NFL Week 8 preview and predictions

Although the NFL Week 8 slate could be described as underwhelming, the multitude of storylines still remain. Rodgers & Brady play some of the AFC’s best, looking to get back on track, the NFL cinderella New York Giants look to become a remarkable 7-1, and the 49ers travel to Los Angeles in a 2022 NFC Championship rematch with the defending Champion Rams. Let’s get into the slate.

Baltimore ravens (4-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4)

This is the first time a Brady led team has been under .500 this many games into the season since 2002, his rookie year. The Bucs are currently 25th in the league in scoring, a mark that makes it hard to win any games. The Ravens have struggled the past few weeks, losing to the Giants in Week 6, and narrowly defeating a lowly Browns team in Week 7. The Ravens have the talent to win this game on the road in Tampa; however, I believe the Bucs are desperate for a win, and I believe they get it here on Thursday night.

Bucs 28-24.

Denver broncos (2-5) VS. Jacksonville jaguars (2-5)

The 3rd London game of the 2022 season features two teams heading the wrong direction. The Broncos had a lot of hype coming into the season, but it has gone downhill quickly. AS for the Jaguars, they started a promising 2-1, but have since lost 3 in a row. A loss for either team is detrimental to their hopes of keeping the playoffs in play.

With Russell Wilson banged up, I’ll take the Jaguars 20-17. I would probably take the Jaguars with Wilson fully healthy also.

Minnesota vikings (5-1) Vs. Arizona cardinals (3-4)

The Vikings are one of the surprises of the 2022 season. They are 5-1, winners of their last 4. The offense is much improved, and the defense has been getting key stops when they need too. The Cardinals have struggled this season against good competition, as their only wins are against teams with losing records. Kyler has been a tad erratic, but the return of Deandre Hopkins should help immensely.

Give me the Cardinals in an upset, 31-28. I believe Hopkins takes a huge load off Kyler’s shoulders.

carolina panthers (2-5) at atlanta falcons (3-4)

Just before their Week 7 matchup with the Bucs, the Panthers traded away their All-Pro RB Christian McCaffery, in a move that signaled waving the white flag on the season. However, that was not the case, as they dominated Brady & the Bucs, 21-3. Now, they take on a frisky run heavy Falcons team. They have the 4th best rushing offense in all of football.

Give me the Falcons 24-20, as they dominate the game on the ground.

chicago bears (3-4) at dallas cowboys (5-2)

Dak made his first game appearance since Week 1 last week against the Lions, but he was not featured heavily, as the Cowboys focused squarely on running the football. The Bears, coming off a remarkable Monday Night victory over the Patriots, are one of the best rushing offenses in the league. I think Dak airs it out a little more against the Bears, especially with no Zeke.

Give me the Cowboys 31-17 to move to 6-2.

Las vegas raiders (2-4) at new orleans saints (2-5)

The Raiders are one of the most disappointing teams in football this season, has they have failed to meet their lofty expectations. Their defense has been extremely awful, as they rank in the bottom half of the league. The Saints have been plagued by injuries all season, and they will once again trot out the red rocket, Andy Dalton. In his last start, he threw 3 picks, including 2 pick-sixes in a loss to the Cardinals.

I like the Raiders to their 2nd in a row, 27-20.

Miami Dolphins (4-3) at Detroit lions (1-5)

Tua officially made his return last Sunday on SNF against the Steelers, and led his Dolphins to a much needed victory. The offense looked sharp in the 1st QTR, but showed signs of rust throughout the rest of the game. The Lions are coming off a horrific offensive effort against the Cowboys. That is two straight games they have been held under 10 PTS, after being the #1 offense in the NFL for the first 4 weeks. I like both offenses to find their stride here.

However, I like the Dolphins to move to 5-3 in a high scoring affair, 35-30.

