New York, October 26, 2025
News Summary
As the NFL season heats up heading into Week 8, teams face critical matchups that could impact their playoff hopes. Six teams have a bye week while others, including the Packers vs. Steelers and Dolphins vs. Falcons, are in must-win situations. Key games have betting lines favoring teams like the Patriots and Buccaneers. The upcoming trade deadline adds further urgency to teams looking to strengthen their rosters. All eyes are on the projected scores as playoff stakes rise.
New York – As the 2025 NFL season heads into Week 8, teams are feeling the heat of rising playoff stakes and the impending Nov. 4 trade deadline. With playoff positions on the line, several critical matchups are scheduled this week, while six teams will be taking a bye and not competing. These teams include the Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
This week’s lineup features notable games such as Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers leading his team into a prime-time showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The New England Patriots, fresh off a three-game road trip and a winning streak, are set to host the Cleveland Browns, who currently hold the league’s 30th-ranked offense, scoring just 16.1 points per game. This match has a projected score favoring the Patriots at 27-17, with a betting line placing them as 7-point favorites.
In another game, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcome the Green Bay Packers, making for a compelling contest as Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin boasts a strong record as a home underdog, going 21-7-3 against the spread. The projected outcome leans slightly towards the Packers, at 24-23, but with the Steelers getting 3 points, it could be a tightly contested clash.
Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins are struggling after a disappointing loss to the Browns, during which quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw three interceptions in consecutive games. They face an uphill battle against the Atlanta Falcons, who lead in allowing the fewest passing and rushing yards per game. This matchup is projected to result in a score of 30-20 in favor of the Falcons, making them 7-point favorites.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, dealing with injury issues, still favor well against the reeling New Orleans Saints, projected to win 27-20 with a 4.5-point line. The Buffalo Bills, coming off a bye, are looking to avoid scoring under 20 points for the third straight game when they face the Carolina Panthers. The projected score is 30-23, with the Panthers getting +7.5 points.
The Baltimore Ravens emphasize the importance of their upcoming must-win game against the Chicago Bears. The Ravens are expected to rely on a run-heavy offense, with a projected outcome of 27-24, giving the Bears a +3.5 edge. Meanwhile, the New York Giants will take on the Philadelphia Eagles, with the Eagles recording a strong 28-6 home record since 2022. The projected score from this game is 30-20, making the Eagles 7.5-point favorites.
This week also sees the New York Jets, plagued by injuries, step in against the Cincinnati Bengals, who are favored to win with a projected score of 24-17, putting the Jets at a 6.5-point disadvantage. The San Francisco 49ers are set to battle the Houston Texans, with a projection of 23-20 favoring the 49ers, who are 1.5-point favorites.
The Dallas Cowboys will be looking for consistency against the Denver Broncos, who boast a strong home defensive record. Projected to win by a slim margin of 27-24, the Cowboys will need to overcome a 3.5-point spread. In the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts are heavily favored to defeat the Tennessee Titans, with a projected score of 33-14, and a hefty -14.5 betting line.
Finally, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Washington Commanders on Monday night, expected to secure a comfortable win projected at 30-17, making them a substantial 11.5-point favorite.
Upcoming Matchups and Projections
- New England Patriots vs. Cleveland Browns: Patriots 27, Browns 17 (Patriots -7)
- Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers: Packers 24, Steelers 23 (Steelers +3)
- Miami Dolphins vs. Atlanta Falcons: Falcons 30, Dolphins 20 (Falcons -7)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints: Buccaneers 27, Saints 20 (Buccaneers -4.5)
- Buffalo Bills vs. Carolina Panthers: Bills 30, Panthers 23 (Panthers +7.5)
- Baltimore Ravens vs. Chicago Bears: Ravens 27, Bears 24 (Bears +3.5)
- New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Eagles 30, Giants 20 (Eagles -7.5)
- New York Jets vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Bengals 24, Jets 17 (Bengals -6.5)
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Houston Texans: 49ers 23, Texans 20 (49ers +1.5)
- Dallas Cowboys vs. Denver Broncos: Broncos 27, Cowboys 24 (Cowboys +3.5)
- Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans: Colts 33, Titans 14 (Colts -14.5)
- Kansas City Chiefs vs. Washington Commanders: Chiefs 30, Commanders 17 (Chiefs -11.5)
FAQ
What teams have a bye during NFL Week 8?
The teams on bye are the Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Which quarterback leads the Packers into their matchup against the Steelers?
Aaron Rodgers is the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers facing the Pittsburgh Steelers.
What is the projected score for the Dolphins vs. Falcons game?
The projected score is Falcons 30, Dolphins 20, with the Falcons favored by 7 points.
Key Matchup Features
| Matchup | Projected Score | Betting Line |
|---|---|---|
| Patriots vs. Browns | Patriots 27, Browns 17 | Patriots -7 |
| Steelers vs. Packers | Packers 24, Steelers 23 | Steelers +3 |
| Dolphins vs. Falcons | Falcons 30, Dolphins 20 | Falcons -7 |
| Buccaneers vs. Saints | Buccaneers 27, Saints 20 | Buccaneers -4.5 |
| Bills vs. Panthers | Bills 30, Panthers 23 | Panthers +7.5 |
| Ravens vs. Bears | Ravens 27, Bears 24 | Bears +3.5 |
| Giants vs. Eagles | Eagles 30, Giants 20 | Eagles -7.5 |
| Jets vs. Bengals | Bengals 24, Jets 17 | Bengals -6.5 |
| 49ers vs. Texans | 49ers 23, Texans 20 | 49ers +1.5 |
| Cowboys vs. Broncos | Broncos 27, Cowboys 24 | Cowboys +3.5 |
| Colts vs. Titans | Colts 33, Titans 14 | Colts -14.5 |
| Chiefs vs. Commanders | Chiefs 30, Commanders 17 | Chiefs -11.5 |
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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 HOUSTON TX WRITER
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