Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season is here. Will Lamar Jackson play against the Bills? Who is going to take home bragging rights in the battle for L.A.? Can Kirk Cousins lead the Raiders past the Jets to snap Las Vegas' four-game skid?
We're here to get you ready for the action. First, our NFL Nation reporters take you inside the locker room with the best thing they heard this week, and ESPN Research provides a key stat to know. Then, analytics writer Seth Walder makes a bold prediction for each matchup, fantasy analyst Eric Moody shares fantasy football intel and betting analyst Pamela Maldonado hits betting insights for each contest. We also have Football Power Index (FPI) game projections, and Maldonado, Moody and Walder all give us final score picks for every game.
Let's get into the full Week 8 slate, which culminates with a "Monday Night Football" matchup between the Bears and Seahawks on ESPN. (Game times are Sunday unless otherwise noted, and all odds are via DraftKings.)
Jump to a matchup:
BAL-BUF | MIN-DET | IND-JAX
ATL-TB | TEN-CIN | ARI-DAL
CLE-PIT | LV-NYJ | LAC-LAR
KC-DEN | NE-MIA | PHI-WSH
CHI-SEA
Thursday: CAR-GB
Bye: NO, NYG, SF, HOU
What ESPN Analytics says ...
Ravens (4-3) at Bills (5-1)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | BUF -3 (54.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Ravens: Coach Jesse Minter had a reason for putting his players in pads for Wednesday's practice. "[It] felt like with the run game that we're getting ready to defend, that we really needed some work in that area," Minter said. Baltimore knows it has to be physical in order to stop Buffalo RB James Cook III, who ranks second in the NFL with 104.5 yards rushing per game. The Ravens haven't allowed 100 yards rushing to a running back in 21 straight games. -- Jamison Hensley
What we're hearing on the Bills: QB Josh Allen admitted that playing against Lamar Jackson affects his approach to a game, saying that looking across the sideline and seeing a fellow MVP QB is reason enough that his offense can't ever let up. With the Bills ranking bottom three in the NFL in total defense, scoring defense and passing defense, that's doubly true. But the best news for Allen might be star WR DJ Moore's renewed health. Moore, who has been Allen's most dependable field stretcher when healthy, says he's still mad at himself for missing the Bills' past two games but knows the time away helped stabilize his injured shoulder. -- Nick Suss
Stat to know: The Bills lead the NFL with 14 rushing TDs this season, which is tied with the 2004 Chiefs for the third most by any team in its first six games in the Super Bowl era (since 1966), behind the 1975 Dolphins (16) and 2023 Dolphins (15). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Ravens will intercept Allen on a play-action pass. Baltimore's defense ranks only 18th in EPA allowed per opponent dropback, but it is first on play-action plays. And the Bills run play-action at the fourth-highest rate in the league. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Moore has struggled to stay healthy this season, but he has been one of Allen's favorite targets when on the field, averaging 1.8 fantasy points per target with a 15.9-yard average depth of target. This game has one of the highest projected totals of the week, and Baltimore has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to WRs. See Week 8 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: Since 2024, Ravens games have gone over the total 71% of the time (29-12), the NFL's highest over rate. Buffalo scores more points per drive than anyone but also allows the most. With Jackson (ankle) set to return, Baltimore can attack that defense through the air. Allen gets his chances against a Ravens defense that just struggled against the Bengals' Joe Burrow. Both offenses have ways to keep scoring. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Ravens 31, Bills 28
Moody's pick: Bills 31, Ravens 27
Walder's pick: Bills 30, Ravens 27
FPI prediction: BUF, 61.4% (by an average of 2.9 points)
Matchup must-reads: Ravens list QB Jackson as full participant in practice ... Why the Bills have been historically good, and bad, through six weeks ... Inside the complicated injury history of Ravens' Jackson ... NFL suspends Bills' Gardner-Johnson for one game for spitting
Vikings (6-0) at Lions (4-2)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | DET -3 (46.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Vikings: As well as the Vikings' defense has played, there is widespread conviction within the organization that the offense needs to elevate if the Vikings are going to continue winning during a difficult stretch of their schedule. The Lions lead the league in offensive scoring (28.3 points per game). Can the Vikings match them if necessary? "I know that we're going to need to be the reason why we win some football games this year, offensively making plays in critical moments," coach Kevin O'Connell said. -- Kevin Seifert
