Denver’s NFL Week 8 winners: Broncos defense stands tall as Cowboys flops again among losers

Big plays lift winners

Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 153 yards on 23 carries and caught two passes for 15 yards in the Lions’ win over the previously unbeaten Minnesota Vikings. He also scored a touchdown.

Jacksonville safety Rayuan Lane III returned an interception 92 yards for a touchdown just before halftime as the Jaguars routed the Indianapolis Colts 42-7. Arizona quarterback Gardner Minshew came off the bench to throw three touchdown passes and help the Cardinals beat Dallas 33-30 in overtime.

Denver makes the decisive stop

Denver beat Kansas City 28-24, with its defense making a game-ending stand at the goal line to secure the victory. The defense was not flawless, but delivered when the game was on the line.

Kansas City coach Andy Reid’s decision to attempt a 54-yard field goal in the rain, with just over two minutes left, did not pay off. Harrison Butker missed, and Denver took over near midfield before scoring the go-ahead touchdown. Kansas City later reached the one-yard line but could not score, despite having a timeout.

Dallas defense struggles again

The Cowboys dropped to 3-5 after failing to protect a 14-point lead against Arizona. Dallas has not held an opponent below 20 points this season. The result renewed questions about the team’s defense and whether changes are needed. Owner Jerry Jones, however, was described as not ready to make coaching changes.

Mixed results across the league

New England quarterback Drake Maye led a comeback against Miami, an encouraging performance for a Patriots offense dealing with injuries. The Patriots had trailed by 10 points at halftime.

Atlanta lost 16-0 to Tampa Bay in miserable weather, even though the Buccaneers did not complete a pass. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions. Cleveland’s Jared Verse had one tackle in a 27-6 loss to Pittsburgh; he had 11 tackles and no sacks through eight games.