This year in the NFL has been full of surprises, including this week as the Commanders upset the Packers, while the rebuilding Panthers shockingly beat the heavily favored Buccaneers. There were also a couple of close games this week, as the Titans squeaked by the Titans while the Ravens finally closed out a game without blowing a lead against their division rival Browns. As Bill Belichick would say, “we’re on to Cincinnati” now that last week’s matchups have ended & Week 8 of the NFL season has finally arrived. There are some great primetime matchups on the docket, as well as several good games being played during the afternoon hours. Football fans are surely to get their fill this weekend. Let’s take a look at the top games to watch this weekend.
Ravens at Bucs on Prime Video (Thursday Night Football)
Does anyone want to win the NFC South? I mean seriously, the Buccaneers are tied with the Falcons atop the division standings with identical 3-4 records. That said, I’m surely not betting against Brady in primetime coming off several disappointing losses on the young season. Meanwhile, the Ravens might have discovered their identity in last week’s win over the Browns. They ran the ball 44 times, which put less pressure on the defense to close out the team’s victory. Football fans will enjoy this cross-conference game featuring two of the league’s better teams.
Packers at Bills on NBC (Sunday Night Football)
It’s now or never for the Packers after their recent disappointing loss to the Commanders. They’ve lost their identity on offense, while their defense yields big plays at the worst moments. This is their chance to reestablish themselves as contenders against a great opponent in the Bills. Fresh off their bye week, the Bills will look to further establish themselves as an elite NFL team. Buffalo looks electric as the league’s favorite team, with wins over the Chiefs, Ravens, & Titans. I’m looking forward to watching Josh Allen take on Aaron Rodgers in a QB battle for the ages.
Giants at Seahawks on FOX (Sunday late afternoon)
Two of the league’s most surprising NFC contenders will do battle in Seattle on Sunday. The Seahawks are leading the NFC West with a 4-3 record, while the Giants are second in the NFC East division with a 6-1 mark, trailing only the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles (6-0 record). Both of these teams love to run the ball & play defense with some stellar QB play sprinkled in. Did anyone really expect Geno Smith & Daniel Jones to headline two of the NFC’s best teams? If you did, you should go play the lottery today because you’ve clearly got some psychic powers. Anyways, the Seahawks decimated the Chargers while the Giants defeated the Jaguars last week. Which contender will win the only Week 8 contest featuring two teams holding positive records?
49ers at Rams on FOX (Sunday late afternoon)
Every team is alive in the NFC West race, which means divisional games are important. There’s a scenario where the winner of this game could be in first or tied for first in the division standings, pending the results of the Seahawks-Giants & Cardinals-Vikings games this weekend. Obviously, there are tons of “ifs” in this scenario, but these teams would love to have the chance. The bye week came at the right time for the Rams, as they’ve clearly lost their offensive identity. Matt Stafford sorely needed the break from getting pummeled by pass rushes on a weekly basis. 49ers players will look to get back in the win column after their embarrassing loss to the Chiefs. Getting Christian McCaffrey involved in the game plan this week will be important for the team. Which of these two teams takes control of the NFC West standings as we approach midseason?
Patriots at Jets (Sunday early afternoon)
When was the last time the Patriots were looking up at the Jets in the AFC East division standings? Fresh off a stunning 33-14 loss to the Bears, the Patriots desperately need to regroup. Regrouping certainly involves figuring out their QB situation first, as both Mac Jones & Bailey Zappe struggled in a weird rotation of sorts that even left their teammates puzzled at the results. Meanwhile, the Jets are on a hot streak not seen since the days of Mark Sanchez’ Butt Fumble. They lost stud RB Breece Hall to injury last week, but made a move to pick up his replacement. The Bills look like the best overall team, but which AFC East team joins them atop the division? Tune in on Sunday to see if the Jets are legit or if the Patriots will begin their division comeback.
The Sports Beacon 