The Week 8 NFL schedule for the 2025 season brings exciting matchups.
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers faces his former team when the Packers come to town, the Bills look to avoid losing three straight, and the Giants and Eagles face off in a classic NFC East showdown.
We have you covered with everything you need to know. Our NFL Nation reporters take you inside the locker room with the best thing they heard this week, and ESPN Research provides a key stat to know and a betting nugget for each contest. Plus, analytics writer Seth Walder makes a bold prediction for each matchup, and fantasy analyst Eric Moody shares fantasy football intel. We also have Football Power Index (FPI) matchup quality ratings (out of 100) and game projections, and three analysts — Pamela Maldonado, Moody and Walder — give us final score picks for every game.
Let’s get into the full Week 8 slate, which culminates with a “Monday Night Football” matchup between the Commanders and Chiefs on ESPN. (Game times are Sunday unless otherwise noted.)
Jump to a matchup:
SF-HOU | NYG-PHI | CHI-BAL
BUF-CAR | CLE-NE | NYJ-CIN
MIA-ATL | TB-NO | DAL-DEN
TEN-IND | GB-PIT | WSH-KC
Thursday: MIN-LAC
Bye: DET, LV, LAR, ARI, SEA, JAX
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 64.7/100
ESPN BET: HOU -1.5 (41.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the 49ers: For the first time since DeMeco Ryans left San Francisco to be the Texans’ coach, the Niners will have to face a Ryans-led defense. It’s a tall order, as Houston ranks first in the NFL in scoring defense, second in defensive EPA and fifth in yards per carry allowed (3.8). “You’re going against a very sound defense schematically, a defense that plays the right way with their intent and just how physical they play, and a very talented group of 11 guys, too, with good backups,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Everything’s a challenge about it, but it starts with their physicality and soundness.” — Nick Wagoner
What we’re hearing on the Texans: The Texans’ pass catchers might take a hit this week. Wideout Nico Collins, who’s in the concussion protocol, might not play. And wideout Christian Kirk, who missed last week’s game with a hamstring injury, might be out again. Neither practiced on Wednesday or Thursday, and the Texans rarely play guys who don’t practice both days. Expect rookies Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins to fill the void. — DJ Bien-Aime
Stat to know: Despite rotating between quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Mac Jones, the 49ers lead the league in passing yards per game (271.3) and are tied with the Bucs for the second most yards after the catch this season (923). — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. will allow at least 60 receiving yards. Though he has two interceptions, Stingley’s overall coverage numbers are not nearly as good as they were a season ago, but his 17% target rate and 1.6 yards allowed per coverage snap are both above average for an outside corner. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: The Texans’ defense has allowed only 9.3 fantasy points per game to QBs this season, the fewest in the league, making it difficult to trust any of the 49ers’ pass catchers. Christian McCaffrey, however, remains matchup-proof. He has logged 19-plus touches and scored 22-plus fantasy points in every game this season. McCaffrey is also the first player to open a season with seven straight games of 20 or more fantasy points since Jalen Hurts in 2021, and the first non-QB since RBs Saquon Barkley and Todd Gurley in 2018. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The 49ers are 1-4 ATS (against the spread) as road underdogs since the start of last season. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: 49ers 28, Texans 6
Moody’s pick: 49ers 26, Texans 23
Walder’s pick: 49ers 23, Texans 17
FPI prediction: HOU, 56.2% (by an average of 2.5 points)
Matchup must-reads: 49ers’ Kittle’s return gives glimpse of healthy 49ers offense … Texans’ coach Ryans has no plan to make change at OC
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 61.7/100
ESPN BET: PHI -7.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Giants: The Giants snapped their eight-game NFC East skid against the Eagles two weeks ago at MetLife Stadium. This is a different challenge for rookie QB Jaxson Dart & Co. in Philadelphia. “If [Dart] didn’t have any haters, he’ll find out where they all live,” WR Darius Slayton said. “He’s about to get introduced to all of them.” Philadelphia has been a house of horrors for the Giants. The last time they won there was in 2013. — Jordan Raanan
What we’re hearing on the Eagles: Eagles LT Jordan Mailata called this rematch “personal” for him after playing “very passive” in what he described as the worst game of his career in Week 6. The Eagles uncharacteristically lost the battle at the point of attack, and they do not plan on history repeating itself. “The message this week is ‘Be physical. … Let’s be physical up front, both sides of the ball, and dominate,'” Mailata said. — Tim McManus
Stat to know: The Eagles co-lead the league with a 100% goal-to-go TD percentage and have a league-high 82.4% red zone TD percentage. But they also lead the league in three-and-out drives resulting in a punt (25) and have 31 drives without a first down (tied for second most behind Tennessee). — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Giants OT Andrew Thomas will not record a single pass block loss. Not only have the Eagles’ pass rushers struggled to generate pressure this season, but Thomas ranks first among tackles with a 96.4% pass block win rate. — Walder
0:21
Matt Dodge, DeSean Jackson reflect on “Miracle at the Meadowlands”
Former Giants punter Matt Dodge and DeSean Jackson reflect on the “Miracle at the Meadowlands” play. For the full feature, check out this weekend’s “Sunday NFL Countdown.”