What we're hearing on the Lions: On paper, the Lions' defense versus the Vikings' offense appears to be weakness versus weakness. Detroit's defense allows a league-high 391 yards per game, and Minnesota has the 29th-ranked total offense (281.7 yards per game), but the Lions allowed a season-low 17 points in Week 7 and aren't underestimating the Vikings in any phase of the game. "Yeah, you could take numbers and throw them out the window because what they're doing is what it takes to win," defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said. "And that's why Kevin O'Connell is one of the best in the league and has been because he understands what it takes to win with what he has." -- Eric Woodyard
Stat to know: Lions QB Jared Goff leads the NFL with 298 passing yards per game in 2026. The Vikings rank second with 155 passing yards per game allowed. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Vikings will allow more points than they have in a game all season ... but also score more points than they have since Week 1. The Lions might get some wins against the mighty Minnesota defense, because Detroit ranks second in EPA per play against the blitz. But QB Kyler Murray and the Vikings' offense should have success against a Lions defense that ranks 31st in EPA per play. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Murray has been underwhelming this season, but he now faces a Lions defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to QBs. T.J. Hockenson could be one of Murray's top targets against his former team. Hockenson has scored at least 13 fantasy points in all three games this season in which he has received five or more targets. Detroit has also allowed the most fantasy points per game to TEs, making Hockenson an excellent option this week. See Week 8 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: Vikings games are 2-13 over/under in their past 15 games, including five straight games going under. I expect Minnesota to make Goff uncomfortable after sacking him five times in each of their meetings last season. Detroit's defense gives Murray a chance, but he hasn't done much against easier opponents. I'm not counting on him turning this into a back-and-forth game. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Vikings 23, Lions 20
Moody's pick: Lions 24, Vikings 21
Walder's pick: Vikings 27, Lions 24
FPI prediction: DET, 55.2% (by an average of 1.4 points)
Matchup must-reads: Why Vikings' astronomical 70% blitz rate isn't a gimmick ... Lions' Campbell on LaPorta comments: 'We're all good'
Colts (2-5) at Jaguars (4-2)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | JAX -10 (46.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Colts: Indianapolis will get a closer look at some young talent in new roles this week following the huge trades of guard Quenton Nelson and DT DeForest Buckner. At guard, rookie Jalen Farmer makes his starting debut. The Colts have high hopes for the fourth-round pick but expect some growing pains. At DT, Adetomiwa Adebawore is expected to fill in for Buckner, giving the fast-rising fourth-year player a chance to continue his breakout season. -- Stephen Holder
What we're hearing on the Jaguars: The Jaguars have built a strong home-field advantage under coach Liam Coen. They're 9-1 at EverBank Stadium, have a plus-11 turnover ratio and averaged 31.5 points per game while giving up 13.6. They've won their past six games in Jacksonville by an average of 27 points. That doesn't bode well for the Colts, who have lost their past 10 games in Jacksonville (the Jags have beaten them 11 times in a row as the home team, but one of those games was in London). Nobody inside the building cares about that streak, though. "We haven't necessarily talked about any streak or anything like that," Coen said. "It's the NFL, any given Sunday, and it can happen anywhere." -- Michael DiRocco
Stat to know: Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence has a 78% completion percentage and a 6.5% off-target percentage versus zone coverage this season; both are best in the NFL among 33 qualified QBs. The Colts play zone 63% of the time, which is the eighth-highest mark this season. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Colts RB Jonathan Taylor will record fewer than 50 rushing yards for just the second time this season. The rushing attack has been one of the only things that has gone right for the Colts. But I think they'll struggle in Week 8 facing the Jaguars' defense, which has the best EPA allowed per designed rush in the league, without Nelson. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten has averaged 17.8 touches and scored a career-high 24.7 fantasy points in Week 6 before the bye. He now faces a Colts defense that ranks 29th in run stop win rate and has allowed three RBs to score at least 23 fantasy points this season. The Jaguars are favored by double digits, and their offensive line ranks ninth in run block win rate. Everything points to another productive game for Tuten. See Week 8 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: Teams coming off a bye after an international game are 12-25-1 against the spread since 2018. Jacksonville returns home after two London games, but its defense allows 8.0 yards per pass attempt. That gives QB Daniel Jones opportunities to move the ball, and Indianapolis holds opponents to 30% on third downs. A few stops could give chances to the Colts. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Jaguars 24, Colts 23
