The NFL season is halfway over, and Week 8 is sure to bring high-stakes games everywhere. After Week 7’s wild finishes, including Denver’s record-breaking rally and Dallas and Kansas City’s resounding blowouts, fans can anticipate more unpredictable matchups and memorable performances. Every game on the Week 8 schedule has a detailed analysis and prediction available here.
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; The NFL logo is seen at mid-field prior to a game between Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL International Series game at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
A battle of low scores, with the Minnesota Vikings beating the Los Angeles Chargers, opens Thursday Night Football. Neither team has performed well on offense, but Minnesota has a healthier team and an upper hand in the line of scrimmage. The Vikings take advantage to snap their skid.
The **Falcons are primed to dominate** **the Miami Dolphins** in Atlanta. Miami’s defense has been a disaster, and Atlanta’s rushing duo of Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson is set for a heavy workload against the NFL’s worst run defense.. If Miami drops this one, head coach Mike McDaniel’s job security will be under fire.
The **Baltimore Ravens outlast the Chicago Bears** in a matchup of resurgent offenses. Chicago’s run game has exploded to 183.5 yards per contest over the last two weeks, but Lamar Jackson’s return should spark Baltimore after its bye. The Ravens’ turnover woes remain a concern, but Jackson’s playmaking lifts them late.
Buffalo avoids an upset scare by taking down Carolina **27-21**. The Bills’ defense has struggled against the run, allowing 156.3 rushing yards per game, but Josh Allen’s arm neutralizes that. Carolina’s offense will find lanes, but the quarterback gap ultimately seals the outcome.
The **Cincinnati Bengals beat the New York Jets** in a game that could turn into a shootout. Tyrod Taylor offers the Jets stability, and with Garrett Wilson back, they’ll push the Bengals’ secondary, which has allowed an 114.3 opposing quarterback rating since Week 3. Still, Joe Flacco and his elite receiver duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins prove too much to contain.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s familiarity with DeMeco Ryans’ defense gives San Francisco a narrow edge. Expect Christian McCaffrey to carry the load against Houston’s weaker front.
The **New England Patriots handle the Cleveland Browns** behind rookie QB Drake Maye’s mobility and a top-five defense against the run. Cleveland’s offense remains one-dimensional and inefficient through the air, sealing its fate on the road.
The **Philadelphia Eagles avenge their earlier loss to the New York Giants** . With Jalen Carter and Quinyon Mitchell healthy again Philly’s defense stiffens at home.Jalen Hurts is also flying off his most successful performance of the season and the Eagles offensive balance provides them with an advantage in the field up to the end.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints in a divisional game. Baker Mayfield is currently on a productive run against a Saints defense that is ranked as one of the poorest in the league. While New Orleans competes early, the lack of a reliable run game proves fatal.
One of Sunday’s most explosive games comes in Dallas, where the **Cowboys top the Denver Broncos**. Dak Prescott rides an MVP-caliber stretch, while Bo Nix continues his fourth-quarter heroics for Denver. Dallas’s offensive rhythm and Prescott’s precision prove decisive.
In one of the week’s most significant mismatches, the **Indianapolis Colts cruise past the Tennessee Titans**. The Colts’ 6-1 start is no fluke their balance and coaching advantage create one of the most lopsided outcomes on the schedule.
**Green Bay Packers over the Pittsburgh Steelers** marks Aaron Rodgers’ long-awaited revenge game. Despite a sharp outing from Rodgers the Packers’ defensive front led by Micah Parsons delivers key stops late. Green Bay’s efficient ground game seals it.
The Kansas City Chiefs finally destroyed the Washington Commanders on Monday night. The Washington Commanders’ defense will have a terrible game because rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is probably going to be out. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, have averaged 31.5 points over their last four games.
The midseason period establishes playoff routes, identifies pretenders, and validates potential candidates. One thrilling matchup at a time, Week 8 will separate the two.