The NFL's Week 8 slate kicked off with the Green Bay Packers securing a 27-19 win over the Carolina Panthers to improve to 5-3 despite rushing for only 485 yards as a team this season — the first team ever to hold a winning record through eight games with under 500 rushing yards. Green Bay is also just the third team since 1950 with no individual player reaching 50 rushing yards in a game over that span. As the rest of the weekend unfolds, here are five bold predictions for the remaining matchups.
Jared Goff to torch undefeated Vikings defense
The Minnesota Vikings enter as the league's last undefeated team at 6-0, powered by a defense coordinated by Brian Flores that leads the NFL in scoring defense (12.3 points per game allowed), red zone touchdown rate allowed (23.1%), goal-line touchdown rate allowed (28.6%), completion percentage allowed (53.9%), touchdown-to-interception ratio allowed (3-7), sack rate (10.6%), pressure rate (47.6%), and blitz rate (71.8% — the highest in 20 years). Despite Goff being sacked five times in each of his last two meetings with Minnesota, the Detroit Lions quarterback is on a historic heater: he leads the NFL in passing yards per game (298.0), touchdown-to-interception ratio (14-0), and passer rating (112.5). His 223 consecutive throws without an interception are the most through six games in NFL history, and his 14 touchdowns without a pick tie Russell Wilson's 2019 mark. The prediction: Goff throws for 250-plus yards and three-plus touchdowns while being sacked no more than once, handing the Vikings their first loss.
Tony Pollard to rush for 120-plus yards and multiple TDs at Bengals
After a slow start averaging 58.2 rushing yards per game at 4.0 yards per carry with one touchdown through six weeks, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard exploded for 129 yards and a career-high three rushing touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7. Despite a Cincinnati Bengals defense that has dramatically improved — adding Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, and Cashius Howell to jump from 30th in scoring defense (28.9 PPG) and last against the run (147.1 YPG) in 2025 to 8th (20.3 PPG) and 19th (116.3 YPG) this season — Pollard is predicted to stay hot and top 120 rushing yards with multiple scores, even with a limited passing attack led by rookie quarterback Cam Ward.
Jaylen Warren to erupt for career-high scrimmage yards vs. Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is enjoying a career year: 855 yards from scrimmage through Week 7 (fourth in the NFL) and 705 since Week 3 (league high). His 6.8 yards per touch on 18 touches per game would be the best since C.J. Spiller in 2012. Facing a Browns defense that just surrendered 129 rushing yards and three touchdowns to Pollard, Warren is forecast to post a career-high 200 yards from scrimmage and even the season series at one win apiece.
Justin Herbert to play turnover-free game against Rams
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has struggled mightily, tying for the league lead with eight interceptions and 10 total turnovers. He is the first quarterback in NFL history to start 0-6 with an interception and multiple sacks in each of his team's first six games. Against SoFi Stadium neighbors the Los Angeles Rams, Herbert is predicted to have a clean game: three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald has been sackless for five straight games — the longest streak of his career — and the Chargers are expected to lean on former first-round running back Omarion Hampton to control the clock, allowing Herbert to operate in a relaxed style and produce a big day.
Garrett Wilson to reconnect with Geno Smith for 100-plus yards and a TD
Week 7 was ugly for the New York Jets: they lost to the previously winless Miami Dolphins, and star receiver Garrett Wilson had season lows of three targets, two catches, 26 yards, and no touchdowns, leading to a heated sideline exchange with quarterback Geno Smith and passing game coordinator Seth Ryan. Week 8 offers a revenge game against the slumping Las Vegas Raiders, who have lost four straight after a 3-0 start, allowing 35.8 points per game and 11 passing touchdowns during the skid. Smith is expected to light up his former defense, and Wilson to surpass 100 receiving yards with a touchdown — more than quadrupling his Week 7 output.
