Key Takeaways
- While the Ravens were struggling in Buffalo, their next opponent was enjoying the most emphatic victory of the week.
- Minnesota entered Ford Field with a 6-0 record and the NFL’s last unbeaten start.
- Cincinnati needed overtime to defeat Tennessee 43-36.
- The NFL has no games scheduled Tuesday or Wednesday.
SEATTLE, United States, November 3, 2026: The Chicago Bears were suddenly in trouble. Their 11-point lead had shrunk to three, Lumen Field was roaring, and Seattle’s defense appeared to have forced a punt with the game entering its final eight minutes. Then a delay-of-game penalty gave Caleb Williams another snap. Kalif Raymond turned a short pass into a 39-yard gain, D’Andre Swift scored his second touchdown of the night, and Chicago never looked back. The Bears defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks 34-17 on Monday Night Football, closing an NFL Week 8 that had already shaken several division races.
Swift scored three rushing touchdowns, Williams passed for 247 yards without a turnover, and newly acquired defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons made an immediate impact in his Chicago debut. The Bears improved to 6-2 with their third consecutive victory, while Seattle fell to 4-4 after losing three of its previous four games. Elsewhere in Week 8, Denver overturned an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit and stopped Patrick Mahomes at the goal line to beat Kansas City 28-24, Detroit ended Minnesota’s unbeaten start, and Buffalo overwhelmed Baltimore 36-10 in a game that left Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson facing thumb surgery.
The week’s most important developments were not necessarily its biggest winning margins. Jacksonville’s 42-7 demolition of Indianapolis was the most lopsided result, but Denver’s four-point victory carried immediate consequences in the AFC West. Chicago’s win offered another compelling question: Have the Bears finally assembled the offense and defense needed to defend their NFC North title?
Story at a glance
NFL Week 8 Results: All 14 Final Scores
Monday’s game completed a week featuring two overtime contests, one shutout and several significant divisional results.
Jeffery Simmons Makes a Debut That Changes Chicago’s Defensive Outlook
Few NFL players are expected to transform a defense immediately after joining a new team.
Chicago vs Seattle: The Numbers Behind the 17-Point Victory
Chicago’s third-down success rate was more than five times Seattle’s.
Jaguars 42, Colts 7: Jacksonville Sends Baltimore an Uncomfortable Warning
While the Ravens were struggling in Buffalo, their next opponent was enjoying the most emphatic victory of the week.
Lions 19, Vikings 15: Detroit Ends Minnesota’s Perfect Start
Minnesota entered Ford Field with a 6-0 record and the NFL’s last unbeaten start.
NFL Week 8 Results: All 14 Final Scores
| Date | Matchup | Final Score |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 29 | Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers | Packers 27-19 |
| Nov. 1 | Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Buccaneers 16-0 |
| Nov. 1 | Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys | Cardinals 33-30 (OT) |
| Nov. 1 | Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills | Bills 36-10 |
| Nov. 1 | Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers | Steelers 27-6 |
| Nov. 1 | Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars | Jaguars 42-7 |
| Nov. 1 | Las Vegas Raiders at New York Jets | Raiders 38-33 |
| Nov. 1 | Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions | Lions 19-15 |
| Nov. 1 | Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals | Bengals 43-36 (OT) |
| Nov. 1 | Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams | Rams 24-9 |
| Nov. 1 | Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos | Broncos 28-24 |
| Nov. 1 | New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins | Patriots 24-19 |
| Nov. 1 | Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders | Commanders 27-10 |
| Nov. 2 | Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks | Bears 34-17 |
Monday’s game completed a week featuring two overtime contests, one shutout and several significant divisional results.
The Sports Encounter covered Sunday’s 12 games in detail in our original Week 8 report, including Denver’s comeback against Kansas City, Buffalo’s dominant victory and Minnesota’s first loss.
Chicago’s win supplied the missing final chapter, and perhaps the clearest evidence of a team beginning to look comfortable with its identity.
Bears 34, Seahawks 17: Caleb Williams Wins the Opening Battle, Swift Finishes the Fight
Seventeen Plays, Eighty Yards and a Warning Seattle Couldn’t Ignore
The Bears announced their intentions on their opening possession.
Facing the defending Super Bowl champions at one of the NFL’s most difficult road venues, Williams directed a 17-play, 80-yard touchdown drive that consumed eight minutes and 32 seconds.