Fantasy nugget: Giants WR Wan’Dale Robinson has been phenomenal over the past three games, recording five or more receptions in each and 15-plus fantasy points in two. He has drawn 26 targets during that stretch. The Eagles’ defensive front ranks 13th in pass rush win rate (40.2%), which could lead to more quick throws from Dart, a boost for Robinson. Philadelphia also allows the fifth-most receiving yards per game to WRs. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Giants are 6-2 ATS in the past eight road meetings in Philadelphia despite being 0-8 outright. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Eagles 23, Giants 21
Moody’s pick: Eagles 38, Giants 20
Walder’s pick: Eagles 28, Giants 23
FPI prediction: PHI, 64.9% (by an average of 5.8 points)
Matchup must-reads: NFC East Roundtable: Can the defending champs take the division crown again? … Giants’ Carter doing ‘great job’ despite lack of sacks … Giants-Eagles and the rivalry’s most horrible/wonderful play
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 57.9/100
ESPN BET: BAL -6.5 (48.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Bears: Rookie TE Colston Loveland is in line for a bigger workload with Cole Kmet sidelined with a back injury. The position group has been underused in Chicago, and Week 8 presents coach Ben Johnson with an opportunity to get Loveland more involved in the passing game. “I know that the production — call it six games into it — isn’t what any of us maybe look for from a numbers perspective but [Loveland is] impacting games in a very positive fashion for us, and he’s a reason why our offense is going to continue to get better,” Johnson said. — Courtney Cronin
What we’re hearing on the Ravens: The Ravens, who have tied the franchise’s worst start, are in must-win mode. Only one team in NFL history — the 1970 Bengals — has reached the playoffs after starting 1-6. “Every game for us is a playoff game,” S Kyle Hamilton said. “That’s how it feels and how it’s going to have to be from here on out. We dug ourselves into a deep hole, but in order to get in the dance, we’ve got to really be locked in from here on out.” Baltimore typically is at its best following some rest, going 8-1 in games directly following the bye week since 2016. — Jamison Hensley
Stat to know: Ravens RB Derrick Henry‘s 88 rushes are his fewest through six games since 2018 with the Titans. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Bears LB Tremaine Edmunds will lead the league in combined tackles in Week 8. The Ravens lean run-heavy, but more importantly they are solid favorites over the Bears. If Baltimore gets out to a lead, all those rushing attempts to run out the clock will give Edmunds plenty of tackle opportunities. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: Even though the Ravens’ offensive line ranks 26th in run block win rate (69.2%), Henry is one of the few RBs in the league skilled enough to transcend poor O-line play. Baltimore faces a Bears defensive front that ranks 23rd in run stop win rate (29%) and allows the fifth-most rushing yards per game (137.7). See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Chicago has covered four straight games, its longest streak since 2018 (when it covered five games). Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Ravens 31, Bears 29
Moody’s pick: Ravens 24, Bears 21
Walder’s pick: Ravens 37, Bears 31
FPI prediction: BAL, 60% (by an average of 3.8 points)
Matchup must-reads: Bears’ WR Odunze breaking out in Year 2 … Ravens’ QB Jackson (hamstring) practices; status TBD
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 50.5/100
ESPN BET: BUF -7.5 (45.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Bills: Coming off their bye week, the Bills are looking to avoid scoring 20 points or fewer in three straight games for the first time since 2020. Carolina has allowed 20 or more points in all but two games this season. QB Josh Allen said the offense’s struggles to finish games are very correctable. “Just pulling together as a team, making sure we’re staying as one unit, getting back to the fundamentals. Again, just trusting the other 10 guys on the field with you. And you’re trusted and expected to do your 1/11th.” — Alaina Getzenberg
