Football

NFL Week 8 Recap: 5 Best Performances

By Justin Adams Oct 30, 2017
Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and receiver Doug Baldwin celebrate a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens. (Photo Courtesy: Keith Allison/CC License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode)

What a week it was! Who would of thought Deshaun Watson would carve up the Seahawks defense on the road and throw for four touchdowns and over 400 yards on the day? Despite the gaudy numbers, Watson didn’t make the cut on our list because in order to make it on our list, you have to win. However, his opposing quarterback was superb and lande a spot in our top 5 best performances of the week.

Russell Wilson – To the victors go the spoils. Deshaun Watson’s gigantic performance was bested by Wilson’s late-game heroics as he connected on 26 of 41 passes for 452 yards with four touchdowns and one interception. He also ran for 30 yards on four carries, leading the Seahawks on a game-winning 80-yard touchdown drive in three plays, finding Jimmy Graham on a 18-yard pass for the 41-38 victory.

JuJu Smith-Schuster – What a week for JuJu Smith-Schuster. First he found his beloved bike, then he roasted the Lions defense for 193 yards with a touchdown on seven receptions. JuJu’s big time play came in the 3rd quarter with the Steelers backed up near their own goal line, Big Ben hit the 20-year-old receiver on a 97-yard catch and run. Pittsburgh goes into their bye week at 6-2. Here’s hoping JuJu finds a better lock and key for his bike during the week off.

LeSean McCoy – The Buffalo Bills look good with a 5-2 record as they beat the Oakland Raiders 34-14 on their home turf. LeSean McCoy was the workhorse for the Bills as he rushed for a season-high 151 yards on 27 carries and added 22 yards on six catches. Buffalo has a short week as they travel to New York to take on the Jets on Thursday Night Football.

Ezekiel Elliott – In the pouring rain, Elliott was brilliant. The Dallas running back rushed for 150 yards with two touchdowns on 33 carries in a 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins. He has rushed for 297 yards over his last 2 games, both road wins for the Cowboys.

Baltimore Ravens Defense – Not only did the Ravens shut out the Dolphins on Thursday night, but linebacker CJ Mosely and cornerback Jimmy Smith both had pick-sixes in the 4th quarter. Miami could only muster 196 yards as Baltimore had it’s second shut out of the season.

Play of the Week – JuJu splits the Lions safeties and takes it 97-yards to the house!

Honorable Mention:

Deshaun Watson – Watson passed Kurt Warner for most touchdown passes through a quarterback’s first seven career NFL games with 19.

Deandre Hopkins – The lead recipient in Watson’s historic passing day, Hopkins caught eight passes for 224 yards and a touchdown.

Jack Doyle – 12 receptions, 124 yards, TD. Not a bad afternoon for the Colts tight end.

Game of the Week Picks: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions

Jason Romano: Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Detroit Lions 21

Justin Adams: Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Detroit Lions 20

Jon Ackerman: Pittsburgh Steelers 34, Detroit Lions 17

Actual Result: Pittsburgh Steelers 20 – Detroit Lions 15

Season Record: (Upsets Record in Parentheses) 

Jason: 6-2 (2-5)

Justin: 5-3 (3-4)

Jon: 5-2 (2-5)

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