The 2021 NFL season has certainly been entertaining with numerous storylines and great games developing right in front of our eyes. Whether it’s monitoring the rookie quarterbacks progress, debating MVP candidates, or appreciating the parity within the league this season, it is safe to say that this NFL season is more memorable than most through eight weeks of play.
The week started with a great matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night Football. The Packers came into the game with several WRs out of the lineup due to positive COVID-19 testing but nonetheless, Aaron Rodgers delivered. Rodgers completed 22/37 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns while being victorious over the last undefeated team in the NFL. To top it off, a hilarious meme of Aaron Rodgers circulated on the internet with the star quarterback remarking post-game, “I did see it, the internet in undefeated.” Unfortunately, quarterback Kyler Murray, who has also played at an MVP level this season, injured his ankle during the second half of the game and may be out of the lineup for one to three weeks.
The most surprising result of the week was the New York Jets defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 34-31. The Bengals were 5-1 and fresh off a road victory at Baltimore coming into the matchup, proving that no given game is guaranteed. In addition, the Jets were playing with backup quarterback Mike White who has never started an NFL game, instead of rookie Zach Wilson. White completed 37/44 passes for 405 yards and three touchdowns in an historically impressive debut. White, at 26 years old, has a valid case to start for the Jets at quarterback for at least the near future despite the spending the second overall selection on quarterback Zach Wilson.
The Buffalo Bills played well in the second half against the Miami Dolphins in a 26-11 victory. The score at halftime was 3-3 in a mistake driven and strong defensive 1st half. In the second half, the Bills were able to get into a rhythm and build momentum from a couple of Josh Allen runs. Allen certainly looked like an MVP in the half, elevating his team and making big throws in big moments. Cole Beasley was also huge in the second half converting many third downs and preventing the Dolphins from retaining more offensive possessions. Prior to the game, Allen’s MVP odds were +350, which is the most favorable odds in the NFL. Allen and the Bills play the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets in their next two matchups and will look to build on their post BYE week momentum.
Some other notable scores from week 8 include the New England Patriots 27-24 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers and the New Orleans Saints 36-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As football fans, we all hope that week 8 can be a replica of the type of action we will be seeing the rest of this NFL season.