The eighth week of the 2023 National Football League season is just hours away. Here are the key injuries, difference makers and projected upsets.
NFL Injuries
Among those not playing in week eight are Cleveland Browns quarterback DeShaun Watson of Gainesville, Georgia, and Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox of Brentwood, Tennessee. Watson is out with a shoulder injury, and Knox is out with a wrist injury. In the meantime P.J. Walker of Elizabeth, New Jersey will start for the Browns in Seattle on Sunday, while Knox is projected to be out four to six weeks. The Bills are in action on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to begin week eight. Others injured and not playing in week eight are Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn of St. Petersburg, Florida (quad), Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz of Orange, California (quad), Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton of Frisco, Texas (dislocated wrist and is out six weeks), and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu of Carson, California (season ending pectoral surgery).
Difference Makers
Patrick Mahomes has a juicy matchup on Sunday against a dreadful Denver Broncos defense. He is projected to get 306 passing yards, 22 rushing yards and three touchdowns against a Broncos defense that has given up a NFL worst 217 points.
The top rated wide receiver for the week is Cincinnati Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase of Harvey, Louisiana. On Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, he is projected to get six catches for 87 receiving yards and one touchdown. Speaking of the 49ers, Christian McCaffrey of Castle Rock, Colorado is the top rated running back. On Sunday against the Bengals, he is projected to get 85 rushing yards, 35 receiving yards, and one touchdown.
Projected Upsets
I like three underdogs in week eight. I like the Browns to beat the Seahawks, the Titans to beat the Falcons, and the Panthers to beat the Texans. Yes, I know Watson will not be in for Cleveland, but Walker has not looked that bad. Despite not throwing a touchdown pass, Walker has managed the last two games well, and Cleveland came away with wins over the Indianaopolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers.
I also think the Panthers might win a game on Sunday against Houston. Running back Miles Sanders is to return after a shoulder injury, and Carolina is coming off the bye week. Finally, I like Tennessee because of Derrick Henry, and he has the experience of being a difference maker when needed most. Both the Falcons and Titans are similar as they rely on their defence and running game. I just trust Henry more than rookie Bijan Robinson.
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