NFL Week 8 is here, and we are almost exactly halfway through the 2026 season. With a loaded slate this weekend, the playoff race is far from over. Here is a full preview of NFL Week 8, along with my picks and score predictions.
Carolina Panthers (3-3) @ Green Bay Packers (4-3)
The Panthers came back down to earth after a 43-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bryce Young was rattled by a defense that forced two interceptions and a fumble. In a wide-open NFC South, Carolina needs this win.
The Packers are also coming off a disheartening division loss to the Detroit Lions. Josh Jacobs is back, but he’s still shaking off some rust. If Green Bay can find its run game, this should be a bounce-back performance.
Score Prediction: Packers 27 – Panthers 23
Baltimore Ravens (4-3) @ Buffalo Bills (5-1)
The Ravens blew a 13-0 halftime lead in Week 7, and lost 35-13 to the Cincinnati Bengals. Lamar Jackson is finally expected to return, but he may not be 100%. Baltimore desperately needs the two-time MVP for this game.
The Bills are coming off their bye week after a 33-30 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Their defense leaves a lot to be desired, ranking 31st in total yards allowed per game (386.8). They also rank 30th in points allowed per game (28.5).
Buffalo will need a slow start from Jackson, and that may just happen. Josh Allen and co. should come away with this.
Score Prediction: Bills 34 – Ravens 28
Tennessee Titans (1-6) @ Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)
The lock of the week is the Bengals defeating the Titans in NFL Week 8. Cincinnati’s offense showed out in the second half against Baltimore, and the defense locked down Jesse Minter’s squad.
The Titans are a bad team, but they don’t lay down. They took the Cleveland Browns down to the wire in a 27-24 loss in Week 7. Cam Ward is still struggling under center, and the defense ranks 26th in total yards allowed per game (364.1).
As of Thursday morning, Cincinnati is a 10.5-point favorite on FanDuel Sportsbook. While that’s a hefty line for any NFL game, it’s fitting for this one.
Score Prediction: Bengals 33 – Titans 17
Arizona Cardinals (2-5) @ Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
After a huge underdog win over the Los Angeles Rams, the Cardinals returned to their unfortunate form against the Denver Broncos. The 30-16 loss saw Jacoby Brissett sacked three times and a lack of receiving standouts behind Trey McBride.
The Cowboys’ offense seemed to reach its preseason expectations in Week 7. Dak Prescott threw for three touchdowns in the 38-20 victory, two of which went to CeeDee Lamb. Their defense is still abysmal, but they shouldn’t have trouble outscoring Arizona.
Score Prediction: Cowboys 31 – Cardinals 24
Minnesota Vikings (6-0) @ Detroit Lions (4-2)
The Vikings’ offense is among the worst in the NFL, ranking 28th in total yards per game (275). That doesn’t seem to matter much when they have the NFL’s best defense in points allowed per game (12.3).
The Lions snuck out of Week 7 with a close win over the Packers, but star running back Jahmyr Gibbs is dealing with a shoulder injury. Amon-Ra St. Brown is also dealing with a minor ankle issue.
If Detroit’s two best weapons aren’t 100% facing Brian Flores’ defense, this could be a disaster. If they play, this offense might be enough to break Minnesota’s undefeated season.
Score Prediction: Lions 20 – Vikings 16
Indianapolis Colts (2-5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2)
The Colts are officially in rebuild mode after trading away Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. Jonathan Taylor is also reportedly a trade candidate in a nightmare season for Indy.
The Jaguars are coming off a bye week, well-rested and ready to take down a weak division rival. After a 34-31 loss to the Houston Texans, they’ll want a bounce back. This is the perfect game for that to happen.
Score Prediction: Jaguars 30 – Colts 14
Las Vegas Raiders (3-4) @ New York Jets (2-5)
The Raiders started the year 3-0, then faced a murderer’s row of playoff contenders. After four straight losses to the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Los Angeles Rams, the Jets are just what the doctor ordered.
New York is coming off a loss to the previously winless Miami Dolphins. An inexcusable loss to a division rival of that caliber is extremely discouraging. Now facing a team desperate to get back on track is the last thing this team needs.
Score Prediction: Raiders 28 – Jets 20
Cleveland Browns (5-2) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
The Browns came away with a 27-24 victory over the Steelers in Week 4. They haven’t lost to their division rival in Cleveland since 2021. They also haven’t won in Pittsburgh since the prior season’s playoffs.