What we’re hearing on the Panthers: The key to this game could be Buffalo’s porous run defense, which ranks 31st in the NFL, giving up 156.3 ground yards per game. RBs Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle can take the pressure off QB Andy Dalton with a rushing offense that ranks third in yards per game (140.1). — David Newton
Stat to know: Allen is seeking five consecutive games with multiple passing TDs for the first time since Weeks 4-8 of the 2023 season. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Panthers WR Jalen Coker will record at least four receptions. He had zero in his season-debut last week, but I have a suspicion that Coker will eventually take a pretty decent share of the receiving work in the Panthers’ offense after recording 1.9 yards per route run last season. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: Carolina has yet to allow a QB to throw for over 300 yards in a game, and it has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing receivers. However, Khalil Shakir leads the Bills in yards per route run against zone coverage, which is notable because the Panthers play the most zone defense in the league. Carolina also gives up the third-most fantasy points per game to TEs, which bodes well for Dalton Kincaid. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Overs are 17-7 in Panthers games and 15-8 in Bills games since the start of last season. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Bills 25, Panthers 19
Moody’s pick: Bills 27, Panthers 20
Walder’s pick: Bills 34, Panthers 17
FPI prediction: BUF, 55.2% (by an average of 2 points)
Matchup must-reads: Bills getting defensive reinforcements in hopes to avoid three-game slide … Panthers confident in QB Dalton if Young is out … Source: Panthers’ Young has high ankle sprain, likely out this week
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 39/100
ESPN BET: NE -6.5 (40.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Browns: The entire Browns defense got a game ball for a masterful game plan against the Dolphins that resulted in six points allowed and three interceptions. The Patriots and QB Drake Maye, though, will pose a significant step up in competition. Maye has the highest QBR against man coverage (93.3), and Cleveland uses the seventh-highest rate of man coverage in the NFL (48.9%). “I wouldn’t say it’s a complicated offense,” S Grant Delpit said. “They just do the simple things and they play hard, so it’s going to be a challenge for us. You’ve got to watch out for his dual threat ability as well, so he’s a good quarterback.” — Daniel Oyefusi
What we’re hearing on the Patriots: Returning home from a three-game road trip, WR Stefon Diggs noted the team’s 1-2 record playing at home and said the goal is straightforward: “Protect the house. It’s time to get back to the crib, get in front of our home crowd and give them something to be proud of.” Coach Mike Vrabel said the Browns’ defense is the best the Patriots have faced so far this season — both statistically and from a play style that uses speed and disruption. — Mike Reiss
Stat to know: Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins‘ five rushing TDs this season (three last week) are the most by any Browns player through their first six career games since 1970. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Diggs will record 80 or more receiving yards. He currently has an 80 open score — fifth best among WRs — and has been a key part of the Patriots’ incredibly successful passing offense. — Walder
2:04
Mike Vrabel tells Rich Eisen how he coaches Drake Maye
Mike Vrabel joins “The Rich Eisen Show” to discuss Drake Maye and the steps he has taken toward building helpful relationships within the Patriots.
