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NFL Nation, ESPN
The Week 8 NFL schedule for the 2024 season is stacked with nice matchups, and we’ve got you coated with what it’s good to know heading into the weekend.
Our NFL Nation reporters deliver us the largest keys to each sport, and analytics author Seth Walder makes a daring prediction for every matchup. The ESPN Analysis staff gives a giant stat to know and a betting nugget for every contest, whereas our Football Power Index (FPI) goes contained in the numbers with a sport projection. Fantasy analyst Eric Moody finds fantasy football X elements, and three analysts — Kalyn Kahler, Moody and Walder — give us remaining rating picks for each sport. All the pieces you need to know is right here in a single spot that can assist you prepare for a loaded weekend of NFL football.
Let’s get into the total Week 8 slate, together with Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa‘s potential return towards the Cardinals and the Cowboys hosting the 49ers. All of it culminates with a “Monday Night time Soccer” matchup between the Giants and the Steelers on ESPN. (Sport occasions are Sunday except in any other case famous.)
Soar to a matchup:
PHI-CIN | BAL-CLE | TEN-DET
ARI-MIA | NYJ-NE | ATL-TB
GB-JAX | IND-HOU | NO-LAC
BUF-SEA | CAR-DEN | KC-LV
CHI-WSH | DAL-SF | NYG-PIT
Thursday: LAR 30, MIN 20
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: CIN -2.5 (47.5 O/U)
Eagles storyline to observe: The Eagles rushed the ball a mixed 81 occasions over the previous two video games — 10 greater than the next-closest staff — for 385 whole yards (192.5 per sport). RB Saquon Barkley is second to solely the Ravens’ Derrick Henry in speeding yards per sport (109.7) and is coming off a 176-yard efficiency towards his former staff, the Giants. Cincinnati has yielded 136 speeding yards per sport and has given up the second-most speeding first downs (65). — Tim McManus
Bengals storyline to observe: Cincinnati’s offense is trying to rebound after a tough couple of weeks. In back-to-back wins, the Bengals have scored touchdowns on 16.7% of their drives, which was half of the staff’s charge from Weeks 1 by 5. Philadelphia’s protection ranks tenth in fewest factors allowed per drive. — Ben Child
Stat to know: Since 2022, the Eagles’ A.J. Brown and Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase are among the many high 4 receivers in receiving yards after contact. Chase leads with 452; Brown has 394.
Daring prediction: The Bengals will win by greater than seven factors. Cincinnati has by far one of the best passing offense on this sport — it ranks fifth in EPA per dropback — and that is an important aspect to dominate. Plus, I will want greater than a blowout over the Giants to be satisfied by the Eagles once more. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Bengals QB Joe Burrow. He began the season with 8.0 fantasy factors in Week 1 towards the Patriots. Since then, he has averaged 21.2 fantasy factors per sport. The Eagles’ protection held Daniel Jones to five.9 factors in Week 7 and Deshaun Watson to eight.4 in Week 6, however it should face a harder problem towards Burrow, Chase and Tee Higgins. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Eagles are 8-1 ATS of their previous 9 video games when the unfold closes between plus-3 and minus-3. Read more.
Kahler’s choose: Bengals 24, Eagles 20
Moody’s choose: Eagles 31, Bengals 27
Walder’s choose: Bengals 30, Eagles 21
FPI prediction: PHI, 55.8% (by a median of 1.9 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Eagles’ Barkley silences boobirds in win vs. Giants … Healthy defense has Bengals feeling optimistic
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: BAL -8 (44.5 O/U)
Ravens storyline to observe: RB Derrick Henry, the NFL’s speeding chief, goes towards a Browns protection that has not allowed a operating again to realize greater than 67 yards this season. Henry has been on a tear with 873 yards speeding, which is his most in his first seven video games of a season over his nine-year profession. However final season, Cleveland held Henry — who was with the Titans — to twenty yards on 11 carries. “I do know [the Browns’] report does not present that, however this protection, they’re bodily, [and] they fly to the ball,” Henry mentioned. — Jamison Hensley
Browns storyline to observe: Jameis Winston is taking up at quarterback for the Browns rather than the injured Deshaun Watson (Achilles), and the change ought to result in a extra aggressive passing sport. Watson’s 6.9 air yards per try ranked twenty third within the NFL, whereas Winston has averaged 10.1 air yards per try in his profession. That would assist to use a Ravens protection that has given up a league-high 20 receptions of a minimum of 25 yards this season. — Daniel Oyefusi
Stat to know: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson tied his single-game profession excessive with 5 passing touchdowns against the Buccaneers on Monday. He wants 4 touchdowns to match the mark he set in 2019 for essentially the most TDs over a two-game span in franchise historical past.