Moody's pick: Jaguars 28, Colts 17
Walder's pick: Jaguars 31, Colts 13
FPI prediction: JAX, 73.3% (by an average of 6.4 points)
Matchup must-reads: Colts' RB Taylor confirms he hasn't requested trade ... WR Thomas trying to ignore trade talk, 'keep working hard' for Jags ... Buckner, Nelson trades signal Colts' rebuild underway
Falcons (3-4) at Buccaneers (2-5)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | TB -2.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Falcons: Buccaneers OC Zac Robinson was a major proponent of the Falcons drafting QB Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 in 2024 when Robinson was in the same role in Atlanta. Penix will come to Tampa Bay this weekend looking like a completely different player. Under Robinson last season, Penix was in the pistol formation a league-high 52.1% of the time, while now, under new coach Kevin Stefanski and OC Tommy Rees, he is under center at a 47.6% clip. -- Marc Raimondi
What we're hearing on the Buccaneers: The last time Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield faced the Falcons at home, the defense blew a two-touchdown lead and he was picked off in the final seconds. Adding to that, Tampa Bay still has yet to win at home this season and his former Browns coach (Kevin Stefanski) is now the coach in Atlanta. Mayfield has publicly criticized him for not contacting him after he was traded to the Panthers. "No, I haven't spoken to him since 2021," Mayfield said. Then, he was asked whether that still "eats at him." He said, "No, I'm doing all right." -- Jenna Laine
Stat to know: Penix has had four straight games with passing touchdowns and no interceptions, tied for the longest streak by a Falcon since Matt Ryan (five) in 2018 (Penix also had four straight last season). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Bucs will record negative EPA per play when using motion at the snap. It's one of Robinson's favorite levers to pull, as Tampa Bay ranks second in the league in motion at the snap rate. But the Falcons have been good against motion at the snap, allowing minus-0.09 EPA per play on those plays, third best in the league. -- Walder
Injuries: Falcons | Buccaneers
Fantasy nugget: The Buccaneers should continue to lean heavily on RB Bucky Irving, who has recorded at least 21 touches in three consecutive games and scored at least 24 fantasy points twice. Atlanta has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to RBs. On the other side, TE Kyle Pitts Sr. has scored at least 13 fantasy points on five or more targets in three straight games. Tampa Bay has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to TEs. Both belong in fantasy lineups this week. See Week 8 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: Stefanski is 6-17 against the spread and 5-18 outright as an underdog following a win. Bijan Robinson can't fix everything against Tampa Bay's run defense. So that puts more on Penix, whose past two games look better because of six touchdown passes. Tampa Bay has 10 sacks over its past two games. I expect more stalled drives than another touchdown spree. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Buccaneers 24, Falcons 20
Moody's pick: Buccaneers 24, Falcons 21
Walder's pick: Buccaneers 19, Falcons 16
FPI prediction: TB, 69.1% (by an average of 5 points)
Matchup must-reads: How the Falcons' two biggest stars bond off the field ... QB Mayfield needs to attempt only 11 passes in Buccaneers' win
Titans (1-6) at Bengals (4-2)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | CIN -10 (46.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Titans: Tennessee will play for the first time after the blockbuster deal that sent Jeffery Simmons to the Bears. Simmons occupied double-teams 101 times this season (the second most among DTs) allowing edge defenders such as Jacob Martin and John Franklin-Myers to face one-on-ones. With Simmons gone, Tennessee needs to figure out who's next up as the pass rush goes after Bengals QB Joe Burrow. "There's just going to be opportunities for more guys in that D-line room. And we're looking forward to seeing who comes out of it shining," coach Robert Saleh said Thursday. -- Turron Davenport
What we're hearing on the Bengals: The Bengals got off the hook by avoiding Simmons following his trade to the Bears. But Cincinnati will still have to contend with RB Tony Pollard, who will be a good test for the Bengals' rushing defense. Coordinator Al Golden said: "Pollard was 5.2 [yards] a carry last week. I think he's playing really well." -- Ben Baby
