The Chicago Bears acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons from the Tennessee Titans in a blockbuster trade Tuesday, sending two first-round picks to Tennessee as the NFL trade deadline approaches. The deal headlines a week of significant roster moves across the league, while Week 8 kicks off Thursday night with the Green Bay Packers hosting the Carolina Panthers.
Bears acquire Jeffrey Simmons in blockbuster trade
The Bears received Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick, a 2027 fourth-round pick, and a 2028 first-round pick. Simmons, 29, earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2025 and has recorded 15 sacks since the start of last season, the most among NFL defensive tackles in that span. Chicago's interior defensive line had managed only one sack through seven weeks. Analyst Bryan DeArdo graded the trade A- for the Bears, noting the team is "going all-in" on a Super Bowl run, and C+ for the Titans, who gain draft capital but have a mixed record of maximizing picks.
Thursday night preview: Packers vs Panthers
Green Bay (4-3) hosts Carolina (3-3) in a pivotal NFC matchup. The Packers sit last in the NFC North, while the Panthers risk losing the NFC South lead after a 30-point loss to Tampa Bay. Carolina will be without linebacker Jaelan Phillips (hamstring), second on the team in sacks. Green Bay will miss offensive linemen Travis Glover (knee) and Sean Rhyan (ankle), but receiver Matthew Golden is trending toward playing. Quarterback Bryce Young averages 285.3 passing yards per game, second in the NFL; the Packers are 0-2 when allowing over 255 passing yards. Conversely, Green Bay's rushing offense ranks last at 59.8 yards per game, but running back Josh Jacobs returns to face a Panthers defense allowing a league-worst 153.2 rushing yards per game. Expert picks favor the Packers, with predictions ranging from 24-17 to 31-24. Betting props highlighted include Josh Jacobs over 59.5 rushing yards and Panthers kicker Ryan Fitzgerald over 6.5 points.
Week 8 picks and playoff projections
CBS Sports writers offered select Week 8 predictions: Pete Prisco picks Lions (-3) over the undefeated Vikings; Tyler Sullivan takes Patriots (-7.5) over Dolphins; Jordan Dajani backs Broncos (+1.5) over Chiefs; Jared Dubin chooses Steelers (-3.5) over Browns; John Breech selects Bills (-3) over Ravens. Updated playoff projections from analytics expert Stephen Oh show the Bills (5-1) as the new AFC top seed and projected Super Bowl winner, with the Vikings (6-0) leading the NFC. The Bengals (4-2) are projected to win the AFC North, while the Cowboys (3-4) edge the Giants for the NFC East. The Bears (5-2) appear as the NFC's seventh seed.
Trade deadline matchmaker
With the November 10 deadline looming, potential moves include Jonathan Taylor to the Vikings to bolster their running game alongside a Super Bowl-caliber defense, Saquon Barkley to the Bengals to complement Joe Burrow's offense, and Tariq Woolen to the Lions as a cost-effective cornerback option.
Lamar Jackson expected to return
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, sidelined three games with an ankle injury, was a full practice participant Wednesday and took all first-team snaps, signaling a likely return Sunday against the Bills. Baltimore has lost two straight in his absence.
