NFL Week 8 games, spreads, predictions, and analysis

Another week of football is upon us, and there are some stacked matchups. There will be 13 games on the slate this Sunday and one game Monday night. I have you covered with everything you need to know about each game: game previews, spreads, and a prediction. Tomorrow, the Broncos and Jaguars will square off in the final London game of the season. In addition, there will be a battle of Pennsyliva teams, a game for first place in the NFC South, and Aaron Rodgers tries to get back on track with a win in Buffalo. Finally, it ends on Monday night with two Ohio teams facing off. Let’s dive in to preview this jam-packed Sunday.

Denver Broncos (2-5) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-4)

WHERE: Wembley Stadium, London, UK

TIME: 9:30 a.m. ET

NETWORK: ESPN+

SPREAD: Jaguars 2.5

Football Sunday starts bright and early at 9:30 a.m. as the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars face off across the Atlantic for the third and final London game this year, but the first at Wembley Stadium. The Broncos defense is a force to be reckoned with, as they’ve only given up 19+ points once this season. They are third in the league averaging 16.4 points a game, and second in yards allowed with 286 per game. However, their offense is struggling, scoring only 100 points this season, a league-low. Out of any NFL franchise, the Jaguars have played in London the most, the last match-up coming in 2021, where they beat the Miami Dolphins 23-20. The Jaguars’ offense is efficient, as they are at the top of the league with 371.3 total yards per game and 35.6 yards per drive. Expect a low-scoring duel as the Broncos try to snap a four-game losing streak in London.

Prediction: 21-17 Jaguars

Carolina Panthers (2-5) vs. Atlanta Falcons (3-4)

WHERE: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

TIME: 1:00 p.m. ET

NETWORK: FOX

SPREAD: Falcons -4

Who would have expected this Week 8 game would determine first place in the NFC South? Well, with the Buccaneer’s recent struggles and their 3-5 start, the winner of this match-up will be at the top of the division. P.J. Walker and the Panthers are traveling to Atlanta to extend their winning streak to two. Meanwhile, the Falcons are coming off a brutal loss in which they got outplayed by the Bengals 35-17. The Bengals racked up 537 yards of offense, and Joe Burrow threw just short of 500 yards. On the flip side, the Panthers shocked the NFL when they beat Tom Brady and the Buccaneers 21-3. With running back Chubba Hubbard inactive, look for D’Onta Foreman to get the full load. Last week, he had 15 carries for 118 yards.

Prediction: 17-14 Falcons

Chicago Bears (3-4) vs. Dallas Cowboys (5-2)

WHERE: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

TIME: 1:00 p.m. ET

NETWORK: FOX

SPREAD: Cowboys -9.5

Justin Fields and the Bears will travel to Texas on a short week after a statement win in New England Monday Night. These teams are both coming off of dominant wins, as the Cowboys beat the Lions 24-6 and the Bears beat the Patriots 33-14. Led by linebacker Micah Parsons and cornerback Trevon Diggs, the Cowboys’ defense has been elite this season, allowing only 14.9 points a game, second in the league. Last week they limited Detroit to 312 yards of total offense and tallied five turnovers and five sacks. Star running back Ezekiel Elliott is doubtful with a knee injury, so it should be Tony Pollard on Sunday, who rushed for 83 yards last week. The Cowboys are 5-4 in games without Elliott. The Bears are coming to town with the best rush offense in the NFL, averaging 181 yards on the ground per game. That will be a favorable match-up for Chicago, as the Cowboys have the 20th-ranked run defense.

Prediction: 31-13 Cowboys

Miami Dolphins (4-3) vs. Detroit Lions (1-5)

WHERE: Ford Field, Detroit, MI

TIME: 1:00 p.m. ET

NETWORK: CBS

SPREAD: Detroit +3.5

The Lions started the season 1-1 but have lost four straight games. Both the Lions and the Dolphins have struggled defensively this season, allowing 32.3 and 23.6, respectively points per game. However, the Dolphins’ offense is quite strong, with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle averaging a combined 13 catches for 199.1 yards a game. Together they have 1,394 yards, the most through the past seven games of any wide-receiver duo. As a result, the Dolphins should extend their winning streak to two and have no problem beating the Lions.

Prediction: 31-27 Dolphins

Arizona Cardinals (3-4) vs. Minnesota Vikings (5-1)

WHERE: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN

TIME: 1:00 p.m. ET

NETWORK: CBS

SPREAD: Vikings -3.5

The Vikings are well rested, coming off a bye week, and are set to host Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals got back Deandre Hopkins, suspended for drug use during the preseason. On Thursday Night Football, Murray led the Cardinals to a 42-34 win over the Saints. Meanwhile, the Vikings are on a four-game win streak, led by receiver Justin Jefferson who is third in yards (684) and seventh in receptions (46). Although the Cardinals’ defense is subpar, their offense found its groove in Week 7. With running back James Conner out, it was Eno Benjamin’s game. He rushed for 92 yards on 12 carries with a score. If Arizona can keep Justin Jefferson in check, they can upset the Vikings in a crucial NFC match-up.