He finished it with a one-yard touchdown pass to Luther Burden III.
Seattle had not surrendered an opening-drive touchdown in its previous 16 games, according to the Bears’ game report.
Chicago had already accomplished something many of Seattle’s recent opponents could not.
The significance went beyond seven points.
Williams repeatedly moved the chains, kept Seattle’s defense on the field and denied the Seahawks an opportunity to establish an early offensive rhythm.
Against a defense built to create pressure and force opponents into difficult passing situations, Chicago chose patience.
The plan worked.
Williams would eventually complete 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards, one touchdown and a 101.0 passer rating. He wasn’t intercepted and was sacked only once.
Those figures reflected a quarterback who understood when to attack and when to take what the defense offered.
For a Chicago offense that has occasionally depended on spectacular individual plays, the opening possession was a reminder that sustained execution can be just as damaging.
Williams Finds Three Different Ways to Challenge Seattle
Chicago’s receiving production was spread across several players.
Rome Odunze caught four passes for 87 yards, including important gains of 23 and 22 yards during a second-half touchdown drive.
Colston Loveland caught seven passes for 65 yards.
Burden finished with seven receptions for 56 yards and the opening touchdown.
That distribution created problems for Seattle.
The Seahawks couldn’t devote all their attention to one receiver without creating opportunities elsewhere.
Williams also avoided the mistake that can undo a promising road performance: forcing difficult throws simply because the offense had fallen behind the chains.
Chicago led 13-9 at halftime, then extended its advantage to 20-9 when Swift scored from one yard with 5:38 remaining in the third quarter.
For most of the night, the Bears appeared in control.
Seattle had other ideas.
Seattle’s Fourth-Quarter Comeback Lasted Until One Penalty Changed the Game
A Blocked Field Goal, a Lost Fumble and a Three-Point Game
The Seahawks entered the fourth quarter trailing 20-9.
They had struggled to sustain drives, but the situation was not hopeless.
Seattle first threatened to cut the deficit with a 33-yard field-goal attempt by Jason Myers.
Austin Booker blocked the kick.
That should have been another major defensive moment for Chicago.
Instead, the Bears gave the Seahawks an opportunity almost immediately.
DeMarcus Lawrence forced a fumble by Loveland after a short reception, recovering the ball at Chicago’s 25-yard line.
Seattle now had a short field and a chance to make the game uncomfortable.
Sam Darnold eventually found Cooper Kupp for a seven-yard touchdown.
The Seahawks converted the two-point attempt on a pass to Tory Horton.
With 11:46 remaining, Chicago’s lead had shrunk to 20-17.
The crowd sensed a comeback.
A Bears defense that had controlled much of the game now faced a much more difficult final quarter.
Chicago’s next possession would determine whether the Seahawks had genuinely seized control.
The Delay-of-Game Penalty That Gave Chicago Another Chance
The Bears appeared to have reached the end of their possession when Swift was tackled for a loss on third down.
But the play clock had expired before the snap.
Officials called delay of game, wiping out the play and forcing Chicago to replay third down from a more difficult position.
Ordinarily, that would be a setback.
Instead, Williams delivered a short pass to Kalif Raymond.
Raymond broke through the middle of Seattle’s defense and turned the reception into a 39-yard gain to the five-yard line.
Swift finished the drive with a five-yard touchdown run.
Chicago led 27-17 with 8:28 remaining.
The Seahawks had spent several minutes fighting their way back into the game.
One explosive play had undone much of that work.
The decisive feature wasn’t simply the yardage.
Chicago had responded to a major swing in momentum with a touchdown drive rather than retreating into a conservative approach.
That is the type of response expected from experienced contenders.
James Lynch’s Interception Ends Seattle’s Hopes
The Bears weren’t finished.
Booker deflected a Darnold pass, and defensive lineman James Lynch intercepted it.
Lynch returned the ball 16 yards to Seattle’s six-yard line.
Chicago had another short field.
Swift scored his third rushing touchdown from five yards out with 4:41 remaining.
The scoreboard read 34-17.
Seattle had gone from trailing by three points to falling behind by 17 in less than seven minutes.
Swift finished with 69 yards on 27 carries.
His rushing average was modest, but his three touchdowns came from the situations Chicago had created through effective drives and defensive plays.
That made him the ideal finisher.
