Four and out: Surprises from the NFL in Week 8

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Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos mascot Miles following the win over the Minnesota Vikings at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Denver Broncos have an offense

The Denver Broncos beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night, a victory that propelled the team to 7-0. Prior to Week 8, the Broncos appeared to be one-trick ponies, their defense pulling the weight in all of their games.

Against the Packers, however, Denver showed it also has a functional offense as well as an astoundingly good defense, that held Aaron Rodgers to just 77 yards passing and the combined offense to just 140.

The Broncos offense, however, was the real stunner. After weeks of struggling, Peyton Manning completed 21 of 29 passes for 340 yards. Through the air, Demaryius Thomas racked up 168 yards on just 8 catches, an astounding average of 21 yards per reception. The team also saw C.J. Anderson rush for 101 yards on just 14 carries. Ronnie Hillman rushed for 60 on 14 carries.

Did the Denver Broncos find a remedy to their offensive struggles in the bye week? That remains to be seen. What we do know, however, is that Peyton Manning had his most productive game this season by far. The only game that was remotely close to his performance against the Packers was his effort against the floundering Detroit Lions, where he totaled 324 yards through the air.

Another surprise in the battle between the Packers and Broncos: Aaron Rodgers had nearly as many rushing yards as Eddie Lacy. Rodgers tallied 31 on two carries, while Lacy had 38 on 11.

Next: 1. Todd Gurley

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