NEW YORK — Oct. 22, 2025 — Below are the players that can set historic marks or reach career milestones in Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season, including:
DRAKE MAYE New England quarterback Drake Maye has at least 200 passing yards and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in each of his past six starts. With at least 200 passing yards and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in Week 8, Maye can become the second player under the age of 24 and fifth player in NFL history to record at least 200 passing yards and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in seven consecutive games, joining Aaron Rodgers (12 consecutive games in 2011 and eight in 2020), Tom Brady (eight in 2007), Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (eight in 2004) and Patrick Mahomes (seven in 2018 at age 23). The players with at least 200 passing yards and a passer rating 100-or-higher in the most consecutive games within a single season in NFL history:
PATRICK MAHOMES Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes passed for 286 yards and three touchdowns with a 126.6 passer rating last week, his 93rd career regular-season win – the most ever by a player under the age of 31. Mahomes has 45 career games with at least three touchdown passes and on Monday Night Football against Washington (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC), can tie Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino (46 games) for the most such games by a player in his first nine seasons in NFL history. Mahomes has 39,966 career passing yards, including the playoffs, entering Week 8 and with 34 passing yards, can join Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (41,082 passing yards) as the only players in NFL history with at least 40,000 passing yards in their first nine seasons, including the postseason. With a passer rating of 100-or-higher on Monday night, Mahomes can tie Matt Ryan (61 games) for the third-most games with a passer rating of 100-or-higher in his first nine career seasons, trailing only Russell Wilson (74 games) and Dak Prescott (63). The players with the most games with a passer rating of 100-or-higher in their first nine seasons in NFL history:
JUSTIN HERBERT Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert recorded 37 completions and a career-high 420 passing yards last week, his 30th career game with at least 300 passing yards. Herbert has 2,128 career completions and with his next completion, will surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (2,128) for the most completions by a player in his first six seasons. With 300 passing yards on Thursday Night Football against Minnesota (8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video), Herbert can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner (30 games) for the third-most games with at least 300 passing yards by a player in his first six seasons in NFL history. Only Patrick Mahomes (41 games) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino (32) have more. The players with the most games with at least 300 passing yards in their first six seasons in NFL history:
JUSTIN JEFFERSON Since entering the NFL in 2020, Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson leads all players with 7,960 receiving yards in 83 career games. With 40 receiving yards on Thursday Night Football at the Los Angeles Chargers (8:15 pm. ET, Prime Video), Jefferson can:
CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey leads the NFL with 981 scrimmage yards (516 receiving, 465 rushing) this season and has recorded at least five receptions and 100 scrimmage yards in each of the 49ers seven games. On Sunday at Houston (1 p.m. ET, FOX), McCaffrey can join Priest Holmes (2002 with Kansas City) and Adam Thielen (2018 with Minnesota) as the only players in NFL history with at least five receptions and 100 scrimmage yards in each of their first eight games of a season. Additionally, with 35 rushing yards in Week 8, McCaffrey can join Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk (1998 with Indianapolis and 2000 with the St. Louis Rams) and Timmy Brown (1965 with Philadelphia) as the only players in NFL history with at least 500 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in their team’s first eight games of a season. McCaffrey, who has 6,852 rushing yards and 4,982 receiving yards in his career, can become the fourth player in NFL history with at least 7,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Marshall Faulk as well as Tiki Barber. JONATHAN TAYLOR Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor leads the NFL with 10 rushing touchdowns this season and has 61 rushing touchdowns in 74 career games, the third-most since he entered the league in 2020. With a rushing touchdown against Tennessee on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS) in his 75th career game, Taylor can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson (61 rushing touchdowns) for the fifth-most rushing touchdowns by a player in his first 75 career games in the Super Bowl era. The players with the most rushing touchdowns in their first 75 career games in the Super Bowl era:
