The Minnesota Vikings lost their unblemished record on Sunday, falling 19-15 to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field as Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season tightened divisional races and produced rare stat lines across the league.
Lions topple Vikings as Campbell injured
Detroit handed Minnesota its first defeat of the season behind a productive ground attack led by running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who rushed for 153 yards, USA TODAY Sports reported. Minnesota entered the contest averaging only 4.0 yards per carry on the season, and running backs Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason managed just 42 yards on 13 combined attempts against Detroit’s front.
The victory moved the Lions to 5-2, pulling them within a game of the 6-1 Vikings in a competitive NFC North where every club holds at least five victories.
However, Detroit’s victory was overshadowed by concern for All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell. Campbell injured his neck during the fourth quarter while tackling Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson, prompting medical personnel to immobilize him on a backboard before carting him off the field. The Lions announced Sunday evening on social media that Campbell was resting and would stay overnight at a Detroit-area medical facility for continued evaluation, according to USA TODAY Sports.
Ravens devastated by quarterback injuries
In Orchard Park, New York, the Buffalo Bills cruised to a 36-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, who suffered a catastrophic series of injuries at quarterback. Starter Lamar Jackson exited following his first pass attempt because of a thumb injury that will require surgery and place him on injured reserve, NFL.com reported.
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley subsequently exited with a toe injury, forcing undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano into action. Buffalo’s defense attacked the depleted lineup aggressively, blitzing on nearly two-thirds of dropbacks and limiting Baltimore to 144 net offensive yards, according to NFL.com. On the other side of the ball, Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw his 260th career touchdown, surpassing Hall of Fame passer Jim Kelly for the most in franchise history.
Historic ground performance in Tampa Bay
At Raymond James Stadium, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers recorded a historically anomalous 16-0 shutout over the Atlanta Falcons in a heavy downpour. Quarterback Baker Mayfield attempted only three passes and completed none, leaving the team with minus-2 net passing yards due to a sack.
According to USA TODAY Sports, it marked the first time since 1974, and just the second time during the Super Bowl era, that an NFL team won a game without completing a pass. Tampa Bay instead relied on a franchise-record 324 rushing yards, led by Bucky Irving’s 170 yards on 27 carries and Kenneth Gainwell’s 140 yards on 25 rushes.
Dramatic finishes in Cincinnati and Dallas
Overtime drama unfolded elsewhere in the early slate. The Cincinnati Bengals edged the Tennessee Titans 43-36 after quarterback Joe Burrow totaled six touchdowns, capped by a nine-yard scramble in the extra period, despite throwing three interceptions, NFL.com reported.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals rallied from a 17-3 deficit to stun the Dallas Cowboys 33-30 in overtime. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew sparked the late scoring surge after replacing Jacoby Brissett, while running back Tyler Allgeier amassed over 140 yards on the ground.
Baltimore now faces a quick turnaround with severe quarterback uncertainty as it prepares to host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night, while front offices evaluate potential deals before the league’s Nov. 10 trade deadline.
