The NFL season is a rollercoaster, full of unexpected twists and turns. Week 8 is no different, promising a slate of games packed with intrigue, potential upsets, and playoff implications.
Whether you're a seasoned bettor looking for an edge or a casual fan seeking expert insight, our Week 8 predictions have you covered. We've dissected every matchup, analyzed the stats, and factored in key injuries to provide you with the most comprehensive predictions.
Key Storylines Heading into Week 8
Before we dive into the picks, let's set the stage with the biggest storylines dominating the NFL landscape this week:
- AFC Beast Showdown: The undefeated Philadelphia Eagles (7-0) put their perfect record on the line as they host the Minnesota Vikings (6-1), setting up a clash of NFC titans.
- Can Anyone Stop the Bills? The Buffalo Bills look like the team to beat in the AFC, but a trip to face their division rivals, the Miami Dolphins, is always a challenge.
- Prime Time Showdowns: Week 8 boasts a trio of exciting primetime games, including a Thursday Night Football NFC South clash between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Baltimore Ravens, a Sunday Night Football meeting of NFC contenders with the Dallas Cowboys visiting the Philadelphia Eagles, and a Monday Night Football AFC West showdown between the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Week 8 NFL Picks and Predictions
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter – our expert predictions for each Week 8 game:
Thursday, October 26th
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Baltimore Ravens
- Pick: Baltimore Ravens
- Rationale: Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have been up and down this season, but they tend to play their best at home. The Buccaneers have struggled offensively and could be in for a long night in Baltimore.
Sunday, October 29th
Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers
- Pick: Atlanta Falcons
- Rationale: The Falcons have been a surprising team this year, while the Panthers continue to search for their identity. Look for Atlanta to control the clock with their run game and edge out Carolina on the road.
Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints
- Pick: New Orleans Saints
- Rationale: The Saints are coming off a bye week and should be refreshed and ready to make a statement. The Bears' offense has struggled mightily, making it difficult to see them keeping pace with New Orleans in the Superdome.
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
- Pick: Cincinnati Bengals
- Rationale: This AFC North rivalry game should be a shootout. While the Browns are dangerous with Nick Chubb running wild, the Bengals have the offensive firepower to win a high-scoring affair.
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars
- Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars
- Rationale: Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars are starting to find their groove. While the Texans have been feisty, they lack the talent to keep pace with a Jaguars team hitting its stride.
Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals
- Pick: Los Angeles Rams
- Rationale: The Rams have had the Cardinals' number in recent years, and this matchup shouldn't be any different. Look for Aaron Donald and the Rams' defense to stifle Kyler Murray and the Cardinals' offense.
New England Patriots at New York Jets
- Pick: New England Patriots
- Rationale: Bill Belichick always seems to have Zach Wilson's number. The Patriots' defense should be able to limit the Jets' offense, while Mac Jones does enough to secure a road victory.
Washington Commanders at Indianapolis Colts
- Pick: Indianapolis Colts
- Rationale: The Colts are desperate for a win after a disappointing start to the season. Jonathan Taylor should have a big day against a porous Commanders defense, leading Indianapolis to victory.
Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints
- Pick: New Orleans Saints
- Rationale: The Raiders are a difficult team to predict, but playing on the road against a Saints team with a strong defense is a tough ask. We're giving the edge to New Orleans in this matchup.
Sunday Night Football
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
- Pick: Philadelphia Eagles
- Rationale: This NFC East clash could determine who wins the division. The Eagles are firing on all cylinders, and we think they'll edge out the Cowboys in a close, hard-fought battle.
Monday, October 30th
Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers
- Pick: Los Angeles Chargers
- Rationale: The Chargers are slowly but surely getting healthy, and Justin Herbert should have a field day against a suspect Broncos secondary. This could be a high-scoring affair, with the Chargers ultimately prevailing.
Upset Alert!
Keep an eye on the Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers game. While we picked the Falcons to win, this divisional matchup could easily swing in the Panthers' favor. If Carolina can establish the run and create turnovers, they have a chance to pull off the upset.
Fantasy Football Implications
Looking for some fantasy football advice heading into Week 8? Here are a few players who could be in line for big games based on our predictions:
- Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens: Jackson has a favorable matchup against the Buccaneers and could be in for a monster fantasy performance.
- Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts: Taylor should feast against a weak Commanders defense and is a must-start in all fantasy formats.
- Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints: With Michael Thomas out, Olave has become a primary target for Jameis Winston and could be in for a big day against the Raiders.
Disclaimer
These predictions are for entertainment purposes only. No guarantees are made regarding the accuracy of these picks. Always gamble responsibly.