The Minnesota Vikings won 5 straight heading into the bye week and atop the NFC Conference. After the bye, they lost a 31-29 matchup against the Detroit Lions at home, relinquishing their lead atop the NFC North. On Thursday Night, the Vikings sought a quick rebound victory against the Los Angeles Rams. Instead, the Vikings faced a Rams team that was finally healthy after the return of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Rams’ Quarterback Matthew Stafford looked comfortable in the return of his trusted weapon by tallying 25 of 34 completions, 279 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. The game ended with safety in the end zone via a sack on Sam Darnold. However, replays clearly showed that the defender grabbed the facemask, which is a penalty and would negate the safety. Instead, in four days, the Vikings have lost back-to-back games, and the Rams have consecutive games to move into the playoff contention picture. The Rams won a must-win game, and it is the theme that will dominate the matchups this weekend. In this article, we will discuss the five hottest games of week 8.
1. Atlanta Falcons (4-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
This will be an important game in the NFC South division because the winner will grab the lead. However, the Buccaneers are the more desperate team because they lost a 36-30 shootout in Atlanta in week 5. Therefore, if Atlanta wins, they will own the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Buccaneers will be playing on a short week after losing on Monday Night Football to the Baltimore Ravens. There is no shame in losing to the Ravens because Lamar Jackson is playing like the best quarterback in football. However, the loss was compounded by a hamstring injury to Mike Evans and a season-ending ankle injury to Chris Godwin. On the other hand, the Falcons were demolished by the Seahawks at home. Kirk Cousins threw two interceptions, and the defense struggled to contain the Seahawks offense. I think the Falcons had the more alarming performance, and the Buccaneers are the more desperate team. I think Baker Mayfield gets back on track despite the injuries.
Buccaneers 24-Falcons 18
2. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET CBS
Both teams have improved steadily after slow starts and are coming off key wins against teams struggling in their divisions. The Eagles had an impressive performance against the New York Giants, with Saquon Barkley rushing for 176 yards on 17 carries and scoring a touchdown against his former employers. However, the Bengals present a far more difficult defensive assignment for the City of Brotherly Love Team. Joe Burrow is getting healthier and playing better after completing two touchdowns and 60% of his passes against the Browns. I think the Bengals are the more desperate team in this matchup, and the trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Burrow will lead the home team to a close win.
Bengals 30-Eagles 23
3. Buffalo Bills (5-2) at Seattle Seahawks (4-3)-Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)
Both teams lead their divisions and won last week by big margins to cement their position. Geno Smith played well on the road by completing 18 of 28 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-14 win over the Falcons. On the other hand, the Bills destroyed the Tennessee Titans 34-10, with Josh Allen completing 21 of 33 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns. I think this a tough matchup for the Bills because of the travel to the Pacific Northwest. I am predicting a high-scoring matchup where the offenses will lead the way. However, I trust Josh Allen to make the play at the end to cap a narrow victory.
Bills 31-Seahawks 29
4. Chicago Bears (4-2) at Washington Commanders(5-2)-Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
The background to this matchup is that it pits the number one (Caleb Williams) and number two pick (Jayden Daniels) from the 2024 NFL Draft. However, there is uncertainty whether Daniels will be able to feature in this game because of a rib injury. Daniels’ status for the game remains a game-time decision. It means that backup quarterback Marcus Marriota will likely be entrusted with his second consecutive start after completing 18 of 23 yards, 205 yards, and two touchdowns against the lowly Carolina Panthers. On the other hand, the Bears should be rested from their bye week, and before it, Caleb Williams was cooking in outscoring the last two opponents 71-26 points. I think the Bears’ defense is better than the Commanders’, and Caleb will outshine whoever is on the other sideline.
Bears 23-Commanders 20
5. Dallas Cowboys (3-3) at San Francisco 49ers (3-4)-Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
I think both teams will be desperate to win this game. The Cowboys are reeling from 4 consecutive home blow-out losses, including the recent demolition by the Lions. The drama in Dallas is overwhelming, and the team needs a win to settle things down and play to their best. The 49ers have been struggling because of injury problems to key members of their roster. Brock Purdy struggled to move the ball by throwing three interceptions against the Chiefs, while Prescott threw two against the Lions, which shows how pivotal it will be to protect the football. I think the 49ers’ defense will slow down the Cowboys and claim an important victory using their motion offense.
49ers 27-Cowboys 23
Last Week Record: 4-1
Overall Record: 24-11