Our Bears-Seahawks Monday Night Football preview examined the questions facing both clubs before kickoff. The game answered several of them, particularly Chicago’s ability to protect Williams and Seattle’s difficulty sustaining offense against a strong defensive front.
Jeffery Simmons Makes a Debut That Changes Chicago’s Defensive Outlook
Few NFL players are expected to transform a defense immediately after joining a new team.
Jeffery Simmons faced exactly that expectation.
Chicago acquired the All-Pro defensive tackle from Tennessee in a blockbuster trade shortly before the Seattle game.
The Bears had committed significant resources to strengthen their defensive front.
They needed more than a recognizable name.
They needed an interior defender capable of disrupting plays before opposing quarterbacks could settle into their progressions.
Simmons delivered.
He recorded six tackles, including a sack, and defended a pass in his Chicago debut.
His presence helped the Bears hold Seattle to 252 total yards and just one third-down conversion in 11 attempts.
Chicago also registered three sacks and an interception.
The defensive performance deserves attention alongside Williams’ efficiency and Swift’s touchdowns.
Seattle entered with the reputation of a defending champion.
But its offense struggled to sustain possession.
Despite the acquisition of All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson and the return of additional backfield options, the Seahawks managed only 81 rushing yards.
That limitation left too much responsibility on Darnold.
He completed 17 of 34 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba produced 118 receiving yards and a touchdown, but Chicago prevented Seattle from building a consistent attack around those contributions.
The result was particularly damaging for the Seahawks because it broke a 30-game run, including postseason contests, without losing by more than four points.
That statistic reflects how competitive Seattle had previously been, even when it lost.
Monday was different.
The Bears didn’t merely survive Seattle’s comeback.
They created the separation that Seattle had previously been so effective at preventing.
Chicago vs Seattle: The Numbers Behind the 17-Point Victory
| Statistic | Chicago Bears | Seattle Seahawks |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 34 | 17 |
| Total offensive yards | 363 | 252 |
| First downs | 22 | 18 |
| Third-down conversions | 7 of 15 | 1 of 11 |
| Third-down conversion rate | 46.7% | 9.1% |
| Time of possession | 35:03 | 24:57 |
| Quarterback passing yards | 247 | 188 |
| Quarterback interceptions | 0 | 1 |
| Team record after game | 6-2 | 4-4 |
Chicago’s third-down success rate was more than five times Seattle’s.
The Bears also possessed the ball for 10 minutes and six seconds longer.
Those numbers help explain why Seattle’s fourth-quarter surge was so difficult to sustain.
The Seahawks needed more offensive possessions, but their own third-down failures kept handing the ball back to Chicago.
The Bears’ defense therefore supported the offense in two ways.
It limited Seattle’s scoring opportunities and gave Williams more time to control the game.
Denver 28, Kansas City 24: Mahomes Reaches the Goal Line, but the Broncos Refuse to Break
Denver Erases an 11-Point Fourth-Quarter Deficit
The most important AFC West result of Week 8 unfolded Sunday in Denver.
Kansas City led 24-13 entering the fourth quarter.
Mahomes had thrown three touchdown passes, and the Chiefs appeared positioned to strengthen their standing in the division.
Instead, Bo Nix and the Broncos mounted a remarkable comeback.
Denver scored twice during the final period to take a 28-24 lead.
The Broncos’ offense had delivered its response.
Their defense still needed to survive Mahomes.
Kansas City drove deep into Denver territory during the final minute.
Mahomes moved the Chiefs inside the five-yard line and eventually faced fourth-and-goal at the one.
The game, and potentially the direction of the AFC West race, appeared to rest on one play.
A False Start Wipes Out the Apparent Winning Touchdown
Mahomes appeared to have found Rashee Rice for the winning score.
But the play never officially counted.
Right tackle Jaylon Moore moved early, drawing a false-start penalty.
The Chiefs were pushed backward.
Denver’s defense now had more room to attack.
On the final play, Malcolm Roach sacked Mahomes as time expired.
The Broncos had completed an 11-point fourth-quarter comeback and secured a victory over their most important divisional rival.
Denver improved to 6-2, moving ahead of Kansas City, which fell to 5-2.
The significance was immediate.
The Broncos now owned a head-to-head victory over the Chiefs and a stronger position in the AFC West.
That does not settle the division, but it changes the pressure facing both teams.