JA’MARR CHASE Cincinnati wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase recorded a single-game franchise-record 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown in Week 7, his third game with at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown reception this season. On Sunday against the New York Jets (1 p.m. ET, CBS), Chase can become the fourth player ever with at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown reception in 20 games in his first five seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Lance Alworth (24 games), Randy Moss (24) and Jerry Rice (21). Chase has 15 career games with at least 125 receiving yards since entering the NFL in 2021 and with 125 receiving yards in Week 8, can tie Odell Beckham Jr. (16 games) and A.J. Brown (16) for the fourth-most such games by a player in his first five seasons in the Super Bowl era. The players with the most games with at least 125 receiving yards in their first five seasons in the Super Bowl era:
NIK BONITTO & JONATHON COOPER The Denver Broncos lead the NFL with 34 sacks this season, as linebackers Nik Bonitto (eight sacks) and Jonathon Cooper (six) rank first and second, respectively, in the AFC in sacks. With two sacks by Cooper – who had two sacks in Week 6 and 1.5 sacks in Week 7 – against Dallas on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS), Bonitto and Cooper can become the sixth pair of teammates and first since 2017 (Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram with the Los Angeles Chargers) each with at least eight sacks in their team’s first eight games of a season. The teammates each with at least eight sacks in their team’s first eight games of a season since 2000:
Media Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com |
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What To Look For – Week 8
The Kid LAROI to Perform at the 2025 NFL Berlin Game
| BERLIN – Oct. 23, 2025 – The National Football League has announced that GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum chart-topping global superstar The Kid LAROI will headline the halftime show for the 2025 NFL Berlin game on November 9. The performance will be staged on the iconic Olympic Steps of the Olympiastadion during the matchup, presented by DKB, between the Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts.
The Kid LAROI has achieved billions of streams and dominated charts worldwide, cementing him as an international phenomenon. The artist has earned international accolades for his music while continuously delivering sold-out global tours. “I’m hyped to be performing for the NFL’s first regular-season game in Berlin, and I know the energy at the stadium is going to be epic,” said The Kid LAROI. “It’s an honor to be part of this history-making event and bring my music to such passionate fans, we’re going to make this a day the city won’t forget.” “Bringing an artist of The Kid LAROI’s caliber to the first regular-season NFL game in Berlin underscores our commitment to delivering world-class entertainment,” said Tim Tubito, senior director of global game presentation and entertainment at the NFL. “The energy that he and his music bring perfectly matches the passionate atmosphere created by our incredible German fans. This halftime show should add yet another layer to an already exciting day of sport and entertainment.” Ahead of the game local artists the German Gents will sing the German National Anthem. Norma Jean Martine will then perform the U.S. National Anthem. “We are incredibly proud to be the local artists welcoming the NFL to Berlin by performing our country’s National Anthem,” said the German Gents. “This is a monumental day for German sports fans and a historic moment for the city. We can’t wait to feel the electric, passionate atmosphere as we celebrate the game.” “As an American artist with close ties to Berlin, singing the U.S. National anthem at the NFL’s first regular-season game in the city is a huge honor,” said Norma Jean. “I am excited to be part of such an exciting event and share this unforgettable moment with the passionate fans in the stadium and watching at home.” In addition to anthem and halftime act, there will be wider entertainment around the game for the fans at the Olympiastadion including the house band Inter-Jam. Beyond the NFL’s first regular-season game in Berlin, the league is committed to growing the game at every level across the country, engaging with fans year-round through partners, programs and initiatives, including NFL Flag and community events. The 2025 NFL Berlin game will also be presented by the NFL’s banking partner, DKB. To stay up to date on all things NFL London and for more on the 2025 NFL Berlin game, follow @nfldeutschland on Instagram, X and TikTok. |
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Christian McCaffrey, Micah Parsons & Sam Martin Named Week 7 NFC Players of the Week
| NEW YORK — Oct. 22, 2025 — San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Micah Parsons and Carolina Panthers punter Sam Martin are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played in Week 7 (October 16, 19-20).
