The NFL season is in full swing, and at the start of Week 8, the Indianapolis Colts (7-1) are the top team in the league.
The two local teams have not been anything to brag about as the Giants are 2-4 and the Jets are 1-7. The Jets had some hope entering the season with an exciting new quarterback, Justin Fields, but he has not lived up to expectations.
The Giants have won 2 games, and their rookie quarterback seems to be the future of the franchise after a big win against the Eagles. They definitely miss their star wide receiver Malik Nabers, whose season ended with a torn ACL. The NFL season has definitely had some surprises, but as usual, our Giants and Jets have let us down.
Chase Hawthorne ‘27 said, “ I think that losing [Malik] Nabers and [Cam] Skattebo is probably the worst thing that could have happened to the Giants this season.”
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) have had strong performances against top teams. Baker Mayfield, who was an outcast of the NFL just a few seasons ago, has risen to the top of the MVP race. This week, the Buccaneers will be tested by the New England Patriots (6-2).
A major surprise this year is the Seahawks (5-2), who are leading the NFC West. They currently have the leading wide receiver in terms of receiving yards in Jaxson Smith-Njigba, which comes as a shock. Sam Darnold’s veteran presence has aided in Smith-Njigba’s success. Seattle is also led by one of the best defenses in the league, which has been a major part of their success, beating teams with top offenses.
According to Ben Balian ‘27, “The Chiefs just needed their top receiver back in [Rashee] Rice and now they’re set up to go on another run.”
Top teams like the Eagles (6-2) and Chiefs (5-3) have looked shaky so far but the Chiefs seem to be getting back to form with a big win vs the Lions in primetime while the Eagles have gone downhill after starting 4-0 after losing to the Broncos (6-2) and Giants (2-6) are last in the NFC East.
The Eagles, who just came off a Super Bowl win, have high expectations but recently haven’t been living up to them. Their star players, Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and AJ Brown, have all been lackluster. If the Eagles want to be a true contender, they need to find a solution for their offensive blunders.
The Chiefs have been the team to beat since 2019, with 3 Super Bowls since their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, has taken over under center. Rashee Rice, who has been suspended since the beginning of the season, has returned and impressed. In his first 2 games this year, he has amassed over 130 receiving yards to go along with 2 touchdowns.
The NFL has been exciting to watch this year, and the games are sure to get more exciting as the season goes on.
