his time consulting for the Packers. While the Jets’ struggles have continued post-firing, Saleh’s defensive reputation, built during his tenure with the Jets and 49ers, remains strong, setting him up for future coaching opportunities.

Jerod Mayo: The Patriots responded to Mayo’s criticism with a win against the Jets, showing a resilient defense and clutch drive to break their six-game losing streak. Mayo’s tough love approach may not yield a stellar season but reinforces accountability within the team.

Commanders Fans: Washington fans savored their team’s last-second win against the Bears, a thrilling moment that also symbolizes hope in their new quarterback Jayden Daniels. After years of instability, the Commanders are enjoying a fresh start with playoff potential.

NFC West Teams: With significant wins for the Cardinals, Rams, and 49ers, the NFC West race looks fierce. Fans can anticipate high-stakes games and perhaps a thrilling Week 18 showdown.

Bills’ AFC East Dominance: The Bills widened their lead in the division and continue to demonstrate offensive dominance, aided by Josh Allen and the recent acquisition of Amari Cooper. Their focus is shifting towards bigger AFC competition as they eye the postseason.

Losers

Bears’ Eberflus and Stevenson: In a disastrous play against the Commanders, Stevenson’s antics and Eberflus’s controversial comments about the defense’s strategy compounded the Bears’ struggles. Their errors overshadowed any positives and raised questions about their decision-making under pressure.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson: By openly admitting he left due to fatigue, Richardson may have inadvertently cast doubt on his resilience. Though not a major fault, it’s unusual for a QB to take such a break, which could prompt scrutiny from fans and teammates.

Ravens’ Contender Status: Baltimore’s loss to the Browns reignited doubts about Lamar Jackson’s reliability in high-stakes games. Despite their recent successes, the Ravens will need to prove their consistency to be viewed as genuine AFC contenders.

Cowboys’ Trevon Diggs: After a loss to the 49ers, Diggs’s reaction to media criticism attracted attention for the wrong reasons. The Cowboys’ ongoing struggles add fuel to questions about their ability to perform under pressure, a recurring theme that fans are increasingly wary of.

While some teams are finding new momentum, others are contending with errors that may define their seasons. Week 8 reminded fans that every decision counts in the NFL.