Week 8 NFL Preview & Analysis

The eighth week of the National Football League season begins on Thursday evening with the Minnesota Vikings hosting the Washington Redskins. At 5-2 the Vikings are red hot at the moment, primarily due to some prolific passing by Kirk Cousins. Minnesota should easily come out victorious in a game where they are a 16 point favourite.

Here are some closer NFL games this weekend where sports fans should enjoy more.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Buffalo Bills

The Bills may be 5-1 and the Eagles 3-4, but this has the makings of being one of the most intriguing matches in week eight. It should be noted that the Eagles have scored 50 more points this season than the Bills, and will look to rebound after blowout road losses to the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys.

Why the Eagles win:

The Eagles have the advantage at quarterback as Carson Wentz is simply more consistent than Josh Allen. Still, he will have to rebound after a tough 37-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys Sunday night.

Why the Bills win:

Buffalo has more momentum right now as they have won their last two games and Philadelphia has lost their last two. Where Buffalo has the strong advantage is on defense, as they have given up only 91 points, the third least in the NFL.

My take:

Heading into the season, the Eagles would have definitely been the clear favourite. They have had to overcome injuries throughout the season to wide receiver DeSean Jackson, running back Darren Sproles and tackle Jason Peters. Due to the fact the Eagles are below .500, they are hungrier and squeak out a tight, low scoring road win.

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Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints

At 3-3-1, the Arizona Cardinals are improving every week with rookie quarterback Kyler Murray at the helm. But the biggest story in this game is whether or not Drew Brees will be coming back from his thumb surgery. Right now he is a game time decision.

Why the Cardinals win:

The Cardinals are a young group and building confidence. Cardinals fans should also be excited about the production of running back Chase Edmonds, who had 126 yards rushing and three touchdowns last week in their 27-21 win over the New York Giants. With David Johnson questionable with an ankle ailment, Edmonds could get the majority of carries again.

Why the Saints win:

No Drew Brees, no problem. That is because Teddy Bridgewater has filled in admirably in Brees’s absence. He has a 98.9 quarterback rating and nine touchdowns compared to only two interceptions.

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My take:

The Cardinals have won three straight games, but they have come against opponents that have a combined record of 3-18. The three teams the Cardinals have lost to are a combined 14-6. With the Saints being the best in the NFC South at 6-1, I like New Orleans.

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Carolina Panthers @ San Francisco 49ers

The 6-0 San Francisco 49ers will have a tough home test this week against a Carolina Panthers squad that have won four straight games. The 49ers this week got even stronger as they acquired wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders from the Denver Broncos.

Why the Panthers win:

Kyle Allen has not lost yet. Allen took over from Cam Newton in week three as Newton was sidelined with a broken bone in his foot. In four games, Allen has been spectacular as he has completed 80 of 122 passes for 901 yards and seven touchdowns. What is even more remarkable though is the fact he has zero interceptions in six career NFL games.

Why the 49ers win:

San Francisco’s defense has been stingy all season, as they have given up only 64 points, the second least in the NFL. Last week they picked up a shutout as they beat the Washington Redskins 9-0.

My take:

The 49ers come through in a tight battle. They give Allen a variety of looks defensively and maintain their unbeaten record.

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Green Bay Packers @ Kansas City Chiefs

This had all the makings of being one of the most exciting games on the NFL schedule so far this season. Then the excitement decreased when Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes injured his knee last Thursday against the Broncos. Even though Mahomes is practicing, it is doubtful he will suit up as Matt Moore will be the projected starter.

Why the Packers win:

At 6-1, Green Bay is exceeding expectations in leading the tightly contested NFC North. Aaron Rodgers and Aaron Jones have combined nicely to lead the Packers in the passing and running game. It would help that Davante Adams returns to the Packers lineup, as he is still their most consistent and dangerous wide receiver. However, the Packers did find a way last week to score 42 points last week against the Oakland Raiders without him.

Why the Chiefs win:

At 5-2, Kansas City beat the Denver Broncos handily 30-6 last week in an AFC West divisional matchup. The fact that the Chiefs won last Thursday is significant because it will give Moore added time to learn the Chiefs offensive systems and prepare for the Packers secondary.

My take:

Matt Moore is a decent and reliable backup QB, but not in the same category as Mahomes. The Packers D looked stellar in the opening week against the Chicago Bears, and also contained the drastically improved Kirk Cousins in Minnesota. They should be able to stop Moore too. Packers are victorious here.