NFL Week 8 Previews and Predictions
Here’s your whole look at NFL Week 8, where storylines are shaking up across the league. Can the Jets finally win their first game of the season, now that Joe Burrow is out and Cincinnati turns to its young backup under center? Can veteran Kirk Cousins keep Atlanta rolling while rookie Michael Penix Jr. remains sidelined? And in Pittsburgh, can Green Bay finally earn a win in the Steel City — a place the Packers haven’t conquered since 1970? Let’s break down all the matchups, storylines, and predictions for a pivotal midseason slate.
Miami Dolphins @ Atlanta Falcons
Storyline: The Falcons look to take advantage of a struggling Dolphins team. Miami ranks worst in team PFF grade (≈58.6) this season. Prediction: Falcons cover: Falcons ~27, Dolphins ~17. Sleeper angle: Dolphins’ defense could create a turnover, which keeps it closer, but the long odds are against it
How About Some Football
- Chicago Bears @ Baltimore Ravens
- Storyline: The Ravens are desperate to regain momentum after a losing streak, and an injury to Lamar Jackson looms large.
- Prediction: Ravens win narrowly: Ravens ~21, Bears ~19.
- Sleeper angle: If Jackson is limited, the Bears may cover the spread.
- Buffalo Bills @ Carolina Panthers
- Storyline: Bills coming off bye, Panthers dealing with injury to Bryce Young (high-ankle sprain).
- Prediction: Bills dominate: Bills ~30, Panthers ~14.
- Sleeper angle: If the Panthers’ run game clicks early, it could force a closer contest
- New York Jets @ Cincinnati Bengals
- Storyline: Bengals looking to build off momentum after beating Steelers; Jets are winless.
- Prediction: Bengals win convincingly: Bengals ~28, Jets ~10.
- Sleeper angle: Jets forced into more passing could lead to a big turnover game for the Bengals.
- San Franciso 49ers @ Houston Texans
- Storyline: 49ers favored, but Texans at home may surprise; 49ers heading into tougher stretch.
- Prediction: 49ers ~24, Texans ~17.
- Sleeper angle: If the Texans’ defense gets pressure early, they could upset.
Late Afternoon / Evening Matchups
- Cleveland Browns @ New England Patriots
- Storyline: Patriots on a hot streak (5-2) vs. Browns, whose offense is near the bottom (16.1 ppg). The Browns’ defense, however, is at the top of the league in yards allowed.
- Prediction: Patriots win: Patriots ~27, Browns ~17.
- Sleeper angle: The Browns might keep it under seven if their defense forces turnovers, making this closer than many expect.
- New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles
- Storyline: NFC East rivalry. Eagles look for revenge after recent loss to the Giants. Experts lean Eagles to cover.
- Prediction: Eagles ~28, Giants ~18.
- Sleeper angle: If the Giants’ run game works early, they could keep it within a touchdown.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints
- Storyline: Saints struggling (1-6) vs. Bucs trying to stay atop NFC South. Odds favour Bucs by ~6.5.
- Prediction: Bucs ~26, Saints ~14.
- Sleeper angle: If the Saints get early turnovers, it could inflate the scoring and push the total over.
- Dallas Cowboys @ Denver Broncos
- Storyline: Big matchup. The Cowboys’ offense is potent under Dak Prescott, but their defense remains weak. Broncos’ pass rush among the league’s best (pressure rate ~47.2 %).
- Prediction: Broncos ~27, Cowboys ~24.
- Sleeper angle: If the Cowboys protect Prescott and get their run game going, they may win — a potential upset.
- Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts
- Storyline: Less-heralded matchup, but both teams are in a playoff chase.
- Prediction: Colts ~23, Titans ~20.
- Sleeper angle: Titans’ pass rush could force a turnover and flip the script.
- Green Bay Packers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
- Storyline: Emotional game for Aaron Rodgers facing his former team, the Packers. The Steelers have not lost at home vs the Packers since 1970.
- Prediction: Steelers ~22, Packers ~20 (tight).
- Sleeper angle: If the Packers land early big plays via the rookie QB or Rodgers gets hot, they could win outright.
- Washington Commanders @ Kansas City Chiefs
- Storyline: Chiefs are heavy favourites, and the Commanders have a long losing streak in KC.
- Prediction: Chiefs ~30, Commanders ~14.
- Sleeper angle: If the Commanders force early turnovers, they could keep under 20, and the betting total under, maybe hits.
✅ Overall Picks Summary
| Game | Pick | Lean |
|---|---|---|
| Vikings @ Chargers | Chargers win | ~24-20 |
| Dolphins @ Falcons | Falcons win & cover | ~27-17 |
| Bears @ Ravens | Ravens win tight | ~21-19 |
| Bills @ Panthers | Bills dominate | ~30-14 |
| Jets @ Bengals | Bengals blowout | ~28-10 |
| 49ers @ Texans | 49ers win | ~24-17 |
| Browns @ Patriots | Patriots win | ~27-17 |
| Giants @ Eagles | Eagles win & cover | ~28-18 |
| Bucs @ Saints | Bucs win | ~26-14 |
| Cowboys @ Broncos | Broncos win | ~27-24 |
| Titans @ Colts | Colts win | ~23-20 |
| Packers @ Steelers | Steelers win tight | ~22-20 |
| Commanders @ Chiefs | Chiefs dominate | ~30-14 |
🎯 Sleeper Teams to Watch
- Panthers: With Bryce Young injured, they could surprise if the run game takes over.
- Cowboys: If their offense clicks and their defense improves, they have up