This rivalry is heavily based on history, and it truly is a toss-up. Despite the two battling for the lead in the AFC North, history suggests this is where Pittsburgh splits the season with Cleveland.
Score Prediction: Steelers 23 – Browns 20
Atlanta Falcons (3-4) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5)
The Buccaneers finally looked like a competitive team in their routing of the Panthers last week. Despite Baker Mayfield’s seven completions for 64 yards, the offense rushed for 258 yards and three touchdowns. Along with a dominant defensive performance, they might be back to their winning ways.
The Falcons are riding high after ending the San Francisco 49ers’ undefeated season. In a thrilling 29-20 win, Michael Penix Jr. threw for 213 yards and three touchdowns. Their defense also logged two interceptions, showing a clutch ability it’s been lacking all year.
Mayfield can’t afford to have another weak performance. In his second game back from a dislocated thumb, he should find some rhythm again.
Score Prediction: Buccaneers 24 – Falcons 21
Los Angeles Chargers (0-6) @ Los Angeles Rams (3-4)
The Chargers are coming off a much-needed bye week after a winless start to the season. A chance to recalibrate could lead to a change, but their offensive line has been painful to watch. With 21 sacks taken so far, Justin Herbert has virtually no shot at success.
The Rams looked strong in their 35-21 victory over the Raiders in Week 7. Matthew Stafford threw for 195 yards and three touchdowns, while Kyren Williams and Blake Corum rushed for nearly 200 yards and two more scores.
The Rams finally have a chance to stack some wins, and the Chargers’ season may already be over. This could be a trap game, but it’s hard to see the Bolts pulling that off.
Score Prediction: Rams 31 – Chargers 24
Kansas City Chiefs (5-1) @ Denver Broncos (5-2)
The Chiefs’ biggest strength this season quickly became their biggest weakness in a 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Kenneth Walker was held to just 36 rushing yards, and the rest of the offense fell apart. They’ll now go to Denver and face another defense picking up steam.
The Broncos are still extremely lackluster on offense, but a 30-16 victory silences criticism. Bo Nix threw for 222 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 73 yards and another score.
The AFC West is a dangerous division, and these two are at the top. The blueprint is now revealed, though: shut down Kenneth Walker at all costs. Unfortunately, that’s much easier said than done.
Score Prediction: Chiefs 24 – Broncos 21
New England Patriots (4-3) @ Miami Dolphins (1-5)
The Patriots suffered a tough 30-24 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 7 after a three-game win streak. They’ve had 10 days to rest and reconfigure ahead of a favorable matchup.
The Dolphins earned their first win, but it was a gritty one over a middling Jets team. They’re now facing Drake Maye, who seems to have finally found his footing in 2026. This shouldn’t be close, but division matchups tend to be.
Score Prediction: Patriots 30 – Dolphins 24
Philadelphia Eagles (2-5) @ Washington Commanders (1-4-1)
The Eagles’ season seems all but over following a myriad of injuries to their roster. They struggled to compete with the Cowboys on Monday night in a 38-21 loss.
Saquon Barkley did not practice Wednesday due to lingering hamstring and back injuries. A win on Sunday may just fall on Philly’s defense.
The Commanders’ Week 3 win over the Seahawks looks more like a fluke every week. They’re coming off a bye, and Jayden Daniels hasn’t won a game since October 5th, 2025. This shouldn’t be close, but the state of the Eagles gives Washington a chance.
Score Prediction: Commanders 24 – Eagles 20
Chicago Bears (5-2) @ Seattle Seahawks (4-3)
The game of the week falls on Monday night with the Bears heading to Seattle to face the Seahawks. The Super Bowl champions found their defensive dominance against the Chiefs and currently rank first in overall yards allowed per game (233.9).
Since his return from a hamstring injury, Caleb Williams has been stellar. In two games, he’s thrown for 613 yards and three touchdowns. The Bears are seemingly back on track ahead of their toughest challenge thus far.
The Seahawks’ defense shut down Kansas City last week, but they’ve been vulnerable this season. If anyone can combat them and pull off an upset, it’s Chicago’s head coach, Ben Johnson.
Score Prediction: Bears 27 – Seahawks 23
Bye Week: Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers
End Of My NFL Week 8 Rant
NFL Week 8 is the start of November football, which is arguably the most important of the season. This is the time for teams to take over and begin their playoff push. This week will also give teams a chance to determine how they’ll attack the November 10th trade deadline.
