Last-second game-winning Hail Mary, 49ers pile more misery on Cowboys, late drama throughout: NFL Week 8 Sunday review | CNN - CQO News

Week 8 perhaps was one of the most thrilling set of games we’ve seen so far this NFL season, with plenty of contests coming down to the wire.

Sunday also saw the Kansas City Chiefs continue their unbeaten start to the season and other Super Bowl contenders continue to roll. It also saw playoff hopefuls slip up against teams they might normally expect to beat.

Notably, it was a big day for players in the tight end position on what was ‘National Tight End Day’ around the league. Across all of Sunday’s games, tight ends had 177 catches, the most in NFL history on a single day by the position, per the NFL. They also had 16 touchdowns which was the most ever on ‘National Tight End Day.’

Here are the main storylines from Sunday’s action:

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown catches a Hail Mary pass that was tipped with no time left to beat the Chicago Bears 18-15 at Commanders Field in Landover, Maryland, on October 27.

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix scores a rushing touchdown in Denver on October 27. The Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers 28-14.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown, left, and his identical twin brother, Philadelphia Eagles safety Sydney Brown, exchange jerseys after the game between their teams in Cincinnati on October 27. The Eagles won 37-17.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold reacts after being sacked for a safety in his own endzone by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young in Inglewood, California, on Thursday, October 24. TV replays showed Young had grabbed Darnold’s face mask. After the game, lead official Tra Blake said the incident went unpenalized because none of his officiating crew had a clear look at it. The Rams won 30-20.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert stiff arms Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. during the Chargers' 17-15 loss in Glendale, Arizona, on Monday, October 21.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Chris Conley and Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie vie for the ball on Sunday, October 20, in Santa Clara, California.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is tackled by Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks on October 20 in Indianapolis. The Colts won 16-10.

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus celebrates with fans after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Houston Texans in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on October 20. The Packers won 24-22.

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers on October 20 in Landover, Maryland. The Commanders won 40-7.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton runs out of the tunnel prior to the game against the New England Patriots in London on October 20. The Jaguars won 32-16.

Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss breaks up a pass to Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey in the second half of the Broncos' 23-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Denver on Sunday, October 13.

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch, center, celebrates an interception with his teammates during a game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, on October 13. The Lions trounced the Cowboys 47-9.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs dives for a touchdown in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on October 13. The Packers beat the Arizona Cardinals 34-13.

Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II stands for the national anthem on October 13.

Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson stops Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku in Philadelphia on October 13. The Eagles won 20-16.

Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus pressures Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins in Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 13. The Panthers lost 38-20.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams walks down the tunnel after his team beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 35-16 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on October 13. Williams completed 23 of his 29 pass attempts and throwing for 226 yards and four touchdowns.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel makes a catch during his team's 36-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle on Thursday, October 10. Samuel became the first wide receiver in NFL history with 20 touchdown receptions and 20 touchdown runs after scoring on a 76-yard touchdown catch.

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Isaac Yiadom and safety Ji'Ayir Brown break up a touchdown pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf in Seattle on October 10.

New Orleans Saints linebacker Willie Gay Jr. signs autographs for a young Kansas City Chiefs fan before the start of the game between the teams in Kansas City, Missouri, on Monday, October 7. Gay played for the Chiefs for four seasons before signing with the Saints during the offseason. The Chiefs beat the Saints 26-13.

Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum celebrates after a play during a game against the New York Jets in London on Sunday, October 6. The Vikings extended their win streak with a 23-17 victory.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman scores on a 49-yard touchdown reception during the Bills' 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans in Houston on October 6.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence eats a cupcake to celebrate his birthday after his team beat the Indianapolis Colts 37-34 at home in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 6. It was the Jaguars' first win of the season.

Green Bay Packers punter Daniel Whelan grabs a high snap during a game against the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood, California, on October 6. The Packers won 24-19.

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 6.

