The NFL Week 8 schedule opened with the Green Bay Packers defeating the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field, setting the stage for a full weekend of matchups highlighted by Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos, and a Monday night finale between the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks.
Sunday's Key Matchups
Buffalo Bills are favored to edge the Baltimore Ravens 31-28 at home, with Lamar Jackson returning for Baltimore but Buffalo's defense allowing a 120.5 passer rating and a 15-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio this season. The Cincinnati Bengals are predicted to beat the Tennessee Titans 28-17 after Tennessee traded away Jeffrey Simmons, leaving their defense vulnerable to Joe Burrow, who could throw for 270-plus yards and three touchdowns.
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to top the Arizona Cardinals 30-21 at AT&T Stadium, capitalizing on Arizona allowing the third-most points per drive (2.73) through seven games. In a defensive battle, the Detroit Lions are picked to defeat the Minnesota Vikings 24-20; Minnesota allows just 1.10 points per drive (league best) but ranks 31st in total touchdowns, while Detroit's offense should find solutions against Brian Flores' scheme.
The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to snap a four-game skid with a 24-17 win over the New York Jets, who face coaching speculation around Aaron Glenn and clock-management issues. Pittsburgh Steelers should narrowly beat the Cleveland Browns 21-20, with Jaylen Warren performing at an elite level and Pittsburgh's pass rush disrupting Deshaun Watson.
Divisional and Late-Window Games
The Atlanta Falcons are forecast to edge the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-24 in an NFC South clash, sending Tampa Bay to 2-6. Jacksonville Jaguars, coming off a bye, are favored 27-13 over the rebuilding Indianapolis Colts, with pressure expected to force turnovers from Daniel Jones. The Los Angeles Rams should handle the Los Angeles Chargers 24-14, as Justin Herbert struggles behind a non-functional offensive line.
Kansas City Chiefs are predicted to beat the Denver Broncos 23-17 at Denver, with Sean Payton showing little confidence in rookie quarterback Bo Nix despite Denver's stout defense and rookie running back Jonah Coleman. New England Patriots could win by double digits over the Miami Dolphins, 28-17, exploiting Miami's personnel-limited offense. Washington Commanders are tipped to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 21-14 on Sunday night, with Jayden Daniels outplaying Tanner McKee.
Monday Night Football
The week concludes with the Chicago Bears projected to beat the Seattle Seahawks 20-14. Newly acquired Jeffery Simmons is expected to disrupt Seattle's offensive line and neutralize Sam Darnold, lowering the scoring burden on Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson's offense against the league's second-best defense.
