The AFC has a busy week as they feature three winners, and two losers, while the NFC has the injury bug hit them yet again.

Winners

Miami Dolphins

It is finally time for Tua. QB Tua Tagovailoa made his first NFL start on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, and was able to do enough to lead the Dolphins to victory. The young quarterback barely had to do anything, as the Dolphins scored a defensive touchdown and a special team’s touchdown in part of a convincing 28-17 victory. Tua went 12/22 with 93 yards and a touchdown, which was caught by WR DeVante Parker. The Dolphins are now 4-3 and very much in the playoff mix going into Week 9, which is something nobody would have expected. After a tough matchup against Arizona next week, the Dolphins schedule starts to soften up and could play a big factor in the Dolphins success.

Las Vegas Raiders

After getting blown out by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Las Vegas Raiders won a key game against the Cleveland Browns by a score of 16-6 in awful weather conditions. It was not pretty, but Las Vegas won on the line of scrimmage and ultimately won the game, increasing their record to 4-3. With this win, the Raiders now have the tiebreaker over the Browns, which could be a pivotal factor down the stretch in regard to playoff implications. Vegas will look to make it two in a row on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Indianapolis Colts

It feels like nobody ever talks about the Colts, even though they are big winners in Week 8. The Colts took care of business against the Lions, scoring 41 points in a blowout victory. The Colts are now 5-2 and tied for first place with the Tennessee Titans in a division that looked to be decided two weeks ago. QB Philip Rivers has been much better, throwing 6 touchdowns and 1 interception in the last two games. Defensively, LB Darius Leonard is back and healthy, leading the defense to success. The Colts are a well-rounded football team and have a chance to prove their worth against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9.

Losers

Los Angeles Chargers

Everyone wants to mention the Atlanta Falcons, but the Los Angeles Chargers have blown more leads than anybody in the NFL. Out of their five losses, the Chargers have blown a double-digit lead in four of them, despite the success of rookie sensation QB Justin Herbert. In Week 8, the Chargers blew a 24-3 lead to a struggling Denver Broncos team, falling to 2-5 with the hopes of the playoffs quickly slipping away. The Chargers are finding ways to lose right now but will look to change that against the Las Vegas Raiders next week.

New England Patriots

Having the Patriots and the term “loser” in the same sentence sounds abnormal, but the times have changed. New England had the division-leading Buffalo Bills on the ropes, driving down the field with a chance to win the game or at least tie it. Then QB Cam Newton fumbled the ball, sealing the deal for the Patriots. New England is now 2-5 and is facing territory they have not faced in a long time. Their roster is not that talented and there is no Tom Brady to bail them out this year. Despite this, New England plays the 0-8 New York Jets last week, which is a major opportunity for the Patriots to get right and get back on track.

San Francisco 49ers

All season long, the 49ers have been struck with injury after injury and it just got worse. After losing a key division game to the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco lost QB Jimmy Garoppolo for at least six weeks and TE George Kittle for likely the season. RB Tevin Coleman came back but got hurt again. Defensive linemen Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas are already out, WR Deebo Samuel has a hamstring problem, and we have not heard any updates on CB Richard Sherman’s injury. The 49ers are 4-4, but in last place in the loaded NFC West. Things look to be heading south for the 49ers and the chances of them making the playoffs in this division with their roster are getting slimmer and slimmer.

Info from profootballreference.com

-By: Richie Dordas

Biggest Winners and Losers in the NFL: Week 8