• Bet Buccaneers +8.5 on TNF: There is nothing to suggest that the Bills should be 8.5-point favorites over anyone right now. They nearly lost to the Giants (at home) on Sunday Night Football in Week 6 and were upset by the Patriots in Week 7. Expect this game to be close and for the Buccaneers to cover the 8.5-point spread.
• Big game coming for Mike Evans: Once again, Evans is on pace to go over 1,000 receiving yards. This is a fantastic spot for him, with the Bills struggling to find adequate cornerback play. Look for Evans to see a ton of the 5-foot-11, 180-pound Dane Jackson, who has allowed a 118.9 passer rating on throws into his coverage this year.
• Get ahead of the game: PFF's Best Bets Tool uses PFF data to uncover the biggest edges in the betting market. Click here to see the best bets for this week.
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Buffalo Bills (-8.5)
Matchup to watch: Buccaneers RT Luke Goedeke vs. Bills EDGE Gregory Rousseau
One of the season's biggest surprises has been the play of second-year offensive lineman Luke Goedeke, who graded out as one of the NFL's worst guards last season (46.7) but moved to right tackle in 2023. The move has worked out exceptionally well as he enters Week 8 with a 73.2 overall grade, 22nd among 77 qualifying tackles. He'll have his hands full against Rousseau, who is a long, athletic rusher.
Fantasy breakout: WR Mike Evans
Once again, Mike Evans is on pace to go over 1,000 receiving yards. This is a fantastic spot for him, with the Bills struggling to find adequate cornerback play. Look for Evans to see a ton of the 5-foot-11, 180-pound Dane Jackson, who has allowed a 118.9 passer rating on throws into his coverage this year.
Favorite bet: Buccaneers +8.5
There is nothing to suggest that the Bills should be 8.5-point favorites over anyone right now. They nearly lost to the Giants (at home) on Sunday Night Football in Week 6 and were upset by the Patriots in Week 7. Expect this game to be close and for the Buccaneers to cover the 8.5-point spread.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys (+6.5)
Matchup to watch: Cowboys RG Zack Martin vs. Rams DI Aaron Donald
We don't often see two future Hall of Famers play against one another, but we will on Sunday when Zack Martin will be tasked with blocking Aaron Donald. Donald enters this game with the highest pass-rush grade among interior defensive linemen (90.9), while Martin has earned a 68.2 pass-blocking grade through seven weeks.
Fantasy breakout: WR Cooper Kupp
Kupp was held to just two catches for 29 yards in Week 7, but he should be set for a big game this week, with Jourdan Lewis likely seeing a lot of him in the slot. Kupp had a big game last year when these two teams met — seven catches for 125 yards and one touchdown — and that was with Trevon Diggs covering him for most of the game. Look for Kupp to get close to 100 yards in Week 8 and get into the end zone at least once.
Favorite bet: Over 45.5 (-110)
The Rams have allowed 23 or more points in four of their last six games. While the Cowboys are still trying to find themselves on offense, expect Dallas to score in the mid-20s on Sunday, which should allow the over to hit. Don’t sleep on the L.A. offense either, as they are a league-average unit, scoring 22.1 points per game.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers (-1)
Matchup to watch: Vikings RT Brian O’Neill vs. Packers EDGE Rashan Gary
O'Neill was one of the big winners in Week 7, as he managed to keep Nick Bosa in check. While he did surrender a few pressures, he did not allow Bosa to record a sack, and he certainly didn't let him take over the game. He'll have another tough matchup this week against Gary, who has registered a 70.0-plus pass-rush grade in five of his six games this season.
Fantasy fade: WR Christian Watson
This has been a lost season for Watson, who missed the first four games due to a hamstring injury. But even when he's played, he's been unable to replicate the success he enjoyed with Aaron Rodgers last season. Watson is banged up again and is questionable to play in Week 8. Even if he does suit up, leave him on your bench until further notice.