Stat to know: Burrow has gone back-to-back games with four passing TDs and no interceptions. Another game would tie longest streak in NFL history (three straight by Rams QB Matthew Stafford in Weeks 7-10 last season). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Titans QB Cam Ward will record fewer than 10 pass attempts in the first half. The Titans rank 31st in pass rate over expected this season, and the Bengals' defense is run inducing, with the 27th pass rate over expected against them. Eventually the Titans will have to drop back to pass when they fall behind, but they'll try to rely on Pollard as long as they can. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Pollard set season highs with 28 touches and 36.5 fantasy points in Week 7 while Tyjae Spears (knee) was sidelined. That performance came against a defense that has been stingy to opposing RBs. This week isn't much easier. Cincinnati has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to backs this season. Pollard remains on the flex radar whether Spears returns or not, but I'd temper expectations after last week's three-touchdown performance. See Week 8 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: The Bengals haven't been favorites of at least nine points since Week 16 of 2024. Their defense makes this a big ask: Opponents convert nearly half their third downs and average 4.7 yards per carry. Pollard can help Tennessee keep drives alive and keep Burrow watching from the sidelines. Cincinnati can win without pulling far enough away to make this comfortable. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Bengals 27, Titans 20
Moody's pick: Bengals 30, Titans 17
Walder's pick: Bengals 30, Titans 10
FPI prediction: CIN, 86.6% (by an average of 11.1 points)
Matchup must-reads: What has led to Titans' recent success? Under center ... Bengals put TE All on IR; believed to be torn ACL, per source
Cardinals (2-5) at Cowboys (3-4)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | DAL -7 (54.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Cardinals: The Cardinals are hoping their red zone woes can be rectified in Dallas. Arizona is 32nd in red zone efficiency and 30th in goal-to-go efficiency after going through the first five weeks ranked 16th and 11th, respectively. But the past few games have been a different story. Arizona is 1-for-10 inside the red zone the past two weeks, which was the second-worst rate in the NFL. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett was surprised by the sudden drop-off inside the 20. The goal, he said, is to be more consistent in the red zone. "I don't think I went into the game saying we're not going to score when [we] go into the red zone," Brissett said. "It's definitely something that we're addressing and trying to figure it out, and I believe we are." -- Josh Weinfuss
What we're hearing on the Cowboys: The Cowboys want to believe last week's win versus Philadelphia was the start of something, and if it is, then they need to start stacking wins together. The Cardinals would appear to be a good opponent to do that against, but they have beaten Dallas four straight times and eight of the past nine. The Cowboys have not won consecutive games since Weeks 11-13 last season, a span of 12 games. The issue? "Inconsistency probably," coach Brian Schottenheimer said. "It's a business where you have to be consistent with your execution, with your performance. And I think [that's been] lacking that at times." -- Todd Archer
Stat to know: Cardinals TE Trey McBride has a league-high 59 receptions (season-high 10 last week) and seven receptions in all seven games, the longest streak to start a season by a TE in NFL history. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Cardinals WR Michael Wilson will record his first 100-yard receiving game of the season. Against a porous Cowboys defense, I think this is the week that Wilson will see the expected production spike following the team's trade of Marvin Harrison Jr. a few weeks ago. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott finished with 23.2 fantasy points in Week 7, his second-highest total of the season. He now faces a Cardinals defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to QBs and surrendered 17 passing touchdowns this season. Prescott and WRs CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens should be in fantasy lineups. WR Ryan Flournoy also has sleeper appeal after scoring at least 11 fantasy points in three consecutive games. See Week 8 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: Overs in Cowboys games since Schottenheimer was promoted to head coach in 2025 are 18-6, the NFL's highest over rate in that span. Arizona allows 8.5 yards per pass attempt, giving Prescott and Lamb opportunities for big plays. Dallas struggles to get off the field on third down, giving Brissett and McBride opportunities to extend drives and keep Arizona answering with points. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Cowboys 31, Cardinals 27
Moody's pick: Cowboys 31, Cardinals 24
Walder's pick: Cowboys 26, Cardinals 22
FPI prediction: DAL, 78% (by an average of 7.9 points)
Matchup must-reads: Cardinals' Baker hopes to stay with Arizona at trade deadline ... Has Guyton become the Cowboys' franchise left tackle?