Mahomes and Kansas City will have opportunities to recover.
Denver, meanwhile, must demonstrate that it can protect its advantage through the rest of the season.
The result also gave fresh meaning to the rivalry examined in TSE’s earlier Broncos-Chiefs coverage.
Monday’s Chicago victory and Sunday’s Denver comeback shared an important quality: both winning teams produced their best responses when the opponent appeared to have seized momentum.
Bills 36, Ravens 10: Baltimore’s Worst Loss Is Not Its Biggest Problem
Lamar Jackson’s Return Lasts One Offensive Snap
Baltimore arrived in Buffalo hoping to regain stability.
The Ravens instead suffered a 36-10 defeat and lost their most important player.
Lamar Jackson had returned after missing three games with an ankle injury.
His comeback lasted only one offensive snap.
Jackson injured his right thumb when his throwing hand struck a Buffalo defender during a pass attempt.
He left the game and was subsequently ruled out.
The situation became even more difficult when backup quarterback Tyler Huntley sustained a toe injury.
Baltimore eventually turned to undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano.
Fagnano completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards and threw an interception.
Buffalo controlled the game, but the consequences for Baltimore extended far beyond the 26-point margin.
Jackson Faces Surgery and an Injured Reserve Absence
Ravens coach Jesse Minter confirmed that Jackson would undergo surgery and be placed on injured reserve.
That means Baltimore’s two-time MVP will miss at least four games.
The team has not established a definitive return date, and it would be premature to assume the exact length of his absence.
But the immediate consequences are substantial.
The Ravens have fallen to 4-4 and face Jacksonville on Thursday.
That leaves only a short turnaround to evaluate their quarterback options, prepare a revised offensive plan and recover from a heavy defeat.
Our report on Jackson’s thumb injury and Baltimore’s quarterback crisis examines the medical and competitive developments.
The wider availability picture is covered in TSE’s latest NFL injury update.
Buffalo deserves credit for a commanding victory.
The Bills improved to 6-1 and added another important result to their strong start.
For Baltimore, however, the biggest concern is now whether the offense can function effectively without Jackson.
Jaguars 42, Colts 7: Jacksonville Sends Baltimore an Uncomfortable Warning
While the Ravens were struggling in Buffalo, their next opponent was enjoying the most emphatic victory of the week.
Jacksonville defeated Indianapolis 42-7.
The 35-point margin was the largest of Week 8.
The Jaguars improved to 5-2, strengthening their position in the AFC South.
The victory was particularly valuable because Indianapolis entered as a divisional rival.
Jacksonville’s offense repeatedly found ways to score, while its defense prevented the Colts from making the contest competitive.
The challenge now is taking that production into Baltimore on a short week.
The Jaguars will face a Ravens team with urgent quarterback concerns but considerable motivation to respond.
A dominant victory over Indianapolis does not guarantee the same success against Baltimore.
However, the contrast between the teams’ Week 8 performances is difficult to ignore.
Jacksonville enters Thursday after winning by 35.
Baltimore enters after losing by 26.
Both teams must prepare in four days.
The pregame questions have changed dramatically since the broader Week 8 outlook in our October 31 NFL preview.
Lions 19, Vikings 15: Detroit Ends Minnesota’s Perfect Start
Minnesota entered Ford Field with a 6-0 record and the NFL’s last unbeaten start.
Detroit ended it.
The Lions defeated the Vikings 19-15 in one of the week’s most important NFC North contests.
The result improved Detroit to 5-2 and dropped Minnesota to 6-1.
It also reminded the division that the Vikings’ impressive opening record had not placed them beyond the reach of their rivals.
Detroit’s four-point victory was not a dominant scoring performance.
It was a valuable divisional win against an opponent that had not previously lost.
The Lions also gained a head-to-head result that could matter later in the season.
For Minnesota, the defeat presents the first genuine test of how the team responds after losing.
The Vikings have already demonstrated they can build an unbeaten streak.
Now they must show they can recover from a setback.
Chicago’s Monday victory makes the NFC North picture even more compelling.
The Bears are 6-2, Minnesota is 6-1 and Detroit is 5-2.
The division has multiple teams with strong records and limited room for mistakes.
Washington 27, Philadelphia 10: The Eagles’ Slide Becomes a Division Problem
Philadelphia’s difficult stretch continued Sunday night.