Daring prediction: Winston will probably be sacked a minimum of 5 occasions however can even throw two touchdowns. I am betting Cleveland’s lack of ability to cope with the blitz wasn’t solely a Watson downside. However on the similar time, the quarterback play ought to enhance with Winston. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Browns TE David Njoku. With Winston stepping in, this can be a nice alternative for Njoku and the passing sport. Njoku had a season-high 14 targets and scored 23.6 fantasy factors towards the Bengals in Week 7. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Highway favorites are 24-13 ATS this season, together with 16-2 ATS over the previous three weeks. Read more.
Kahler’s choose: Ravens 30, Browns 17
Moody’s choose: Ravens 28, Browns 19
Walder’s choose: Ravens 34, Browns 20
FPI prediction: BAL, 65.2% (by a median of 5.8 factors)
Matchup must-reads: NFL’s best offense? Jackson, Ravens on pace to set records … Browns to start Winston at QB; Dorsey to call plays … Ravens’ Henry can break rushing record, Lamar says … Boos, awful play and a future in doubt: Inside QB Watson’s turbulent 2024 season
0:27
Tyler Fulghum has a shocking choose for Ravens vs. Browns
Tyler Fulghum explains why he is taking the Browns to cowl the unfold of their Week 9 matchup vs. the Ravens.
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: DET -11 (44.5 O/U)
Titans storyline to observe: The Titans’ offense will strive to determine the way to increase the success they’ve discovered on early drives to the remainder of the sport. Tennessee has scored 44 of its 106 whole factors this season inside the first three drives. The latter a part of video games has been a wrestle. “We’re seeing some completely different seems to be after which we have to have the ability to alter,” offensive coordinator Nick Holz mentioned. If Tennessee expects to win this week, it will should successfully adapt as the sport goes alongside. — Turron Davenport
Lions storyline to observe: Even with a 5-1 report, the NFC North-leading Lions aren’t taking the 1-5 Titans flippantly. Tennessee has gained its earlier six video games towards the Lions, and coach Dan Campbell has urged his staff to not succumb to a possible lure sport. Detroit is getting ready to be with out WR Jameson Williams whereas he serves a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances coverage. “[The Titans are] giving folks matches, man, they usually’ve had a quick begin in all their video games, they usually simply have not fairly been capable of shut it out,” Campbell mentioned. — Eric Woodyard
Stat to know: Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is 11 yards away from reaching 4,000 profession receiving yards. He’ll be part of Calvin Johnson as the one Lions gamers to succeed in the mark inside their first 4 seasons.
Daring prediction: The Titans won’t rating a landing. That is the worst passing offense within the league, in line with EPA per play. Even with out DE Aidan Hutchinson (tibia/fibula), this Detroit protection ought to be capable to shut down Tennessee. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs. He has had 15 or extra touches in 5 of his previous six video games and scored 16-plus fantasy factors in 5 of these matchups. The Lions are among the many league leaders in RB touches, and that development ought to proceed. They’re double-digit favorites over the Titans, which may result in a heavy dose of Gibbs and David Montgomery. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Titans are 1-5 ATS this season and 0-4 ATS towards groups with successful information. Read more.
