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NFL 2021: Grades, aftermath for teams coming off Week 8 bye

By Russell S. Baxter

Fantasy Football: Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Las Vegas Raiders makes a reception during the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 33-27 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Fantasy Football: Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Las Vegas Raiders makes a reception during the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 33-27 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Two teams that squared off in the first Monday night game of the year had Week 8 off. How has 2021 gone for the Ravens and Raiders?

It’s the third series of off-weeks for the NFL’s 32 teams that culminates in Week 14. There was nearly a complete slate in Week 8 as only the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders got some extra rest last week.

Both clubs own identical 5-2 records and currently sit atop their respective divisions as they resume action this Sunday. How has the season unfolded for both franchises this year to date? And what took place in the AFC North and AFC West when the clubs were away?

NFL 2021: Grades for teams coming off Week 8 Bye

Baltimore Ravens (5-2)

The team has become more offensively balanced as quarterback Lamar Jackson continues to improve as a passer. The Ravens have still managed to get the job done on the ground despite that rash of injuries to the backfield just before the start of the season.

But watching Baltimore’s defense get taken apart on an almost weekly basis has been somewhat stunning. When last we saw the Ravens, they were humbled at home by the rival Bengals, 41-17.

Grade: B

Las Vegas Raiders (5-2)

In recent seasons, it’s not been about how the Silver and Black has started but how it has finished. A 6-4 start in 2019 resulted in a 7-9 showing. After opening 6-3 last season, the Raiders settled for an 8-8 record.

The resignation of head coach Jon Gruden had an effect on the team for one week but Derek Carr and company have bounced back with solid wins. But how will the news on Henry Ruggs III (see ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez) affect the club?

Grade: B+

Aftermath

There was a lot happening in the AFC North while the Ravens sat out the week. The Pittsburgh Steelers won their third straight game – defeating the Browns at Cleveland, 15-10. But the Cincinnati Bengals were stunned by the New York Jets. Those results put Baltimore back in first place in the division all by their lonesome.

In the AFC West, both the Broncos and Chiefs came up with wins over NFC East teams. And the Silver and Black climbed back into first place when the perplexing Chargers lost at home to the Patriots, 27-24.

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