Washington scored 27 unanswered points to defeat the Eagles 27-10.
For the Commanders, it was an important divisional victory.
For Philadelphia, it was another troubling chapter in a season that has fallen well short of expectations.
The Eagles have now lost six consecutive games.
The performance against Washington raised fresh questions about the offense’s inability to sustain drives and the defense’s difficulty preventing opponents from taking control.
Washington, meanwhile, produced a result that offered a welcome response to its own problems.
The important distinction is that the Commanders weren’t simply handed an opportunity by Philadelphia.
They scored 27 consecutive points and prevented the Eagles from recovering.
That requires credit for execution as well as recognition of Philadelphia’s shortcomings.
Joe Burrow Scores Six Touchdowns as Cincinnati Survives Tennessee
Cincinnati needed overtime to defeat Tennessee 43-36.
The Bengals were heavily favored to beat a Titans team that entered with only one victory.
Instead, Tennessee pushed Cincinnati through regulation and into an extra period.
Joe Burrow produced six total touchdowns to lead the Bengals to victory.
The performance demonstrated his ability to carry the offense through a high-scoring contest.
It also revealed why Cincinnati cannot simply assume its quarterback will solve every defensive problem.
Allowing 36 points to Tennessee created unnecessary danger.
The Bengals improved to 5-2, but their defense will need to provide stronger support as the season progresses.
Tennessee fell to 1-7 despite one of its more productive offensive performances.
Arizona 33, Dallas 30: Cowboys Lose After Building a 14-Point Lead
Dallas appeared positioned to secure another valuable victory before Arizona mounted a comeback.
The Cardinals erased a 14-point deficit and eventually won 33-30 in overtime.
The result was particularly damaging for the Cowboys because the game had been within their control.
Instead of protecting a two-touchdown advantage, Dallas allowed Arizona back into the contest and then failed to secure the result in extra time.
Both clubs finished the game at 3-5.
For Arizona, the victory offered evidence that the team can recover from a difficult position.
For Dallas, the defeat raised concerns about late-game execution and the defense’s ability to protect leads.
Five Other Week 8 Results That Deserve Attention
Packers 27, Panthers 19
Green Bay opened the week Thursday with an eight-point victory over Carolina.
The result improved the Packers to 5-3.
However, concerns about their offensive consistency have not disappeared.
Our analysis of Green Bay’s defense and running-game difficulties examines why the Packers must improve their offensive execution despite winning.
Steelers 27, Browns 6
Pittsburgh strengthened its AFC North position by holding Cleveland to six points.
The Steelers improved to 6-2 and gained another valuable divisional result.
For Cleveland, the defeat exposed the difficulty of winning when the offense cannot consistently move the ball or finish drives.
Buccaneers 16, Falcons 0
Tampa Bay delivered the week’s only shutout.
The Buccaneers defeated Atlanta 16-0 in a game dominated by defense and rushing production.
Remarkably, Tampa Bay completed no passes.
That makes the victory one of the most unusual offensive results of the season.
It also underlines how a team can win without conventional passing production when the defense prevents the opposition from scoring.
Rams 24, Chargers 9
The Los Angeles Rams defeated their city rivals 24-9, moving to 4-4.
The Chargers remained without a victory through seven games.
For the Rams, the win provided a valuable opportunity to rebuild momentum.
For the Chargers, the season continues to move in the wrong direction.
Raiders 38, Jets 33
Las Vegas ended a four-game losing streak with a 38-33 victory over the New York Jets.
The Raiders improved to 4-4.
New York fell to 2-6 after another disappointing result.
The game was among the week’s most entertaining offensive contests, although neither defense will be satisfied after allowing more than 30 points.
Continue the NFL Story
NFLBears vs Seahawks: Caleb Williams Targets Seattle’s Injured Line as Simmons and Nelson Debut on Monday Night
NFLBears Survive Patriots 30-24 as Cairo Santos’ 58-Yard Redemption Caps Caleb Williams’ 308-Yard Night
NFLJauan Jennings Rejects 49ers Reunion as Vikings’ Trade Deal Collapses Ahead of NFL DeadlineWeek 8’s Closest Finishes and Biggest Victories
| Game | Winning Margin | Defining Story |
|---|---|---|
| Cardinals 33, Cowboys 30 | 3 points | Arizona’s overtime comeback |
| Lions 19, Vikings 15 | 4 points | Minnesota’s unbeaten start ends |
| Broncos 28, Chiefs 24 | 4 points | Denver’s late goal-line stand |
| Patriots 24, Dolphins 19 | 5 points | New England wins divisional road game |
| Raiders 38, Jets 33 | 5 points | Las Vegas ends losing streak |
| Bears 34, Seahawks 17 | 17 points | Chicago scores 14 unanswered in fourth |
| Bills 36, Ravens 10 | 26 points | Jackson injury compounds Baltimore defeat |
| Jaguars 42, Colts 7 | 35 points | Jacksonville’s dominant division win |
The contrast between Denver and Jacksonville is particularly revealing.
