While we’re still picking up the pieces from an action-packed slate last weekend, there’s a lot to look forward to on the NFL Week 8 schedule too. This week, there are 13 NFL matchups to preview, featuring 26 teams in action.
Below, we dive into one bold prediction for each game on the Week 8 NFL schedule, from Thursday to Monday.
Vikings Run For 200 Yards in Win Over Chargers
NFL: Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings
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Today’s Vikings are known far more their ability to pass the ball rather than pass. Yet a lack of consistency at the QB position could lead to a change in plans. Their Pro Bowl starting running back Aaron Jones is expected to return to the lineup on Sunday, giving the Vikings a strong 1-2 punch with Jones and Jordan Mason. Plus, the Chargers rank 28th in yards allowed per rush attempt (5.1 YPA). If the Vikings can shorten the sticks by roughly five yards each time they hand it off, why not try to bowl over the Chargers while surprising them downfield with more explosive passing attempts?
Related: NFL Power Rankings 2025: Week-by-Week NFL Evaluations of All 32 Teams
Dolphins Bench Tua, Falcons Win by 10+
NFL: Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns
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After a three-interception loss, our guess is Tua Tagovailoa’s leash is as short as it’s ever been since arriving as the fifth overall pick in 2020. The Dolphins’ problems aren’t entirely on Tagovailoa, Yet, after a 1-6 start to the season, coach Mike McDaniel may feel compelled to try something else if Tagovailoa gets off to another bad start.
Related: Miami Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel Practically Guarantees Lineup Changes
Tyrod Taylor’s 300-Yard Day Fuels Jets Past Bengals
NFL: Carolina Panthers at New York Jets
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The Jets appear ready to make a QB switch. Some inside the locker room wished they’d been rolling with Tyrod Taylor from the start. Jets pass-catchers have all the motivation they need to have a big day after struggling through the first seven weeks of the season, especially knowing Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will bring their best too. Taylor has been waiting for another moment, so he shouldn’t be afraid to cut it loose. Perhaps he can even go off for his first 300-yard game since Dec. 31, 2023.
Related: Speculation Suggests New York Jets Could Trade All-Pro
Quinshon Judkins’ 150-Yard Day Boosts Browns Past Patriots
NFL: Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns
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The Patriots have a top-five defense this season, and they’re third in rushing yards, touchdowns and yards per carry allowed. But second-round rookie Quinshon Judkins is pretty special too. He’s only had one game with fewer than 71 yards from scrimmage, but two of his biggest rushing performances have come in the past three games. He’s just getting started.
Related: NFL Report Card: Grading All 32 Teams Ahead of NFL Week 8
Giants Beat Eagles, Sack Jalen Hurts Six Times
Syndication: The Record
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Both of the Giants’ wins this season have come against 2024 playoff teams. One of them, was against the Eagles, who will surely be out for revenge on Sunday. However, the new-look Giants are a different breed. Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo have helped the GMen average 25.4 points per game. Now it’s the defense’s turn to remind the Eagles why they average the NFL’s second-fewest pass attempts by sacking Jalen Hurts six times.
Panthers’ 250 Rushing Yards Crush Bills
Rico Dowdle
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The Bills started hot, winning four in a row before dropping their past two games. Now they rank dead-last in allowed rush yards per attempt. Meanwhile, the Panthers are developing an identity of playing ground and pound football thanks to Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard. The Panthers have had two games of 200 or more rushing yards in their past three contests, but facing the Bills gives Carolina the opportunity to go off for 250.
Related: 2025 NFL QB Rankings: Daniel Jones Dominating Ahead of Week 8
Ravens Force 3 Caleb Williams Interceptions, Beat Bears
NFL: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens
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Injuries have decimated the Ravens this season, especially defensively. While replacement players can rarely match the performance of starters, the Ravens have only intercepted one pass this season, out of 216 attempts. Their luck could change on Sunday when facing second-year QB Caleb Williams, but Baltimore will need to generate pressure too, and they’ve been unable to do so thus far.
C.J. Stroud’s 330-Yard Day Lifts Texans Past 49ers
NFL: Houston Texans at Seattle Seahawks
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There’s no sugar-coating it: C.J. Stroud hasn’t been as good as we’ve seen from the Pro Bowl QB in the past. He’s coming off a woeful performance where he completed just 46.9% of his passes. However, we’ve seen glimpses of great performances, like when Stroud completed 85.2% of his passes for 244 yards and 4 TD two games ago. The Texans need Stroud to flip the switch with a big 330-yard day to help knock off the 49ers, and having former San Francisco defensive coach DeMeco Ryans pressing the buttons should help.
Tyler Shough Helps Saints Beat Buccaneers
NFL: Denver Broncos at New Orleans Saints
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Spencer Rattler is not the reason the Saints are just 1-6 this season. Yet, after his three-interception performance, New Orleans could use his next moment of struggle as a reason to evaluate second-round rookie Tyler Shough. Maybe it even happens with a quick hook if Rattler tosses a pick-six. If so, seeing Shough come in and play with his hair on fire would help him win over the locker room convincingly.
Cowboys Win, Hold Broncos to Under 10 Points
NFL: Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys
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The Cowboys have defensive playmakers, such as DaRon Bland. But we haven’t seen them make an impact often enough. After Bland’s pick-six last Sunday, perhaps he’s gotten his mojo back. Meanwhile, the Broncos closed out the game on an extremely hot streak, scoring 33 in the final frame. They won’t be playing with as much pressure to begin with this time around, and Dallas could take advantage of a team that’s not firing on all cylinders quite yet.
Related: Russell Wilson Calls Sean Payton ‘Classless’ After Recent Coaching Jab
Titans Upset Colts on Last-Second Field Goal
NFL: Tennessee Titans at Arizona Cardinals
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Firing head coach Brian Callahan didn’t create an immediate spark. Sometimes these things take time. Imagine how good Tennessee’s locker room would feel if it could take down the best team in the conference? All the Titans need to do is pull out a few big plays to keep the game in reach and hope they’re in position to drill a last-second field goal with Joey Slye, who’s already hit from 63 yards last season. With the new K-ball procedure, we’d guess Slye would have no trouble drilling one from 65 or further.
Packers’ 150 Rush Yards Powers Green Bay Past Pittsburgh
NFL: Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals
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Josh Jacobs led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards in 2022. He’s not with the Raiders anymore, but the Packers RB still went off for 1,329 rushing yards in 2024. He’s not on nearly the same pace this season; the All-Pro RB hasn’t even had a 100-yard game. Yet, Pittsburgh’s rushing defense is still finding its footing, and after allowing 142 yards to the Bengals last week, there’s room for Green Bay to have a big day too.
Mahomes’ 400-Yard Day Carries Chiefs Past Commanders
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
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Patrick Mahomes is back. He’s averaged 282.7 yards across the past four games, and Rashee Rice just made his debut last week. The Chiefs’ offense will likely only continue to improve as everyone masters their role. Plus, Washington has holes in their secondary, allowing the NFL’s third-most pass yards per attempt, and you can bet Mahomes will know which players to pick on.
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Sports fan since birth. I am also passionate about cars, music, and anything funny. Minnesotan, born and raised. Maybe ... More about Andrew Buller-Russ