NFL Week 8: Everything You Need to Know for Sunday's Games
The 2015 NFL regular season is nearly halfway over, and while there is still plenty of football left to be played, it seems we finally have an idea of which teams will be battling for a playoff berth down the stretch.
The New England Patriots showed why they'll be in the mix on Thursday night against the rival Miami Dolphins. Interim head coach Dan Campbell led the Dolphins into Gillette Stadium on a two-game winning streak and with a ton of swagger. However, Miami was immediately smacked back to earth with a 36-7 loss courtesy of the Patriots.ย
Sunday gives a few more intriguing games between teams that should be in the hunt and teams trying to turn it around. We'll have a divisional grudge match between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers, and we'll also get to watch the resurgent New York Jets take on the new-look Oakland Raiders in the late afternoon.
Oh, and the day's finale features a pretty good one between the undefeated Denver Broncos and the undefeated Green Bay Packers.
We will have 12 games in total, as Week 8 continues to unfold on Sunday. Here's everything you need to know about them. ย
Biggest Questions
1 of 7
Can the Seattle Seahawks Continue Their Rebound?
After seeing the team in the Super Bowl each of the past two years, it's going to feel a little strange if the Seattle Seahawks miss out on the postseason in 2015. With the Seahawks sitting at 3-4 and in third place in the NFC West, it's a real possibility, though.ย
Seattle essentially saved its season last week with a win over the rival San Francisco 49ers, but let's be honest here. The 49ers are not a good football team, so the win doesn't tell us much. We're not sure that the Matt-Cassel-led Dallas Cowboys will provide a significantly stiffer test, but the game should be more challenging than Kaepernick and Co.
Cassel, at least, shouldn't be throwing footballs that wold fall outside Godzilla's catch radius.ย
It also appears that Cassel will benefit from the return of star receiver Dez Bryant, who isn't quite Godzilla, but who sometimes looms about as large on the football field.ย
"He looked good in practice and should do even more tomorrow,'' Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones said earlier this week, per David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. "It's premature to say he'll play Sunday, but he's on target to play this weekend if this continues.''
Both teams desperately need a win in this game, but considering the sorry state of the NFC East, the Seahawks might need it even more than the Cowboys (2-4) do.
How Will Roethlisberger's Return Affect the Steelers?
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger mas missed the past month with a knee injury but appears set to return on Sunday against the Bengals. His presence should undoubtedly make the offense more potent than it was with the likes of Michael Vick and Landry Jones under center.
Even though Big Ben is likely to have a little rust to knock off, Sunday's game should give us a glimpse of just how good this Steelers team can be.
The team found new ways to win in Roethlisberger's absence, going 2-2 overall without him. The running game became more of a focal point, and a defense that looked like a total joke at the beginning of the season began to tighten up.
Though the Steelers defense still gives up yards (376.6 of them per game, to be exact), the defensive front has come together to form a pretty intimidating pass rush. Pro Football Focus rates the Steelers ninth overall in pass rush.ย
The fact that Pittsburgh knows it can win without having to rely on Roethlisberger's arm and improvisational skills makes this an even more dangerous team and a legitimate contender. Having those assets might be enough to knock Cincinnati from the ranks of the unbeaten.
Will This Be the Week that Peyton Manning Gets Back on Track?
By now, it should be pretty clear that father time has wrapped up and sacked Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. He doesn't have the same arms strength he once did, and though it seems impossible when you think about it, he seems to have become even less mobile.
Yet, age isn't the only thing that is holding Manning back. He still doesn't seem comfortable in Gary Kubiak's offense, even though Kubiak has been letting the quarterback do more of the things with which he is familiar. Manning hasn't been forced to operate exclusively from under center, though we do tend to see one of those head-scratching bootleg calls every week.
On top of everything, Manning seems to have some issues with his mechanics (again, unbelievable) and has been making some downright stupid decisions. That pathetic soft-toss in overtime against the Cleveland Browns two weeks ago nearly cost Denver its perfect record.
Manning currently sits with seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a Tim-Tebow-like rating of 72.5.
Yet, the Broncos defense has been good enough to keep bailing the team out of the holes Manning digs. Against the high-powered Packers offense, however, great defense might not be enough. Manning is going to have to deliver some big plays and, more importantly, he's going to have to eliminate the terrible ones.ย
Game of the Day
2 of 7
What:ย Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
When:ย Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Where:ย CBS
Though Pittsburgh's rivalry with the Baltimore Ravens tends to get a lot more attention, its matchups with the Cincinnati Bengals have been incredibly entertaining in recent years. Unfortunately for Bengals fans, the rivalry has also been incredibly one-sided.ย
Over the past five years, Pittsburgh has gone 8-2 against Cincinnati.
