Sunday Night Football: Week 8

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Sunday Night Football: Week 8

Week 8 is here and Sunday Night Football will have its share of exciting games. Let’s analyze each one and find the best bet in NFL Futures.

Tennessee Titans (1-5) at Detroit Lions (5-1)  

Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense are in top form, entering this matchup off a big win over the Vikings. Goff is thriving with a dynamic receiving corps and solid pass protection, making Detroit dangerous against a Tennessee defense struggling with key injuries. 

The Titans will likely be led by Mason Rudolph, limiting their scoring opportunities, as Will Levis remains sidelined. Detroit’s defense, ranked high against the run, will likely contain Tennessee’s Tony Pollard, pushing the Titans to rely on Rudolph’s passing game, which hasn’t been a strong point. 

Though Detroit may face potential complacency coming off a big win and with a divisional game against Green Bay up next, the Titans’ struggles position the Lions as favorites, especially if Tennessee’s injuries persist.  

Prediction: Lions -11.5 

Baltimore Ravens (5-2) at Cleveland Browns (2-5)  

Baltimore’s offense, driven by a dominant ground game led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, faces a tough Cleveland run defense. The Ravens might be hampered if Zay Flowers, who was limited last week, isn’t fully fit, which could make Jackson more reliant on his legs and check-down options to Mark Andrews.

Cleveland starts Jameis Winston, offering more stability than rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who had struggled. With Nick Chubb healthy and a reliable receiving option in David Njoku, the Browns have the offensive power to keep up with Baltimore. Given Cleveland’s home-field advantage and the Ravens’ defensive struggles against the pass, this matchup could stay close, but the Ravens’ depth and offensive strength make them slight favorites.

Prediction: Browns +9

Green Bay Packers (5-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)  

The Packers, led by a resurgent Jordan Love, go up against a Jacksonville team fresh off a showcase victory in London. Green Bay’s pass attack, fueled by a healthy receiving corps and improved offensive line play, should find success against the Jaguars’ defense, which ranks near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed. 

The Jaguars, coming off an emotionally charged win, face a potential letdown spot, especially given their struggles with inconsistency this season. Trevor Lawrence has battled against top defenses, and he will face one of the league’s best pass rushes in Green Bay, which will look to disrupt Jacksonville’s rhythm and force turnovers. With momentum and a talent edge, the Packers are favored in this matchup.  

Prediction: Packers -4 

Indianapolis Colts (4-3) at Houston Texans (5-2)  

Houston enters this game with a depleted receiving corps as they are without their leading wideout Nico Collins. C.J. Stroud will face increased challenges against a solid Colts defense that has improved against the run and made notable adjustments in pass coverage. 

The Colts’ offense is led by dual-threat QB Anthony Richardson, who has the potential to exploit the Texans’ defense, particularly with his running ability. Jonathan Taylor’s possible return could further boost the Colts’ ground game. With Houston potentially looking ahead to a Thursday night matchup, the Colts are in a strong position to capitalize on this flat spot. Indianapolis’ strengths on both sides of the ball make them the likely pick.  

 Prediction: Colts +5 

Arizona Cardinals (2-4) at Miami Dolphins (2-3)  

Miami’s game strategy hinges on Tua Tagovailoa’s availability. If he returns, he’ll face a Cardinals defense that ranks poorly against the run, though they have occasionally shown sparks against top receivers. 

The Cardinals, coming off an upset win, have leaned heavily on James Conner’s strong ground performance. Kyler Murray, who has shown resilience despite a shaky offensive line, will have a challenging time against a Dolphins defense that excels in pass coverage. The Cardinals’ recent victory positions them well for a close contest, especially if Tagovailoa struggles in his return from a concussion. If Miami has to rely on backup QB Tyler Huntley, the Cardinals have a strong chance to control the game.  

Prediction: Cardinals +4.5 

Atlanta Falcons (4-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)  

The Falcons have a clear advantage against a Buccaneers team with depleted wide receiver options as both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin may be out or limited. Tampa Bay will have to rely on lesser-experienced receivers, which could hinder their ability to challenge Atlanta’s defense effectively. 

The Buccaneers’ main offensive hope lies in their ground game, but Atlanta’s offense, led by a stable passing game and emerging run options, has the edge. With Tampa Bay facing multiple injuries and Atlanta’s momentum on their side, the Falcons are favored to win in this divisional matchup.  

Prediction: Falcons -2.5

New York Jets (2-5) at New England Patriots (1-6)  

The Jets, with Aaron Rodgers and a recently acquired Davante Adams, look to exploit New England’s weak secondary. New York’s offense showed flashes of potential last week but needs to overcome unforced errors. 

The Patriots have rookie QB Drake Maye, whose mobility may provide some spark, but he will likely struggle against the Jets’ pass rush. New York should also have success on the ground with Breece Hall, as New England has one of the worst run defenses in the league. With the Jets needing a win to stay competitive, this matchup looks promising for them, though their inconsistencies may keep the game close.  