Browns (5-2) at Steelers (5-2)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | PIT -3.5 (39.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Browns: The upstart Browns have a chance to sweep the Steelers for the first time since 1988, but they'll have to pull off an upset in Pittsburgh, where Cleveland hasn't won a regular-season game since 2003, a span of 22 straight losses. Coach Todd Monken, though, isn't leaning in to that history with his players, many of whom weren't even born then. "Playing on the road is difficult no matter where you're playing, in terms of your operation, your communication, right?" Monken said. "You've got to bring your own juice, right? ... You're going to make plays, they're going to make plays. How do you sustain that mental stamina to make it through whatever it is, 60 plays, six seconds at a time, every play independent of each other?" -- Daniel Oyefusi
What we're hearing on the Steelers: The Steelers haven't lost a game since their Week 4 clunker in Cleveland, ripping off three straight wins. A big reason for that is the Steelers' improved execution on third down. Though they've converted just 38% of third downs on the season, that mark is up to 45.24% over the past three games. Last week against the Saints, that rate soared to 63%. But for all the third-down progress, the Steelers still aren't playing a complete offensive game and rank 27th in red zone scoring. Cleveland's defense, meanwhile, ranks seventh in red zone scoring percentage. "I think we ran the ball well on the shorter opportunities, which was good," QB Aaron Rodgers said about last week's win. "I thought we sustained drives, which is important. We just got to get some touchdowns in the red zone." -- Brooke Pryor
Stat to know: Steelers TE Darnell Washington has had a touchdown reception in consecutive games. A third straight game would match the longest streak by a Steelers TE since Heath Miller's four in 2005. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Browns WR Denzel Boston will record 80-plus receiving yards. It has been a down couple of weeks for Boston, but I'm a believer and think he bounces back. Steelers CB Jamel Dean is allowing 1.5 yards per coverage snap, well above average for an outside corner. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Browns RB Quinshon Judkins is coming off a season-high 23.4 fantasy points on 18 touches against the Titans. However, he faces a tougher matchup this week against a Steelers defensive front that ranks sixth in run stop win rate. Pittsburgh has also allowed the 12th-fewest fantasy points per game to RBs. Judkins should continue to see ample touches, but his fantasy ceiling is limited in this matchup. See Week 8 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: The Browns have covered five straight division games (all as underdogs) since Week 11 last season. Pittsburgh keeps asking Rodgers to throw, but Cleveland pressured him all night and sacked him five times in their first meeting. His late touchdowns hid how much he struggled. I don't trust this Steelers offense to turn enough possessions into touchdowns to pull away. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Browns 20, Steelers 19
Moody's pick: Steelers 23, Browns 17
Walder's pick: Steelers 23, Browns 16
FPI prediction: PIT, 65.7% (by an average of 4.2 points)
Matchup must-reads: Browns balance relishing close wins, lamenting slow starts ... Rodgers' 2026 NFL season: Tracking records, milestones ... Browns activate Gabriel off IR, now have 4 QBs on roster ... Rodgers suggests full week of international games, jabs at NFL owners
Raiders (3-4) at Jets (2-5)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | NYJ -1.5 (45.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Raiders: The Raiders desperately want to return to the win column. But they cannot do that until they improve their run defense. Opponents have run over Las Vegas' defense with ease this season. Since Week 4, the Raiders have allowed 164 rushing yards per game. On top of that, Las Vegas' interior defensive line is last in run stop win rate (23.6%), while the edge rushers are 25th (20.1%). "Run defense comes down to attitude and energy," edge rusher Maxx Crosby said. "You know what I mean? It's about whooping a man's ass, and I'll bet on us. We just got to be better at whooping ass." -- Ryan McFadden
What we're hearing on the Jets: After a strong start, the Jets' defense has slipped significantly, especially against the run. Since Week 3, the Jets are allowing 153 yards per game, which ranks 31st. They will be without nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat (knee), but they have added incentive: Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty questioned the Jets' defensive toughness, saying, "They have a couple of guys out there that don't really want to tackle." That quote made the rounds in the Jets' meeting room and locker room. -- Rich Cimini
Stat to know: Raiders TE Brock Bowers has five straight games with 70-plus receiving yards. He could become the third tight end in past 45 years to record 70-plus receiving yards in six straight games in a season (2014 Rob Gronkowski and 2020 Travis Kelce). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Jets WR Adonai Mitchell will record at least 50 receiving yards. He failed to record a catch in his return from a finger injury last week, but Mitchell looked like he was going to be really involved in the offense at the start of the season. I've always been a believer because of his strong ability to get open. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Jets WR Garrett Wilson has only 13 fantasy points over his past two games, and his frustration was obvious on the sidelines in Week 7. Omar Cooper Jr. has caught 11 of 12 targets over his past two games and scored at least 22 fantasy points in each. The Raiders have allowed 8.9 yards per target to WRs and at least 13 fantasy points to eight different wideouts. Both Jets receivers belong in fantasy lineups this week. Geno Smith also has streaming appeal against a Raiders defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to QBs. See Week 8 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: The Jets have covered five straight meetings. I like New York because it can keep running against this defense and make Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins play a different game. His recent numbers lean heavily on fourth-quarter production while trailing. Fewer possessions means fewer chances to compensate for a Raiders running game that barely works. Smith has the easier assignment in this matchup. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Jets 24, Raiders 20