Kahler’s choose: Lions 34, Titans 14
Moody’s choose: Lions 38, Titans 17
Walder’s choose: Lions 30, Titans 9
FPI prediction: DET, 72.9% (by a median of 9.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: What’s next for Titans after trading WR Hopkins, LB Jones? … Lions WR Williams, facing ban for PEDs, has Lions’ trust
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: MIA -3.5 (45.5 O/U)
Cardinals storyline to observe: The Cardinals are using a excessive after beating the Chargers on Monday, however there’s an eagerness within the locker room to see if they will put all of the items collectively for a second straight win. They’ve alternated losses and wins since Week 4, so some stability within the win column could be welcomed. However with CBs Sean Murphy-Bunting and Max Melton out due to neck accidents, Arizona may be in for an extended day towards Miami’s dynamic receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. — Josh Weinfuss
Dolphins storyline to observe: QB Tua Tagovailoa is eligible to return for Sunday’s sport and will present a right away spark to the NFL’s worst scoring offense. A minimum of, Hill appears to assume so. The league’s main receiver from a season in the past mentioned “the band is again” and urged fantasy house owners to start him this week. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Stat to know: The Dolphins and Cardinals are the one groups within the NFL to have a number of wins after trailing at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
Daring prediction: The groups will mix to attain greater than 60 factors. The Cardinals have one of many worst defenses within the NFL (twenty ninth in EPA per play) and can face a Dolphins offense with Tagovailoa again. On the opposite facet, Kyler Murray has sneaked as much as fifth in QBR (68.7). — Walder
Accidents: Cardinals | Dolphins
Fantasy X issue: Dolphins RB De’Von Achane. Achane finds himself in an incredible place towards a Cardinals protection that enables the seventh-most speeding yards per sport to operating backs. Anticipate him to be closely concerned as each a runner and a receiver. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Murray is 18-7-1 ATS in his profession as a highway underdog. Read more.
Kahler’s choose: Cardinals 24, Dolphins 21
Moody’s choose: Dolphins 27, Cardinals 21
Walder’s choose: Cardinals 34, Dolphins 31
FPI prediction: ARI, 51.1% (by a median of 0.5 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Cardinals LB Gardeck tears ACL, to miss rest of 2024 … Tua set to practice, eyeing Dolphins return Sunday … Conner delivers on speech, carries Cardinals to MNF win … Tua’s return to field ‘almost made me cry’ — WR Hill
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: NYJ -7 (40.5 O/U)
Jets storyline to observe: One other week, one other big-name debut. This week, it is DE Haason Reddick, who ended his holdout and doubtless will probably be used as a situational rusher. The Jets bolstered their roster the previous two weeks with Reddick and WR Davante Adams, however this sport may come all the way down to QB Aaron Rodgers. He has six interceptions previously three video games, essentially the most in any three-game stretch in his profession. — Wealthy Cimini
Patriots storyline to observe: The Patriots have not been swept by the Jets because the 2000 season, which was Invoice Belichick’s first as head coach. After shedding 24-3 to the Jets in Week 3, the Patriots are liable to having that streak snapped. Rookie QB Drake Maye, who’s making his third profession begin, has been a brilliant spot; he can change into the primary rookie QB with a minimum of 240 yards passing and two landing passes in his first three begins since 1950. — Mike Reiss
Stat to know: Maye is the fourth Patriots QB to make considered one of his first three profession begins towards the Jets. The earlier three (Mac Jones, Matt Cassel and Scott Zolak) all gained.
Daring prediction: Reddick will report a sack in his Jets debut. Granted, go speeding towards the Patriots’ offensive line is taking part in the sport on simple mode, but it surely ought to assist Reddick shake off any rust he has from his prolonged absence. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Jets RB Breece Hall. The staff must lean on its playmakers, and Corridor is stepping up. He has had 18 or extra touches and scored 21 or extra fantasy factors in his previous two video games. The Patriots’ protection permits the third-most fantasy factors per sport to operating backs. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Patriots are 0-5 ATS of their previous 5 video games. Read more.
Kahler’s choose: Jets 24, Patriots 20
Moody’s choose: Jets 23, Patriots 16
Walder’s choose: Jets 26, Patriots 10
FPI prediction: NYJ, 71.2% (by a median of 8.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Adams: Speech my way of bringing new ‘swag and culture’ to Jets … Mayo: Patriots played soft, but he believes they can turn it around
9:10
The place has it gone flawed for the Jets?
Stephen A. Smith, Kimberley A. Martin and Dan Orlovsky go in depth on the Jets 2024 struggles.
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: ATL -2.5 (46.5 O/U)
Falcons storyline to observe: The Falcons’ greatest albatross continues to be their go rush, however additionally they have not been excellent towards the run, particularly with ILBs Nate Landman (shoulder) and Troy Andersen (knee) each lacking time. Atlanta is twenty eighth within the league in run cease win charge (28.1%). In the meantime, the Buccaneers are ninth within the NFL in run block win charge (73.1%), opening up holes for RBs Bucky Irving, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, or what Falcons coach Raheem Morris has known as a “three-headed monster.” — Marc Raimondi
Buccaneers storyline to observe: It is a doomsday situation for the Bucs. Tampa Bay is down its two star broad receivers Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle), in what seems like a must-win sport for the NFC South lead after dropping a Week 5 heartbreaker to Atlanta. QB Baker Mayfield and the bottom sport want a near-perfect effort, whereas the protection must shore up the center of the sphere and lower down on missed tackles. — Jenna Laine
Stat to know: The Falcons need to begin 4-0 or higher of their division for the third time since realignment in 2002. They went 4-0 in 2010 and 5-0 in 2015.
