NFL Week 8 Preview —

October 29–November 2 NFL Week 8 brings another important stretch in the playoff race, with division

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November 1, 2026
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October 29–November 2

NFL Week 8 brings another important stretch in the playoff race, with division matchups, conference contenders, and teams looking to build momentum before the season enters its second half. 

The focus now shifts to consistency, quarterback play, defensive pressure, and protecting the football.

Full Week 8 Schedule

According to the official NFL schedule, these are the remaining Week 8 matchups. All times are Eastern. 

Sunday, November 1 — 1:00 p.m.

Ravens at Bills

CBS

Titans at Bengals

CBS

Cardinals at Cowboys

FOX

Vikings at Lions

FOX

Colts at Jaguars

CBS

Raiders at Jets

FOX

Browns at Steelers

CBS

Falcons at Buccaneers

FOX

Sunday afternoon

4:05 p.m. — Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams

4:25 p.m. — Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos

4:25 p.m. — New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins

Sunday Night Football

8:20 p.m. — Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders

Monday Night Football

8:15 p.m. — Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks

Three Games to Watch

1. Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills

Buffalo gets a major AFC test against Baltimore. 

The Bills need to take advantage of home-field conditions, while the Ravens’ quarterback situation and ability to create explosive plays could determine the outcome. 

This is one of the week’s most compelling matchups. 

2. Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos

This AFC West showdown carries significant divisional implications. 

Denver enters on a three-game winning streak, while Kansas City looks to respond after its first loss of the season. 

Pressure on the quarterback and red-zone execution will be crucial. 

3. Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks

Monday night’s matchup pits Chicago’s offensive potential against a Seattle defense coming off an impressive performance against Kansas City. 

The Bears must protect the football and handle Seattle’s pressure to leave with a road victory

Four Keys to Week 8

Quarterback health and decision-making: Injuries and turnovers can swing close games, especially in the AFC.

Win the line of scrimmage: Teams that control the run game and pressure opposing quarterbacks will gain a major advantage.

Capitalize on division games: Matchups such as Kansas City–Denver and Atlanta–Tampa Bay carry added importance because of their effect on divisional standings.

Finish drives: Field goals may not be enough against high-powered offenses. 

Red-zone touchdowns could separate contenders from the rest of the pack.

Early Predictions

Ravens at Bills 

Bills win

Titans at Bengals 

Bengals win

Cardinals at Cowboys 

Cowboys Win 

Vikings at Lions 

Lions Win

Colts at Jaguars 

Jaguars Win

Raiders at Jets 

Raiders Win

Browns at Steelers 

Browns win

Falcons at Buccaneers 

Bucs Win

Chargers at Rams 

Rams Win

Chiefs at Broncos 

Broncos Win

Patriots at Dolphins 

Patriots

Eagles at Commanders 

Washington Wins

Bears at Seahawks 

Seahawks win

Final Outlook

Week 8 offers a meaningful test for teams trying to establish themselves as legitimate playoff contenders. 

Buffalo faces a dangerous Baltimore opponent, Denver has an opportunity to strengthen its position in the AFC West, and Minnesota’s clash with Detroit could have major NFC implications.

The teams that protect their quarterbacks, create turnovers, and execute in the fourth quarter should have the best chance to finish the week with important wins.

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