Favorite bet: Under 43 points
The Packers have not scored more than 20 points in a game since Week 2. Green Bay’s offense isn’t very consistent, and now they’ll face Brian Flores and the blitz-heavy Vikings. Division games tend to be lower-scoring, so expect that to be the case here on Sunday.
Atlanta Falcons (-2.5) vs. Tennessee Titans
Matchup to watch: Falcons RG Chris Lindstrom vs. Titans DI Jeffery Simmons
If you like watching good trench play, it doesn’t get much better than this. Lindstrom is one of the highest-graded guards in the NFL again this season (84.5) and is having another Pro Bowl-caliber campaign. He'll be tasked with blocking Jeffery Simmons, who has produced four or more pressures in five of his six games. If the Titans want to pull off the upset in Week 8, they'll need to control the line of scrimmage. And that starts with Simmons winning his matchup.
Fantasy fade: WR DeAndre Hopkins
This is a tough spot for Hopkins for multiple reasons. No. 1, he'll be playing with rookie quarterback Will Levis, who will make his first NFL start. No. 2, he’ll likely be shadowed by A.J. Terrell, one of the NFL’s top man-to-man cornerbacks. Given how bad the quarterback situation is in Tennessee right now, it might be best to leave Hopkins on your bench until further notice.
Favorite bet: Falcons -2.5
The Falcons aren’t very explosive on offense, but they can run the ball and control the clock. Their defense has improved dramatically from last season, and now they’ll face a rookie quarterback in his first NFL action. Don’t expect it to be pretty, but look for the Falcons to get the win here on the road.
New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts (-1)
Matchup to watch: Saints WR Michael Thomas vs. Colts CB Darrell Baker Jr.
Thomas has managed to stay healthy this season and is slowly starting to look like himself again. This is an excellent matchup for him, as Baker is the lowest-graded cornerback in the NFL (30.1). With Olave likely drawing the double-teams, Thomas is primed to have a big performance here in Week 8.
Fantasy fade: WR Michael Pittman Jr.
Michael Pittman Jr. has had a nice bounce-back season for the Colts, averaging nearly 70 receiving yards per game. But this is a tough matchup for him, with All-Pro CB Marshon Lattimore likely shadowing him. Pittman is still worthy of a FLEX play in Week 8, but don’t expect much more than that against one of the top cornerbacks in the league.
Favorite bet: Saints +1
It's been a weird year for the Saints, who were expected to win the NFC South with ease. Things just haven't clicked on offense, but they are still a supremely talented team. After 10 days of rest, expect them to bounce back on the road and get the victory over the Colts. At some point, their talent has to start winning out against inferior opponents.
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (-9.5)
Matchup to watch: Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill vs. Patriots CB J.C. Jackson
The Patriots did an excellent job of containing Hill in the first matchup of the year, but that was when they had Christian Gonzalez, who has a rare blend of size and speed. Without him, Jackson will likely be covering Hill for most of the game. Jackson doesn't have elite speed, which could be a major issue on Sunday. Bill Belichick will likely find a way to keep Hill in check, but it will be much harder to do this time.
Fantasy breakout: RB Raheem Mostert
Despite averaging only 12 rushing attempts per game this season, Mostert has become a must-start in your fantasy leagues, regardless of the matchup. He leads the NFL in touchdowns with 11 and is averaging a whopping 5.6 yards per attempt. In the Week 2 meeting against the Patriots, he recorded 127 yards and two touchdowns. While he might not have that type of performance again, he is a locked-and-loaded RB1 again this week.
Favorite bet: Dolphins -9.5
The Dolphins struggled to put up points on the road against a better team in Week 7. That happens. But now they are home and are playing against one of the slowest defenses in the NFL. The Patriots snagged a nice win over the Bills last week, but they don't match up well against Miami. Expect the Dolphins to win and cover here in Week 8.