Fantasy nugget: Maye recorded his third game with two TD passes, no interceptions and a completion rate of at least 80% in Week 7, tied for the third-most such games in a single season in NFL history. Only Drew Brees (2018) and Jared Goff (2024) have done it four times. The Browns play man coverage more than any team in the league, and Diggs leads all Patriots receivers in yards per route run against man. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Browns are 0-8 ATS in their past eight road games. Another ATS loss would match the longest road losing streak in the past 40 seasons. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Patriots 26, Browns 14
Moody’s pick: Patriots 24, Browns 12
Walder’s pick: Patriots 27, Browns 18
FPI prediction: NE, 68.1% (by an average of 7.5 points)
Matchup must-reads: ‘One win is one thing, but we’ve gotta turn this into a habit’: Browns hungry for more … QB Maye sets Patriots record for completion percentage … QB Sanders not getting starter reps behind Gabriel
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 33.2/100
ESPN BET: CIN -6.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Jets: Justin Fields or Tyrod Taylor? Coach Aaron Glenn isn’t revealing his QB decision. Either way, the Jets will be hard-pressed to snap their losing skid, as WR Garrett Wilson (knee) and CB Sauce Gardner (concussion) are unlikely to play. Without Gardner, it’ll be hard to defend Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase, whom defensive coordinator Steve Wilks called “a potential Hall of Famer.” It will be interesting to see if they use rookie Azareye’h Thomas or recently acquired CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. to replace Gardner. — Rich Cimini
What we’re hearing on the Bengals: There is a certain steadiness that QB Joe Flacco has brought to the Bengals’ offense. Whether it was after a loss to Green Bay or in a win over Pittsburgh, guard Dalton Risner noted that Flacco is as even-keeled as it gets. That trait has been seen by many in Flacco’s brief time in Cincinnati and is important for a team trying to build momentum. “We have not come close to reaching our potential as a team yet,” coach Zac Taylor said. “So that’s so important — guys continuing to improve so we play our best game against the Jets.” — Ben Baby
2:19
Rich Eisen: It’s a total disaster for Justin Fields and the Jets
Rich Eisen goes into detail about the rough start to the season for Justin Fields and the Jets.
Stat to know: The Bengals’ 68.9 rushing yards per game this season are the fewest in the NFL. They had a season-high 142 rushing yards in Week 7 against the Steelers. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Jets will record at least a 50% success rate on designed runs. New York ranks first in yards before contact per carry (3.1), and the Bengals are weak in that area. Cincinnati allows 2.9 yards before contact, which ranks fifth worst. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: Bengals WR Tee Higgins has enjoyed a renaissance since Flacco took over. He has seen 18 total targets over his past two games and posted a season-high 21.6 fantasy points in Week 7. The Jets have struggled to contain opposing No. 2 receivers, and with Gardner potentially out, Higgins could see even softer coverage this week. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Over the past decade, the Jets are 20-40-1 ATS as road underdogs and 23-44-1 ATS overall on the road. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Bengals 27, Jets 23
Moody’s pick: Bengals 31, Jets 17
Walder’s pick: Jets 19, Bengals 16
FPI prediction: CIN, 57.8% (by an average of 3.2 points)
Matchup must-reads: QB Fields shrugs off Jets owner Johnson’s criticism
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 29.7/100
ESPN BET: ATL -7.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Dolphins: This is a dream matchup on paper for one side and a nightmare for the other. Falcons RB Bijan Robinson leads the NFL in total yards per game (152.3) and is two weeks removed from an explosive 238-yard performance. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have allowed five of the seven starting RBs they’ve faced this season to eclipse 100 total yards, with Jonathan Taylor (98) and Quinshon Judkins (84) falling just short. Robinson could be in line for a huge day if Miami can’t right the ship. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
What we’re hearing on the Falcons: The Falcons are seventh in the league in yards per game (364.3), so their offense has been able to move the ball. Getting into the end zone has been another story. Their 18.3 points per game is fifth worst in the NFL. QB Michael Penix Jr. said that the Falcons “can’t settle for field goals” — and perhaps the Dolphins, who allow the fourth-most points per game (29.3), can get Atlanta out of the rut. — Marc Raimondi
Stat to know: The Falcons have allowed 141.2 passing yards per game (fewest in the NFL), which is the team’s best mark through six games since 1977 and the fewest by any team through six games since the 2019 49ers. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Dolphins edge Jaelan Phillips will record at least a 28% pass rush win rate. He gets the opportunity to play against RT Elijah Wilkinson, who ranks 65th out of 69 qualifying tackles in pass block win rate (80.1%). — Walder