Jacksonville won by 35, producing the week’s largest margin.
Denver won by four, but defeated a direct divisional rival and moved ahead of Kansas City in the AFC West.
The size of a victory therefore tells only part of the competitive story.
Who was defeated, how the game turned and what changed in the standings can be more important than the final margin.
What Chicago’s Win Means for the NFC North
Chicago’s victory moved the Bears to 6-2.
Minnesota remains 6-1 despite losing for the first time.
Detroit improved to 5-2 after beating the Vikings.
The NFC North therefore has three teams with strong records and important head-to-head games still to come.
| Team | Record After Week 8 | Week 8 Result | Immediate Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 6-1 | Lost 15-19 to Detroit | First defeat of season |
| Chicago Bears | 6-2 | Beat Seattle 34-17 | Third consecutive victory |
| Detroit Lions | 5-2 | Beat Minnesota 19-15 | Important divisional win |
| Green Bay Packers | 5-3 | Beat Carolina 27-19 | Remain within competitive range |
Chicago’s improvement is particularly interesting because the Bears have found different ways to win.
Williams has become more comfortable directing extended possessions.
Swift continues to deliver in scoring situations.
And Simmons gives the defensive front a proven playmaker.
That combination makes the Bears dangerous, but it does not guarantee a division title.
The schedule still contains difficult opponents, and the race remains competitive.
Which NFL Week 8 Performances Changed the Conversation?
| Player | Team | Performance | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| D’Andre Swift | Chicago | 3 rushing touchdowns | Finished three Bears scoring drives |
| Caleb Williams | Chicago | 247 passing yards, 1 TD, 0 INT | Directed efficient road victory |
| Jeffery Simmons | Chicago | 6 tackles, sack, pass defended | Immediate impact after Tennessee trade |
| Bo Nix | Denver | Led fourth-quarter comeback | Overturned 11-point deficit against Chiefs |
| Joe Burrow | Cincinnati | 6 total touchdowns | Powered overtime victory |
| Josh Allen | Buffalo | Franchise passing-TD milestone | Led dominant win over Baltimore |
The table highlights different kinds of influence.
Swift scored, Williams controlled possession, Simmons disrupted Seattle’s offense and Nix led a comeback against a divisional rival.
Each performance mattered because of the game situation in which it occurred.
The best individual display is not always the one producing the largest statistical total.
Week 9 Begins Thursday: Jacksonville Visits an Injury-Hit Baltimore
The NFL has no games scheduled Tuesday or Wednesday.
Week 9 begins Thursday, November 5, when Jacksonville visits Baltimore.
That matchup has become significantly more interesting after Week 8.
The Jaguars arrive following a 42-7 victory.
The Ravens must respond to a 36-10 defeat while addressing their quarterback situation.
Baltimore’s preparation will be complicated by Jackson’s injury and the shorter recovery period.
Jacksonville also faces the physical demands of consecutive games within four days.
Neither club can rely solely on its Week 8 result.
Other Week 9 Games Worth Watching
| Matchup | Date | Central Question |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens | Nov. 5 | Can Baltimore respond without Jackson? |
| Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins | Nov. 8 | Can Detroit build on its victory over Minnesota? |
| Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks | Nov. 8 | Will Seattle recover against another comeback winner? |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears | Nov. 8 | Can Chicago extend its three-game winning streak? |
Chicago’s meeting with Tampa Bay is particularly intriguing because the Buccaneers are coming off a shutout victory over Atlanta.
Seattle, meanwhile, will face an Arizona team that demonstrated its own comeback ability in Dallas.
Injury updates could materially affect several of these contests.
Readers can follow the broader developments in TSE’s Week 8 injury watch.
