NFL

NFL Week 8 Recap: Lamar Jackson Injured as Cardinals and Broncos Pull Off Dramatic Upsets

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 2, 2026, 21:31 IST

A chaotic NFL Sunday saw Lamar Jackson suffer a season-altering thumb injury, the Cardinals rally past the Cowboys, and the Broncos stun the Chiefs in a wild finish that reshaped the AFC West standings.

NFL Week 8 Recap: Lamar Jackson Injured as Cardinals and Broncos Pull Off Dramatic Upsets

NFL Week 8 delivered a series of unexpected developments that have significantly altered the landscape of the 2026 season. The day was defined by a major injury blow in Buffalo, where Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson exited his return game after just one snap. Jackson, who had been sidelined with an ankle injury, suffered a thumb injury that reports indicate will require surgery and a stint on injured reserve, leaving the Ravens' playoff aspirations in a precarious position.

The drama extended well beyond Baltimore, as the Arizona Cardinals orchestrated a stunning 33-30 comeback victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Despite trailing by 17 points in the second half and playing without several key starters, the Cardinals relied on a breakout performance from running back Tyler Allgeier. Allgeier racked up 143 yards on nine carries in the second half, including a spectacular 63-yard touchdown run, to help Arizona overcome a Dallas defense that struggled to contain them late in the game.

Upsets and Tactical Shifts Across the League

In Denver, the Broncos pulled off a monumental 28-24 upset against the Kansas City Chiefs, ending a streak of 74 consecutive wins for Patrick Mahomes when holding a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter. The game concluded with a dramatic goal-line stand by the Broncos' defense, as a late sack by Malcolm Roach sealed the victory. The result allows Denver to leapfrog Kansas City for the top spot in the AFC West, adding further pressure to the Chiefs as they navigate a challenging mid-season stretch.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured a unique 16-0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in a game dominated by extreme weather conditions. The Buccaneers opted to abandon the passing game almost entirely, with quarterback Baker Mayfield attempting only three passes. Instead, the team leaned heavily on their rushing attack, with Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell combining for 310 yards on the ground. The win keeps Tampa Bay firmly in the hunt for the NFC South title, marking a significant turnaround for a team that began the season with four consecutive losses.

Elsewhere, the Cincinnati Bengals edged out the Tennessee Titans in a high-scoring 43-36 overtime thriller. Despite a standout performance from Titans quarterback Cam Ward, who threw for two touchdowns, the Bengals' offensive stars—led by Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Ja'Marr Chase—proved too much to handle. The win keeps Cincinnati in a strong position within the AFC North, while the Titans continue to grapple with roster turnover and injuries as they look toward the remainder of the season.