OFFENSE: RB CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
DEFENSE: DL MICAH PARSONS, GREEN BAY PACKERS
SPECIAL TEAMS: P SAM MARTIN, CAROLINA PANTHERS
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Ja’Marr Chase, K’Lavon Chaisson & Grant Delpit Named Week 7 AFC Players of the Week
| NEW YORK — Oct. 22, 2025 — Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, New England Patriots linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson and Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played in Week 7 (October 16, 19-20).
OFFENSE: WR JA’MARR CHASE, CINCINNATI BENGALS
DEFENSE: LB K’LAVON CHAISSON, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
SPECIAL TEAMS: S GRANT DELPIT, CLEVELAND BROWNS
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NFF Proudly Announces the Finalists for 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy
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Ohio State’s Defense Shines Once Again in Win Over Illinois
Illinois posed a new challenge for Ohio State, marking the Buckeyes’ second ranked matchup of the season and their first true road test. While the Illini were embarrassed by Indiana just a few weeks ago, they bounced back with a big home win over USC, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown in Champaign. Ohio State, however, quickly silenced the crowd.
The Buckeyes dominated the first half, jumping out to a 20–3 lead at halftime behind an efficient offensive performance and a suffocating defense. The offense scored on four of its six first-half possessions, while the defense forced two takeaways and a turnover on downs. Linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese were all over the field, leading the team in tackles and setting the tone for the defense.
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The only blemish on an otherwise stellar defensive effort was that the Buckeyes allowed two touchdowns—the first time all season the unit has surrendered multiple scores in a game. In fact, Illinois’ first touchdown ended Ohio State’s streak of three straight games without allowing one. Offensively, quarterback Julian Sayin continued to impress with his poise and decision-making.
He completed 19 of 27 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns, spreading the ball to seven different receivers. The numbers weren’t eye-popping, but Sayin didn’t need them to be—Ohio State’s defense consistently gave the offense short fields to work with. Ohio State cruised to a 34–16 victory, improving to 6–0 overall and 3–0 in Big Ten play. Next week, the Buckeyes remain on the road for another tough matchup against Wisconsin, led by former Ohio State player and coach Luke Fickell.
Alabama’s Brown is Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week
DALLAS (FWAA) – Alabama cornerback Zabien Brown produced one of the highlight plays of this past weekend’s games, intercepting a Tennessee pass intended for the Crimson Tide end zone and taking it back 99 yards for a touchdown, a back-breaking pick-six in the final moments of the first half in its 37-20 win over the Vols. That play, plus his pass coverage that allowed only 16 yards, earned Brown the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week for the weekend of Oct. 18 by the Football Writers Association of America.
Each week during the regular season, the FWAA has selected a Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week since 2001. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 20. The national defensive player of the year will be chosen from those finalists who are part of the 2025 FWAA All-America Team and presented with the trophy at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet on Dec. 8 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Players may be added or removed from the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list during the season. If a player isn’t already on the preseason watch list, including Brown this week, each week’s honored player is added at that time. Brown had perhaps the top game of his career Saturday. The 6-0, 192-pound sophomore from Santa Ana, Calif., totaled 57 coverage snaps and posted a career-high seven tackles in the home win. But it was his interception that turned the flow of the game and could be seen as one of the season’s most important plays as Alabama (6-1, 4-0 in the SEC) pursues another trip to the College Football Playoff.
Alabama led 16-7 late in the second quarter as Tennessee threatened to cut into the lead. Facing second-and-goal at the Bama one-yard line with the clock stopped at eight seconds, Tennessee threw a pass to the right side toward the end zone. Brown jumped into the throw’s path in front of the pylon and ran 99 yards the other way for a gut-punch touchdown as the first-half clock expired, setting the sellout Tuscaloosa crowd into a frenzy.
The interception return is the second-longest return for a touchdown in program history and helped Brown account for the third-most interception return yards in Alabama single-game history. It was the Crimson Tide’s first pick-six since 2023. Brown earned a starting role at cornerback last season as a freshman and has continued his fine play this season. He is tied for 11th on the team with 12 total tackles and has three pass breakups.
