Every weekend in the NFL, elements that draw our attention relate to the forces present, the records that are within reach, or certain historical milestones. For the eighth week of activity, here are five elements to look out for.
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1. McCaffrey looking for a record
Christian McCaffrey, 49ers running back. Getty Images via AFP
49ers running back Christian McCaffrey will have his eyes on a winning record against the Bengals. Since Week 13 of last season, he has scored at least one touchdown from the line of scrimmage (running or receiving) in 16 straight games, including the playoffs. With a touchdown in the 17th straight game, he would reach the mark set by former Baltimore Colts running back and receiver Lenny Moore in 1963 and 1964. It would be a nice historical nod, as Moore is considered one of the first running backs to contribute as much on the ground as he did in the air.
2. A great premiere
Will Anderson Jr. of the Texans. Getty Images via AFP
We told you on Saturday that there was a matchup between the Panthers and the Texans, featuring the top two picks from the last draft, Bryce Young (Panthers) and CJ Stroud (Texans). You should know that this duel will be an occasion for a great debut, since in the total of this year we also have to add the third pick, the quarterback hunter Will Anderson Jr., who also plays for the Texans. Never in the history of a game have the top three picks been in the same draft. It must be said that only two teams have ever held two of the first three picks in a draft, namely Indianapolis in 1992 and Washington in 2000.
3. The low-wage sector…
It’s not easy for teams to get into the end zone… Getty Images via AFP
One of the reasons offense has declined in the NFL this season is that teams clearly aren’t opportunistic enough in the pay zone. This zone within the opponent’s 20 yard line should result in touchdowns in most cases. However, teams overall only scored a touchdown on 53.5% of their visits to the pay zone this fall. This is the lowest success rate since 2011. Fortunately, the Dolphins (77.8%) and Bills (71.4%) raise the average slightly.
4. Vrabel against Vrabel
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Getty Images via AFP
The duel between the Titans and the Falcons puts the Vrabel family in the spotlight. Mike Vrabel, of course, will lead the Titans, while his son Tyler is a tackle on the Falcons’ practice squad. This week, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, a good friend of Mike Vrabel, was jokingly asked if he had instructed Tyler not to speak to his father to avoid leaks. Strategically. “No, I didn’t have to tell him that. He’s closer to his mother anyway!” he said, laughing.
5. A fire sequence
Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown. Getty Images via AFP
In the receiver department, Eagles AJ Brown has been completely dominant this season. Brown has had five straight games with at least 125 receiving yards, something only Calvin Johnson (2012) and Pat Studstill (1966) have accomplished before him. If he can do it again against the Commanders, he will achieve an unprecedented feat. In 67 career games, Brown has 15 games of 125 yards or more.