Various, October 26, 2025
News Summary
As the NFL season heads into Week 8, several teams face critical matchups with playoff implications. The trade deadline looms, and teams on bye week include the Lions, Raiders, Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks, and Jaguars. Notable games include the Packers’ thrilling clash with the Steelers and the Dolphins’ struggle against the Falcons. The Patriots aim to extend their winning streak against the Browns while the Chiefs prepare to host the Commanders. With injuries impacting several teams, this week promises high stakes and intense competition across the league.
City: Various
The 2025 NFL season dives into Week 8 with heightened playoff implications as teams gear up for the upcoming Nov. 4 trade deadline. Six teams—the Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Jacksonville Jaguars—are on a bye week, providing other teams a crucial opportunity to enhance their rosters before the deadline.
Among the key matchups this week, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will square off against his former team, drawing significant attention in the prime-time slot. The New England Patriots return home after a successful three-game road trip, aiming to extend their winning streak against the Cleveland Browns, who currently hold the NFL’s 30th-ranked offense, averaging just 16.1 points per game. Experts project a score of Patriots 27, Browns 17, with a betting line of Patriots -7.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will also be facing the Packers, where Mike Tomlin has a notable record as a home underdog (21-7-3 against the spread). The projected score for this matchup is Packers 24, Steelers 23, with a line favoring the Steelers at +3. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins are experiencing difficulties, especially after a recent loss to the Browns and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s back-to-back games featuring three interceptions. The Dolphins will challenge the Atlanta Falcons, who excel in defense, allowing the fewest passing yards (141.2) and rushing yards (159.3). The projected score for this contest is Falcons 30, Dolphins 20, with betting odds at Falcons -7.
In another pivotal game, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are dealing with multiple injuries but are still anticipated to perform effectively against the underperforming New Orleans Saints. Projected scores reflect a Buccaneers win at 27 to 20, with a betting line of Buccaneers -4.5. Following a bye, the Buffalo Bills are keen to avoid a third consecutive game scoring under 20 points when they meet the Carolina Panthers, with a projected score of Bills 30, Panthers 23, and the line set at Panthers +7.5.
The Baltimore Ravens are in a must-win scenario against the Chicago Bears and are expected to rely on their run-heavy offense. The projected outcome is Ravens 27, Bears 24, with betting odds at Bears +3.5. The New York Giants will meet the Philadelphia Eagles, who are confident playing at home with a 28-6 record since 2022. The Giants are predicted to lose 30 to 20, with the Eagles favored by 7.5 points.
The New York Jets face an uphill battle against the Cincinnati Bengals, contending with injury challenges, specifically at the quarterback position. The expected outcome is Bengals 24, Jets 17, with betting odds at Bengals -6.5. The San Francisco 49ers are set to clash with the Houston Texans, discussing the 49ers’ impressive passing yardage as a factor. The projected score is 49ers 23, Texans 20, with a line favoring the 49ers at +1.5.
The Dallas Cowboys aim for consistency as they take on the Denver Broncos, known for their strong home defensive record. The projected score reflects a Broncos win at 27-24, with the Cowboys receiving +3.5 points. In a highly favored matchup, the Indianapolis Colts face the struggling Tennessee Titans, expected to result in a decisive Colts victory with a score of 33-14 and a betting line of Colts -14.5.
Finally, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Washington Commanders on Monday night, with the Chiefs strongly favored to win. The projected score stands at Chiefs 30, Commanders 17, with betting odds of Chiefs -11.5.
FAQs
What teams are on a bye during NFL Week 8?
The teams on a bye week are the Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Which matchups are considered key for Week 8?
Notable matchups include the Packers vs. Steelers, Dolphins vs. Falcons, and Patriots vs. Browns, among others.
What is the projected score for the Patriots vs. Browns game?
Experts project the score to be Patriots 27, Browns 17.
Key Features
| Matchup | Projected Score | Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Patriots vs. Browns | 27 – 17 | Patriots -7 |
| Steelers vs. Packers | 23 – 24 | Steelers +3 |
| Dolphins vs. Falcons | 20 – 30 | Falcons -7 |
| Bills vs. Panthers | 30 – 23 | Panthers +7.5 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ESPN: NFL Week 8 Preview
- NFL.com: Week 8 Picks
- NBC Sports: Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 8
- CBS Sports: Best Bets for NFL Week 8
- Wikipedia: National Football League
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
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