Fantasy nugget: The Dolphins’ defense allows the third-most fantasy points per game to RBs. Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. is also coming off a season-high 10 targets and his second-best fantasy performance of the season with 13.2 points. He now faces a Miami defense that gives up the seventh-most receiving yards per game to TEs. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Six straight Dolphins games have gone over the total. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Falcons 28, Dolphins 23
Moody’s pick: Falcons 27, Dolphins 20
Walder’s pick: Dolphins 20, Falcons 17
FPI prediction: ATL, 62.1% (by an average of 5 points)
Matchup must-reads: Miami coach McDaniel sticks with Tua as starter, expects fewer INTs … Falcons QB Penix ‘feeling good,’ plans to play against Dolphins … Dolphins TE Waller placed on IR with pectoral injury
4:05 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 38.8/100
ESPN BET: TB -3.5 (46.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Buccaneers: The injuries at WR continue to mount for the Bucs, with Mike Evans now out with a broken clavicle. His absence creates a huge void, and Tampa Bay is already without Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula), Jalen McMillan (neck) and RB Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder). “Unfortunately, from the business standpoint, you have to move forward. You cannot focus on that, but from the personal point of that, it just sucks,” coach Todd Bowles said. — Jenna Laine
What we’re hearing on the Saints: The Saints are dealing with some health issues just a week after having full participation in practice. Center Erik McCoy (biceps) and RB Kendre Miller (knee) went to IR, and WR Chris Olave missed practice Wednesday with an ankle injury. Olave had a hip injury last week but still had 98 yards and two touchdowns. New Orleans will replace McCoy with Luke Fortner, who was acquired through a trade in the preseason, while rookie RB Devin Neal will get more snaps now that Miller is out. — Katherine Terrell
Stat to know: Bucs QB Baker Mayfield‘s eight passing touchdowns on deep throws this season (20-plus air yards) are the most in the NFL. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Saints RB Alvin Kamara will set a season high with 50-plus receiving yards. Bucs LB SirVocea Dennis is struggling in coverage, allowing 2.0 yards per coverage snap. It’s the most among LBs by a healthy margin and more than the double the positional average, which helped Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs have a big receiving day in Week 7. Now, it’s Kamara’s turn. — Walder
Injuries: Buccaneers | Saints
Fantasy nugget: Tampa Bay would be wise to lean on its running game against the Saints. New Orleans allows the ninth-most rushing yards per game, and its defensive front ranks near the bottom of the league in run stop win rate (27.7%). That bodes well for Tampa Bay’s ground attack in a game with a narrow spread and one of the higher totals on the slate. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Saints are 9-3 ATS against the Bucs since 2019. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Buccaneers 22, Saints 17
Moody’s pick: Buccaneers 35, Saints 17
Walder’s pick: Buccaneers 23, Saints 13
FPI prediction: TB, 64.1% (by an average of 5.6 points)
Matchup must-reads: Buccaneers face injury-depleted roster ahead of Saints game … WR Olave, Saints have ‘clear communication’ despite trade rumors … What is Saints’ coach Moore thinking about QBs Rattler, Shough?
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 69.9/100
ESPN BET: DEN -3.5 (50.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Cowboys: Consistency has not been a mainstay for the Cowboys. They go to Denver looking for consecutive wins for the first time since Weeks 15-16 last season. And they are 1-3 on the road, with their only victory coming against the winless Jets. “No one cares where we are today. That doesn’t matter,” coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “What matters is where we’re going to be in January.” If they don’t stack wins, January won’t matter. — Todd Archer
What we’re hearing on the Broncos: The Broncos continue to walk the line between a good 5-2 record or a lucky 5-2 record. The Cowboys’ offense — No. 1 in total offense, No. 2 in scoring — will test Denver’s defense to be sure. But the Broncos’ fate might be tied to just how many yellow flags hit the ground. This team has had the second-most penalties in the league (including declined penalties). Denver has been flagged 73 times and leads the league in defensive penalties (31) while being tied for third-most penalties on offense (36). — Jeff Legwold
Stat to know: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott‘s four consecutive games with three-plus passing touchdowns and no interceptions is the longest streak in franchise history and tied for the second-longest streak in NFL history. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Broncos RB Tyler Badie will record a season-high 20-plus receiving yards. Not only do the Cowboys play an extremely high rate of zone coverage, which encourages RB receptions, but they also are allowing 8.5 yards per screen pass, third most in the league this season. — Walder
1:39
Dan Orlovsky: CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens by far the best NFL WR duo
The “Get Up” crew debates whether the Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are the best wide receiver duo in the NFL.