New York Jets (-3) vs. New York Giants
Matchup to watch: Jets RT Max Mitchell vs. Giants EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
There have been flashes of brilliance from Thibodeaux this season, but they haven’t been consistent. If the Giants want to win this game, they will need their star pass-rusher to win his matchup. Mitchell is a pretty inexperienced player, and the athleticism difference here is massive. These are the types of matchups that Thibodeaux needs to dominate. If that doesn’t happen, it’s fair to start getting concerned about the No. 5 pick from the 2022 NFL Draft.
Fantasy breakout: WR Wan’Dale Robinson
Considering the lack of upside in the offense, Robinson shouldn't be more than a flex play in any given week. But he's starting to come into his own for New York. Robinson has averaged 6.2 touches a game this season and has been dynamic with the ball in his hands, forcing six missed tackles on 23 catches. He'll play mainly in the slot in Week 8, which is the one spot where the Jets have been exposed this year. Don't be surprised if Robinson has a big day on Sunday.
Favorite bet: Over 36 (-110)
Everyone expects this to be a defensive battle, and it probably will be, but 36 points is one of the lowest numbers you will ever see from an NFL game. Expect each side to create a few big chunk plays in the passing game, and there is always the possibility of defensive scores with these two squads. Take the over here, but don’t expect it to be very pretty.
Jacksonville Jaguars (-2.5) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Matchup to watch: Steelers LT Dan Moore Jr. vs. Jaguars EDGE Josh Allen
Pittsburgh made the curious decision to go back to Dan Moore after Broderick Jones played well in Week 6 against the Ravens. Moore did step it up in Week 7, but he is still among the lowest-graded tackles in the NFL. He'll see a ton of Allen, who is having a superb year for the Jaguars. If Jacksonville is going to win this game, they'll need Allen and Travon Walker to have big days on defense.
Fantasy breakout: WR Diontae Johnson
Johnson returned to the Steelers lineup in Week 7 after missing the last four games with a hamstring injury. He had a good day, too, catching five passes for 79 yards. He should have another strong matchup in Week 8, especially if Tyson Campbell (hamstring) cannot go. Johnson has not scored a touchdown since Week 17 of the 2021 season, but we are betting he gets into the end zone here against Jacksonville.
Favorite bet: Pittsburgh +2.5
The Mike Tomlin magic is in full effect right now, with the Steelers sitting at 4-2 despite Pittsburgh averaging the second-fewest yards per game this season. They are home underdogs once again this week, which is where Tomlin thrives. Expect the defense to create multiple takeaways and for Trevor Lawrence to be under siege all game long. It won't be pretty, but look for the Steelers to grind out a win against a superior opponent in Week 8.
Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5) vs. Washington Commanders
Matchup to watch: Eagles WR A.J. Brown vs. Commanders CB Kendall Fuller
In the last meeting between these teams, A.J. Brown caught nine passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns. That led to the Commanders benching first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes and eventually double-teaming Brown the rest of the way. Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste will see a ton of Smith on Sunday, but if the Commanders want to have any chance of winning this game, they must find a way to slow Brown.
Fantasy breakout: WR Terry McLaurin
Despite less-than-stellar quarterback play, McLaurin always finds a way to produce against the Eagles. In nine career games against the Philly, he's recorded 784 yards and three touchdowns on 53 receptions (87.1 yards per game). Expect the Commanders to throw the ball early and often on Sunday, with McLaurin being the primary recipient of those targets.
Favorite bet: Under 43.5 (-110)
These two teams played just a few weeks ago, and it was an absolute shootout, with the Eagles winning 34-31 in overtime. But don’t expect that to be the case here, as the Eagles have improved a ton on defense over the last few weeks. Instead, look for this to be a 24-13 game with the under hitting in Washington.
