Previewing Week 8 of the NFL Season: Key Stories, Fantasy Tips, Betting Info and More

Week 8 of the NFL season is underway, and we’ve got you covered with all of the fantasy football tips, NFL betting tips, and other stats you need to know to get you ready for Sunday’s action and Monday Night Football.

Atlanta Falcons (4-3) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)
Sunday | 1 PM ET | Fox | Falcons -2.5

Key Falcons Storyline:
Which Falcons team is going to show up for this divisional game? Atlanta got beaten down by the Seahawks last week, so they need to bounce back.

Key Buccaneers Storyline:
The Bucs lost both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin during last week’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Can the offense continue to flow, or is this the end of the line for one of the top-ranked offenses in the league?

Key Stat:
Atlanta is looking to go 4-0 in divisional matchups for the third time since 2002.

Bold Prediction:
Bijan Robinson will pick apart the Bucs defense and rush for 100 yards while tacking on another 40 yards receiving.

Fantasy Difference Maker:
Cade Otton became a huge part of the Bucs’ offense last week. That’s going to continue this week with Godwin and Evans out.

Betting Tip:
Tampa Bay games have gone over each of the last four weeks. At 46.5, take the over in this one, too.
Arizona Cardinals @ Miami Dolphins

Prediction: Falcons 30, Bucs 16

Sunday | 1 PM ET | Fox | Dolphins -4

Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) @ Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)
Sunday | 1 PM ET | CBS | Bengals -3

Key Eagles Storyline:
Saquon Barkley is putting together one of the best rushing seasons of his career. The Bengals aren’t good against the run. Look for Philly to pound the ball early and often.

Key Bengals Storyline:
Cincy’s offense has struggled over the last couple of weeks, and Philly’s defense is strong. Burrow and Co. need to figure out how to move the ball while also keeping Barkley off the field.

Key Stat:
Saquon Barkley is second only to Derek Henry in rushing yards per game this season. This is a great chance for him to pass King Henry.

Bold Prediction:
Tee Higgins will lead the Bengals in receiving yards and touchdowns enroute to a Bengals home win.

Fantasy Difference Maker:
Joe Burrow has put up 21.2 points in standard PPR leagues since week 2. The Eagles secondary isn’t great, and Burrow should take advantage of it.

Betting Tip:
In the last nine Eagles games with a spread between +3 and -3, Philly is 8-1 against the spread.

Prediction: Bengals 27, Eagles 24

New York Jets (2-5) @ New England Patriots (1-6)
Sunday | 1 PM ET | CBS | Jets -7

Key Jets Storyline:
Hasaan Reddick ended his holdout after the team traded for Davanta Adams. He’ll be making his Jets debut after the team traded for him in the offseason.

Key Patriots Storyline:
New England is looking to avoid being swept by their division rivals for the first time since 2000. New England avoiding the sweep will depend largely on Drake Maye making his third career start.

Key Stat:
Drake Maye can become the first rookie QB to throw for 240 yards and two scores in each of his first three starts since 1950.

Bold Prediction:
Reddick will record two sacks in his Jets’ debut against a shaky Patriots offensive line.

Fantasy Difference Maker:
Breece Hall has put up 21 or more points in each of his last two games (in PPR scoring format). That streak should continue against New England.

Betting Tip:
New England is 0-5 against the spread in their last five games. That’s likely to continue.

Prediction: Jets 27, Patriots: 17

Tennessee Titans (1-5) @ Detroit Lions (5-1)
Sunday | 1 PM ET | Fox | Lions -12.5

Key Titans Storyline:
The Titans offense has been anything but dominant, and the team just traded DeAdre Hopkins to Kansas City. It’ll be interesting to see if the offense takes another step backwards.

Key Lions Storyline:
Standout receiver Jameson Williams is out for the next two games due to a PED suspension. How will his absence impact the Lions’ offense?

Key Stat:
The Titans have knocked off the Lions the last six times they’ve played. Will the streak continue?

Bold Prediction:
Even without Aiden Hutchinson, Detroit will shut down the Titans offense that’s among the league’s worst.

Fantasy Difference Maker:
Jahmyr Gibbs should get even more touches due to the absence of Williams. He’ll make the most of his opportunities this week, and should be a fantasy standout.

Betting Tip:
Tennessee is 0-4 against the spread when facing teams with winning records this season.

Prediction: Lions 38, Titans 17

Green Bay Packers (5-2) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)
Sunday | 1 PM ET | Fox | Packers -4.5

Key Packers Storyline:
The last time Green Bay started a season 5-2, they ended the year 13-3 and lost to the Bucs in the NFC Title Game in 2020. Green Bay looks to move to six wins against a shaky Jaguars team.

Key Jaguars Storyline:
Does Doug Pederson’s seat get hotter with another loss? The man who was asked to come in and salvage Trevor Lawrence’s rookie contract is under a lot of pressure as Jackonsville continues to struggle.

