News Summary
As the 2025 NFL season nears Week 8, playoff stakes rise while six teams, including the Lions and Raiders, take a break. Key matchups feature the Patriots facing the struggling Browns, while Rodgers encounters his former Packers. Injury concerns loom for teams like the Buccaneers, and several games promise crucial implications for playoff positioning, with projections showcasing anticipated scores and betting lines that underline the competitive nature of the league.
New York – The 2025 NFL season is intensifying as Week 8 approaches, with rising playoff stakes and teams preparing for the November 4 trade deadline that could significantly impact roster decisions. Six teams will be resting this week, including the Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Key Matchups to Watch
One of the notable matchups includes veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers facing his former team, the Green Bay Packers, in a prime-time game that is sure to draw significant attention. This game will set the tone for both teams as they vie for playoff positioning.
Another highlight is the New England Patriots returning to home turf after a three-game road trip, coming off a winning streak. The Patriots are set to clash with the Cleveland Browns, who are struggling offensively, ranked 30th in the NFL with an average of just 16.1 points per game. The projected score for this matchup is Patriots 27, Browns 17, with a betting line favoring New England by -7.
Underdogs and Surprises
The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves as home underdogs against the Packers. Under Head Coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have a record of 21-7-3 against the spread when playing at home as underdogs, making this a potential upset watch. The expected score between the Packers and the Steelers is Packers 24, Steelers 23, with the line at Steelers +3.
The Miami Dolphins will also be looking to rebound after suffering a harsh defeat against the Browns. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been struggling, throwing three interceptions in consecutive games. They will face the Atlanta Falcons, who boast the league’s best defense regarding passing yards allowed (141.2) and rushing yards allowed (159.3). The predicted score for this matchup is Falcons 30, Dolphins 20, where the Falcons are favored by -7.
Injury Updates and Performance Concerns
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are dealing with injury concerns but are still expected to perform well against the New Orleans Saints, who have been having their challenges this season. The projected outcome is Buccaneers 27, Saints 20, with Tampa Bay favored by -4.5.
The Buffalo Bills, coming off a bye week, aim to avoid their third consecutive game scoring under 20 points when they play the Carolina Panthers. The expected score is Bills 30, Panthers 23, with the betting line at Panthers +7.5.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for a critical matchup against the Chicago Bears, as they look to solidify their spot in the playoff race. The projected score is Ravens 27, Bears 24, with the Bears getting +3.5 points.
Other Notable Games
In other action, the New York Giants will take on the Philadelphia Eagles, with the Eagles showing a strong home record, going 28-6 since 2022. The expected score is Eagles 30, Giants 20, with a spread of Eagles -7.5.
The New York Jets face a tough challenge against the Cincinnati Bengals, with injury concerns impacting their lineup. The expected score for this game is Bengals 24, Jets 17, with the Bengals favored by -6.5.
The San Francisco 49ers will battle the Houston Texans, while the Dallas Cowboys are seeking consistency against the Denver Broncos. Projected scores have the 49ers winning 23-20 against the Texans and the Broncos defeating the Cowboys 27-24.
Monday Night Football
Week 8 will conclude with a Monday night showdown, where the Kansas City Chiefs host the Washington Commanders. The Chiefs are heavily favored, with a projected score of Chiefs 30, Commanders 17 and a spread of Chiefs -11.5.
The Week 8 matchups promise excitement and pivotal moments as teams settle into their positions heading toward the playoff push.
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 CLEVELAND WRITER
The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