Daring prediction: Falcons RB Bijan Robinson will rush for over 100 yards. Nobody makes use of extra exterior zone runs than Atlanta (77%), and the Bucs are permitting 5.4 yards per carry to exterior zone runs, the third most within the league. — Walder
Accidents: Falcons | Buccaneers
Fantasy X issue: Buccaneers TE Cade Otton. He has the potential to fill a number of the void left by Godwin and Evans. In Week 7 towards the Ravens, Otton hit season highs in targets (10), receptions (8), yards (100) and fantasy factors (18.0). See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: 4 straight Buccaneers video games have gone over the full. Read more.
Kahler’s choose: Buccaneers 28, Falcons 21
Moody’s choose: Falcons 31, Buccaneers 24
Walder’s choose: Falcons 30, Buccaneers 16
FPI prediction: TB, 57.0% (by a median of two.8 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Falcons’ Penix biding his time, learning from Cousins … Buccaneers’ Godwin likely out for year, Evans until after bye … What’s next for the Bucs after the loss of Godwin, Evans?
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: GB -3.5 (49.5 O/U)
Packers storyline to observe: QB Jordan Love has not seen a lot man protection this season, going through it on 31% of his dropbacks — second lowest within the league, in line with ESPN Analysis. He has six touchdowns, three interceptions and a 62.3 Complete QBR towards man. The Jaguars have used man protection on 52% of their opponent dropbacks, the fifth highest within the league, and have allowed an 87 QBR when in man protection. — Rob Demovsky
Jaguars storyline to observe: QB Trevor Lawrence has been on a roll the previous three weeks, finishing 74.2% of his passes over that span. Solely the Lions’ Jared Goff (80%) has been higher however in a single fewer sport. One main purpose: His off-target proportion is a league-best 6.8%. That has to proceed towards a Packers protection that leads the NFL in turnovers pressured (17). — Mike DiRocco
Stat to know: Love is trying to be part of Aaron Rodgers (2011) and Brett Favre (1994-95) as the one Inexperienced Bay quarterbacks with 10 straight video games of a number of passing touchdowns.
Daring prediction: The sport will probably be tied sooner or later within the fourth quarter. Quietly, Lawrence has crept as much as seventh in QBR. This Jacksonville staff will not be that dangerous. I believe the Packers will win. It is going to be much less comfy than many may think. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Packers WR Jayden Reed. He had a disappointing Week 7, placing up simply 3.0 fantasy factors against the Texans. However do not let that efficiency overshadow his latest success. Reed has posted 10 or extra fantasy factors in 5 of his previous six video games, together with two video games with over 27 factors. He is set as much as bounce again towards a Jaguars protection that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy factors to broad receivers. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Jaguars had been 0-3 ATS as residence underdogs final season, with all three video games going beneath the full. That is their first sport as a house underdog this 12 months. Read more.
Kahler’s choose: Packers 30, Jaguars 17
Moody’s choose: Packers 31, Jaguars 14
Walder’s choose: Packers 30, Jaguars 27
FPI prediction: GB, 60.4% (by a median of 6.2 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Does Packers’ Love have an interception problem? … Jaguars’ Thomas has emerged as a No. 1 WR
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: HOU -5 (45.5 O/U)
Colts storyline to observe: QB Anthony Richardson has had his struggles, however he has loved extra success towards Houston than every other staff. In six quarters of motion towards the Texans, relationship again to final season, Richardson is chargeable for 5 whole touchdowns (three speeding and two passing). He has averaged 9.2 yards per go try and 10.1 yards per rush, and has a QBR of 90.1 in these video games. — Stephen Holder
Texans storyline to observe: Despite the fact that the Texans’ beat the Colts in Week 1, coach DeMeco Ryans is throwing what occurred in that sport “out the window.” He feels “up to now eliminated” from the season opener and expects a unique Colts staff. Indianapolis gained 4 out of its previous 5 video games however nonetheless possesses the Thirty first-ranked speeding protection (159.9 yards allowed per sport), which performs into the Texans’ benefit as a result of RB Joe Mixon averages 100 yards speeding per sport. — DJ Bien-Aime
Stat to know: The Texans have swept the season collection towards the Colts solely as soon as in franchise historical past (2016).
Daring prediction: Colts WR Alec Pierce may have a 40-plus-yard reception. All he does is run deep. No broad receiver is, on common, farther downfield than Pierce. Indianapolis will seemingly should take some dangers to hold with Houston. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Mixon. He has scored 25 or extra fantasy factors in three video games. He now faces a Colts protection that enables essentially the most speeding makes an attempt and the third-most speeding yards per sport to operating backs. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Colts are 4-0 ATS as underdogs this season, whereas the Texans have coated in three straight video games. Read more.
Kahler’s choose: Texans 28, Colts, 21
Moody’s choose: Texans 34, Colts 17
Walder’s choose: Texans 27, Colts 20
FPI prediction: HOU, 69.4% (by a median of three.9 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Despite injuries, Colts letting QB Richardson run … Texans struggling to protect Stroud as hits start to mount
0:34
Why Fulghum believes in Anthony Richardson vs. the Texans
Tyler Fulghum is taking the Colts to win on the highway and canopy towards the Texans.
4:05 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: LAC -7 (40.5 O/U)
Saints storyline to observe: The Saints are getting wholesome once more. QB Derek Carr (oblique) is the one main participant to stay on the damage report, as TE Taysom Hill (rib), WR Chris Olave (concussion), LB Pete Werner (hamstring) and OLs Lucas Patrick and Cesar Ruiz returned to observe. Saints normal supervisor Mickey Loomis mentioned they’ve had an damage “avalanche” that the staff has to battle by to get again to successful. — Katherine Terrell
Chargers storyline to observe: The Chargers have not scored a landing within the second half since Week 1. They had been additionally held out of the tip zone of their Week 7 loss to the Cardinals, that means they have not scored a landing because the second quarter of their Week 6 win over the Broncos. This matchup may very well be a chance to repair their offensive woes, because the Saints are permitting the sixth-most factors within the NFL (25.7). — Kris Rhim
Stat to know: The Saints misplaced every of their previous two video games by 20 or extra factors. Their solely three-game streak of 20-point losses got here in Weeks 15-17 in 2001.
Daring prediction: Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins will surpass 100 speeding yards. The Saints are permitting 4.9 anticipated yards per carry, in line with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. That is second worst within the league, behind solely Washington. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Chargers QB Justin Herbert. Los Angeles’ offense has an incredible alternative towards a Saints protection that ranks final in whole yards allowed. Whereas the Chargers may lean on their operating sport, this matchup additionally units the stage for Herbert to attach with receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Saints haven’t closed as seven-point underdogs since Week 12 of 2022 (plus-8.5 at 49ers). Read more.
Kahler’s choose: Chargers 24, Saints 12
Moody’s choose: Chargers 20, Saints 13
Walder’s choose: Chargers 23, Saints 16
FPI prediction: LAC, 58.5% (by a median of three.7 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Saints seal two-year extension with Kamara … Chargers vow to fix offense: ‘I still think we’re finding our way’
4:05 p.m. ET | Fox | ESPN BET: BUF -3 (46.5 O/U)
Payments storyline to observe: Scoring factors on the highway hasn’t been a powerful level for the Payments, who’re averaging 21 factors within the 4 video games away from Orchard Park, New York, this season (2-2 in these video games). There will probably be a chance to amend that towards a Seahawks protection that has allowed 23.4 factors per sport (nineteenth) this 12 months. The offense will probably be assisted by WR Amari Cooper taking part in in his second sport with the Payments. — Alaina Getzenberg
Seahawks storyline to observe: After permitting the fifth-most speeding yards per sport (146.1) by Week 7, the Seahawks are hoping their trade for LB Ernest Jones IV will assist one of many league’s worst-run defenses. Jones, who’s sliding into the center linebacker spot in coach Mike Macdonald’s protection, will face the Payments for the second week in a row. He recorded 5 tackles, a QB hit and a go defensed for the Titans of their loss to Buffalo final Sunday. — Brady Henderson
Stat to know: If the Seahawks rating over 20 factors for the eighth straight sport, they will tie the longest streak of reaching that mark to start a season in franchise historical past (2020).
1:04
Are Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett worthy fantasy starters with DK Metcalf’s damage?
Area Yates breaks down if Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett will be high quality fantasy choices with DK Metcalf damage.
Daring prediction: Payments TE Dalton Kincaid will report six or extra receptions. Seahawks CB Riq Woolen has a 9% goal charge allowed this season, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, which ought to funnel targets away from exterior receivers. That would imply extra targets for Kincaid, who would additionally see some snaps towards Jones in his first sport with the Seahawks. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Cooper. He was eased into motion in Week 7, taking part in simply 35% of snaps. Cooper had 5 targets and completed with 16.6 fantasy factors regardless of a restricted position. Cooper may very well be a game-changer for the remainder of the season and has WR1 potential catching passes from QB Josh Allen. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Seahawks are 17-7 ATS as residence underdogs since 2011, together with 4-3 ATS in QB Geno Smith begins. Read more.
Kahler’s choose: Payments 24, Seahawks 22
Moody’s choose: Payments 28, Seahawks 27
Walder’s choose: Payments 24, Seahawks 21
FPI prediction: BUF, 63.8% (by a median of 5.0 factors)
Matchup must-reads: WR Cooper stars in debut as Bills roll at home … QB Smith’s mobility making up for Seattle’s O-line issues … Seahawks trade Baker, pick for Titans’ Jones
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: DEN -10 (41.5 O/U)
Panthers storyline to observe: QB Bryce Young returns to the starting lineup after being benched in Week 3. He is beginning as a result of Andy Dalton sprained his thumb in a car crash. How properly Younger, 2-16 as a starter, performs may decide his future with Carolina, but it surely will not be simple towards the Broncos. OLB Jadeveon Clowney can even return to the sphere after lacking two weeks on account of a shoulder damage. Defensively, the Panthers are getting more healthy, however stress will stay a difficulty — Denver ranks first within the NFL in sacks allowed (9) and Carolina ranks Thirty first in sacks (seven). It may very well be a giant day for rookie QB Bo Nix. — David Newton
Broncos storyline to observe: The Panthers rank at or close to the underside of each main defensive class, and the Broncos rank at or close to the underside of each main passing class. The distinction has been the Broncos’ protection has lifted them to 4-3, their finest mark after seven video games since they had been 5-2 in 2016. However with Younger beginning, search for the Broncos to be aggressive. Denver ranks second within the league in sacks (28) and has the best go rush win charge as a staff (56.9%). — Jeff Legwold
Stat to know: The Panthers need to keep away from back-to-back begins of 1-7 or worse for the primary time in franchise historical past, The final staff to begin 1-7 or worse in consecutive seasons was the Jets (2019-20).
Daring prediction: The Panthers will fail to cross into plus-territory within the first half. I am sorry, however that is simply brutal for Younger. He is coming off the bench to play a Broncos protection that ranks first in EPA allowed per play and second in EPA allowed per dropback. This may very well be a tough one. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Nix. He has been on the rise, scoring 19 or extra fantasy factors in three of his previous 5 video games whereas finishing 61.9% of his passes. Nix can also be a twin menace, speeding for 47 or extra yards in three video games. The rookie ought to have success towards a Panthers protection that enables 18.6 fantasy factors per sport to quarterbacks. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: This could be Carolina’s twenty eighth straight sport as an underdog, which is the longest streak by any staff because the 2012-14 Jaguars (46). Read more.
Kahler’s choose: Broncos 30, Panthers 12
Moody’s choose: Broncos 35, Panthers 10
Walder’s choose: Broncos 23, Panthers 6
FPI prediction: DEN, 74.5% (by a median of 10.0 factors)
Matchup must-reads: WR Cooper stars in debut as Bills roll at home … Will Broncos stay committed to run after big Week 7? … Young seeing limited work in Panthers’ blowout losses
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: KC -9.5 (41.5 O/U)
Chiefs storyline to observe: The Raiders bullied the Chiefs within the remaining assembly between the groups last season, permitting Kansas Metropolis’s operating backs 32 yards on 15 carries. With an ailing receiving group and QB Patrick Mahomes having thrown extra interceptions (eight) than TDs (six), the Chiefs should do higher on the bottom this time round. The Chiefs are averaging virtually 129 yards per sport, their finest in 12 seasons with Andy Reid as their coach. — Adam Teicher
Raiders storyline to observe: Rookie TE Brock Bowers has been a decidedly silver lining in a black cloud over the Raiders. The No. 13 general choose leads all tight ends in receptions (47) and yards (477). And he needs to be a main goal for QB Gardner Minshew towards the Chiefs, who’re giving up league-high single-game averages in receptions (7.2) and yards (83.5) to tight ends. — Paul Gutierrez
Stat to know: Raiders DE Maxx Crosby has generated 36 QB pressures in his profession towards Mahomes, which is essentially the most by any opposing defender towards the long run Corridor of Famer.
Daring prediction: Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins will catch a landing go. He may have a restricted position in his first week in Kansas Metropolis, however I think about the Chiefs would love to make use of him within the crimson zone. Mahomes will belief Hopkins to return down with a contested catch. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt. In a fantasy soccer world the place Mahomes is averaging simply 13.8 fantasy factors per sport, Hunt ought to shine. The Chiefs are double-digit favorites, which suggests a heavy workload for him. Hunt has had 24 or extra touches and scored a minimum of 18 fantasy factors in two straight video games. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Raiders are 3-1 ATS at residence towards the Chiefs since transferring to Las Vegas. Read more.
Kahler’s choose: Chiefs 28, Raiders 14
Moody’s choose: Chiefs 31, Raiders 14
Walder’s choose: Chiefs 26, Raiders 16
FPI prediction: KC, 73.4% (by a median of 10.0 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Is WR Hopkins the missing Super Bowl piece? … Rookie TE Bowers quietly having record-breaking year
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: CHI -3 (43.5 O/U)
Bears storyline to observe: The Bears’ protection enters Week 8 having allowed 21 factors or fewer in 12 straight video games. Extending that streak will probably be a problem towards Washington’s high-powered offense, which ranks third in factors per sport (30.1) and fourth in yards (384.1). This would be the stiffest check Chicago has confronted, significantly towards a top-three speeding assault (165.4 yards per sport) led by RB Brian Robinson Jr.’s 4.7 yards per carry. For as dominant because the Bears have been defensively, their one weak spot is towards the run. The Commanders’ offense leads the NFL with 14 speeding touchdowns and may be extra reliant on the bottom sport if QB Jayden Daniels cannot play. — Courtney Cronin
Commanders storyline to observe: Washington’s protection has slowly improved and, previously 4 weeks, the Commanders rank fourth in factors allowed per sport (16) and seventh in yards per sport (293). The one staff to harm them defensively — and beat them — throughout this stretch was Baltimore. In the meantime, the Bears’ offense additionally has performed higher throughout this similar stretch. Prior to now 4 weeks, Chicago ranks fifth in scoring (31.7) and twelfth in yards gained (353.7). Washington’s tackling was a lot better final week versus Carolina, as was its communication within the secondary to stop huge performs. The latter will probably be essential on Sunday. — John Keim
Stat to know: Commanders coach Dan Quinn is looking for to begin 6-2 in his first season with a second franchise after doing the identical with Atlanta in 2015. Solely two different coaches have executed that previously 100 years (Jim Caldwell and Jon Gruden).
Daring prediction: The Bears will maintain Marcus Mariota (assuming he begins with Jayden Daniels uncertain) to a QBR beneath 40. Chicago has had one of the best protection within the league when it comes to EPA per dropback, with a surprisingly robust go rush. — Walder
Accidents: Bears | Commanders
Fantasy X issue: Bears WR DJ Moore. Moore has scored 10-plus fantasy factors in 5 straight video games, together with a 27.5-point efficiency towards the Panthers in Week 5. He has one other favorable matchup, together with QB Caleb Williams, towards a protection that is permitting the eighth-most fantasy factors to receivers. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Commanders are 6-1 ATS this season, tied with the Colts for one of the best ATS report within the NFL. Read more.
Kahler’s choose: Bears 30, Commanders 24
Moody’s choose: Commanders 27, Bears 24
Walder’s choose: Bears 27, Commanders 19
FPI prediction: CHI, 50.2% (by a median of 0.1 factors)
Matchup must-reads: QBs Williams, Daniels and the OROY race … QB Daniels’ status uncertain for Bears game … Commanders release former first-round pick Davis
1:38
J.J. Watt lays out his Jayden Daniels MVP case to McAfee
J.J. Watt joins “The Pat McAfee Present” to elucidate how Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels may very well be the NFL MVP.
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock | ESPN BET: SF -4 (45.5 O/U)
Cowboys storyline to observe: The stench from the 38-point loss to Detroit nonetheless lingers regardless of having the bye final week. The Cowboys are within the playoff chase, however they do not have good latest reminiscences of their journeys to Levi’s Stadium — two losses, together with 42-10 final season. They’re 3-1 after the bye beneath coach Mike McCarthy. After a foul loss and tumultuous bye week, they want this win badly. — Todd Archer
49ers storyline to observe: In three earlier conferences with Dallas, the 49ers have flummoxed Cowboys QB Dak Prescott. Prescott has a QBR of 41.6 in these video games, which is his worst mark towards any of the 16 groups he has performed a minimum of two occasions over the previous 5 seasons. The Niners have efficiently pressured Prescott into turnovers, intercepting him six occasions to only three landing passes. As all the time, the Niners might want to win the turnover battle to win this sport, because the Niners are 3-0 this season when successful the turnover battle and 0-4 when tying or shedding it. — Nick Wagoner
Stat to know: The Cowboys have been outscored by 42 factors this season, which is the second-worst level differential by six video games by a staff .500 or higher previously decade.
Daring prediction: 49ers TE George Kittle information 80-plus receiving yards and a landing. He must be in line for extra targets with WRs Brandon Aiyuk out (knee) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (pneumonia) presumably absent too. Kittle has maintained his steadily above-average open score that he all the time posts, with a 67 this 12 months. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: 49ers WR Jauan Jennings. Anticipate Jennings to see extra targets with out Aiyuk. All of us bear in mind his monster 46.5-point efficiency towards the Rams in Week 3. Whereas Jennings won’t hit these numbers once more, he’ll nonetheless be a key participant within the 49ers’ passing sport. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: This would be the thirty fourth straight regular-season sport the 49ers are favored in, which is the third-longest streak this century. Read more.
Kahler’s choose: 49ers 28, Cowboys 16
Moody’s choose: 49ers 30, Cowboys 24
Walder’s choose: 49ers 27, Cowboys 20
FPI prediction: SF, 67.1% (by a median of 6.5 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Where do Cowboys stand as they exit bye week? … Can 49ers withstand injury issues, avoid ’20 repeat? … 49ers’ Aiyuk tears ACL, MCL
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN | ESPN BET: PIT -6 (36.5 O/U)
Giants storyline to observe: The house/highway break up for QB Daniel Jones and the Giants’ offense is staggering this season. For some purpose, they’re considerably extra productive on the highway, which WR Darius Slayton appears to assume is a “coincidence.” Irrespective of the reasoning, Jones has all six of his passing touchdowns on the highway and all 4 of his interceptions at residence. Maybe thankfully for the Giants, this sport is in Pittsburgh. — Jordan Raanan
Steelers storyline to observe: Taking part in with their fifth mixture of beginning offensive linemen within the win towards the Jets, the Steelers handed their first check towards a sack-happy entrance, and an excellent harder problem emerges in QB Russell Wilson‘s second begin. The Giants lead the league with 31 sacks, and Dexter Lawrence II, whom coach Mike Tomlin referred to as “an issue,” leads all go rushers with 9 sacks. Wilson was sacked simply as soon as by the Jets, however the Giants will undoubtedly go after the veteran quarterback on Monday evening. — Brooke Pryor
Stat to know: The Giants had 119 whole yards of their loss to the Eagles, which is their fewest since their 1999 season opener at Tampa Bay.
Daring prediction: Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith will report a number of sacks. Highsmith may have the benefit of going through Giants’ backup LT Joshua Ezeudu, who has posted a low 82% go block win charge this season. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Wilson. The quarterback had a standout efficiency in Week 7, racking up 24.8 fantasy factors. Pittsburgh’s offense appeared extra balanced and efficient with him beneath heart. Wilson is poised for extra success towards the Giants’ protection, which permits a median of 18.6 fantasy factors per sport to quarterbacks. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Steelers are 0-9 ATS of their final 9 video games when laying a minimum of 4 factors. Read more.
Kahler’s choose: Steelers 21, Giants 14
Moody’s choose: Steelers 24, Giants 13
Walder’s choose: Steelers 19, Giants 16
FPI prediction: PIT, 69.1% (by a median of seven.6 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Mara: Giants ‘committed’ to Daboll, Schoen despite 2-5 start … How UDFA Bishop has been key for defense