Alabama has had three Bronko Nagurski Trophy winners in its past, most recently from linebacker Will Anderson Jr., who won the award in back-to-back seasons in 2021 and ’22. Defensive end Jonathan Allen won it in 2016. The Crimson Tide have had 12 finalists going back to 1993. The Crimson Tide travel to South Carolina on Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff as they continue their SEC schedule. ABC will televise the game. They have a week off following that game as they prepare for their annual tilt against LSU on Nov. 8.
The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the association’s full membership, selects a 26-man All-America Team and eventually the Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalists. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will be chosen from the finalists named in November. Committee members, by individual ballot, select the winner they regard as the best defensive player in college football.
The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients since 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.
The Charlotte Touchdown Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1990 for the purpose of promoting high school, collegiate, and professional football in the Charlotte, North Carolina region. Since its inception, the club has grown as well as diversified boasting a sponsor team of more than (80) companies. The Club’s activities and services focus community attention on the outstanding Citizenship, Scholarship, Sportsmanship, and Leadership of area athletes and coaches. Through individual and corporate support, more than $3,000,000 has been raised and donated to benefit the Touchdown Club’s scholarship efforts.
Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. Our purpose is to honor God in all we do, to serve others, to pursue excellence and to grow profitably. For over 121 years, we have been deeply committed to the consumers, customers and communities we serve and passionate about the broad portfolio of beverages and services we offer. We make, sell and distribute beverages of The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies in more than 300 brands and flavors across 14 states and the District of Columbia, to approximately 60 million consumers. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Coca-Cola Consolidated is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “COKE”. More information about the Company is available at cokeconsolidated.com. Follow Coca-Cola Consolidated on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of 1,300 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.
Week 8 NFL Preview and Capsules
| NEW YORK — Oct. 21, 2025 — Entering Week 8, six of the eight divisions have a team in first place or tied for first place that did not win its division last season: AFC East (New England), AFC North (Pittsburgh), AFC South (Indianapolis), AFC West (Denver), NFC North (Green Bay) and NFC West (San Francisco and Seattle).
For Week 8 capsules, click here. Here’s a look at a few interesting storylines entering Week 8:
Media Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com |
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Locked Out: Tyler Lockett’s Ride in Tennessee Ends Early
Entering 2025
Tyler Lockett’s career has been the definition of consistency. The veteran wide receiver has proven time and time again that you don’t need elite size to dominate—just relentless work ethic and determination. Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and following in the footsteps of his father, former NFL wide receiver Kevin Lockett, Tyler was a standout at Booker T. Washington High School before committing to Kansas State.
Photo Cred: IG
At Kansas State, Lockett made an immediate impact as both a receiver and return man. As a freshman, he earned First-Team All-American honors as a return specialist and was named Second-Team All-Big 12 in each of his first two seasons. His junior year marked his breakout campaign, as he recorded 81 receptions for 1,262 yards and 11 touchdowns—earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors and the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year award. He followed that with an even more dominant senior season, catching 106 passes for 1,515 yards and 11 touchdowns while once again being named First-Team All-Big 12 and Special Teams Player of the Year.
The Seattle Seahawks traded multiple picks to move up and select Lockett with the 69th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. His impact was immediate—he returned his first regular-season punt 57 yards for a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams. That performance set the tone for a stellar rookie season that earned him a Pro Bowl selection as a return man and solidified his place in the league.
In 2024, Lockett caught 49 passes for 600 yards and two touchdowns while appearing in every game. Over the past decade, he’s been one of the most dependable receivers in the NFL—a true security blanket for his quarterbacks. From 2018 to 2022, Lockett posted five straight seasons with at least 950 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. A two-time All-Pro, he has been remarkably durable, missing only three games across ten seasons. Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, however, Seattle released him, marking the end of an era.
A New Era
On April 23, 2025, Lockett signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. Titans fans hoped his veteran presence would bolster the receiving corps and mentor the team’s young talent. However, through the first seven weeks of the season, Lockett has struggled to find his rhythm in Tennessee’s offense.