Moody's pick: Jets 26, Raiders 23
Walder's pick: Raiders 24, Jets 20
FPI prediction: LV, 52% (by an average of 0.5 points)
Matchup must-reads: Should Mendoza start? A look at when and if the Raiders should make the switch ... Jets WR Wilson says he doesn't want to be traded but does want to win ... Cousins to remain Raiders' starting QB, Kubiak says ... Glenn says Wilson's outburst 'overblown,' defends Jets' offense
Chargers (0-6) at Rams (3-4)
4:05 p.m. ET | Fox | LAR -6.5 (45.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Chargers: Coach Jim Harbaugh and QB Justin Herbert threw their support behind embattled OC Mike McDaniel this week after a bye week in which uncertainty swirled around McDaniel's job status. The Chargers are averaging a league-low 15 points per game and are looking for answers in the run game, where Kimani Vidal had become a bigger part of the plan in the weeks ahead of the bye. What really could help the offense is the return to full health of WR Ladd McConkey, who's still in concussion protocol but was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's practice. It's only the third time this season and the first time since Week 3 that McConkey, who has battled through rib and foot injuries, has had a full Wednesday practice. -- Dan Graziano
What we're hearing on the Rams: After the Rams signed kicker Joshua Karty to the practice squad, coach Sean McVay did not rule out having two kickers active on gameday. Los Angeles could have Brandon McManus handle field goals and extra points and Karty handle kickoffs. In Week 7, the Rams gave up two long kickoff returns before settling for touchbacks the rest of the game. "When you have 48 bodies and the different guys that are filling in, you got to really ask yourself, OK, does that really make sense?" McVay said. -- Sarah Barshop
Stat to know: The Rams have converted 80% of their third-and-short situations (third-and-3 or shorter), the best rate in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Chargers' opponents have converted on only 32% of their third-and-short situations, lowest rate in the NFL. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Chargers RB Keaton Mitchell will record four or more receptions. The Chargers have targeted backs at the third-highest rate, and the Rams have allowed RB targets at the sixth-highest rate. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Rams RB Blake Corum continues to take touches away from Kyren Williams. Corum has recorded double-digit touches in two consecutive games and scored at least 14 fantasy points in each, thanks to a touchdown in both. Corum is on the flex radar against a Chargers defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to backs this season. The Rams' offensive line also leads the league in run block win rate. See Week 8 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: Since 2000, winless teams at 0-6 or worse are 32-17-1 against the spread as road underdogs. The Rams are throwing shorter and leaning on the run without Davante Adams (hamstring). That gives the Chargers a chance to hang around. Coming off the bye and getting Joe Alt and potentially McConkey back could help Herbert, instead of constantly giving possessions away. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Rams 24, Chargers 20
Moody's pick: Rams 27, Chargers 17
Walder's pick: Rams 24, Chargers 17
FPI prediction: LAR, 73.9% (by an average of 6.6 points)
Matchup must-reads: How rookie Mesidor is faring so far ... With WR Adams out, Rams leaning on the run game ... Winless Chargers sticking with McDaniel as offensive playcaller ... Rams' DE Garrett, TE Ferguson won't practice this week
Chiefs (5-1) at Broncos (5-2)
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | KC -1.5 (40.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Chiefs: Chris Jones, the Chiefs' top pass rusher, hasn't produced much success pressuring opposing QBs. With just a half-sack this season, Jones hopes to be more impactful. "It's a slow start," Jones said. "I always can be better. I'm my biggest critic." A factor for the Chiefs is doing much better on third down, which could lead to more pass-rushing snaps for Jones. "It's just a lot of double-teams," Jones said. "I mean, that's part of the game. It's expected. For me, it's capitalizing on moments I don't get double-teamed." -- Nate Taylor
What we're hearing on the Broncos: The Broncos' second chance to face Kenneth Walker III this season will have to go much better than it did in Week 1. "Obviously, it wasn't great," linebacker Alex Singleton said. The Broncos' defense has fueled the team's 5-2 mark to this point as the offense has been at or near the bottom of most statistical metrics. But Walker's 173-yard showing in the season opener, including a 60-yard touchdown run, was the only big wobble by the Denver defense so far this season. as the Broncos missed 19 tackles. That makes Walker the top of the to-do list in this one if the Broncos are going to push themselves toward the front of the AFC West line. -- Jeff Legwold
