News Summary
As Week 8 of the NFL season approaches, teams are gearing up for critical matchups that could shape playoff outcomes. Notable games include the Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots vs. Cleveland Browns. Amidst tight spreads and standout performances, various teams like the Miami Dolphins are facing uphill battles. The looming trade deadline adds another layer of intensity as franchises evaluate their rosters. With playoff implications and key players in focus, this week’s action is set to deliver excitement across the league.
New York – The 2025 NFL season approaches Week 8 with increasing urgency for teams looking to secure playoff spots. As the Nov. 4 trade deadline looms, roster decisions may be heavily influenced by current performances. This week, six teams will take a break from competition: the Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
This week’s notable matchups feature high-stakes games, including Aaron Rodgers leading the Green Bay Packers in prime time against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The New England Patriots return home following a successful three-game road trip, set to face off against the Cleveland Browns, who currently struggle with the NFL’s 30th-ranked offense, averaging just 16.1 points per game.
Key Matchups and Predictions
The projected outcome for the Patriots versus the Browns is a comfortable win for New England, with a forecasted score of Patriots 27, Browns 17, making the Patriots a strong pick at -7.
In the matchup between the Packers and Steelers, the Steelers enter as home underdogs. Pittsburgh’s coach, Mike Tomlin, has a notable record of 21-7-3 against the spread when playing as a home underdog. The projected score for this game is Packers 24, Steelers 23, with a recommended pick for Steelers +3.
Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins are reeling after a significant loss to the Browns, during which quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw three interceptions in back-to-back games. They face the Atlanta Falcons, who boast the league’s top defense, allowing the fewest passing yards (141.2) and rushing yards (159.3) per game. The projected score anticipates a Falcons victory, 30-20, with Atlanta favored at -7.
In another matchup, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, facing several injury challenges, look to maintain performance against the struggling New Orleans Saints. The projected score is Buccaneers 27, Saints 20, with Tampa expected to cover the spread at -4.5.
The Buffalo Bills, having had a bye week, are determined to avoid being held under 20 points for three consecutive games, as they clash with the Carolina Panthers. Projections suggest a score of Bills 30, Panthers 23, favoring the Panthers at +7.5.
Other Notable Games
The Baltimore Ravens approach a critical matchup against the Chicago Bears, emphasizing their need for a strong running game. Projected outcomes show a close game, with Ravens expected to edge out the Bears 27-24 while Erasing the Bears +3.5 advantage.
As for the New York Giants, they are set to meet the Philadelphia Eagles, who have a robust home record of 28-6 since 2022. Predictions place the Eagles ahead, with a score of 30-20, making them a solid pick at -7.5.
The New York Jets are facing challenges with injuries and question marks surrounding their quarterback situation as they go up against the Cincinnati Bengals. The forecasted score is Bengals 24, Jets 17, with Cincinnati favored by -6.5.
In a clash of teams, the San Francisco 49ers are set to take on the Houston Texans. The predicted outcome leans towards the 49ers, with a score of 49ers 23, Texans 20, under a close spread of +1.5 for San Francisco.
The Dallas Cowboys aim to establish consistency against the defensive strength of the Denver Broncos. The anticipated score is Broncos 27, Cowboys 24, with Dallas as the underdog at +3.5.
The Indianapolis Colts are heavily favored against the Tennessee Titans, with projections suggesting a dominating score of Colts 33, Titans 14, at -14.5.
Lastly, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Washington Commanders in the Monday night matchup, with Kansas City expected to come out on top. The projected score is Chiefs 30, Commanders 17, marking the Chiefs as the favorites at -11.5.
As Week 8 unfolds, NFL teams will be tested, with playoff implications and trade discussions in the air while fans eagerly anticipate thrilling matchups across the league.
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 MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
