Lamar Jackson's return lasted just one snap before another injury interrupted his season, while Minnesota suffered its first loss during Sunday's Week 8 NFL action. Buffalo beat Baltimore after Jackson hurt his right thumb, and Detroit held the previously unbeaten Vikings to 15 points. Elsewhere, Cincinnati needed overtime to overcome Tennessee, and a quarterback switch helped Arizona rally against Dallas.
Ravens coach Jesse Minter said Jackson would undergo thumb surgery and be placed on injured reserve. Jackson had missed three games with an ankle injury before returning Sunday. Backup Tyler Huntley also departed, suffering a right toe injury in the second quarter, potentially leaving undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano to lead Baltimore against Jacksonville on Thursday. The Ravens fell to 4-4 and last place in the AFC North, finishing with 68 net passing yards, their lowest total since 2017.
Buffalo's defense generated pressure from multiple positions, with nine players recording either a sack or a quarterback hit. Greg Rousseau contributed a sack, three quarterback hits and two pass breakups. The Bills also held Zay Flowers without a reception for the first time in his career. Flowers had caught at least five passes in every game he had played this season before Sunday.
Detroit handed Minnesota its first defeat behind Jahmyr Gibbs, who carried 23 times for 153 yards. Jameson Williams caught the winning touchdown, the first fourth-quarter touchdown allowed by the Vikings this season. Minnesota's 15 points were the fewest scored against Detroit this year. Jared Goff faced blitzes on a career-high 83% of his dropbacks but completed five of six passes against the blitz after halftime for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Cincinnati survived a difficult outing against Tennessee, with Joe Burrow throwing six touchdown passes in an overtime victory despite three interceptions and three sacks. The Bengals allowed 36 points to a team that had not previously reached 30 this season. Tee Higgins caught 10 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee's Tony Pollard rushed for 117 yards and two scores, while Cam Ward recorded his first career 300-yard passing game, finishing with 304. Amani Hooker intercepted three passes.
Arizona beat Dallas after replacing Jacoby Brissett with Gardner Minshew II late in the third quarter. Minshew completed 15 of 20 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns, directing four consecutive touchdown drives and bringing the Cardinals level at 30 with six seconds remaining. Arizona also sustained several injuries: Jeremiyah Love and Kendrick Bourne hurt their ankles, while Bam Knight left with a concussion.
The Raiders overcame the Jets despite allowing at least 30 points for a fifth consecutive game, matching the longest such streak in franchise history. New York surrendered 24 second-half points, and Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers scored two touchdowns. Braelon Allen rushed for a career-best 147 yards for the Jets. Raiders rookie Mike Washington Jr. carried 25 times for 83 yards, while Ashton Jeanty received only two carries.
Pittsburgh moved into its Week 9 bye atop the AFC North following a dominant victory over Cleveland, extending its winning streak to four games. Tampa Bay also produced an unusual result, shutting out Atlanta without completing a pass.