Key Stat:
Jordan Love has thrown multiple TD passes in his last nine games. If he does it this week, he’ll join Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers as the only Packers’ QBs with multiple passing touchdowns in 10 straight.

Bold Prediction:
Xavier McKinney, who had interceptions in his first five games in Green Bay will pick Trevor Lawrence off.

Fantasy Difference Maker:
Jayden Reed forfeited some of his targets to Romeo Doubs who came back after a one-game suspension. Reed’s skillset makes him a matchup nightmare for the Jags this week.

Betting Tip:
Jeff Hafley has led the Packers defense to its best performance in years. Take Green Bay, even though they’re giving the points.

Prediction: Packers 30, Jaguars 17

Baltimore Ravens (5-2) @ Cleveland Browns (1-6)
Sunday | 1 PM ET | CBS | Ravens -8.5

Key Ravens Storyline:
Last season, the Browns shut down Derek Henry when he was playing for the Titans. He’s putting together the best season of his career, but he’ll face a team that has historically had his number.

Key Browns Storyline:
Jameis Winston is now the starting QB in Cleveland after Deshaun Watson went down for the year. How will the offense, who is now without Amari Cooper, respond to the change under center?

Key Stat:
If Lamar Jackson throws for four TDs, he’ll tie the franchise record for most passing TDs in two games after tossing five last week.

Bold Prediction:
One of the reasons Winston lost his job in Tampa was his tendency to turn the ball over. With a terrible offensive line front of him, look for Winston to have at least two picks.

Fantasy Difference Maker:
David Njoku is going to get a lot of looks with Winston under center. Look for him to be one of the few bright spots for Clevland this week.

Betting Tip:
Road favorites are 16-2 against the spread over the last three weeks. Take Baltimore -8.5 after their offensive explosion against Tampa.

Prediction:
Ravens 33, Browns 17

Indianapolis Colts (4-3) @ Houston Texans (5-2)
Sunday | 1 PM ET | CBS | Texans -5

Key Colts Storyline:
Anthony Richardson hasn’t been quite what the Colts were hoping for when they took him third overall, but he’s found the most success against Houston. He’ll need to continue that this week in hopes of tying up the standings in the AFC South.

Key Texans Storyline:
CJ Stroud was stifled by the Packers’ defense last week. The Texans QB will look to shake off his last game in a divisional matchup.

Key Stat:
Houston has only swept Indy one time in franchise history, and that was eight years ago. They’ll look to repeat the feat on Sunday.

Bold Prediction:
The Colts will keep this one close until the fourth quarter when Houston will pull away.

Fantasy Difference Maker:
Alec Pierce runs deeper routes than anyone in the league per ESPN’s advanced stats. The Colts will need to take some deep shots to keep up with Houston, so Pierce should put up more than 60 yards receiving.

Betting Tip:
The Texans have covered the spread in their last three games. As five point home favorites, the streak should continue.

Prediction:
Texans 30, Colts 21

Buffalo Bills (5-2) @ Seattle Seahawks (4-3)
Sunday | 4:05 PM ET | Fox | Bills -3

Key Bills Storyline:
Amari Cooper is making his second start in Buffalo. Will the Bills offense get more powerful as he and Josh Allen develop some chemistry?

Key Seahawks Storyline:
The Seahawks just traded for Ernest Jones IV from the Titans to help their ailing run defense. He’ll be playing against Buffalo for the second week in a row.

Key Stat:
Seattle has scored more than 20 points in their last seven games. If they do it again, they’ll tie the longest streak in franchise history.

Bold Prediction:
Amari Cooper will score a TD for the first time as a member of the Bills.

Fantasy Difference Maker:
Dalton Kincaid is going to get plenty of targets because of how good Seattle is at guarding the perimeter. He’s a must-start this week.

Betting Tip:
Geno Smith is 4-3 against the spread when Seattle is a home underdog.

Prediction:
Bills 24, Seahawks 19

New Orleans Saints (2-5) @ Los Angeles Chargers (3-3)
Sunday | 4:05 PM ET | Fox | Chargers -7

Key Saints Storyline:
The Saints have been the most injured team in the league this year, at least when it comes to star players. They’ll get a load of guys back this weekend, but Derek Carr is still out of action.

Key Chargers Storyline:
LA’s offense has struggled in the second half of games, but they’re facing a weak Saints’ defense that allows the sixth most points per game.

Key Stat:
New Orleans has lost its last two games by 20 or more points.

Bold Prediction:
Justin Herbert will link up with young receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston early and often.

Fantasy Difference Maker:
JK Dobbins has played well for the Chargers, and the Saints defense is terrible against the run.

Betting Tip:
The Saints haven’t been this big of an underdog since Week 12 of the 2022 season. Take the Chargers.

Prediction:
Chargers 28, Saints 16

Carolina Panthers (1-6) @ Denver Broncos (4-3)
Sunday | 4:25 PM ET | CBS | Broncos -10.5

Key Panthers Storyline:
Andy Dalton is out after spraining his thumb in a car accident, which means Bryce Young is back under center. There has been some trade speculation around Young, and this game may be an audition.