Houston Texans (-3) vs. Carolina Panthers
Matchup to watch: Panthers QB Bryce Young vs. Texans QB C.J. Stroud
Okay, we cheated a little bit here. But all eyes will be on the No. 1 and 2 picks from the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud has had a remarkable rookie season and has the Texans in playoff contention. Meanwhile, the Panthers are still looking for their first win of the season. How much better do these quarterbacks look coming out of the bye week? And is Stroud still way ahead of Young? Those are two things to watch in his matchup on Sunday.
| C. Stroud | B. Young | |
| PFF Grade | 73.3 | 51.0 |
| Passer Rating Clean | 111.5 | 93.5 |
| Passer Rating Under Pressure | 59.5 | 47.0 |
| Big-Time Throw % | 2.40% | 2.24% |
| Turnover-Worthy Play % | 2.40% | 3.14% |
Fantasy breakout: WR Tank Dell
After missing a few weeks with an injury, Dell is back in the lineup for the Texans and has a juicy matchup in Week 8. The Panthers have one of the NFL’s worst secondaries, especially with Jaycee Horn and Jeremy Chinn out of the lineup. Look for the Texans to take several shots down the field and for Dell to hit at least one big play.
Favorite bet: Panthers +3
The Texans are the better team, but the Panthers are a home dog coming off a bye week. If there ever was a game they were going to win this season, it’s this one. Expect Carolina to keep this contest close and eventually cover the spread.
Cleveland Browns vs. Seattle Seahawks (-3)
Matchup to watch: Browns WR Amari Cooper vs. Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon
Cooper continues to be one of the NFL's best route runners and has saved the Browns so many times this season with big plays. But on Sunday, he'll face the league's highest-graded cornerback, who is starting to really come into his own. Witherspoon has fantastic feet and is fearless in making plays in the running game. But how will he handle a seasoned vet like Cooper? It should be fascinating to watch.
Fantasy fade: RB Kareem Hunt
Jerome Ford is expected to miss this Week 8 matchup with an ankle injury, which means Kareem Hunt is expected to start. Hunt has averaged just 3.2 yards per carry this season, and his only fantasy value has come as a goal-line runner. Cleveland won't have many goal-to-go situations on Sunday, so it's better to leave Hunt on your bench this week in favor of players with a higher ceiling.
Favorite bet: Seahawks -3
This is a tough matchup for a P.J. Walker-led Cleveland side, as the Seahawks should be able to throw the ball down the field and score points. Expect the Seahawks to win and cover at home after the Browns' emotional road win last week.
Kansas City Chiefs (-8) vs. Denver Broncos
Matchup to watch: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce vs. Broncos S Justin Simmons
Kelce had a monster game the last time these two teams played, catching nine passes for 124 yards. For his career, Kelce has averaged 78.6 receiving yards per game against the Broncos. Will Denver consider leaving Simmons to guard Kelce one-on-one? Probably not, but expect Simmons to be the primary defender for most of the night with a ton of bracket coverage.
Fantasy fade: Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy
These two teams met just a few weeks ago, and Jeudy was held to three catches for 14 yards. He did play better in Week 7 (five for 64), but the Chiefs are pretty good in the secondary and always have a good plan for Jeudy. If you can, keep him out of your lineups in Week 8. If you can’t, consider him a flex-play only against the Chiefs.
Favorite bet: Under 46 points (-110)
One of the biggest surprises of the season has been the emergence of the Kansas City defense. They are a legitimately good unit that can hold teams under 20 points. Denver's offense has struggled over the last few weeks, and it would be a major shock if they got on track this week. Take the under here, as the Broncos might struggle to score more than 17 points on Sunday.
Baltimore Ravens (-8.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals
Matchup to watch: Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley vs. Cardinals EDGE Zaven Collins
Collins switched to the edge this season, which has benefited him greatly. While there is still a lot of work to be done, he’s playing at a solid level in Year 3. But he’ll face one of the NFL’s top run-blocking tackles on Sunday, which could give Collins some trouble. This is a matchup that certainly favors Stanley going into the game.