Fantasy nugget: Broncos QB Bo Nix finished with 40.0 fantasy points in Week 7, the most by any QB in a game this season, with 35.6 coming in the fourth quarter. He should find success earlier against a Cowboys defense that allows the most fantasy points per game to QBs. With the highest total on the slate, you’ll want to start all fantasy-relevant players from both teams. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Four straight Cowboys games have gone over the total. The Cowboys are 3-0 ATS as underdogs this season. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Cowboys 24, Broncos 10
Moody’s pick: Broncos 33, Cowboys 27
Walder’s pick: Cowboys 27, Broncos 23
FPI prediction: DEN, 54.6% (by an average of 1.9 points)
Matchup must-reads: Inside Cowboys’ Aubrey’s plan for mythical 70-yard field goal … Veteran WR Sutton stands out in Broncos’ offense … Bland’s pick-six caps rebound outing from Cowboys’ D … Inside wild fourth quarter, Broncos’ comeback win over Giants
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 41/100
ESPN BET: IND -14.5 (47.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Titans: The Titans will likely be without DT Jeffery Simmons (hamstring), which doesn’t bode well for their run defense. Colts RB Jonathan Taylor‘s 697 rushing yards lead the league and could increase exponentially this week, even though Tennessee’s focus will be on stopping him. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson said Simmons’ play has been the best from a 3-technique this season and is leaning on T’Vondre Sweat, among others, to fill the void. “You can’t replace Jeff Simmons,” Wilson said. “They’ve just got to be the best version of themselves and play their best football.” — Turron Davenport
What we’re hearing on the Colts: The Colts have won five straight meetings with the Titans, going back to October 2023. In those contests, Indianapolis has averaged 30.6 points, including a 41-20 win last month. The Colts have had four different starting QBs in those games — Anthony Richardson Sr., Gardner Minshew, Joe Flacco and Daniel Jones — but it hasn’t impacted the outcomes. Sunday’s game, which Jones will start, will mark the first time since 2022 that a single Colts signal-caller started both games against Tennessee in the same season. — Stephen Holder
Stat to know: Colts TE Tyler Warren has three consecutive games with a receiving touchdown, tied for the longest streak by a rookie in franchise history. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Titans TE Chig Okonkwo will record at least 50 receiving yards. Of the targets against the Colts, 42% have been to players lined up in the slot this season — the third-highest rate in the league — and no player has more targets from the slot on Tennessee than Okonkwo (25). — Walder
Fantasy nugget: Taylor has the potential to deliver a matchup-winning performance against a Titans defense that allows the fifth-most fantasy points per game to RBs. The Colts’ offensive line should have no problem creating running lanes for Taylor, who has had 19-plus touches and 23-plus fantasy points in three straight games. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Titans are 4-20 ATS since the start of last season, which is the worst record in the NFL. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Colts 37, Titans 16
Moody’s pick: Colts 31, Titans 9
Walder’s pick: Colts 26, Titans 13
FPI prediction: IND, 82.8% (by an average of 14.4 points)
Matchup must-reads: A look at four players that the Titans could trade … Colts QB Jones defies label with aggressive approach … Why McCoy’s Titans coaching debut ended in Vrabel chants
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | Matchup rating: 72.3/100
ESPN BET: GB -3.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Packers: One of the hallmarks of coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense is deception: trying to get the quarterback to think one thing is coming but bringing another. That might not work against Aaron Rodgers. “I don’t really think the disguise is going to be doing things for him,” said CB Keisean Nixon, who had a one-year overlap with Rodgers in Green Bay. “There’s nothing he hasn’t seen.” — Rob Demovsky
What we’re hearing on the Steelers: One player could spoil Rodgers’ much-hyped game against his former team: Micah Parsons. The pass rusher’s impact has increased weekly, as he recorded his first career three-sack game in Week 7. The Steelers’ offensive line, meanwhile, has kept Rodgers fairly clean. After being sacked seven times in his first two games, Rodgers has taken just two sacks in the past three games. “I’m more comfortable when I’m staying clean,” Rodgers said this week. “The only tackle I had the other night was Broderick [Jones]. Other than that, I’m feeling pretty good.” — Brooke Pryor
Stat to know: The Steelers have seven or fewer points in the first quarter of 56 consecutive games, which is the longest active streak in the NFL. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Steelers TE Darnell Washington will record a career-high six targets (or more). Not only do TEs receive a higher percentage of the targets on the Steelers (36%) than any other team, but 24% of targets against the Packers go to the position, fourth highest among defenses. — Walder
0:56
How disappointing is the Steelers’ defense?