Stat to know: The Broncos have held opponents to 17 or fewer points in each of the past three games. Denver has not done so in four consecutive games since Weeks 14-17 in 2012. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Jones will bat a pass, and it will be caught for an interception. The Broncos have allowed seven batted passes this season, tied for second-most among teams. Jones is off to a slow start, but he can still disrupt the passing game. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Broncos WR Courtland Sutton hasn't topped three receptions or 50 receiving yards in any of Denver's seven games this season. He has also scored only one touchdown after totaling 25 over the previous three seasons. Jaylen Waddle's chest injury could lead to more targets for Sutton this week, but Kansas City has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to WRs this season. See Week 8 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: Chiefs games following a loss have gone under 10 straight times since Week 2 last season. Denver made Patrick Mahomes settle for short throws in their first meeting, and Kansas City's offense has struggled on third down lately. I don't see Bo Nix forcing a shootout, either. He has struggled against this defense, especially when pressured. Both offenses should stall again. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Chiefs 20, Broncos 17
Moody's pick: Chiefs 23, Broncos 17
Walder's pick: Chiefs 23, Broncos 20
FPI prediction: KC, 55.7% (by an average of 1.5 points)
Matchup must-reads: Chiefs' offense smothered in loss to Seahawks ... Ten questions about Chiefs-Broncos battle for AFC West lead
Patriots (4-3) at Dolphins (1-5)
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | NE -7 (43.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Patriots: The Patriots' 14 giveaways are the second-highest total in the NFL behind the winless Chargers, and their ability to protect the football is being harped on by coaches. They haven't been on the plus side of the turnover differential in a game this season. Said offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels: "I don't think we've seen one team this year try to punch and hammer the ball out as well as you see Miami do that. Specifically the two linebackers, they are elite in that regard -- [Jordyn] Brooks and [Jacob] Rodriguez." -- Mike Reiss
What we're hearing on the Dolphins: The Dolphins have run for at least 100 yards in five straight games, including 156 in their first win of the season last week. On the other hand, the Patriots have allowed only two teams to crack the 100-yard barrier in six games. Running back Ollie Gordon II said games against Mike Vrabel's defenses are physical contests, but the Dolphins are built for such games: "Our O-line, they reestablish the line of scrimmage. They move people, they get people out the way. So honestly it's going to be physical." Miami might be attempting to do so without left guard Kadyn Proctor, who is in concussion protocol. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques
Stat to know: Dolphins QB Malik Willis has gone two straight games with at least one passing and one rushing TD. No player in Dolphins history has done so in three straight games. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Dolphins edge Chop Robinson will record a sack. He has only two on the season, but he also ranks second in pass rush win rate at edge, behind only Abdul Carter. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Rhamondre Stevenson leads the Patriots' backfield with 97 touches. Miami has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to RBs and has struggled against them both between the tackles and as receivers out of the backfield. The matchup upfront also favors New England. The Patriots' offensive line ranks ninth in run block win rate, while the Dolphins' defensive front ranks 27th in run stop win rate. See Week 8 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: Drake Maye's starts following an against-the-spread loss are 13-1 over/under, with eight straight overs. He's hitting deep throws again, and Miami has been terrible at defending them. I expect New England to score without needing long drives. Willis can answer with his legs and occasional big throws against a Patriots defense that gives up chances down the field, too. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Patriots 30, Dolphins 20
Moody's pick: Patriots 28, Dolphins 17
Walder's pick: Patriots 26, Dolphins 16
FPI prediction: NE, 79.7% (by an average of 8.4 points)
Matchup must-reads: Patriots must improve turnover differential if they want to win, other notes ... Hafley, Dolphins thrilled to get first win ... Patriots' Brown misses practice due to new knee ailment
Eagles (2-5) at Commanders (1-4-1)
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | WSH -6 (40.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Eagles: The Eagles are coming off their worst defensive performance in two-plus seasons under coordinator Vic Fangio, posting lows in opponent points (38), EPA (minus-18.9) and opponent points per drive (4.2). The defensive front showed little resistance against a running attack that went for 204 yards. There were plenty of outside voices pointing to a lack of effort, but coach Nick Sirianni said he doesn't see it that way. "We've got to do a better job coaching. We've got to do a better job executing, getting off blocks, tackling. We had a couple missed tackles, but it's always going to be about block destruction, playing on their side of the line of scrimmage, and then us putting them in positions to succeed," he said. -- Tim McManus
