NFL’s Top Week 8 Games

via All-Pro Reels

There is no longer time for NFL teams to figure out their identities. The playoff race is fully underway, and every game is crucial for positioning. Week 7 of the NFL season was loaded with top-tier matchups and captivating storylines. It didn’t disappoint, with multiple games going down to the wire. This week comes with another batch of exciting battles, and I’ve listed my top five here.

5. Bills @ Seahawks

This game is crucial for the Seahawks’ playoff chances. If they are to keep the NFC West title out of the reach of San Francisco, they’ll need every win they can get. It won’t come easy against Buffalo on Sunday. The Bills were explosive, to say the least, in Amari Cooper’s debut, scoring 34 against a solid Tennessee defense. Josh Allen is playing at an MVP level. He leads the league in big time throws with 15, according to PFF. Seattle has shown significant difficulty in coverage this season, and I expect those struggles to be the deciding factor in this matchup.

BUF 28-21 SEA

4. Cowboys @ 49ers

If the playoffs started today, both the 49ers and the Cowboys would be on the outside looking in after being the top two seeds just last season. Both teams have been heavily affected by injuries, but time is running out to get back on the right track. This game, though still relatively early in the season, is crucial for both teams’ playoff hopes. The 49ers may be without their top three receiving options in this game, with Brandon Aiyuk likely done for the season, Deebo Samuel recovering from pneumonia, and George Kittle nursing a sprained foot. While the passing game may be limited, I expect San Fransisco to run the ball at will against Dallas.  Jordan Mason is averaging over five yards per carry with 3.41 yards after contact per attempt, according to PFF. He’ll run the 49ers to an important win at home.

SF 21-17 DAL

3. Eagles @ Bengals

In my preseason predictions, I had the Eagles and Bengals facing off in the Super Bowl. I’ll admit, that take is looking like one of my worst at this point in the season. While both teams have had their struggles early on, this matchup is still one to watch this weekend. Philadelphia has the opportunity to take control of the NFC East with a win and a Commanders’ loss, while Cincinnati needs a victory to continue their push for a wild card spot. I expect a heavy dose of Saquon Barkley against a weak Bengals front, leading to another victory for Philadelphia.

PHI 28-24 CIN

2. Falcons @ Buccaneers

The race for the NFC South division title is quickly becoming one of the more intriguing stories across the league. Both the Falcons and Buccaneers sit at 4-3, and both have been carried by offensive production thus far. While Tampa Bay has looked like the better side for the majority of the season, they will be without both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in this matchup. As a result, I expect Atlanta to load the box to slow down the Bucs’ run game, leading to one-on-one matchups for receivers Sterling Shepard and Jalen McMillan. The game will be determined by the winner of those matchups. I’ll take Tampa Bay in an upset.

TB 28-27 ATL

1. Bears @ Commanders

This game has been marked on NFL calendars since April. Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, the top two picks in this year’s draft, will face off on Sunday afternoon. Both quarterbacks have led their teams to impressive starts, with only two losses each. While Williams had a slow start to the year, Daniels has looked like one of the best rookie quarterbacks in recent memory. However, each of the Commanders’ wins this season have come against below-league-average defenses. I expect Chicago’s defense to give Daniels problems, leading to a Bears victory.

CHI 31-28 WAS