NFL Week 8 – Predictions & Best Bets

Momentum is everything in late October, and by Week 8, teams are either building it or fighting to stay afloat. Injuries, bye weeks, and shifting defensive trends are reshaping the betting landscape, forcing both oddsmakers and bettors to adjust. This week’s schedule offers a mix of divisional clashes, high-profile primetime games, and opportunities to spot value as the midseason grind sets in.

The Giants face a tough divisional test on the road in Philadelphia, while the Jets look to rebound against a dangerous Bengals team in Cincinnati. Elsewhere, contenders such as the Bills, 49ers, and Chiefs headline matchups that could further separate the top-tier teams from the rest of the league.

Below, we break down every matchup with current odds and best bets for Week 8. (Odds current as of Wednesday, October 22, 2025 — lines subject to change.)

Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Chargers

Thursday, October 23, 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video)

Thursday night opens with two teams headed in opposite directions. The Chargers have found momentum behind Justin Herbert, who’s rediscovered rhythm thanks to improved pass protection and sharper play-calling from Kellen Moore. Herbert’s chemistry with Keenan Allen and emerging target Quentin Johnston has added balance to an offense that looks far more efficient at home.

The Vikings, meanwhile, continue to struggle for consistency. Turnovers and stalled drives have become a theme, and their secondary remains one of the league’s most vulnerable in third-down situations. Without the ability to control tempo, Minnesota risks being forced into a shootout; a game script that heavily favors Los Angeles.

With Herbert’s steady form and the Chargers’ defense showing signs of life against the run, the home side looks more trustworthy on a short week. Laying three points with the Chargers feels justified given their offensive ceiling and the Vikings’ ongoing issues with execution in key moments.

Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers

Sunday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Bills enter Week 8 looking like one of the AFC’s most complete teams, with Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs continuing to drive an offense that can score from anywhere on the field. Buffalo’s balance on both sides of the ball has been impressive — their defensive front ranks near the top of the league in pressure rate, and the secondary has held opponents under 200 passing yards in back-to-back games.

The Panthers, on the other hand, are in damage control. With Bryce Young sidelined and Andy Dalton expected to start, Carolina’s offense loses its mobility and creativity. The Panthers’ offensive line has struggled in protection, and their running game has failed to take pressure off the quarterback. Against a Buffalo defense that thrives on collapsing pockets and forcing turnovers, that’s a dangerous combination.

The mismatch in experience and depth is clear. Buffalo’s firepower should overwhelm Carolina early, making the Bills a strong play to cover on the road.

Chicago Bears at Baltimore Ravens

Sunday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. ET

Baltimore enters Week 8 riding one of the league’s most disciplined defensive stretches. The Ravens have held opponents under 20 points in four of their last five outings, with Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton anchoring a unit that thrives on pressure and takeaways. Their physical front seven should make life difficult for a Bears offense that’s still finding its identity.

Chicago’s improvement on the ground has added stability, but inconsistent quarterback play continues to limit upside. Against a Ravens defense that closes space quickly and forces teams off-script, sustained drives will be hard to come by. Lamar Jackson, meanwhile, has regained control of the offense, mixing designed runs with efficient passing, particularly to Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews in short and intermediate routes.

At home, Baltimore’s defensive dominance and balanced offensive rhythm make them the safer side. Expect a grind early before the Ravens pull away behind defensive pressure and field position.

Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots

Sunday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. ET

This matchup has defensive struggle written all over it. The Browns continue to lean on one of the NFL’s most dominant fronts, led by Myles Garrett, who’s been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Cleveland’s secondary has also held strong, allowing few explosive plays and forcing offenses to earn every yard.

The Patriots, meanwhile, remain competitive thanks to Bill Belichick’s defense, but their offensive output has been among the league’s weakest. Protection issues and red-zone inefficiency have limited scoring potential, and facing a Browns front that thrives on pressure won’t help.

Expect long, grinding drives and plenty of punts as both teams battle for field position. With two defenses capable of controlling tempo and offenses struggling to finish possessions, the under remains the sharp side in what could easily become a 20 - 17 type of game.

Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons

Sunday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. ET

Two contrasting styles meet in Atlanta, but both teams have shown the ability to score in bunches. The Dolphins continue to play at one of the league’s fastest paces, with Tua Tagovailoa distributing efficiently to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in space. Miami’s speed creates mismatches all over the field, and even against a solid Falcons secondary, explosive plays will be hard to contain.

The Falcons, meanwhile, have embraced a more balanced approach under Bijan Robinson, using the run to set up deep play-action shots for Drake London and Kyle Pitts. That formula should find success against a Miami defense that has struggled against physical, run-first teams.

Both offenses possess too much firepower to stay quiet for long. Expect momentum swings, chunk plays, and an uptempo rhythm that keeps the scoreboard busy. The total is high, but the over still looks like the sharper play.

San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans

Sunday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. ET

The 49ers remain one of the most complete teams in the league, built to win through physicality and efficiency. Even with injuries testing their depth, Kyle Shanahan’s system continues to thrive behind Christian McCaffrey, whose versatility creates constant matchup problems. Quarterback Brock Purdy has managed games well, spreading the ball between Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle to keep defenses off balance.

The Texans, led by C.J. Stroud, continue to punch above expectations, showing poise and creativity on offense. However, their protection remains inconsistent, and facing San Francisco’s aggressive front led by Nick Bosa will be their toughest test yet. Houston’s young roster may keep things close early, but sustaining drives against this defense is a tall order.

San Francisco’s edge in coaching, experience, and overall talent gives them the clear advantage. Expect the 49ers to pull away late with a balanced, disciplined performance on both sides of the ball.

New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals

Sunday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Bengals are rounding into form at just the right time. Joe Burrow looks fully healthy, and his timing with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins has returned to its explosive best. Cincinnati’s offense is once again capable of striking quickly, while its defense has quietly tightened up in coverage and improved against the run.

For the Jets, it’s all about defense — Sauce Gardner and the front seven can disrupt rhythm and keep games close, but offensive limitations continue to hold them back. New York’s inability to sustain drives or finish red-zone opportunities leaves too much pressure on the defense.

Against a quarterback as sharp as Burrow, that imbalance is difficult to overcome. Expect the Jets to hang around early, but the Bengals’ superior execution and offensive ceiling should separate them as the game wears on.

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New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles

Sunday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. ET

It’s a familiar NFC East storyline — one team thriving in the trenches, the other still searching for consistency. The Eagles remain one of the most physically dominant units in football, with their offensive and defensive lines controlling games week after week. Jalen Hurts continues to operate efficiently, supported by a balanced run game and explosive plays from A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

The Giants, meanwhile, have struggled to find offensive rhythm. Protection remains a major issue, and Daniel Jones has often been left under constant duress. Without a reliable pocket or sustained ground attack, New York’s offense struggles to stay on schedule.

Philadelphia’s combination of depth, discipline, and talent on both sides of the ball makes this matchup lopsided on paper. The Giants’ defense can keep it competitive early, but over four quarters, the Eagles’ dominance up front should be decisive once again.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints 

Sunday, October 26, 4:05 p.m. ET

This NFC South matchup has all the ingredients for another defensive grind. The Saints are at home, where their defense has been especially sharp — allowing minimal explosive plays and forcing opponents into long, mistake-prone drives. Marshon Lattimore and the secondary continue to anchor one of the league’s stingiest coverage units, while the pass rush has regained consistency, particularly in the Superdome’s controlled environment.

The Buccaneers have relied on opportunistic defense to stay competitive, but their offense remains unpredictable. Baker Mayfield has shown flashes, yet inconsistency on early downs often forces Tampa into third-and-long situations. Against a disciplined New Orleans unit that thrives on taking away big plays, scoring drives could be tough to sustain.

Both defenses know each other well, and that familiarity usually keeps the total low in these divisional meetings. Expect a physical, field-position battle that favors punts over points — making the under the sharper play.

Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos 

Sunday, October 26, 4:25 p.m. ET

The Broncos return home to Mile High, where altitude and crowd energy often tilt close games their way. Denver’s defense has been on the rise, generating steady pressure and showing improved discipline in coverage. Patrick Surtain II continues to lock down opposing receivers, and the front seven has found rhythm in recent weeks.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, remain unpredictable on offense. Dak Prescott has struggled under pressure, and Dallas’ offensive line hasn’t looked as dominant as in past seasons. When they’re forced into long third downs or one-dimensional play-calling, efficiency drops sharply — something Denver’s defense is built to exploit.

Offensively, the Broncos’ balance has improved, with their ground game helping to control tempo and wear down opponents. Against a Dallas team that’s less effective on the road, Denver’s home-field advantage and late-game stamina could be decisive. The altitude, defensive consistency, and crowd factor make the Broncos -4 the value side here.

Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts

Sunday, October 26, 4:25 p.m. ET

The Colts have quietly become one of the AFC’s tougher home teams, thanks to their efficiency on offense and improved balance. Anthony Richardson continues to grow in confidence, using his mobility to extend plays and open lanes for Jonathan Taylor, whose return to form has restored Indianapolis’ trademark ground game. Inside Lucas Oil Stadium, the Colts’ fast-paced attack thrives, especially on the dome surface that amplifies their speed advantage.

The Titans remain dangerous when Derrick Henry finds rhythm, but their offense has struggled on the road, where protection issues and predictable play-calling have slowed production. Tennessee’s defense can limit chunk plays, yet it’s been less effective against mobile quarterbacks who can escape pressure — exactly the kind of challenge Richardson presents.

With the Colts’ balance on offense and the home crowd behind them, Indianapolis looks better equipped to dictate tempo and finish drives. In a matchup that could stay tight into the fourth quarter, the Colts -2.5 feels like the right side.

Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers 

Sunday, October 26, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)

The Steelers return to Acrisure Stadium with momentum and one of the NFL’s most disruptive defenses. T.J. Watt continues to anchor a front seven that thrives on collapsing pockets and forcing mistakes, and at home, Pittsburgh’s defense always seems to find an extra gear. Their physicality and energy in front of the home crowd create problems for even the most composed offenses.

The Packers have shown flashes under Jordan Love, but inconsistency remains an issue — particularly on the road, where timing and protection have broken down in key moments. While Green Bay’s young receiving corps has potential, facing this kind of pressure in a hostile environment is a major step up in difficulty.

Expect the Steelers’ defense to dictate tempo and create short fields for their offense. Even if Kenny Pickett and the passing game remain conservative, Pittsburgh’s defensive edge and home-field energy should carry them over the line.

Washington Commanders at Kansas City Chiefs 

Monday, October 27, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN)

The Chiefs return to Arrowhead for another primetime spotlight, and this matchup has all the makings of a high-scoring affair. Patrick Mahomes has found his rhythm, spreading the ball across a deep group of receivers while continuing to dominate in key moments. The chemistry with Travis Kelce remains unmatched, and Kansas City’s play-calling in primetime tends to be its most creative.

The Commanders, led by Jayden Daniels, have shown flashes of offensive explosiveness, with a scheme built on tempo and designed quarterback runs. They can keep up for stretches, but their defense has struggled against elite passing attacks — particularly on the road.

With Mahomes thriving under the lights and Washington’s offense capable of answering with quick strikes, this game sets up perfectly for points on both sides. Expect momentum swings, big plays, and an electric atmosphere at Arrowhead. The over remains the most appealing angle.

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Week 8 Betting Takeaways

By Week 8, the market begins to stabilize — but overreactions to recent results can still create opportunity. Quarterback health, travel fatigue, and defensive depth are shaping this week’s lines more than ever.

Totals are particularly interesting: Dolphins–Falcons and Chiefs–Commanders both profile as potential shootouts, while games like Browns–Patriots and Buccaneers–Saints lean heavily toward defensive, low-scoring battles. Understanding which games will be controlled by line play — and which could break wide open — remains key for bettors looking to find value.

For New York fans, attention turns to both sides of the state line: the Giants face a steep divisional test in Philadelphia, and the Jets get a shot at redemption against an ascending Bengals squad. Both matchups will test resilience as much as execution.

As always, discipline is key; shop lines across multiple books and take advantage of promos from the best NFL sportsbooks to maximize returns.