New England Patriots (3-4) AT New York Jets (5-2)

The Jets have been one of the most surprising teams, as they have performed way above expectations. They now face off against their AFC East rivals who they have not beaten in years. However, the Patriots enter this one struggling on offense, as a QB controversy has heated up. Mac Jones was pulled after an interception in the 1st Half of last weeks game against the Bears. Bailey Zappe came in led them on a TD drive, but struggled as the rest of the game progressed.

I assume the Patriots play Mac the whole game here, but I still like the Jets, 20-14.

J-E-T-S JETS!

Pittsburgh steelers (2-5) at Philadelphia eagles (6-0)

A story of two teams going in opposite directions. The Eagles are undefeated and look to be the team to beat in the NFL. The Steelers have lost 5 of their last 6, and are struggling greatly on both sides of the ball. The Eagles have the current MVP favorite in Jalen Hurts, and one of the best defenses in football. I think this one gets ugly fast.

I’ve got Eagles 34-10.

Tennessee titans (4-2) at Houston Texans (1-4-1)

The Titans travel to Houston fresh off an emotional win over the Colts in Week 7. It was not pretty, but it was the typical grind it out football that Vrabel likes to play. The Texans enter losers of 4 of their last 5, and trending towards the #1 overall pick. The Texans claim the 2nd worst defense in the NFL, while the Titans claim the 2nd worst offense in the NFL. This will be an ugly one.

Give me the Titans 24-13.

New York giants (6-1) at seattle Seahawks (4-3)

The story of the NFL season has been the Brian Daboll led New York football Giants. The Giants have won 4 in a row, and Daboll is trending towards the NFL’s Coach of the Year. Saquon Barkley has been a revelation and Daniel Jones is looking like a legit NFL QB. On Seattle’s front, they have also exceeded expectations behind Geno Smith & Kenneth Walker III. They currently sit atop the NFC West.

I believe this game will be incredibly entertaining, but I am going to take the Giants 31-27, as I believe they are the more complete team.

san francisco 49ers (3-4) at los angeles rams (3-3)

A 2022 NFC Championship rematch between two teams that are greatly underachieving. In Week 4, the 49ers defeated the Rams 24-9 in a battle of two of the NFLs best defenses. Since then, the 49ers have lost 2 of 3, and the Rams were upset by Cooper Rush at home. This is a game where both teams will look to get back on track. The 49ers have had the Rams number in the regular season the last couple of years, but…

Give me the Rams 24-20.

Washington commanders (3-4) at Indianapolis colts (3-3-1)

The Carson Wentz revenge game that wasn’t. There will be no Wentz revenge, but instead Sam Ehlinger’s first career start for the Colts. He will go up against Taylor Heinicke for the Commanders. The Commanders are coming off a tremendous upset win over the Packers. They have won two in a row, behind their improving defense. The Colts made the move to Ehlinger, after Matt Ryan’s old age has finally caught up to him. Ehlinger will bring a fresh face to a struggling offense.

Give me the Commanders 24-20.

SNF: green bay packers (3-4) at buffalo bills (5-1)

The Packers have lost 3 in a row, and are spiraling downhill. This is the complete opposite of a “get right” game, as they travel to Buffalo to play the super bowl favorite Bills. The Bills claim the NFL’s best offense and their best defense. Even more bad news for the Packers, the Bills are coming off a BYE week.

I’ve got the Bills, but closer than expected. Bills 31-24.

MNF: Cincinnati bengals (4-3) at Cleveland browns (2-5)

A primetime divisional matchup between the Bengals & Browns. The Bengals have won 4 of their last 5, and are trending upward. However, it seems they will be without Pro Bowl WR Ja’Marr Chase for around 6 weeks. The Browns, losers of 4 in a row, are treading deep water as their schedule is incredibly tough from here on out. The Browns offense has been pretty respectable due to Pro Bowler Nick Chubb. Both teams have their weaknesses, but the Bengals are still the superior team.

Bengals 24-21.