Prediction: 28-21 Vikings

Las Vegas Raiders (2-4) vs. New Orleans Saints (2-5)

WHERE: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA

TIME: 1:00 p.m. ET

NETWORK: CBS

SPREAD: Saints 1.5

The Raiders are going down south as they face the Saints, who have the worst turnover margin in the NFL (-10). The Raiders aren’t off to the best start either; they have blown leads in multiple games this season. As of recently, they’re on a roll, averaging 31 points over the last four games. Saints receiver Micheal Thomas is still injured, along with Marshon Lattimore, Jarvis Landry, and Adam Trautman. Quarterback Jamies Winston is no longer hurt, but it will still be Andy Dalton under center for the Saints, whose job will be determined by the game’s outcome. If the Raiders want any chance at the playoffs, they need a win in New Orleans.

Prediction: 30-20 Raiders

New England Patriots (3-4) vs. New York Jets (5-2)

WHERE: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

TIME: 1:00 p.m. ET

NETWORK: CBS

SPREAD: Jets +2.5

In a short week, the New England Patriots will head to MetLife to play just their second division game of the season. After a Brutal defeat in Primetime, the Patriots sit at last in the AFC East. The Jets are riding on a two-game winning streak but have lost key players this week in running back Brecce Hall, receiver Corey Davis, and lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker. The Jets traded for Jaguars running back James Robinson this week, and he should have a notable impact, as the Patriots have struggled against the run this season, giving up 136 yards per contest. Furthermore, the Patriots will be without captain center David Andrews, a vital piece for the team; veteran James Ferentz is set to replace Andrews. Meanwhile, Mac Jones will be under center against the Jets, getting the nod after a questionable game last week. It was an unusual setup as coach Bill Belichick told the media they would alternate QBs between Mac Jones and rookie Bailey Zappe. Now is the time for Mac Jones to prove he could be a franchise quarterback for New England. With the Dolphins and Bills having favorable match-ups, this is a MUST-win for the Patriots. It should be a low-scoring affair, with the Patriots having the slight edge after a rather embarrassing Week 7.

Prediction: 20-16 Patriots

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (6-0)

WHERE: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

TIME: 1:00 p.m. ET

NETWORK: CBS

SPREAD: Eagles -11

What a time to be a Philly fan, as the Phillies are in the World Series, and the Eagles are the only undefeated team in the NFL. The Steelers will travel to Philadelphia, where they haven’t won since 1965, losing their last nine games. The Steelers will have a difficult time as rookie Kenny Pickett is tied for third in interceptions in just four games. He will be facing off with a top-tier secondary in Darius Slay and James Bradberry, who are giving opposing offenses trouble. The Eagles’ defense is tied first with 14 turnovers and nine interceptions. Najee Harris got things going last week by rushing for 65 yards, but he only averaged 3.8 yards a carry. The Steelers’ run game will have to improve against an elite Philly defense. However, there is hope as T.J. Watt is set to return to the Steelers’ defense, which should help contain the dual-threat quarterback in Jalen Hurts. There have only been two games in which the Steelers lost by more than one possession, so it shouldn’t be a blowout. In the historic Pittsburgh-Philadelphia matchup, the Eagles have the potential to move to 7-0 but not after a fight from the Steelers, who are likely to keep it close until the end of the game.

Prediction: 34-13 Eagles

Tennessee Titans (4-2) vs. Houston Texans (1-4-1)

WHERE: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

TIME: 4:05 p.m. ET

NETWORK: CBS

SPREAD: Texans +2.5

Derrick Henry and the Titans will fly south to Houston as they face the one-win Texans. The Titans, who once played in Houston as the Houston Oilers, moved to Tennessee in 1997. The Texans’ season started promising with a hard-fought tie to the Colts, but since then, they have gone 1-4. The main reason for Houston’s struggles is their run defense which has allowed 988 yards, fourth in the NFL. Derrick Henry has 536 yards on the season, fourth-most in the NFL, and is tied for third with five touchdowns. The recipe for success will be the run game. Complicating matters, Ryan Tannehill suffered an ankle injury, so he won’t be 100 percent. If Tannehill can’t play, rookie Malik Willis will start. If the Texans want a chance in this game, they will have to stop the run.