Prediction: Jets -7

Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)  

The Eagles, coming off a big win over the Giants, have a strong run game with Saquon Barkley set for another big day against the Bengals’ vulnerable run defense. The Bengals, however, will test Philadelphia’s defense, which has struggled against top-tier receivers like Ja’Marr Chase, who should have another standout game. 

Joe Burrow’s ability to handle pressure could help Cincinnati capitalize on Philadelphia’s defensive weaknesses, especially if the Eagles’ offensive line struggles without left tackle Jordan Mailata. The Bengals, aiming to stay competitive in the division, enter as slight favorites in what promises to be a high-scoring game.  

Prediction: Bengals -2.5

Buffalo Bills (5-2) at Seattle Seahawks (4-3)  

The Bills, bolstered by recent acquisition Amari Cooper, have added depth to their passing attack, helping Josh Allen spread the field. Against Seattle’s vulnerable defense, which ranks near the bottom in stopping the run and pass, Buffalo’s newly discovered rushing options with Ray Davis and James Cook could further wear down Seattle. 

Seattle, however, faces offensive challenges with D.K. Metcalf likely out, limiting targets for Geno Smith. Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will need to step up against a strong Bills secondary. While Kenneth Walker has shown promise, Buffalo’s defense may prevent him from taking over the game. Both teams have recent wins, but Buffalo’s balanced offense and Seattle’s injuries give the Bills a slight edge.  

Prediction: Bills -3 

New Orleans Saints (2-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (3-3)  

The Chargers face a New Orleans team missing several key starters, including top cornerbacks and offensive players, which has impacted both their offense and defense. With Justin Herbert expected to exploit this weakened secondary, Chargers receiver Ladd McConkey could have a breakout game. Running back J.K. Dobbins is also in a favorable matchup against the Saints’ struggling run defense. 

Meanwhile, the Saints’ offense, led by Spencer Rattler, has struggled with mistakes and an injured line, likely creating turnover opportunities for the Chargers’ powerful pass rush. Although the Chargers are in a tricky scheduling spot after a Monday night game, the Saints’ struggles position Los Angeles as the favorite.  

Prediction: Chargers -7   

Chicago Bears (4-2) at Washington Commanders (5-2)  

Washington is likely to start Marcus Mariota after Jayden Daniels’ injury. Though Mariota performed well against the Panthers, the Bears’ defense is significantly stronger and is expected to pressure Mariota behind Washington’s weak offensive line. The Commanders’ best chance may come from Brian Robinson in the run game, although Chicago’s defense will likely crowd the box, limiting options. 

For the Bears, QB Caleb Williams has shown mobility and can exploit Washington’s shaky secondary, particularly with D’Andre Swift aiding on the ground. With the Bears’ defense stronger than Washington’s, Chicago enters with the upper hand.

Prediction: Bears -3

Kansas City Chiefs (6-0) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-5)  

The Chiefs are heavy favorites, yet they may approach this game with less intensity, given a Monday night game the following week. With Mahomes relying more on his running backs due to JuJu Smith-Schuster’s injury, the Chiefs will likely focus on a ground attack against the Raiders’ weak run defense.

 Las Vegas, led by backup QB Gardner Minshew, struggles under pressure, and Kansas City’s elite defense is set to exploit his turnover tendencies. Though the Chiefs may experiment with play-calling, their overall talent and defensive prowess make them likely to control the game, even with a few lineup changes.  

Prediction: Chiefs -9.5 

Carolina Panthers (1-5) at Denver Broncos (4-3)  

Denver’s offense, led by QB Bo Nix, benefits from a matchup against Carolina’s weak defense, one of the league’s lowest-ranked units. With ample time in the pocket, Nix will target his receivers downfield, while running back Javonte Williams will likely see significant gains against Carolina’s vulnerable run defense. 

The Panthers are expected to start Bryce Young, who has struggled behind a poor offensive line. Denver’s pass rush, ranking third in the NFL, will challenge Carolina’s offense, while cornerback Patrick Surtain II should contain their top receiving threat. Despite potential pitfalls for Denver, Carolina’s lack of defensive and offensive consistency gives the Broncos a clear advantage. 

Prediction: Broncos -11

Dallas Cowboys (2-4) at San Francisco 49ers (3-3)  

 The 49ers face uncertainty with injuries to key offensive players, including Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, though their running game remains solid with Jordan Mason. The Cowboys’ defense, weakened by the losses of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, is vulnerable to both the run and pass, giving San Francisco’s offense potential. 

Dallas, led by Dak Prescott, will likely struggle against San Francisco’s top pass rush and stout secondary, especially with limited passing options outside of CeeDee Lamb. Even if the 49ers are missing some players, their edge in both offense and defense suggests they’ll control this matchup against a struggling Cowboys team.  

Prediction: 49ers -4