The Detroit Lions were beneficiaries of Week 8's early slate while sitting back and watching during their bye. Two results in particular matter to Detroit's quest to repeat as the No. 1 seed in the NFC: the Houston Texans' 26-15 win over the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens' 30-16 win over the Chicago Bears.
The latter loss for the Bears was one Vegas oddsmakers saw coming despite the absence of Lamar Jackson. Tyler Huntley diced up Chicago with an efficient performance under center (17/22, 186 yards, 1 passing touchdown) and pitched in 53 rushing yards, seemingly spending 30 minutes and 30 seconds of possession time in control of the Bears' defense.
Derrick Henry did what he had to do with a pair of two-yard goal-line punches, and seven different players caught a pass. Chicago's defense was overmatched, but their offense was even more underwhelming, with Caleb Williams showing some ugly warts after appearing to make progress under Ben Johnson.
As for the Texans and Niners, oddsmakers were on top of that one too. Still, it was shocking to see C.J. Stroud unleash his best passing performance of the season, and his first over 300, on San Francisco without Nico Collins. Christian McCaffrey had just eight carries, forcing Mac Jones to try to keep up. Predictably, he couldn't.
Niners Don't Pull Ahead, Bears Don't Pull Up Beside Lions in Standings After Week 8 Results
In the NFC standings, San Francisco takes a hit by recording its third loss of the year. In the NFC North, Chicago falls a game behind the 5-2 Lions. Detroit got a major boost without even having to suit up in the final weekend of October.
In any NFC Playoffs scenario, the Lions are looking good with a tiebreaker over the Bears after a 52-21 home cooking at Ford Field back on September 14. The two teams end the season on January 4 at Soldier Field. Who knows where Ben Johnson's team will be in the standings by then.
The Lions and Niners don't cross paths this season, but Detroit takes on San Francisco's rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, on December 14. That will have major implications if the Rams continue to play at their five-win pace.
Of course, it's always a big deal playing Matthew Stafford, too. Especially because this may be his last time facing the franchise that drafted him.