However, this i shaping up to be a Bengals team like we have not seen before. Cincinnati is undefeated, is coming off its bye week and us playing with the confidence of a Super Bowl contender. The Steelers? They get home-field advantage and the return of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.ย
According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Roethlisberger has had no issues with his knee in practice this week and there is "no doubt" that he will start against Cincinnati.ย
The Steelers managed to go 2-2 without Big Ben, and they remain in the playoff hunt. Pittsburgh would own a wild-card spot if the season ended today. With a win, however, the Steelers can get right back in the division title race.ย
The Bengals can assert themselves as the team to beat in the AFC North with a win at Heinz Field.
With so much on the line, this is practically guaranteed to be a good one.ย
Honorable Mention:ย Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos
In reality, the Packers-Broncos tilt deserves to be mentioned as co-Game of the Day. We're talking about two undefeated teams and a matchup between the league's best defense (281.3 yards per game allowed) and the always-exciting Aaron Rodgers-led offense.
Though the playoff implications aren't quite as high in this game (since the Broncos and Packers reside in different conferences, and all), this still has the makings of one heck of a game. Both teams are coming off the bye and should be geared up for a battle.ย
Will Peyton Manning get things figured out this week, or will this game be a metaphorical passing of the torch from the once-greatest quarterback to the current crown-holder? We'll find out on Sunday night at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC.ย
Stats of the Week
3 of 7
The number of interceptions Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is on pace to throw this season. It would be the most in any one season of his career since his rookie campaign in 1998, when he threw 28.
The number of touchdowns Manning is on pace to toss this season. This would mark the only season of Manning's career in which he didn't throw at least 26 scoresโexcept for 2011, of course, when he didn't play.ย
Yards per game being averaged by Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson. This puts him on pace for a 1,296-yard season, which would be the third-best campaign of his career. Don't be too surprised, though, if he triples his average against the Cleveland Browns and their 32nd-ranked run defense.ย
The number of passing yards San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is averaging per game. This puts him on pace for a 5,603-yard season, which would be an NFL record. Next up is the Baltimore Ravens and their 28th-ranked pass defense.
Passing yards currently being allowed by the New York Giants on a per-game basis. The New Orleans Saints haven't had much of a home-field advantage as of late, but with Drew Brees looking healthy and back to form, they should have a chance to continue their winning streak.ย
The number of receiving yards Cowboys wideout Dez Bryant has averaged throughout his NFL career. It's safe to say that Dallas will be glad to have him back in the fold.ย
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Who Is Favored?
4 of 7
Here are the odds for Sunday's games, via Odds Shark:
| Game Time (ET) | ย Away Team | ย Home Team | ย Favorite |
| ย 9:30 a.m. | ย Detroit | ย Kansas City (in London) | ย Kansas City -4 |
| ย 1 p.m.ย | ย Tamps Bay | ย Atlanta | ย Atlanta -8 |
| ย 1 p.m.ย | ย San Diegoย | ย Baltimore | ย Baltimore -3 |
| ย 1 p.m.ย | ย Minnesota | ย Chicago | ย Even |
| ย 1 p.m.ย | ย Arizona | ย Cleveland | ย Arizona -7 |
| ย 1 p.m.ย | ย Tennessee | ย Houston | ย No Line |
| ย 1 p.m.ย | ย NY Giants | ย New Orleans | ย New Orleans -3 |
| ย 1ย p.m.ย | ย Cincinnati | ย Pittsburgh | ย Even |
| ย 1ย p.m.ย | ย San Francisco | ย St. Louis | ย St. Louis -9.5 |
| ย 4:05ย p.m.ย | ย NY Jets | ย Oakland | ย NY Jets -3 |
| ย 4:25 p.m.ย | ย Seattle | ย Dallas | ย Seattle -7 |
| ย 8:30ย p.m.ย | ย Green Bay | ย Denver | ย Green Bay -2.5 |
Matchups to Watch
5 of 7
Greg Hardy vs. the Seahawks Offensive Line
Cowboys pass-rusher Greg Hardy has only appeared in two games this season but has already racked up 3.0 sacks. On Sunday afternoon, he'll go up against a Seattle offensive line that is, well, really bad.
