As we move into Week 8 of the NFL season, the weather is starting to become more and more of a factor. Rain played a part in Week 7 and frosty temperatures could factor into Week 8. Here’s a look at the best games on the board.
Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
Both the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings are coming off bye weeks, which means both teams will be fresh for this contest. Dallas has concerns regarding Dak Prescott’s availability this week after suffering a minor leg injury but assuming he can go, this offense will pick up right where they left off. Minnesota was riding high after a big overtime win over the Panthers as well. If you like high-scoring affairs, this game should be for you.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a mixed bag this season. Coming off of a bye week and some extra preparation, there is a chance that their offense comes in a little healthier than previous contests. Speaking of health, the Cleveland Browns have been hampered by injuries on both ends of the football. Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, and Kareem Hunt are just a few players that missed the team’s Thursday Night game against the Denver Broncos. Division rivalries are always unpredictable, which should make this a tight game throughout.
Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts
The Tennessee Titans are on a roll. They were underdogs the last two weeks and yet have pulled out back-to-back wins against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills. Derrick Henry and the rest of this offense are on fire as they are finally playing like it after a slow start. Defensively, they are still a mystery, though, which is going to leave the door open for the surging Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts started out 1-4 but have since won two straight games and could have been a third had it not been for a 20-point collapse against the Baltimore Ravens. Carson Wentz and Jonathan Taylor will be counterparts Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry in this contest.
Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons
What has happened to the Carolina Panthers? After a 3-0 start, they have lost three straight games and only mustered three points against the New York Giants last week. Sam Darnold was even benched for poor play. This is a severely different team without Christian McCaffrey but should keep it close against a team they know so well: the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta is on a two-game winning streak behind the emergence of Kyle Pitts in this offense. Look for a heated rivalry game as both teams try to improve their fading playoff hopes.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have admittedly played against some teams with terrible records but that hasn’t stopped them from blowing the doors off of them week-in, week-out. They are absolutely stacked offensively behind Tom Brady but their defense has been a little questionable. The New Orleans Saints have been solid all year and are coming off a hard-fought win over the Seattle Seahawks.
The Saints owned the Bucs in the regular season last year. We’ll see if they can do it again and make the NFC South a bit of a race.