Another week is over and it was full of surprises, shocks and brilliance.
Week 8 is complete and the AFC and NFC are beginning to separate into the playoff contenders, outsiders and rock-bottom dreamers.
Among these teams are players that make their offenses and defenses tick; players who can change the course of a game with pure skill and instinct.
Today, we are going to talk about the top five players of the week.
King Kraft on National Tight End Day
Tucker Kraft is quickly becoming one of the best rookie players and tight ends in the NFL. On Sunday Night Football, and National Tight End Day, he helped the Green Bay Packers overcome Aaron Rogers’ Pittsburgh Steelers, 35-25.
The Packers’ fifth win of the season moves them to a 5-1-1 record after seven games played. So, let us take a look at his performance.
- 7/10 receptions
- 143 total yards
- 2 TDs
- 20.4 YPC
- 33.3 PPR
Hauling 143 total yards is impressive, but what makes it significantly more staggering is that 131 of those 143 yards came after the catch. This makes it one of the highest single-game YAC totals by a tight end since stats began.
His two touchdowns were well deserved and showcased his carrying skills. But his impact was not just in volume or yardage; his threat after the catch forced a change in the Steeler defensive set-up, space and successful drives.
Drafted in 2023, Kraft’s usage suggests he is becoming one of the most important offensive players for the Packers. This season alone, he has accumulated 30 receptions, 469 yards and six touchdowns. These statistics demonstrate he is more than just a tight end, but rather a weapon who can change a game.
It is safe to say the Cheeseheads will be counting down the days until they see this machine back in the green and yellow.
Confident Cook for Buffalo
James Cook delivered one of the most dominant performances of Week 8, as the Buffalo Bills tore the Carolina Panthers apart. Their 40-9 victory firmly puts them back on track after some recent poor results, and Cook led the charge.
The 26-year-old rushed for a career-high 216 yards on just 19 carries, as well as scoring two rushing touchdowns. After this game, he totals at 753 yards – the second most of any running back in the NFL this season – and seven touchdowns.
What makes his performance especially memorable and remarkable was his explosiveness yet efficient runs he consistently had throughout the game. This was not an accumulation through volume; he repeatedly achieved large gains and left the Panthers hopeless trying to defend the running game.
With just under 100% of the snap share, Cook had to make every play count when he was on the turf, and he took every chance to dominate the line of scrimmage. This helped Josh Allen control the tempo of the game and put up 40 points.
An impressive display after poor results has placed the Bills back in the driving seat; a notable Week 8 performance.
Garrett dominant in defeat
The Cleveland Browns had a disappointing Sunday as they lost 32-13 to the New England Patriots. But despite the loss, there was a stand-out performer who throughout the game gave the Browns a chance: Myles Garrett.
Garrett produced a legendary individual defensive performance that will be talked about for years. He recorded FIVE sacks against Drake Maye, a career high and a Browns franchise sack record. Not only this, his fifth sack of the game took him past Reggie White’s mark to become the player with the most career sacks before turning 30.
His pass-rush pressures were dominant and disruptive, destroying any space in the pocket. He won his battles repeatedly even when the Browns were losing, and against a strong Patriots team, it deserves recognition.
With three historic milestones and defensive dominance, there could be no one else to replace Garrett in the Top 5 Players of Week 8 in the NFL.
Harvey scores three in Broncos masterclass
R.J. Harvey, remember the name. The rookie running back was drafted by the Denver Broncos this year and, despite a mixed bag of performances, stole the show in their 44-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys in the Sunday afternoon showstopper.
The 24-year-old carried the ball seven times for 42 yards, rushed fotr two touchdowns and received another touchdown to make it three on the day. Although he was not the lead running back, second to J.K. Dobbins, his usage stood out. For a rookie, efficiency is key, and you cannot get better than three touchdowns from eight touches.
But, aside from his impressive points tally, Harvey’s power and skill enables the Broncos to use more than one arrow for their bow offensively. The rookie demonstrated he is here to stay and not just to be a back-up. His carrying and movement broke the Cowboys’ defense on multiple occasions; a moment where you realise he belongs on the list of impact players.
Hall helps the Jets to their first win
Week 8 and the New York Jets have finally broken the curse and won their first game this season. Aaron Glenn looked ecstatic after a dramatic fourth quarter that led to team green leaving Cincinnati with the victory.
But no one was happier than Breece Hall. Hall has had a rough start to the season, losing the opening seven without having much impact in the games. Sunday, that all changed.
In the 39-38 victory over the Bengals, Hall rushed for 133 yards and converted two running touchdowns. Most notably, he threw a touchdown pass in a trick play, to tight end Mason Taylor, that completed the comeback. That throw made him the first running back to pass a winning touchdown in the last two minutes of the game since Curtis Martin in 2000.
Alongside Hall’s direct contributions, his running game is what inspired the Jets to rush 254 yards and utilise a deadly offensive strategy. His performance could prove pivotal in a season where the franchise has struggled heavily so far.
The combination of power and creativity reminded the league why he will always be one of the top running backs.