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn celebrates with teammates after kicking a 59-yard field goal on the last play of his team's victory over the Buffalo Bills in Houston on October 6.

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir runs for a touchdown after a blocked field goal during a game against the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, California, on October 6. The Cardinals came back to narrowly upset the 49ers 24-23.

Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss celebrates after an interception in Denver on October 6. The Broncos beat the Las Vegas Raiders 34-18.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers walks off the field after his team's loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London on October 6. Rodgers was intercepted three times.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels passes in the first half of the team's 42-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, September 29.

Denver Broncos cornerback Tremon Smith celebrates as a field goal attempt by New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein misses in the fourth quarter in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on September 29. The Broncos won 10-9.

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders fights off the tackle attempt by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 29. The Bengals beat the Panthers 34-24.

Houston Texans safety Eric Murray celebrates after sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during the Texans' 24-20 victory in Houston on September 29.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle catches a touchdown pass in the end zone in Santa Clara, California, on September 29. The 49ers beat the New England Patriots 30-13.

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton bobbles the ball as he runs against Dallas Cowboys linebacker Eric Kendricks during the Giants' 20-15 loss to the Cowboys in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Thursday, September 26.

Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills celebrates an interception during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Orchard Park, New York, on Monday, September 23. This was his first career interception and latest milestone since he suffered from a cardiac arrest on the field in early 2023.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III runs with the ball for a touchdown during the Steelers' 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Pittsburgh on Sunday, September 22.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws the ball to tight end Johnny Mundt in Minneapolis on September 22. The Vikings beat the Houston Texans 34-7.

Kadeem Telfort of the Green Bay Packers takes a selfie with a fan after the Packers beat the Tennessee Titans 30-14 on the road in Nashville on September 22.

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones lands in the end zone for a touchdown in Minneapolis on September 22.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescotts sits on the field after a play during the team's 28-25 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Arlington, Texas, on September 22.

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard runs past New England Patriots cornerback Alex Austin for a touchdown in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Thursday, September 19. The Jets won 24-3.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney scores a touchdown during the team's 22-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia on Monday, September 16.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes runs the ball against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dax Hill during the Chiefs' 26-25 victory in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sunday, September 15. The defending Super Bowl champs moved to 2-0 on the season.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. catches a pass over Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum and linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. during a game in Minneapolis on September 15. The Vikings would go on to win the game 24-17.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara runs the ball during the Saints' 44-19 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, on September 15. Kamara had four touchdowns in the game.

Miami Dolphins players attend to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after he took a hit to the head in the second half of a game against the Buffalo Bills in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Thursday, September 12. Tagovailoa was later ruled out with a concussion.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and teammates wait in a tunnel before a game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, California, on Monday, September 9. This is the first game back for Rodgers since tearing his Achilles tendon last year after his first game of the season.

Los Angeles Chargers players and Las Vegas Raiders players clash after a play during the second half of their game in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, September 8.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott celebrates after a touchdown during the Cowboys' 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland on September 8. Hours before the game, Prescott agreed to a record four-year, $240 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. breaks a tackle from Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker K.J. Britt in Tampa, Florida, on September 8. The Buccaneers beat the Commanders 37-20.

Miami Dolphins wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle celebrate a touchdown during a 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Miami Gardens, Florida, on September 8. Hill was detained for a short time by police after a traffic incident earlier in the day. Miami-Dade Police Department Director Stephanie V. Daniels said Sunday that an investigation has begun into the incident and one of the officers involved is being placed on administrative duties.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields signals during the second half of a game against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta on September 8. The Steelers defeated the Falcons 18-10.

Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo, right, and Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson tumble in the end zone in Chicago on September 8. Okonkwo made the catch for a touchdown, but the Titans ultimately fell 24-17 to the Bears.

Rhamondre Stevenson of the New England Patriots runs the ball against Cincinnati Bengals defenders in Cincinnati on September 8. The Patriots beat the Bengals 16-10.