What we're hearing on the Commanders: Washington averages more blitzes per game than any team except Minnesota, but the effectiveness needs to improve. And it could be a way to impact Eagles QB Tanner McKee. He has made four career starts, including two this season. In the past two games, he has completed only 11 of 22 passes for 105 yards against blitzes. But Washington needs to be more successful when doing so: The Commanders have forced only one turnover when blitzing, the fewest among the top-12 teams sending extra rushers. Coordinator Daronte Jones said they need to be better winning one-on-one matchups. "Very seldom do you see free [rushers] all the time. You have to win some one-on-ones; we can be more successful with that if we execute properly." -- John Keim
Stat to know: The Eagles go three-and-out on 37% of their drives, by far the highest rate in the NFL and the highest rate through seven games since the 2009 49ers. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Eagles CB Riq Woolen will record an interception. He got picked on for 111 yards in coverage last week. But Woolen has been in tight coverage 21% of the time, per NFL Next Gen Stats, eighth most among outside corners with at least 150 coverage snaps. -- Walder
Injuries: Eagles | Commanders
Fantasy nugget: Commanders WR Terry McLaurin is out for the season because of a knee injury, leaving Stefon Diggs as Washington's No. 1 receiver the rest of the way. Diggs has averaged 1.8 fantasy points per target and faces an Eagles defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to WRs. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens combined for 40.1 fantasy points against Philadelphia on Monday night. Diggs belongs in fantasy lineups this week, and Antonio Williams also has sleeper appeal. See Week 8 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: Since 2000, home favorites off a bye are 1-9-1 ATS against teams on short rest after Monday night. Washington's defense gives Philadelphia a chance despite the injuries. McKee keeps finding Dallas Goedert, and the Commanders struggle against TEs. They also allow touchdowns on 81.8% of red zone trips. I don't trust Washington to pull away from this depleted Eagles offense. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Commanders 23, Eagles 20
Moody's pick: Commanders 24, Eagles 17
Walder's pick: Eagles 20, Commanders 17
FPI prediction: WSH, 64.1% (by an average of 3.7 points)
Matchup must-reads: Eagles' Barkley says hamstring 'great' in return, not sweating back issue ... Commanders believe NFC East isn't lost yet ... Eagles star Barkley says he was forced to divest Polymarket equity stake
Bears (5-2) at Seahawks (4-3)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN | SEA -3 (46.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Bears: The Bears shook up their defense and went all-in on trying to win a Super Bowl this season and beyond when they traded for All-Pro Jeffery Simmons on Thursday. "We have constant dialogue of what this team needs and where we can impact ourselves not just this year but years in the future as well," coach Ben Johnson said. Chicago now has the game-wrecking defender under contract through 2030 after he signed a three-year, $105.8 million contract in June with $100 million guaranteed. Chicago's defense has struggled to generate pressure up front, particularly with its interior defenders, who have a 13% pass rush win rate (23rd in the NFL). Simmons has a 27% pass rush win rate as a defensive tackle, the highest rate in the NFL this season. -- Courtney Cronin
What we're hearing on the Seahawks: With left guard Quenton Nelson arriving via a trade with the Colts, Grey Zabel moving to right guard and Josh Jones potentially replacing an injured Charles Cross (ankle) at left tackle, the Seahawks will field a reconfigured offensive line against Chicago. It'll be a tough test against a pass rush that ranks third in sacks per dropback (8.5%) and now has Montez Sweat back from his two-game suspension. "He's a tremendous player," coach Mike Macdonald said of Sweat. -- Brady Henderson
Stat to know: The Bears' defense has recorded two-plus sacks in each of the first seven games (the most such games in the NFL). That's tied with 1987 for the Bears' third-longest streak to start a season since team sacks became official in 1963, behind only 1976 (11) and 2017 (10). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Bears WR Kalif Raymond will record at least four receptions for the first time since September. Though Raymond has cooled off, he still is tied for fifth in ESPN's open score for receivers. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet (knee) could make his season debut, joining a Seattle backfield that has already involved Emanuel Wilson, Jadarian Price and George Holani. Wilson has been productive, averaging 21.5 touches and 15.9 fantasy points per game over his past four games. Charbonnet has shown he can produce when given opportunities, averaging 13.7 fantasy points in 24 regular-season games with at least 10 touches. His return could cut into Wilson's workload and make Seattle's backfield harder to trust in fantasy lineups. See Week 8 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: Since 2005, Seattle is 16-8 ATS on Monday night and 19-5 outright. Chicago has hidden its defensive problems by holding the ball, but Seattle can shut down running back D'Andre Swift and force quarterback Caleb Williams into tougher throws. That means more chances for Seahawks QB Sam Darnold and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba against a defense allowing the most long passes in the league. I expect Seattle to turn those extra chances into points. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Seahawks 27, Bears 20
Moody's pick: Seahawks 26, Bears 20
Walder's pick: Bears 24, Seahawks 23
FPI prediction: SEA, 54.7% (by an average of 1.3 points)
Matchup must-reads: Bears get Simmons: Key intel on blockbuster trade ... Why did Seahawks trade for Nelson?