News Summary
As NFL Week 8 approaches, playoff implications intensify amid critical matchups. The trade deadline is looming, with six teams on bye, including the Lions and Raiders. The Packers take on the Patriots and Browns, while other notable games feature the Steelers, Dolphins, Buccaneers, and more, each with potentially impactful outcomes for the season ahead. This week could reshape playoff standings dramatically, highlighting performance trends in key matchups and potential roster changes leading up to the trade deadline.
New York City – As the 2025 NFL season approaches Week 8, playoff implications are intensifying, with teams eyeing the upcoming Nov. 4 trade deadline which could prompt significant roster movements. This week, six teams will be on bye: the Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Highlighted matchups this week include Aaron Rodgers leading the Green Bay Packers against his former team in a high-profile prime-time setting. The New England Patriots, fresh off a three-game road trip with a winning streak, will host the struggling Cleveland Browns, who currently rank 30th in the league for offense, averaging just 16.1 points per game.
The projected score for the Patriots versus Browns game is Patriots 27, Browns 17, with the Patriots favored by 7 points.
In another intriguing matchup, the Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Green Bay Packers at home. With head coach Mike Tomlin traditionally effective as a home underdog, the Steelers are expected to make a competitive showing. The projected outcome is Packers 24, Steelers 23, with the Steelers receiving a 3-point advantage.
The Miami Dolphins are coming off a steep loss to the Browns and struggle with their quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has thrown three interceptions in consecutive games. They’ll take on the Atlanta Falcons, who stand out for their defensive prowess, allowing just 141.2 passing yards and 159.3 rushing yards per game. The projected score for this matchup is Falcons 30, Dolphins 20, with the Falcons favored by 7 points.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also dealing with injury challenges but are expected to perform well against the New Orleans Saints, who are on a losing streak. The Buccaneers are projected to win with a score of 27 to 20, favored by 4.5 points.
The Buffalo Bills, enjoying a bye week, aim to rectify their scoring slump against the Carolina Panthers after failing to reach 20 points in their last two games. The Bills are projected to beat the Panthers 30 to 23, with the Panthers receiving a 7.5-point advantage.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for a crucial game against the Chicago Bears, hoping to exploit their run-heavy offense. The Ravens are expected to narrowly defeat the Bears with a score of 27 to 24, while the Bears will get a 3.5-point advantage.
In another NFC East clash, the New York Giants will be up against the Philadelphia Eagles, who boast a formidable home record of 28-6 since 2022. The Eagles are projected to come away with a victory, with an anticipated score of 30 to 20, favored by 7.5 points.
The New York Jets, facing difficulties with injuries and uncertain quarterback situations, will take on the Cincinnati Bengals. The projected score sees the Bengals winning 24 to 17, with the Bengals favored by 6.5 points.
The San Francisco 49ers are in a tough match against the Houston Texans, with discussions on their offensive capabilities. The expected score for this contest is 49ers 23, Texans 20, with the 49ers listed as 1.5-point favorites.
The Dallas Cowboys are looking to establish consistency as they face the Denver Broncos, who are advantageous at home defensively. Projected outcomes suggest that the Broncos will overcome the Cowboys with a score of 27 to 24, while the Cowboys will get a 3.5-point buffer.
Potentially one of the most lopsided matches of the week features the Indianapolis Colts facing off against the Tennessee Titans, with the Colts heavily favored due to the Titans’ struggles. Projected scores indicate a 33 to 14 victory for the Colts, with a massive 14.5-point spread.
Finally, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Washington Commanders on Monday night, with expectations high for a solid performance from the Chiefs. The projected score for this game stands at 30 for the Chiefs against 17 for the Commanders, and the Chiefs are heavily favored by 11.5 points.
This upcoming week promises to reshape playoff standings and may set the stage for significant trades as teams navigate their way through the season, emphasizing both current performance and future potential.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
NFL Showdown: Lions Take on Ravens in Baltimore
Baltimore Ravens Launch 30th Season with Home Opener
Joe Flacco Returns to Baltimore as Browns Face Ravens
Cleveland Browns Face Baltimore Ravens in AFC North Clash
Baltimore Ravens Suffer Heartbreaking Season Opener Loss
Ravens vs. Browns: AFC North Rivalry Heats Up in Week 2
Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens Season Opener Preview
Ravens vs. Bills: Season Opener Showdown
Additional Resources
- ESPN: NFL Week 8 Preview
- NFL.com: Week 8 Picks
- NBC Sports: Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 8
- CBS Sports: Best Bets for NFL Week 8
- Wikipedia: National Football League
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