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, center, celebrates his interception return for a touchdown during the Vikings' 28-6 victory over the New York Giants in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on September 8.

Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars players pray together at the end of the game in Miami Gardens, Florida, on September 8.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir, top, dives for the end zone for a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Justin Jones is unable to make the tackle in Orchard Park, New York, on September 8. The Bills won 34-28.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love walks off the field after taking a hit in the final seconds of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo early Saturday, September 7. The Eagles won 34-29.

Brazilian and American flags are presented on the field at Neo Química Arena – also known as Corinthians Arena – in São Paulo ahead of the game between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, September 6. It was the first NFL game in South America.

Grammy Award-winning singer Taylor Swift cheers on boyfriend Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs during the game against the Baltimore Ravens in Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday, September 5.

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely catches a pass with his toe out of bounds as time expires at the end of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 5. The Chiefs won 27-20.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambles during the game against the Baltimore Ravens in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 5.

Fans enter Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, ahead of the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens on September 5.

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Sunday saw the top two picks in this year’s NFL Draft – No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears and No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders – face off against one another with fans being offered an opportunity to see what the future of the league could hold.

And although Sunday’s game at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, wasn’t filled with offensive fireworks, there was a thrilling ending befitting of the talent on show.

Despite both enjoying excellent starts to their rookie campaigns, both Williams and Daniels struggled to find the endzone on Sunday. Washington held a 12-point lead midway through the third quarter with all points coming through the leg of Austin Seibert.

But two rushing touchdowns – a 56-yarder by D’Andre Swift and one from one-yard by Roschon Johnson – meant Chicago held a three-point advantage with just 25 seconds remaining.

In the Commanders’ final drive, Daniels was able to direct the ball to Washington’s 48-yard line with two seconds remaining. And in the most dramatic of finishes, the rookie phenom’s heaved pass towards the endzone was tipped by a huddle of players right into the waiting hands of Noah Brown for a 52-yard walk-off Hail Mary touchdown and 18-15 victory for the Commanders.

The touchdown catch caused wild celebrations on the Washington sideline, with players running onto the field and even head coach Dan Quinn jumping around in jubilation.

Daniels admitted afterwards that he didn’t even know the ball had been caught by Brown until he “heard people screaming.”

Brown's Hail Mary touchdown catch as time expired was the game winner over the Bears.

Despite being questionable about whether he’d be able to play on Sunday with a rib injury, it was another memorable moment in Daniels’ amazing rookie season so far as he made even more history.

The 52-yard touchdown was the second-longest, game-winning touchdown pass as time expired by a rookie in NFL history, per the NFL, only beaten by Tim Couch’s 56-yard TD throw to Kevin Johnson in 1999.

The final throw of Sunday’s game also took him past 300 passing yards, meaning Daniels became the third rookie since 1950 with at least 300 yards passing, 50 yards rushing and zero interceptions thrown in a game alongside Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert.

Afterwards, Brown paid tribute to his quarterback’s impact on the team.

“Man, we’re blessed to have (No.) 5 leading this team,” Brown told reporters. “The things he can do are special, even that last play, keeping his composure and fighting like hell to get the ball off, and threw a hell of a ball. I wouldn’t want to play with any other quarterback, I’m glad to have him.”

Daniels has enjoyed a historic start to his rookie season in the NFL.

For Chicago, it was a disappointing end to the game and one which saw one their starting defenders issue an apology for his actions in the final play of the game.

Videos on social media showed Tyrique Stevenson taunting Commanders fans while the Hail Mary play was underway, with the 24-year-old ending up tipping the ball into Brown’s hands for the touchdown.

Afterwards, he apologized for his actions in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter: “To Chicago and teammates my apologies for lack of awareness and focus …. The game ain’t over until zeros hit the clock. Can’t take anything for granted. Notes taken, improvement will happen.”

The early slate of games in Week 8 didn’t disappoint in terms of drama, with six of the eight contests coming down to the wire – and all decided by five points or fewer.