Five Questions That Will Define the NFL After Week 8
1. Has Chicago Become a Genuine NFC Contender?
The Bears have won three consecutive games since Williams returned from his hamstring injury.
The offense is creating sustained drives, Swift is finishing scoring opportunities and the addition of Simmons has strengthened the defense.
The evidence is encouraging.
But Chicago still has to demonstrate that it can reproduce this performance against other strong opponents.
2. Can Kansas City Recover From the Denver Collapse?
The Chiefs led by 11 entering the fourth quarter and still had a chance to win from the one-yard line.
They lost anyway.
That result places fresh pressure on Kansas City in a division race that has become considerably more competitive.
3. How Will Baltimore Function Without Lamar Jackson?
This is arguably the most urgent question in the AFC.
Baltimore has already struggled with injuries at quarterback.
Jackson’s impending absence forces the coaching staff to evaluate how much of the offense can operate effectively without its most important player.
4. Can Minnesota Respond to Its First Defeat?
The Vikings’ unbeaten start ended in Detroit.
One defeat does not negate a 6-1 record, but Minnesota must show that its strong early form can survive a difficult divisional result.
5. Can Jacksonville Turn a Dominant Win Into Sustained Momentum?
The Jaguars’ 35-point victory over Indianapolis was impressive.
Thursday’s trip to Baltimore offers a different challenge.
The Jaguars must prepare quickly and establish that their offense can perform against a Ravens team desperate for a response.
NFL Week 8 Frequently Asked Questions
Who Won Monday Night Football on November 2, 2026?
The Chicago Bears defeated the Seattle Seahawks 34-17 at Lumen Field.
How Many Touchdowns Did D’Andre Swift Score?
Swift scored three rushing touchdowns in Chicago’s victory.
How Many Passing Yards Did Caleb Williams Have?
Williams completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and one touchdown without an interception.
How Did Jeffery Simmons Perform in His Bears Debut?
Simmons recorded six tackles, a sack and a pass defended after arriving in a trade from Tennessee.
What Was the Denver-Kansas City Score?
Denver beat Kansas City 28-24 after overcoming an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit.
Why Did Kansas City’s Final Touchdown Not Count?
A false-start penalty was called before the fourth-down play, nullifying the apparent touchdown pass.
What Happened to Lamar Jackson?
Jackson suffered a right thumb injury against Buffalo. Baltimore announced he would undergo surgery and be placed on injured reserve.
Who Ended Minnesota’s Unbeaten Start?
The Detroit Lions defeated the Vikings 19-15.
Which Team Had the Largest Week 8 Victory?
Jacksonville defeated Indianapolis 42-7, a 35-point margin.
When Does NFL Week 9 Begin?
Thursday, November 5, with Jacksonville visiting Baltimore.
Chicago’s Statement Was Clear, but Week 8 Belonged to the Teams That Refused to Fold
The Bears left Seattle with more than a third consecutive victory.
They had beaten the defending Super Bowl champions on the road, survived a fourth-quarter comeback and demonstrated that their recent investment in the defensive line could pay immediate dividends.
Williams directed the offense without a turnover.
Swift scored three times.
Simmons disrupted Seattle’s offensive rhythm.
And when the Seahawks closed within three points, Chicago produced the two touchdowns that settled the game.
Denver delivered an equally powerful response against Kansas City.
The Broncos recovered from an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit and stopped Mahomes at the goal line.
Detroit ended Minnesota’s perfect start.
Buffalo overwhelmed Baltimore.
Jacksonville produced the week’s most emphatic victory.
Those results leave several divisions looking different from a week ago.
But the most pressing story now belongs to Baltimore, where Jackson’s injury threatens to reshape the offense for at least the next four games.
Chicago, meanwhile, has earned the right to be taken seriously in the NFC North.
The Bears aren’t winning through one isolated formula. Their quarterback, running game and defense all made decisive contributions in Seattle.
That is a stronger foundation than simply relying on a late comeback or an exceptional individual performance.
Whether Chicago can maintain it remains an open question.
For now, the Bears have given the rest of the conference another reason to pay attention.
Official NFL coverage: Review the NFL’s Bears-Seahawks analysis, the complete Week 8 schedule and results, and the official Week 9 schedule.
Related reading: For the preceding week’s developments, see TSE’s NFL Week 7 roundup and our ranking of October’s most memorable NFL plays.