The Seahawks are rated dead last in pass-blocking by Pro Football Focus and have allowed quarterback Russell Wilson to be taken down a whopping 31 times this season. If the line cannot hold against the Dallas pass rush, it's going to be difficult for the Seahawks to win the offensive battle.
The Cowboys are likely to have their own offensive issues, of course, because Matt Cassel just isn't Tony Romo (and that Seattle defense is still pretty good). However, if the Cowboys can force Wilson to make mistakes by bringing pressure, they'll have a legitimate chance to pull off the upset.
Ben Roethlisberger vs. the Bengals Secondary
Since this is Roethlisberger's first game back in a month, we're pretty sure that many of you will be keeping an eye on him anyway. However, he's going to be worth watching, because he probably provides Pittsburgh's best chance to beat the Bengals.
The Bengals have been very good at keeping opponents' point totals below their own (20.3 points per game allowed), but their pass coverage isn't elite.
Cincinnati is currently allowing an average of 261.5 yards passing per game (21st in the NFL) and is rated 21st in pass coverage by Pro Football Focus. If Roethlisberger and his cadre of pass-catching weapons can win the air war, there's a good chance the Bengals suffer their first loss of 2015.
Adrian Peterson vs. the Bears Run Defense
Who doesn't love watching Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. Well, opposing defenders, for one. The ageless wrecking ball is averaging a steady 88.3 yards per contest at 30 years of age and doesn't appear in line for a drop-off anytime soon.
He definitely shouldn't drop off against the Rival Chicago Bears on Sunday. Chicago is allowing an average of 124.8 rushing yards per game, 26th in the NFL. However, trying to slow Peterson is going to be a key goal for the Bears.
Chicago has actually been quite impressive against the pass this season, allowing just 220 yards per contest through the air. If the Bears can force second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to put the game on his (throwing) shoulder, they should have an opportunity to force some mistakes.
The Denver Pass Rush vs. the Packers Offensive Lineย
You might have heard, but the Broncos defense is pretty good at getting after opposing quarterbacks. The team has amassed 26 sacks already this season and is rated second overall in pass rushing by Pro Football Focus.ย
As good as Rodgers has been this season (passer rating of 115.9), pressure might be the only chance the Broncos have of slowing him. It isn't going to be easy, of course, as this is a matchup between team strengths.ย
The Packers have quietly built one of the more underrated lines in the league this season, at least in terms of pass protection. Pro Football Focus rates the team sixth overall in the pass-blocking category.ย
Injury Report
6 of 7
Each week, we'll take a look at the most significant injuries around the league.
Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (out)
Though the Buccaneers have yet to officially rule out wide receiver Vincent Jackson, he isn't expected to play Sunday against the Falcons. According to ESPN's Ed Werder, Jackson could miss multiple weeks with the knee injury.
Prince Amukamara, CB, New York Giants (out)
Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara has been dealing with a pectoral injury and will not return this week against the Saints. According to Ralph Vacchiano of theย New York Daily News, Amukamara is scheduled for an MRI on Monday and hopes to return to practice soon after.ย
Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers (doubtful)
Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (knee) didn't practice this week and appears doubtful for Sunday's game against the Ravens. According to Michael Gehlken of theย San Diego Union-Tribune, Gate's injury could sideline him for multiple weeks.ย
Chris Owusu, WR, New York Jets (out)
ESPN's Rich Cimini reports that the Jets have ruled out wide receiver Chris Owusu (concussion), along with receiver Devin Smith (ankle), safety Calvin Pryor (ankle)and running back Bilal Powell (ankle). Receiver Eric Decker (knee), Guard Willie Colon (knee) and cornerback Buster Skrine (shoulder) are questionable.
Jerraud Powers, CB, Arizona Cardinals (doubtful)
Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports 910 reports that Powers ( hamstring) is unlikely to play Sunday against Cleveland. Receiver John Brown (hamstring), tight end Darren Fells (shoulder) and linebacker Alex Okafor (calf) have all missed practice this week.ย
Josh McCown, QB, Cleveland Browns (questionable)
McCown is officially listed as questionable with a shoulder injury, but Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group is reporting that he is expected to start.
Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans (out)
According to ESPN's Field Yates, Titans rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota has officially been ruled out for the second consecutive week with a knee injury.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers (probable)
Roethlisberger was a full participant in practice and is set to return after missing the past four games with a knee injury.ย
Expert Predictions
7 of 7
Each week, we'll take a look at picks and predictions from some of the top Bleacher Report NFL writers. We'll also spotlight the experts' results on a week-to-week basis.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