Jeff Saturday criticizes the Steelers’ defense for allowing 33 points against the Bengals.
Fantasy nugget: QB Jordan Love, WR Romeo Doubs, TE Tucker Kraft and the rest of the Packers’ passing game are set up for success. The Steelers’ defense allows the fifth-most fantasy points per game to QBs, the sixth most to WRs and the third most to TEs. With a Packers offensive line that ranks fifth in pass block win rate (67.6%), Love should have plenty of time to deliver the football to his playmakers. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Packers are 0-3 ATS on the road this season. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Packers 23, Steelers 20
Moody’s pick: Steelers 23, Packers 20
Walder’s pick: Packers 30, Steelers 19
FPI prediction: GB, 55.2% (by an average of 1.9 points)
Matchup must-reads: Coach LaFleur: Packers focused on Steelers, not Rodgers … QB Rodgers: Playing Packers ‘not a revenge game’
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN | Matchup rating: 82.4/100
ESPN BET: KC -11.5 (47.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Commanders: The Commanders’ defense continues to struggle. It not only can’t stop anyone, but it has forced only three takeaways this season. In the past four weeks, Washington’s defense ranks 28th in scoring and 29th in total yardage. Coach Dan Quinn said the team has tweaked aspects of the defense but that he did not foresee changes to the starting lineup. The goal, Quinn said, is to get the defense to play faster. “It’s a good process to go through but the result has to be on the field,” Quinn said. He added that the goal is less hesitation, “which increases speed, which increases the ability to go run and hit. That’s the objective.” — John Keim
What we’re hearing on the Chiefs: Led by QB Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have averaged 31.5 points per game over their past four games, which has allowed the defense to get plenty of breaks. The biggest example occurred last week, when the Chiefs had 30 first downs and the Raiders had just 30 plays on offense. “Obviously, it helps us a lot,” LB Nick Bolton said. “I was just joking around with those guys. Just don’t score in three minutes. Keep the eight-minute, nine-minute drives out there, so we’re always fresh. But yeah, man, scoring points, man, I think it’s giving us a lot of juice.” — Nate Taylor
Stat to know: The Commanders have converted 25 of 32 fourth-down attempts (78%) under Quinn since 2024. That’s the best conversion rate in the NFL over that span, though they’re converting at a 55.6% clip this season (19th). — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco will record a season-high 17 or more rush attempts. The Commanders have a run-inducing defense with a minus-7% pass rate over expectation. With Kareem Hunt banged up with an ankle injury last week, that could mean more carries for Pacheco. — Walder
Injuries: Commanders | Chiefs
Fantasy nugget: Mahomes has scored 26 or more fantasy points in four straight games since WR Xavier Worthy‘s return from a shoulder injury. The Chiefs averaged just 96.0 yards after the catch per game through their first three contests, but that number has jumped to 164.0 over the past four. With WR Rashee Rice back in the mix, Mahomes now faces a Commanders defense that allows the sixth-most fantasy points per game to QBs. See Week 8 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Commanders are 1-6 ATS in their past seven road games. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Chiefs 27, Commanders 10
Moody’s pick: Chiefs 28, Commanders 20
Walder’s pick: Chiefs 31, Commanders 24
FPI prediction: KC, 74.6% (by an average of 9.8 points)
Matchup must-reads: QB Daniels ruled out vs. Chiefs with hamstring injury; Mariota to start … Chiefs DT Norman-Lott out for season with torn ACL … Commanders DE Armstrong out for season with knee injury … How Chiefs became the kings of fourth down this season