Key Broncos Storyline:
Denver is at or near the top of the league in all defensive passing metrics. That should continue against the Panthers.

Key Stat:
If the Panthers lose, they’ll fall to 1-7 for the second straight year, marking the first time in franchise history.

Bold Prediction:
The Panthers are going to struggle throughout this game, so much so that Carolina won’t get into the endzone.

Fantasy Difference Maker:
Courtland Sutton wasn’t featured in Denver’s win against New Orleans. He should get some looks this week.

Betting Tip:
It’s rare to see an NFL team lose by more than 10 points, but the Panthers are absolutely abysmal. Take Denver giving the points.

Prediction:
Broncos 27, Panthers 6

Kansas City Chiefs (6-0) @ Las Vegas Raiders (2-5)
Sunday | 4:25 PM ET | CBS | Chiefs -9.5

Key Chiefs Storyline:
The Chiefs’ offense has struggled, with Mahomes throwing more picks than touchdowns this year. The team just landed DeAndrew Hopkins, and they’ll likely target him often.

Key Raiders Storyline:
Rumors are swirling around Antonio Pierce’s future as the Raiders coach. A blowout loss to a division rival could seal his fate.

Key Stat:
Maxx Crosby has pressured Patrick Mahomes 36 times, the most of any defender in the league.

Bold Prediction:
Nuke Hopkins gets a touchdown reception in his Chiefs debut.

Fantasy Difference Maker:
Kareem Hunt has been a bright spot for the Chiefs since taking over the starting RB duties. If the Chiefs get a big lead, he’ll get a lot of work.

Betting Tip:
The Raiders are 3-1 against the spread when facing the Chiefs in Vegas.

Prediction:
Chiefs 26, Raiders 17

Chicago Bears (4-2) @ Washington Commanders (5-2)
Sunday | 4:25 PM ET | CBS | Bears -3

Key Bears Storyline:
The Bears have allowed 21 points or fewer in their last 12 games, but they may have their work cut out for them against an explosive Commanders’ offense.

Key Commanders Storyline:
Jayden Daniels left the Commanders week-seven game with a rib injury, but returned to practice Friday. If he’s cleared to play, this could be a premier matchup against the two top rookie QBs.

Key Stat:
Dan Quinn is looking to start 6-2 as the coach of the Commanders after doing the same in 2015, his first season as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

Bold Prediction:
If Mariota gets the start for Washington, the Bears defense will hold the Commanders to less than 21 points.

Fantasy Difference Maker:
DJ Moore is still the top option in Chicago, and the Commanders have struggled against the pass.

Betting Tip:
The Commanders are 6-1 against the spread this season. If Daniels starts, take Washington ATS.

Prediction:
Bears 21, Commanders 18

Dallas Cowboys (3-3) @ San Francisco 49ers (3-4)
Sunday | 8:20 PM ET | NBC/Peacock | 49ers -4.5

Key Cowboys Storyline:
Even though Dallas was off last week, they’re still reeling from the beatdown they received from Detroit. They need to bounce back in a big way.

Key 49ers Storyline:
San Fran is going to be with Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, and now Jauan Jennings is questionable. It will be interesting to see how the 49ers offense looks in primetime.

Key Stat:
The Cowboys come into this game with a -42 point differential after losing to Detroit by 38.

Bold Prediction:
Jeffry Mason will have a major impact on the game, as San Francisco looks for someone to be a playmaker in the depleted offense.

Fantasy Difference Maker:
George Kittle will be the primary target in the passing game for the 49ers. Expect him to get a lot of targets, especially in the redzone.

Betting Tip:
This is the 34th straight regular season game in which the 49ers are favorites.

Prediction:
49ers 28, Cowboys 20

New York Giants (2-5) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
Monday | 8:15 PM ET | ESPN/ABC | Steelers -6

Key Giants Storyline:
The Giants need to show some signs of life if Brian Daboll wants to save his job. It’s going to be tough against a good Steelers’ team. Even if New York doesn’t win, they need to keep this one close.

Key Steelers Storyline:
The Steelers have used five different combinations on the offensive line and now take on a defensive front that leads the league in sacks. They need to keep Wilson upright.

Key Stat: All six of Daniel Jones’ TD passes have come on the road this year, while all four of his interceptions have taken place at home.

Bold Prediction:
Alex Highsmith is going to have a great game playing against a backup LT for the Giants. Look for him to have 2.5 sacks.

Fantasy Difference Maker:
The Giants are giving up 18.6 fantasy points per game to opposing QBs, and Russell Wilson is coming off a game in which he put up more than 24 points. Look for Russ to cook, at least in fantasy.

Betting Tip:
The O/U in this game is 36.5, which is incredibly low. However, with the Giants offense, it’s probably safe to take the under.

Prediction:
Steelers: 24, Giants 10