Fantasy breakout: WR Marquise Brown
Hollywood Brown will get his first chance to face his former team, and he should see a ton of targets with Zach Ertz now out of the lineup. While his efficiency has dropped in recent weeks, the targets have been there, as he has seen double-digit targets in four games this season. Expect QB Joshua Dobbs to give him plenty of looks down the field.
Favorite bet: Cardinals +8.5
After a dominating win against the Lions, it would be easy to take the Ravens here against a much inferior team. But this game has all the makings of a trap game, especially considering how much the Ravens have had to travel over the last month. Expect the Cardinals to keep things close, and don’t be shocked if they pull off the upset in Week 8.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. San Francisco 49ers (-5.5)
Matchup to watch: Bengals RT Jonah Williams vs. 49ers EDGE Nick Bosa
Williams has played at a league-average level this year after switching to right tackle. But he'll have his most challenging assignment yet in Week 8, facing Nick Bosa. Bosa recorded six pressures in Week 7 but was unable to bring down Kirk Cousins. This is a better matchup for Bosa, especially considering the matchup at right tackle.
Fantasy fade: RB Joe Mixon
Mixon is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry this season and has got into the end zone only once. Against one of the NFL's top run defenses, it will be tough for Mixon to have any type of production on the ground. He'll need a touchdown to salvage his fantasy day, which seems unlikely considering the matchup.
Favorite bet: 49ers -5.5
After back-to-back road losses, the 49ers are back at home and need a win. They match up exceptionally well against the Bengals, who have one of the NFL's least explosive offenses. Look for the 49ers to pressure Joe Burrow constantly and hold the Bengals under 20 points. Take the 49ers -5.5 and expect them to win by at least a touchdown on Sunday.
Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Chargers (-8.5)
Matchup to watch: Chargers WR Quentin Johnston vs. Bears CB Jaylon Johnson
One of the emerging stars at the cornerback position is Jaylon Johnson, who has allowed just 37 receiving yards over the last three games. He is the No. 2 graded cornerback this season and should have another strong matchup in Week 8. Meanwhile, Quentin Johnston continues to struggle for LA. He has yet to exceed 20 receiving yards in a game this season, and it would be a mild surprise if he had a strong performance against Johnson.
Fantasy breakout: WR Josh Palmer
With Quentin Johnston struggling in the offense, Josh Palmer has stepped up in the absence of Mike Williams. Palmer has seen at least seven targets in each of the last four games, and that usage should continue. Look for him to avoid Jaylon Johnson in coverage and have another big day on Sunday Night Football.
Favorite bet: Under 46.5 points
With Justin Fields out of this game due to a thumb injury, the Bears will likely have a tough time throwing the ball down the field. Expect Chicago to run the ball and try to lean on their defense, which should allow the under to hit in Los Angeles.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Detroit Lions
Matchup to watch: Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. Raiders CB Amik Robertson
Slot cornerback Nate Hobbs has missed the last four games with an ankle injury, and he appears unlikely to go in Week 8. That means that Amik Robertson will likely get slot duties once again, and that has been an issue for the Raiders. Amon-Ra St. Brown saw 19 targets against the Ravens in Week 7 but averaged just 5.4 yards per target. Expect him to be much more efficient in this matchup against one of the NFL's worst secondaries.
Fantasy fade: TE Michael Mayer
Michael Mayer was one of the hottest waiver wire pickups in Week 6, coming off a five-catch, 75-yard game against the Patriots. He caught just two passes in Week 7, but that was with Brian Hoyer under center. Can you trust him this week with Jimmy Garoppolo back in the lineup? The answer to that question is no, as he just isn't involved in the offense enough to be fantasy-relevant yet. Consider leaving him on your bench in favor of a tight end with a bigger role.
Favorite bet: Lions -8
The Lions were embarrassed on the road last week against the Ravens, allowing touchdowns on the first four drives of the game. They are a much different team at home and will likely show that in prime time against an inferior team. The Raiders have yet to score more than 19 points on offense this season, and with a less-than-100% healthy Jimmy Garoppolo, don’t expect that to change in Week 8.
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