Week 8 of the NFL season begins with a fantastic matchup between two of NFC powerhouses in what should be a fun game. In the AFC, there are a few important divisional matchups among teams in the playoff hunt. Here is a look at the key points for each game, and what else the week has in store.
Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals
This game should be an exciting one. The Cardinals are 7-0 and the Packers are 6-1 as they have won six in a row. Both Kyler Murray and Aaron Rodgers are playing at a high level, and are amongst the best in the league right now. Unfortunately, the Packers will be without Davante Adams and Allen Lazard in this one. Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been out as well and is unlikely to play. Randall Cobb and Robert Tonyan will need to have quality performances. Expect the Arizona passing attack to have their way once again. The Cardinals will be without J.J. Watt. Still, they will win at home by a touchdown.
Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets
The Bengals are coming off an impressive division road win. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are playing at an unreal level. Expect that to continue in this game. The Bengals’ defense has been a pleasant surprise this year. They should have another stellar outing against a Mike White-led Jets offense. Hopefully for New York, Michael Carter and Elijah Moore can keep up their solid play. The Jets’ defense has to bounce back from their horrible game last week. The Bengals win by two touchdowns.
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
This division game looks to be a fascinating one. The Titans are coming off two tremendous wins. After a slow start, the Colts have worked themselves back into it. The Titans’ talented offense against Indy’s physical defense should be a fun battle to watch. Expect Derrick Henry and A.J. Brown to make a big impact. The Colts will need to keep relying on Jonathan Taylor, as he has been exceptional. This game will be a close one that goes to the end, with the Colts winning by a field goal.
Los Angeles Rams at Houston Texans
This game should be a relative blowout. The Texans have lost six in a row, while Los Angeles has played well all year long. Expect big games from Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp once again. Hopefully, the Rams’ defense can keep up their improvement. They should against the Houston offense, as their defensive line should win most battles upfront. The Rams win by at least two touchdowns.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
Another intriguing AFC division battle between two teams in the mix. The Steelers are coming off a bye week after winning two in a row. The Browns had a mini-bye to heal up, after playing on Thursday night a week ago. They will be getting Nick Chubb back which will be needed for this physical matchup. The Browns’ offensive line against the defensive front of the Steelers should be a good back-and-forth. Expect Cleveland’s defensive line to make an impact in this one. At home, the Browns will win by one score.
Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions
The Lions finally have a favorable matchup for themselves here. They have been competitive for the most part this season. The Eagles played bad football a week ago. Miles Sanders‘ status for this game is in doubt. The battle in the trenches on both sides should be fun. Each team is big and physical on each side of the football. D’Andre Swift should keep up his fantastic play in this one and the Lions get their first win on a field goal.
San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears
This game is an interesting one between two NFC teams in the competition for the final playoff spot. Each has been fairly disappointing. The 49ers will need another big game from Deebo Samuel. It will be important for their key defensive players in Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Jimmie Ward to make impact plays and create turnovers. The Bears will have to count on Khalil Herbert to have a chance. This game could go either way, but expect the 49ers to win by a field goal.
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
These two NFC South teams have had inconsistent seasons to this point. After a fast start, the Panthers have been terrible. Following a slow start, the Falcons have played well. Matt Ryan, Cordarrelle Patterson, Calvin Ridley, and Kyle Pitts will be too much for the Panthers. Offensively, the Carolina has struggled. At home, the Falcons win this division matchup by a touchdown.
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills
In this AFC East matchup, the home team should win with ease. The Bills are coming off a bye and have a much better football team. The Dolphins have lost six in a row, a few of which they found ways to lose in the end. Anticipate a big performance from Josh Allen. The Bills’ defensive line should wreak some havoc against the Dolphins’ offensive unit. The Bills will win this game by at least 10.
New England Patriots at Los Angeles Chargers
Coming off a bye, the Chargers are at home in this matchup. The Patriots had a fantastic win a week ago. In this matchup, expect Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams to keep up their great level of play. When Rashawn Slater and Matt Judon are matched up, it will be must-see. Chargers’ head coach Brandon Staley should have a great game plan, so it will be interesting to see how Mac Jones executes. Los Angeles will win by at least a touchdown.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Seattle Seahawks
This game is a fairly interesting one as it is a winnable matchup for a young Jaguars team on the road. Without Russell Wilson, the Seahawks have proven they are not even close to being dominant, and their defense does not make much of an impact. Hopefully for Jacksonville fans, Trevor Lawrence can keep building in this game. Expect a lot of James Robinson in this one. On the road, the Jaguars will win by one score.
Washington Football Team at Denver Broncos
Both of these teams have been underwhelming this season. The defense of Washington remains shockingly bad. However, this is the matchup for them to change things. The Broncos’ offense has also been very bad over their four-game losing streak. Offensively, Washington will have to keep relying on Antonio Gibson and Terry McLaurin to have a chance. In the end, Washington is more talented and will win by a score.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints
This should be a fun battle in the NFC South. The Buccaneers enter at 6-1 and are playing great football. The Saints have won two straight on the road and are 4-2. Seeing the Buccaneers’ talented offense against the Saints’ defense should be competitive. Mike Evans and Marshon Lattimore are always a top-flight match, and Tom Brady should feature Chris Godwin in this game. For the Saints’ offense, they will need another tremendous outing from Alvin Kamara. This will be a close game the Buccaneers win by one score.
Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings
Sunday Night Football should be a great one. The Cowboys have won five in a row and are fresh of their bye. The Vikings have won two straight and had their bye last week, as well. Both quarterbacks (Dak Prescott and Kirk Cousins) are playing at high levels. There is a ton of skill-position talent between these two clubs. The Cowboys’ defense should make their usual impact, but this will be a close one the Vikings win by a field goal.
New York Giants at Kansas City Chiefs
Week 8 rounds out with the Giants and Chiefs. Kansas City needs to win this game at home. Their defense has been terrible. They will need Patrick Mahomes to play his best. Aside from last week, the Giants’ defense has been underwhelming. Expect Daniel Jones to have another productive game. In the end, the Chiefs take Monday Night Football this game by a touchdown.
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