USFFL

USFFL Season 25 – Week 8

🏈 USFFL Week 8 Recap: Division Leaders Survive Close Calls, Overtime Thrillers Highlight Weekend

Week 8 of the USFFL season delivered heart-pounding finishes and key victories that kept several division races tight. The Bills, Packers, and Saints each held serve atop their respective divisions, but not without drama. Meanwhile, a potential championship preview unfolded in New Orleans as the Saints outlasted the Denver Broncos 34–31 in overtime — a game that will be talked about all season.

AFC Storylines

The Buffalo Bills (6–1) remain the team to beat in the AFC East after a gritty 16–10 win over the Titans. Josh Allen threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns, while kicker Tyler Bass sealed the deal with a 56-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (5–2) stayed atop the AFC North by narrowly edging the Jets 16–14 behind three field goals from Chris Boswell. Cincinnati (4–3) continues to close the gap, however, as Joe Burrow led a methodical 23–3 victory over Cleveland.

In the South, the Tennessee Titans (4–2) stumbled but remain in first place despite falling to Buffalo. Jacksonville (3–4) closed the gap with a dramatic 31–26 comeback win over New England, fueled by Trevor Lawrence’s 266 passing yards and a one-yard go-ahead run late in the fourth quarter.

The Kansas City Chiefs (5–1) continue to dominate the AFC West after a hard-fought 16–9 road win over San Francisco, highlighted by a 97-yard kickoff return from Samaje Perine and three field goals from Harrison Butker.

NFC Storylines

The Green Bay Packers (6–1) maintained control of the NFC North with a tight 17–10 win over Houston. Jordan Love threw for 276 yards, and tight end Tucker Kraft posted 104 yards and a touchdown in the win. Detroit (5–1) and Chicago (5–1) kept pace, both scoring big victories — the Lions handled Minnesota 26–15 behind Jake Bates’ four field goals.

In the NFC South, the New Orleans Saints (6–1) emerged victorious in the game of the week, outlasting Denver in overtime 34–31 thanks to Spencer Rattler’s 359 passing yards and three touchdowns. Tampa Bay (4–3) also stayed alive in the division with a last-minute 51-yard field goal from Chase McLaughlin to beat Baltimore 16–14 on Monday night.

The NFC East saw a stunning upset as the New York Giants (2–5) edged the previously 5–1 Philadelphia Eagles 20–19. Daniel Jones threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns as the Giants survived six lead changes. Dallas (5–1) now moves into a tie with Philadelphia atop the division.

Out west, the Seattle Seahawks (4–3) notched their third straight win, rolling over Atlanta 32–18. Geno Smith was sharp again with 279 yards and two scores, helping Seattle pull within one game of the NFC West lead.

🏆 Game of the Week: New Orleans 34, Denver 31 (OT)

In a matchup between two of the league’s top quarterbacks, Spencer Rattler and Bo Nix traded big plays and late heroics before the Saints emerged victorious in overtime.

Denver built an early 10–0 lead behind a Nix rushing touchdown and a booming 53-yard field goal from Will Lutz. But Rattler rallied the Saints, finding Cedrick Wilson twice for touchdowns, including a 52-yarder that gave New Orleans a third-quarter lead.

Denver stormed back in the fourth, taking a 31–28 edge on a Lutz field goal with just 30 seconds left. But with the clock winding down, Rattler hit Rashid Shaheed on a stunning 68-yard strike to set up Blake Grupe’s tying kick. In overtime, Grupe drilled a 32-yard field goal to win it.

Rattler finished with 359 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Nix totaled 244 yards passing and 64 rushing, showing poise in defeat. The Saints’ aerial attack overcame Denver’s 154-yard rushing advantage, marking a statement win that cements New Orleans as a top NFC contender.

⭐ Top Performances of Week 8

Quarterbacks

  1. Spencer Rattler (NO) – 359 yards, 3 TDs, OT win over Denver
  2. Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) – 381 yards, 1 TD in narrow loss to Pittsburgh
  3. Trevor Lawrence (JAX) – 266 yards, 2 TDs, led fourth-quarter comeback vs New England

Running Backs

  1. Chuba Hubbard (CAR) – 165 yards, 1 TD in loss to Washington
  2. James Conner (ARI) – 153 yards, 1 TD in losing effort
  3. De’Von Achane (MIA) – 109 yards, 1 TD, plus key OT drive contribution in win vs Colts

Receivers

  1. Puka Nacua (LAR) – 16 receptions, 170 yards, 2 TDs
  2. Cedrick Wilson (NO) – 113 yards, 2 TDs including a 52-yarder
  3. Tucker Kraft (GB) – 104 yards, 1 TD, 67-yard highlight play

Defense

  1. Dexter Lawrence (NYG) – 3 sacks, 12 tackles in upset win over Eagles
  2. Harold Landry (TEN) – 3 sacks despite loss to Buffalo
  3. Nick Bolton (KC) – 15 tackles anchoring Chiefs’ road win at San Francisco

Special Teams

  1. Jake Bates (DET) – 4-for-4 FGs, including a 37-yarder to seal victory over Minnesota
  2. Blake Grupe (NO) – 3 clutch FGs including the overtime game-winner
  3. Samaje Perine (KC) – 97-yard kickoff return touchdown vs 49ers

🔮 Looking Ahead: Week 9 Games to Watch

Based on Week 9’s matchups, here are the USFFL’s games to watch this week:

  • Titans / Patriots
  • Lions / Packers
  • Buccaneers / Chiefs