Vikings Fall as Broncos Take AFC West Lead

Minnesota’s 19–15 loss to Detroit ended the Vikings’ 6–0 start and cost them the No. 1 spot in the NFC playoff picture. The Vikings remain atop the NFC North at 6–1, while the 49ers, also 6–1, moved into the conference’s top seed during their bye week. Detroit improved to 5–2, with Jahmyr Gibbs rushing for 153 yards and a touchdown.

Denver overcame an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Kansas City 28–24. The Broncos are now 6–2 and lead the AFC West, while the 5–2 Chiefs fell to the fifth seed in the AFC picture. Buffalo holds the AFC’s top seed at 6–1 after a 36–10 win over Baltimore.

The Bills’ win came after Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson injured his right thumb on the opening play. Backup Tyler Huntley also left with an injury, and Baltimore finished with undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano at quarterback. Jackson is set to have surgery and could miss the rest of the season. The Ravens are 4–4 after losing their third straight game.

Cincinnati beat Tennessee 43–36 in overtime, powered by Joe Burrow’s 462 passing yards and six total touchdowns. Arizona also won in overtime, beating Dallas 33–30 after Gardner Minshew threw three fourth-quarter touchdown passes. Dallas fell to 3–5.

Tampa Bay beat Atlanta 16–0 despite Baker Mayfield completing none of his three pass attempts. The Buccaneers gained a team-record 324 yards on the ground. Jacksonville beat Indianapolis 42–7, and Pittsburgh defeated Cleveland to move into first place in the AFC North. Week 8’s results reshaped the playoff standings, with the season approaching its midpoint.