Prediction: 23-13 Titans

Washington Commanders (3-4) vs. Indianapolis Colts (3-3-1)

WHERE: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

TIME: 4:05 p.m. ET

NETWORK: FOX

SPREAD: Colts -3

Former Colts quarterback Carson Wentz won’t get his revenge against his former team, as this match-up will be the Battle of the backups. For the Colts, Sam Ehlinger is making his first start after the surprise decision to bench veteran Matt Ryan for the remainder of the season. Last week the Titans beat the Colts 19-10 after Matt Ryan averaged just over five yards per pass attempt and threw for two interceptions. Ehlinger, a University of Texas alum, is in his second year in the NFL. In his rookie season, he appeared in three games. Fantasy managers will be delighted about this move since the Colts will heavily rely on the running game, led by Jonathon Taylor. On the flip side, the Commanders are coming off a thrilling win beating Aaron Rodgers at home 23-21. Backup Taylor Heinicke started in the absence of Carson Wentz, who is on the injured reserve. Heinicke threw for 201 yards and two touchdowns. Although the Commanders are +3, I feel confident taking them outright, as Ehlinger will have problems with the Commander’s defense all game long.

Prediction: 14-10 Commanders

San Francisco 49ers (3-4) vs. Los Angeles Rams (3-3)

WHERE: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA

TIME: 4:25 p.m. ET

NETWORK: FOX

SPREAD: Rams +1.5

Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers will visit the Rams in an intrastate match-up and try to snap their two-game losing streak. San Francisco has won seven in a row against Los Angeles but dropped the NFC conference playoff game last January. The 49ers are coming off an ugly game against the Chiefs in which they lost 44-23. Running back Christian McCaffrey is set to have a more significant role this week after the 49ers acquired the All-Pro three days before their match-up with Patrick Mahomes. The 49ers also gave up 9.1 yards per play against Kansas City; their defense is not playing at the level of previous years. This will be a critical NFC West match-up for the Battle of poetically last place.

Prediction: 27-23 49ers

New York Giants (6-1) vs. Seattle Seahawks (4-3)

WHERE: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA

TIME: 4:25 p.m. ET

NETWORK: FOX

SPREAD: Seahawks -3

The only game in Week 8, with two teams with winning records, will be this intriguing game between the Giants and Seahawks. Who would have thought? The Giants keep proving they’re a playoff contender after wins against the Ravens and the Packers. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have won the past three of four games, including an upset win against the Chargers 37-23. By far the best performance for Seattle last week was rookie running back Keneth Walker, who rushed for 168 yards averaging over seven yards a carry, and running for two touchdowns. The Seahawks were expected to have one of the worst quarterback situations during the 2022 season, but that is not the case. Geno Smith has thrown for 1,712 yards and 11 touchdowns against three interceptions. One of the biggest surprises to the NFL season thus far has been the New York Giants. The six wins have been led by running back Saquon Barkley, who has run for 726 yards, four touchdowns, and averaged just over five yards a carry. Daniel Jones doesn’t win games for New York, but he will not lose them. Jones has tossed for 1,223 yards and six touchdowns.

Prediction: 26-22 Giants

Green Bay Packers (3-4) vs. Buffalo Bills (5-1)

WHERE: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY

TIME: 8:20 p.m. ET

NETWORK: FOX

SPREAD: Bills-11.5

When the NFL schedule came out, NFL fans marked this Sunday Night match-up immediately, but this game isn’t likely to be so exciting after all. The Packers are struggling after three losses in a row. The Bills are coming off a bye, and in games after the bye, the Bills are 7-0. This season they have a -95 point differential which leads the league and are averaging 440.8 yards per game. Their offense is scoring at a high rate, averaging 29.3 points a game, only trailing the Chiefs. Josh Allen and the Bills offense leads the NFL in third down conversions at 52%. Furthermore, the Bills’ defense has been unstoppable, leading the league with 13.5 points allowed per game. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are struggling offensively, but their defense has been efficient. Green Bay doesn’t allow a touchdown 55 percent of the time when opponents are inside the red zone. They are also only allowing only 168.9 passing yards per game. The Packers’ pass rush has generated 15 sacks, led by Rashan Gary at six. If the Packers can bring pressure to Josh Allen and the Bills, the game will be much closer than the spread indicates.

Prediction: 36-27 Bills

Cincinnati Bengals (4-3) vs. Clevland Browns (2-5)

WHERE: Highmark Stadium Orchard Park, N.Y.

TIME: 8:15 p.m. ET

NETWORK: ESPN

SPREAD: Bengals -3

The Battle of Ohio will square off Monday Night between the four-win Bengals and two-win Browns. The Bengals have won three of their last four, while the Browns have dropped four in a row. However, Cincy will be without star receiver Jamar Chase (hip). The Bengals are coming off a 35-17 win over Atlanta, while the Browns are coming off a 23-20 defeat to Baltimore. Cincinnati is averaging 24.7 points per game while allowing 18.9 points a game. Cleveland is averaging 24 points a game while allowing 26.6 points a game. The Browns are going to want to run the ball, and they need to be able to do that efficiently. With a win, the Bengals can overtake the Ravens for first place in the NFC North.

Prediction: 30-21 Bengals