There were two huge upsets along the way, with the lowly Cleveland Browns stunning the Baltimore Ravens 29-24 and the New England Patriots ending a six-game losing streak to beat Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.

The Browns, led by Jameis Winston following the season-ending injury to Deshaun Watson, scored more than 20 points for the first time this season, with Winston throwing three touchdowns passes.

Cleveland capitalized on an off-day for the Ravens, who had won five straight but struggled to finish drives and make their quality count.

On the final play of the game, Lamar Jackson attempted a miracle Hail Mary, but it fell incomplete as the Browns collected a famous win.

In New England, the Patriots also recorded a big win as they toppled the star-studded Jets 25-22 at Gillette Stadium.

It wasn’t smooth sailing for New England though, with rookie quarterback Drake Maye suffering a concussion in the first half. But back-up Jacoby Brissett stepped in admirably to lead the offense admirably.

In particular, the veteran QB converted two important third-and-longs on the game-winning drive to set up a one-yard touchdown run from Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson had two scores on the day, while Maye had one with his legs before he left the game.

Despite their very different aspirations this season – New England is rebuilding with a young core and the Jets have playoff goals – both now have a record of 2-6.

Stevenson (No. 38) had two touchdowns as the Patriots stunned the Jets.

Afterwards, Rodgers spoke about feeling “frustration” and says the team is “underachieving.”

Elsewhere, there were game-winning field goals as time expired for the Green Bay Packers and the Arizona Cardinals as they overcame the Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins – who had starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa return from the injured reserve list following last month’s concussion – respectively.

It is one of the most storied rivalries in NFL history and Sunday Night Football between the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys didn’t disappoint.

Both teams came into Week 8’s clash needing a victory to kick-start their seasons and it was the 49ers who eventually did so, winning 30-24 at Levi’s Stadium.

San Francisco largely controlled the game through the running attack, finishing with 223 yards on the ground compared to 56 for Dallas.

Rookie Isaac Guerendo had 85 rushing yards and a touchdown off 14 carries, while quarterback Brock Purdy added 56 yards of his own on the ground as well as a score.

Purdy was also characteristically accurate through the air, completing 18-of-26 passes for 260 yards, with his sole throwing touchdown going to George Kittle.

Kittle had a big day himself on ‘National Tight End Day,’ finishing the game with six catches for 128 yards. He caught his 500th career reception during the game, joining the likes of Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, Roger Craig and Dwight Clark to do so for the 49ers.

Kittle (center) had a big performance against the Cowboys.

The defense also starred in Sunday’s game, intercepting Dak Prescott twice and slowing down the Cowboys offense.

More importantly though, it’s a win which brings the Niners back to .500 on the season as they look to get their injury-plighted year back on track.

Afterwards, San Francisco star linebacker Fred Warner spoke to the importance of the win for his team.

“We can be whoever we want,” Warner said. “Honestly, I think it’s, after the bye, it’s 0-0. We’re at .500 right now. I think we’re a game back from being first in the division … but we have everything ahead of us.”

For the Cowboys, they fall to 3-4 on the season with questions surrounding the future of many elements of the team.

They had taken a seven-point lead on Sunday through a one-yard touchdown run from Ezekiel Elliot and a field goal from Brandon Aubrey, but 24 unanswered points from San Francisco saw the home team take control.

Two fourth-quarter TD passes to CeeDee lamb did reduce the deficit for Dallas, but the Niners were able to run out the clock and seal the win.

After the defeat, Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy said his team was “disappointed,” while quarterback Prescott said the squad still holds high hopes.

“We know what it takes in this league,” Prescott told reporters. “You got hot, you get rolling, that’s all you’re looking to do. That’s my point, that this is frustrating but nobody is giving up.

“Nobody is shook, as you can say, from where we’re at. We just got to focus up, get ready to go on the road and got another good team coming up and do whatever we can do to make sure we come out with a victory. Get even. Then worry about after that after this next road game.”