Los Angeles kicked off Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season with a thrilling matchup between the Chargers and the Vikings on Thursday night. The Chargers, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, dominated the game, securing a convincing win. Herbert showcased his skills, throwing three touchdown passes and rushing for 62 yards, while rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II impressed with 77 yards and a touchdown, continuing to gain traction in the league.
As the weekend unfolded, the New York Jets celebrated their first win of the season, joining the rest of the AFC East teams—the Bills, Dolphins, and Patriots—who also secured victories. Notably, Bills running back James Cook III had a standout performance, amassing an incredible 216 rushing yards and scoring two touchdowns against the Panthers, marking the highest rushing yards by any NFL player since 2018.
The Philadelphia Eagles had a notable outing as well, with running back Saquon Barkley putting on a show against his former team, the Giants. Despite making significant contributions, Barkley left the game early due to a groin injury. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers’ defense was relentless in their win against the Saints, achieving four takeaways and forcing the Saints to switch quarterbacks mid-game.
In Indianapolis, Jonathan Taylor once again proved to be a key player, scoring three touchdowns for the second week in a row in a decisive victory over the Titans. His highlight reel moment included an electrifying 80-yard touchdown run that left the crowd in awe. Taylor’s performance solidified his case as a strong contender for the MVP award this season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Green Bay Packers, ending the night with a 35-19 defeat. Aaron Rodgers struggled to find his rhythm against his former team, while the Steelers’ recent losing streak raised questions about the team’s cohesiveness and prospects moving forward.
As Week 8 progresses, teams are beginning to assess their positions and potential playoff chances. The performances and injuries observed this week paint a vivid picture for how the remainder of the season might unfold.
