Week 8 of the2025 NFL seasonbegan in Los Angeles on Thursday night, with quarterback Justin Herbert and the Chargers cruising to a win over the Vikings. Herbert threw three touchdown passes and rushed for 62 yards, while rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II continued his quick ascension with 77 yards and a touchdown.
In the early window Sunday, the Jets got their first win of the season and the three other AFC East teams also won their matchups (Bills, Dolphins and Patriots). Buffalo running back James Cook IIIfinished with 216 rushing yards through three quarters against the Panthers, the most by any NFL player since 2018. The Eagles also got a vintage performance from running back Saquon Barkley, who dominated against his former team (the Giants) before exiting in the third quarter because of a groin injury.
In the late window, the Bucs’ defense finished with four takeaways in a win over the Saints, who benched quarterback Spencer Rattler for rookie Tyler Shough in the second half. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor scored three touchdowns for the second straight week in their dominant win over the Titans. And the Broncos scored onfive of their first eight possessions against the Cowboys.
Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelerslost 35-19 tothe quarterback’s former team, the Green Bay Packers,to wrap up the night’s slate.
Finally, the Chiefs capped off the week with an impressive win over the Commanders.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all the action, answering lingering questions coming out of each game and detailing everything else you need to know for every team. Let’s get to it.
Jump to:br/>WSH-KC |GB-PIT |DAL-DEN |TEN-INDbr/>TB-NO|CHI-BAL|MIA-ATL|NYJ-CINbr/>SF-HOU |CLE-NE|NYG-PHIbr/>BUF-CAR | MIN-LAC
Kansas City 28, Washington 7
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Chiefs
What’s different about these Chiefs ahead of Sunday’s showdown against the Bills? Much of the attention for the Chiefs will be given to their offense. But the Chiefs defense appears to be more prepared for another marquee matchup against the Bills. The Chiefs should have all their projected defensive starters available for Sunday’s game and the group of linemen around pass rusher Chris Jones — such as DEs George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu and Mike Danna — are performing better than they did at the beginning of the season. The biggest test for the unit could be running back James Cook III, who has been one of the league’s best backs and finished this week with a career-high 216 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Key stat to know: Monday’s game was another example of the Chiefs proving to be the NFL’s best offense on fourth down. Twice against the Commanders, the Chiefs converted on fourth down, the latter occurring at a pivotal point early in the third quarter. On fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line,Patrick Mahomesscrambled out of the pocket to extend the play before finding running back Kareem Hunt in the end zone for the touchdown. With Mahomes on the field this season, the Chiefs have converted on 14-of-16 attempts on fourth down (87.5%), the highest success rate of teams who have had 10 or more attempts. — Nate Taylor
Best quote from the locker room:Hunt on his touchdown catch: