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NFL Nation, ESPNOct 25, 2024, 06:35 AM ET
The Week 8 NFL schedule for the 2024 season is stacked with great matchups, and we have you covered with what you need to know heading into the weekend.
Our NFL Nation reporters bring us the biggest keys to every game, and analytics writer Seth Walder makes a bold prediction for each matchup. The ESPN Research team provides a big stat to know and a betting nugget for each contest, while our Football Power Index (FPI) goes inside the numbers with a game projection. Fantasy analyst Eric Moody finds fantasy football X factors, and three analysts — Kalyn Kahler, Moody and Walder — give us final score picks for every game. Everything you want to know is here in one spot to help you get ready for a loaded weekend of NFL football.
Let’s get into the full Week 8 slate, including Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa‘s potential return against the Cardinals and the Cowboys hosting the 49ers. It all culminates with a “Monday Night Football” matchup between the Giants and the Steelers on ESPN. (Game times are Sunday unless otherwise noted.)
Jump 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 watch: The Eagles rushed the ball a combined 81 times over the past two games — 10 more than the next-closest team — for 385 total yards (192.5 per game). RB Saquon Barkley is second to only the Ravens’ Derrick Henry in rushing yards per game (109.7) and is coming off a 176-yard performance against his former team, the Giants. Cincinnati has yielded 136 rushing yards per game and has given up the second-most rushing first downs (65). — Tim McManus
Bengals storyline to watch: Cincinnati’s offense is looking to rebound after a rough couple of weeks. In back-to-back wins, the Bengals have scored touchdowns on 16.7% of their drives, which was half of the team’s rate from Weeks 1 through 5. Philadelphia’s defense ranks 10th in fewest points allowed per drive. — Ben Baby
Stat to know: Since 2022, the Eagles’ A.J. Brown and Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase are among the top four receivers in receiving yards after contact. Chase leads with 452; Brown has 394.
Editor’s Picks
2 Related
Bold prediction: The Bengals will win by more than seven points. Cincinnati has by far the best passing offense in this game — it ranks fifth in EPA per dropback — and that’s the most important facet to dominate. Plus, I’m going to need more than a blowout over the Giants to be convinced by the Eagles again. — Walder
Fantasy X factor: Bengals QB Joe Burrow. He started the season with 8.0 fantasy points in Week 1 against the Patriots. Since then, he has averaged 21.2 fantasy points per game. The Eagles’ defense held Daniel Jones to 5.9 points in Week 7 and Deshaun Watson to 8.4 in Week 6, but it will face a tougher challenge against Burrow, Chase and Tee Higgins. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Eagles are 8-1 ATS in their past nine games when the spread closes between plus-3 and minus-3. .
Kahler’s pick: Bengals 24, Eagles 20
Moody’s pick: Eagles 31, Bengals 27
Walder’s pick: Bengals 30, Eagles 21
FPI prediction: PHI, 55.8% (by an average of 1.9 points)
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 watch: RB Derrick Henry, the NFL’s rushing leader, goes against a Browns defense that has not allowed a running back to gain more than 67 yards this season. Henry has been on a tear with 873 yards rushing, which is his most in his first seven games of a season over his nine-year career. But last season, Cleveland held Henry — who was with the Titans — to 20 yards on 11 carries. “I know [the Browns’] record doesn’t show that, but this defense, they’re physical, [and] they fly to the ball,” Henry said. — Jamison Hensley
Browns storyline to watch: Jameis Winston is taking over at quarterback for the Browns in place of the injured Deshaun Watson (Achilles), and the change should lead to a more aggressive passing game. Watson’s 6.9 air yards per attempt ranked 23rd in the NFL, while Winston has averaged 10.1 air yards per attempt in his career. That could help to exploit a Ravens defense that has given up a league-high 20 receptions of at least 25 yards this season. — Daniel Oyefusi
Stat to know: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson tied his single-game career high with five passing touchdowns against the Buccaneers on Monday. He needs four touchdowns to match the mark he set in 2019 for the most TDs over a two-game span in franchise history.
Bold prediction: Winston will be sacked at least five times but will also throw two touchdowns. I’m betting Cleveland’s inability to deal with the blitz wasn’t only a Watson problem. But at the same time, the quarterback play should improve with Winston. — Walder
Fantasy X factor: Browns TE David Njoku. With Winston stepping in, this is a great opportunity for Njoku and the passing game. Njoku had a season-high 14 targets and scored 23.6 fantasy points against the Bengals in Week 7. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Road favorites are 24-13 ATS this season, including 16-2 ATS over the past three weeks. .
Kahler’s pick: Ravens 30, Browns 17
Moody’s pick: Ravens 28, Browns 19
Walder’s pick: Ravens 34, Browns 20
FPI prediction: BAL, 65.2% (by an average of 5.8 points)
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
play
0:27
Tyler Fulghum has a surprising pick for Ravens vs. Browns
Tyler Fulghum explains why he’s taking the Browns to cover the spread in their Week 9 matchup vs. the Ravens.
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: DET -11 (44.5 O/U)
Titans storyline to watch: The Titans’ offense will try to figure out how to expand the success they’ve found on early drives to the rest of the game. Tennessee has scored 44 of its 106 total points this season within the first three drives. The latter part of games has been a struggle. “We’re seeing some different looks and then we’ve got to be able to adjust,” offensive coordinator Nick Holz said. If Tennessee expects to win this week, it’ll have to effectively adapt as the game goes along. — Turron Davenport
Lions storyline to watch: Even with a 5-1 record, the NFC North-leading Lions aren’t taking the 1-5 Titans lightly. Tennessee has won its previous six games against the Lions, and coach Dan Campbell has urged his team not to succumb to a potential trap game. Detroit is preparing to be without WR Jameson Williams while he serves a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy. “[The Titans are] giving people fits, man, and they’ve had a fast start in all their games, and they just haven’t quite been able to close it out,” Campbell said. — Eric Woodyard
Stat to know: Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is 11 yards away from reaching 4,000 receiving yards. He’ll join Calvin Johnson as the only Lions players to reach the mark within their first four seasons.
Bold prediction: The Titans will not score a touchdown. This is the worst passing offense in the league, according to EPA per play. Even without DE Aidan Hutchinson (tibia/fibula), this Detroit defense should be able to shut down Tennessee. — Walder
Fantasy X factor: Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs. He has had 15 or more touches in five of his past six games and scored 16-plus fantasy points in five of those matchups. The Lions are among the league leaders in RB touches, and that trend should continue. They are double-digit favorites over the Titans, which could lead to 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 against teams with winning records. .
Kahler’s pick: Lions 34, Titans 14
Moody’s pick: Lions 38, Titans 17
Walder’s pick: Lions 30, Titans 9
FPI prediction: DET, 72.9% (by an average of 9.3 points)
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 watch: The Cardinals are riding a high after beating the Chargers on Monday, but there’s an eagerness in the locker room to see if they can put all the pieces together for a second straight win. They’ve alternated losses and wins since Week 4, so some stability in the win column would be welcomed. But with CBs Sean Murphy-Bunting and Max Melton out because of neck injuries, Arizona might be in for a long day against Miami’s dynamic receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. — Josh Weinfuss
Dolphins storyline to watch: QB Tua Tagovailoa is eligible to return for Sunday’s game and should provide an immediate spark to the NFL’s worst scoring offense. At least, Hill seems to think so. The league’s leading receiver from a season ago said “the band is back” and urged fantasy owners to start him this week — Marcel Louis-Jacques
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Stat to know: The Dolphins and Cardinals are the only teams in the NFL to have multiple wins after trailing at the start of the fourth quarter.
Bold prediction: More than 60 points will be scored. The Cardinals have one of the worst defenses in the NFL (29th in EPA per play) and will face a Dolphins offense with Tagovailoa back. On the other side, Kyler Murray has snuck up to fifth in QBR (68.7). — Walder
Injuries: Cardinals | Dolphins
Fantasy X factor: Dolphins RB De’Von Achane. Achane finds himself in a great position against a Cardinals defense that allows the seventh-most rushing yards per game to running backs. Expect him to be heavily involved as both a runner and a receiver. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Murray is 18-7-1 ATS in his career as a road underdog. .
Kahler’s pick: Cardinals 24, Dolphins 21
Moody’s pick: Dolphins 27, Cardinals 21
Walder’s pick: Cardinals 34, Dolphins 31
FPI prediction: ARI, 51.1% (by an average of 0.5 points)
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 watch: Another week, another big-name debut. This week, it’s DE Haason Reddick, who ended his holdout and probably will be used as a situational rusher. The Jets bolstered their roster the past two weeks with Reddick and WR Davante Adams, but this game could come down to QB Aaron Rodgers. He has six interceptions in the past three games, the most in any three-game stretch in his career. — Rich Cimini
Patriots storyline to watch: The Patriots haven’t been swept by the Jets since the 2000 season, which was Bill Belichick’s first as head coach. After losing 24-3 to the Jets in Week 3, the Patriots are at risk of having that streak snapped. Rookie QB Drake Maye, who is making his third career start, has been a bright spot; he can become the first rookie QB with at least 240 yards passing and two touchdown passes in his first three starts since 1950. — Mike Reiss
Stat to know: Maye is the fourth Patriots QB to make one of his first three career starts against the Jets. The previous three (Mac Jones, Matt Cassel and Scott Zolak) all won.
Bold prediction: Reddick will record a sack in his Jets debut. Granted, pass rushing against the Patriots’ offensive line is playing the game on easy mode, but it should help Reddick shake off any rust he has from his extended absence. — Walder
Fantasy X factor: Jets RB Breece Hall. The team needs to lean on its playmakers, and Hall is stepping up. He has had 18 or more touches and scored 21 or more fantasy points in his past two games. The Patriots’ defense allows the third-most fantasy points per game to running backs. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Patriots are 0-5 ATS in their past five games. .
Kahler’s pick: Jets 24, Patriots 20
Moody’s pick: Jets 23, Patriots 16
Walder’s pick: Jets 26, Patriots 10
FPI prediction: NYJ, 71.2% (by an average of 8.3 points)
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
play
9:10
Where has it gone wrong 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 watch: The Falcons’ biggest albatross is still their pass rush, but they also haven’t been very good against the run, especially with ILBs Nate Landman (shoulder) and Troy Andersen (knee) both missing time. Atlanta is 28th in the league in run stop win rate (28.1%). Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are ninth in the NFL in run block win rate (73.1%), opening up holes for RBs Bucky Irving, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, or what Falcons coach Raheem Morris has referred to as a “three-headed monster.” — Marc Raimondi
Buccaneers storyline to watch: It’s a doomsday scenario for the Bucs. Tampa Bay is down its two star wide receivers Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle), in what feels like a must-win game for the NFC South lead after dropping a Week 5 heartbreaker to Atlanta. QB Baker Mayfield and the ground game need a near-perfect effort, while the defense needs to shore up the middle of the field and cut down on missed tackles. — Jenna Laine
Stat to know: The Falcons are looking to start 4-0 or better in their division for the third time since realignment in 2002. They went 4-0 in 2010 and 5-0 in 2015.
Bold prediction: Falcons RB Bijan Robinson will rush for over 100 yards. No one uses more outside zone runs than Atlanta (77%), and the Bucs are allowing 5.4 yards per carry to outside zone runs, the third most in the league. — Walder
Injuries: Falcons | Buccaneers
Fantasy X factor: Buccaneers TE Cade Otton. He has the potential to fill some of the void left by Godwin and Evans. In Week 7 against the Ravens, Otton hit season highs in targets (10), receptions (8), yards (100) and fantasy points (18.0). See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Four straight Buccaneers games have gone over the total. .
Kahler’s pick: Buccaneers 28, Falcons 21
Moody’s pick: Falcons 31, Buccaneers 24
Walder’s pick: Falcons 30, Buccaneers 16
FPI prediction: TB, 57.0% (by an average of 2.8 points)
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 watch: QB Jordan Love has not seen much man coverage this season, facing it on 31% of his dropbacks — second lowest in the league, according to ESPN Research. He has six touchdowns, three interceptions and a 62.3 Total QBR against man. The Jaguars have used man coverage on 52% of their opponent dropbacks, the fifth highest in the league, and have allowed an 87 QBR when in man coverage. — Rob Demovsky
Jaguars storyline to watch: QB Trevor Lawrence has been on a roll the past three weeks, completing 74.2% of his passes over that span. Only Lions’ Jared Goff (80%) has been better but in one fewer game. One major reason: His off-target percentage is a league-best 6.8%. That has to continue against a Packers defense that leads the NFL in turnovers forced (17). — Mike DiRocco
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Stat to know: Love is looking to join Aaron Rodgers (2011) and Brett Favre (1994-95) as the only Green Bay quarterbacks with 10 straight games of multiple passing touchdowns.
Bold prediction: The game will be tied at some point in the fourth quarter. Quietly, Lawrence has crept up to seventh in QBR. This Jacksonville team is not that bad. I think the Packers will win. It will be less comfortable than many might imagine. — Walder
Fantasy X factor: Packers WR Jayden Reed. He had a disappointing Week 7, putting up just 3.0 fantasy points against the Texans. But don’t let that performance overshadow his recent success. Reed has posted 10 or more fantasy points in five of his past six games, including two games with over 27 points. He’s set up to bounce back against a Jaguars defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Jaguars were 0-3 ATS as home underdogs last season, with all three games going under the total. This is their first game as a home underdog this year. .
Kahler’s pick: Packers 30, Jaguars 17
Moody’s pick: Packers 31, Jaguars 14
Walder’s pick: Packers 30, Jaguars 27
FPI prediction: GB, 60.4% (by an average of 6.2 points)
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 watch: QB Anthony Richardson has had his struggles, but he has enjoyed more success against Houston than any other team. In six quarters of action against the Texans, dating back to last season, Richardson is responsible for five total touchdowns (three rushing and two passing). He has averaged 9.2 yards per pass attempt and 10.1 yards per rush, and has a QBR of 90.1 in those games. — Stephen Holder
Texans storyline to watch: Even though the Texans’ beat the Colts in Week 1, coach DeMeco Ryans is throwing what happened in that game “out the window.” He feels “so far removed” from the season opener and expects a different Colts team. Indianapolis won four out of its past five games but still possesses the 31st-ranked rushing defense (159.9 yards allowed per game), which plays into the Texans’ advantage because RB Joe Mixon averages 100 yards rushing per game. — DJ Bien-Aime
Stat to know: The Texans have swept the Colts only once in a single season in franchise history (2016).
Bold prediction: Colts WR Alec Pierce will have a 40-plus-yard reception. All he does is run deep. No wide receiver is, on average, farther downfield than Pierce. Indianapolis will likely have to take some risks to hang with Houston. — Walder
Fantasy X factor: Mixon. He has scored 25 or more fantasy points in three games. He now faces a Colts defense that allows the most rushing attempts and the third-most rushing yards per game to running backs. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Colts are 4-0 ATS as underdogs this season, while the Texans have covered in three straight games. .
Kahler’s pick: Texans 28, Colts, 21
Moody’s pick: Texans 34, Colts 17
Walder’s pick: Texans 27, Colts 20
FPI prediction: HOU, 69.4% (by an average of 3.9 points)
Matchup must-reads: Despite injuries, Colts letting QB Richardson run … Texans struggling to protect Stroud as hits start to mount
play
0:34
Why Fulghum believes in Anthony Richardson vs. the Texans
Tyler Fulghum is taking the Colts to win on the road and cover against the Texans.
4:05 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: LAC -7 (40.5 O/U)
Saints storyline to watch: The Saints are getting healthy again. QB Derek Carr (oblique) is the only major player to remain on the injury report, as TE Taysom Hill (rib), WR Chris Olave (concussion), LB Pete Werner (hamstring) and OLs Lucas Patrick and Cesar Ruiz returned to practice. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said they’ve had an injury “avalanche” that the team has to fight through to get back to winning. — Katherine Terrell
Chargers storyline to watch: The Chargers haven’t scored a touchdown in the second half since Week 1. They were also held out of the end zone in their Week 7 loss to the Cardinals, meaning they haven’t scored a touchdown since the second quarter of their Week 6 win over the Broncos. This matchup could be an opportunity to fix their offensive woes, as the Saints are allowing the sixth-most points in the NFL (25.7). — Kris Rhim
Stat to know: The Saints lost each of their past two games by 20 or more points. Their only three-game streak of 20-point losses came in Weeks 15-17 in 2001.
Bold prediction: Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins will run for 100-plus rushing yards. The Saints are allowing 4.9 expected yards per carry, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. That’s second worst in the league, behind only Washington. — Walder
Fantasy X factor: Chargers QB Justin Herbert. Los Angeles’ offense has a great opportunity against a Saints defense that ranks last in total yards allowed. While the Chargers could lean on their running game, this matchup also sets the stage for Herbert to connect with receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Saints have not closed as seven-point underdogs since Week 12 of 2022 (plus-8.5 at 49ers). .
Kahler’s pick: Chargers 24, Saints 12
Moody’s pick: Chargers 20, Saints 13
Walder’s pick: Chargers 23, Saints 16
FPI prediction: LAC, 58.5% (by an average of 3.7 points)
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)
Bills storyline to watch: Scoring points on the road hasn’t been a strong point for the Bills, who are averaging 21 points in the four games away from Orchard Park, New York, this season (2-2 in those games). There will be an opportunity to amend that against a Seahawks defense that has allowed 23.4 points per game (19th) this year. The offense will be assisted by WR Amari Cooper playing in his second game with the Bills. — Alaina Getzenberg
Seahawks storyline to watch: After allowing the fifth-most rushing yards per game (146.1) through Week 7, the Seahawks are hoping their trade for LB Ernest Jones IV will help one of the league’s worst run defenses. Jones, who’s sliding into the middle linebacker spot in coach Mike Macdonald’s defense, will face the Bills for the second week in a row. He recorded five tackles, a QB hit and a pass defensed for the Titans in their loss to Buffalo last Sunday. — Brady Henderson
Stat to know: If the Seahawks score over 20 points for the eighth straight game, they’ll tie the longest streak of reaching that mark to begin a season in franchise history (2020).
play
1:04
Are Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett worthy fantasy starters with DK Metcalf’s injury?
Field Yates breaks down if Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett can be quality fantasy options with DK Metcalf injury.
Bold prediction: Bills TE Dalton Kincaid will record six or more receptions. Seahawks CB Riq Woolen has a 9% target rate allowed this season, per NFL Next Gen Stats, which should funnel targets away from outside receivers. That could mean more targets for Kincaid, who would also see some snaps against Jones in his first game with the Seahawks. — Walder
Fantasy X factor: Cooper. He was eased into action in Week 7, playing just 35% of snaps. Cooper had five targets and finished with 16.6 fantasy points despite a limited role. Cooper could be a game-changer for the rest 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 home underdogs since 2011, including 4-3 ATS in QB Geno Smith starts. .
Kahler’s pick: Bills 24, Seahawks 22
Moody’s pick: Bills 28, Seahawks 27
Walder’s pick: Bills 24, Seahawks 21
FPI prediction: BUF, 63.8% (by an average of 5.0 points)
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 watch: QB Bryce Young returns to the starting lineup after being benched in Week 3 because Andy Dalton sprained his thumb in a car crash. How well Young, 2-16 as a starter, performs could determine his future with Carolina, but it won’t be easy against the Broncos. OLB Jadeveon Clowney will also return to the field after missing two weeks due to a shoulder injury. Defensively, the Panthers are getting healthier, but pressure will remain an issue — Denver ranks first in the NFL in sacks allowed (nine) and Carolina ranks 31st in sacks (seven). It could be a big day for rookie QB Bo Nix. — David Newton
Broncos storyline to watch: The Panthers rank at or near the bottom of every major defensive category, and the Broncos rank at or near the bottom of every major passing category. The difference has been the Broncos’ defense has lifted them to 4-3, their best mark after seven games since they were 5-2 in 2016. But with Young starting, look for the Broncos to be aggressive. Denver ranks second in the league in sacks (28) and has the highest pass rush win rate as a team (56.9%). — Jeff Legwold
Stat to know: The Panthers are looking to avoid back-to-back starts of 1-7 or worse for the first time in franchise history, The last team to start 1-7 or worse in consecutive seasons was the Jets (2019-20).
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Bold prediction: The Panthers will fail to cross into plus-territory in the first half. I’m sorry, but this is just brutal for Young. He’s coming off the bench to play a Broncos defense that ranks first in EPA allowed per play and second in EPA allowed per dropback. This could be a rough one. — Walder
Fantasy X factor: Nix. He has been on the rise, scoring 19 or more fantasy points in three of his last five games while completing 61.9% of his passes. Nix is also a dual threat, rushing for 47 or more yards in three games. The rookie should have success against a Panthers defense that allows 18.6 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: This would be Carolina’s 28th straight game as an underdog, which is the longest streak by any team since the 2012-14 Jaguars (46). .
Kahler’s pick: Broncos 30, Panthers 12
Moody’s pick: Broncos 35, Panthers 10
Walder’s pick: Broncos 23, Panthers 6
FPI prediction: DEN, 74.5% (by an average of 10.0 points)
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 watch: The Raiders bullied the Chiefs in the final meeting between the teams last season, allowing Kansas City’s running backs 32 yards on 15 carries. With an ailing receiving group and QB Patrick Mahomes having thrown more interceptions (eight) than TDs (six), the Chiefs must do better on the ground this time around. The Chiefs are averaging almost 129 yards per game, their best in 12 seasons with Andy Reid as their coach. — Adam Teicher
Raiders storyline to watch: Rookie TE Brock Bowers has been a decidedly silver lining in a black cloud over the Raiders thus far. The No. 13 overall pick leads all tight ends in receptions (47) and yards (477). And he should be a primary target for QB Gardner Minshew against the Chiefs, who are 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 career against Mahomes, which is the most by any opposing defender against the future Hall of Famer.
Bold prediction: Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins will catch a touchdown pass. He could have a limited role in his first week in Kansas City, but I imagine the Chiefs would love to use him in the red zone. Mahomes will trust Hopkins to come down with a contested catch. — Walder
Fantasy X factor: Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt. In a fantasy football world where Mahomes is averaging just 13.8 fantasy points per game, Hunt should shine. The Chiefs are double-digit favorites, which suggests a heavy workload for him. Hunt has had 24 or more touches and scored at least 18 fantasy points in two straight games. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Raiders are 3-1 ATS at home against the Chiefs since moving to Las Vegas. .
Kahler’s pick: Chiefs 28, Raiders 14
Moody’s pick: Chiefs 31, Raiders 14
Walder’s pick: Chiefs 26, Raiders 16
FPI prediction: KC, 73.4% (by an average of 10.0 points)
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 watch: The Bears defense enters Week 8 having allowed 21 points or fewer in 12 straight games. Extending that streak will be a challenge against Washington’s high-powered offense, which ranks third in points per game (30.1) and fourth in yards (384.1). This will be the stiffest test Chicago has faced this season, particularly against a top-three rushing attack (165.4 yards per game) led by RB Brian Robinson Jr.’s 4.7 yards per carry. For as dominant as the Bears have been defensively, their one weakness is against the run. The Commanders’ offense leads the NFL with 14 rushing touchdowns and may be more reliant on the ground game if QB Jayden Daniels can’t play. — Courtney Cronin
Commanders storyline to watch: Washington’s defense has slowly improved and, in the past four weeks, the Commanders rank fourth in points allowed per game (16) and seventh in yards per game (293). The only team to hurt them defensively — and beat them — during this stretch was Baltimore. Meanwhile, the Bears’ offense also has played better during this same stretch. In the past four weeks, Chicago ranks fifth in scoring (31.7) and 12th in yards gained (353.7). Washington’s tackling was much better last week versus Carolina, as was its communication in the secondary to prevent big plays. The latter will be important on Sunday. — John Keim
Stat to know: Commanders coach Dan Quinn is seeking to start 6-2 in his first season with a second franchise after doing the same with Atlanta in 2015. Only two other coaches have done that in the last 100 years (Jim Caldwell and Jon Gruden).
Bold prediction: The Bears will hold Marcus Mariota (assuming he starts with Jayden Daniels uncertain) to a QBR under 40. Chicago has had the best defense in the league in terms of EPA per dropback, with a surprisingly strong pass rush. — Walder
Injuries: Bears | Commanders
Fantasy X factor: Bears WR DJ Moore. Moore has scored 10-plus fantasy points in five straight games, including a 27.5-point performance against the Panthers in Week 5. He has another favorable matchup, along with QB Caleb Williams, against a Commanders defense that’s allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to receivers. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Commanders are 6-1 ATS this season, tied with the Colts for the best ATS record in the NFL. .
Kahler’s pick: Bears 30, Commanders 24
Moody’s pick: Commanders 27, Bears 24
Walder’s pick: Bears 27, Commanders 19
FPI prediction: CHI, 50.2% (by an average of 0.1 points)
Matchup must-reads: QBs Williams, Daniels and the OROY race … QB Daniels’ status uncertain for Bears game … Commanders release former first-round pick Davis
play
1:38
J.J. Watt lays out his Jayden Daniels MVP case to McAfee
J.J. Watt joins “The Pat McAfee Show” to explain how Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels could be the NFL MVP.
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock | ESPN BET: SF -4 (45.5 O/U)
Cowboys storyline to watch: The stench from the 38-point loss to Detroit still lingers despite having the bye last week. The Cowboys are in the playoff chase, but they don’t have good recent memories of their trips to Levi’s Stadium — two losses, including 42-10 last season. They are 3-1 after the bye under coach Mike McCarthy. After a bad loss and tumultuous bye week, they need this win badly. — Todd Archer
49ers storyline to watch: In three previous meetings with Dallas, the 49ers have flummoxed Cowboys QB Dak Prescott. Prescott has a QBR of 41.6 in those games, which is his worst mark against any of the 16 teams he has played at least two times over the past five seasons. The Niners have successfully forced Prescott into turnovers, intercepting him six times to just three touchdown passes. As always, the Niners will need to win the turnover battle to win this game, as the Niners are 3-0 this season when winning the turnover battle and 0-4 when tying or losing it. — Nick Wagoner
Stat to know: The Cowboys have been outscored by 42 points this season, which is the second-worst point differential through six games by a team .500 or better in the last decade.
Bold prediction: 49ers TE George Kittle records 80-plus receiving yards and a touchdown. He ought to be in line for more targets with WRs Brandon Aiyuk out (knee) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (pneumonia) possibly absent too. Kittle has maintained his steadily above-average open score that he always posts, with a 67 this year. — Walder
Fantasy X factor: 49ers WR Jauan Jennings. Expect Jennings to see more targets without Aiyuk. We all remember his monster 46.5-point performance against the Rams in Week 3. While Jennings may not hit those numbers again, he’ll still be a key player in the 49ers’ passing game. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: This will be the 34th straight regular-season game the 49ers are favored in, which is the third-longest streak this century. .
Kahler’s pick: 49ers 28, Cowboys 16
Moody’s pick: 49ers 30, Cowboys 24
Walder’s pick: 49ers 27, Cowboys 20
FPI prediction: SF, 67.1% (by an average of 6.5 points)
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 watch: The home/road split for QB Daniel Jones and the Giants’ offense is staggering this season. For some reason, they’re significantly more productive on the road, which WR Darius Slayton seems to think is a “coincidence.” No matter the reasoning, Jones has all six of his passing touchdowns on the road and all four of his interceptions at home. Perhaps fortunately for the Giants, this game is in Pittsburgh. — Jordan Raanan
Steelers storyline to watch: Playing with their fifth combination of starting offensive linemen in the win against the Jets, the Steelers passed their first test against a sack-happy front, and an even tougher challenge emerges in QB Russell Wilson‘s second start. The Giants lead the league with 31 sacks, and Dexter Lawrence II, whom coach Mike Tomlin called “a problem,” leads all pass rushers with nine sacks. Wilson was sacked just once by the Jets, but the Giants will undoubtedly go after the veteran quarterback on Monday night. — Brooke Pryor
Stat to know: The Giants had 119 total yards in their loss to the Eagles, which is their fewest since their 1999 season opener at Tampa Bay.
Bold prediction: Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith will record multiple sacks. Highsmith will have the advantage of facing Giants’ backup LT Joshua Ezeudu, who has posted a low 82% pass block win rate this season. — Walder
Fantasy X factor: Wilson. The quarterback had a standout performance in Week 7, racking up 24.8 fantasy points. Pittsburgh’s offense appeared more balanced and effective with him under center. Wilson is poised for more success against the Giants’ defense, which allows an average of 18.6 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Steelers are 0-9 ATS in their last nine games when laying at least four points. .
Kahler’s pick: Steelers 21, Giants 14
Moody’s pick: Steelers 24, Giants 13
Walder’s pick: Steelers 19, Giants 16
FPI prediction: PIT, 69.1% (by an average of 7.6 points)
Matchup must-reads: Mara: Giants ‘committed’ to Daboll, Schoen despite 2-5 start … How UDFA Bishop has been key for defense