Photo Cred: A to Z Sports
With just 10 receptions for 70 yards on 21 targets, he and rookie quarterback Cam Ward have yet to establish a consistent connection. On Monday, Lockett reportedly requested his release, seeking a fresh opportunity to revive his career elsewhere. He’s expected to sign with another team as a veteran presence after 4 p.m. EST on Wednesday.
What’s Next?
At this stage of his career, Lockett isn’t expected to join a new team and immediately become a featured weapon. However, his leadership, reliability, and professionalism make him an asset wherever he lands. A return to Seattle would be a storybook ending—allowing him to finish his career where it began. Another intriguing fit could be Pittsburgh, where he could give Aaron Rodgers another trusted target as the veteran quarterback looks to make one final playoff push.
Wherever he goes, Tyler Lockett’s legacy is already secure—a model of consistency, character, and quiet excellence in a league that often overlooks both.
Lou Groza Award “Stars of the Week” for Week 8
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Oct. 21, 2025 (WEST PALM BEACH) – College football’s top kicking award, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award presented by the Orange Bowl, recognizes three of the top kickers each week from FBS division teams as the “Stars of the Week.” |
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SMU avenged last year’s ACC Championship Game loss to Clemson thanks to three long field goals from Sam Keltner. All three kicks came in the second quarter, giving the Mustangs a 16-7 lead at the half and setting the stage for their 35-24 victory over the Tigers. The freshman from Keller, Texas connected first from 51 yards, and then followed with a pair of makes from 48. With just five career games under his belt, Keltner notched his first 3-FG performance in the span of about 10 minutes. |
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The University of Texas has been playing football for over 130 years, but on Saturday Mason Shipley became the first Longhorn to ever kick a walk-off field goal in overtime, connecting from 45 yards out for a 16-13 road win over Kentucky. The senior from Liberty Hill, Texas had seemingly secured the victory just a few minutes earlier, kicking a 39 yarder with less than a minute left to give the Longhorns the lead, but Kentucky drove close enough for Wildcat kicker Jacob Kauwe to send the game to overtime. Shipley’s winner was his third field goal of the game, having also connected from 53 yards, his longest of the season. |
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Trey Smack kicked multiple long-distance field goals for the first time in his career, connecting from 53 and 54 yards, kicks that proved pivotal in Florida’s 23-21 win over Mississippi State. The pair of long-range kicks came as part of a 3-for-3 day that extends the senior from Severna Park, Maryland’s streak to 10 consecutive successful attempts. Added to his 56-yard field goal in the season opener, Smack is now a remarkable 8-for-11 from long range in his career. He also went 2-for-2 on extra points to remain perfect in his career at 90-for-90 on PATs. |
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The Award is named for National Football League Hall of Fame kicker Lou “The Toe” Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954. Although an All-Pro offensive lineman as well, Groza ushered in the notion that there should be a place on an NFL roster for a kicker. For more information on the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award and to see the “Stars of the Week” throughout the season, please go to www.lougrozaaward.com. For even more updates on the best kicking performances throughout the season, follow the Lou Groza Award on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram at @LouGrozaAward. National College Football Awards Association The Lou Groza Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients since 1935. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA. |
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About the Palm Beach County Sports Commission The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is a private, not-for-profit organization contracted by Palm Beach County to promote and market the County as a sports and sports tourism destination. The Commission brings sporting events and activities to the County, enhances economic impact, stimulates bed tax revenues (primarily in the off-season), and maximizes utilization of County facilities. The Commission offers a full range of event service support, corporate partnerships, sponsorships and a local membership program that support its goals. Local, regional, national and international marketing efforts are ongoing by the Commission with sports organizations and event owners. The Commission also produces sports-related programs for the residents of Palm Beach County including the annual Lou Groza Award program, the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame, and the Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches. For more information on the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, go to www.palmbeachsports.com. |
