NFL Week 8 Game-by-Game Predictions

Oct 25, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) celebrates with wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) and wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Vikings win 28-19. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings (4-2) at Chicago Bears (2-4)

Sunday 11/1 at 1:00PM EST

Most people expected the Minnesota Vikings to be a dark horse contender in the NFC race, but I don’t think anyone saw the Vikings having the chance to be 5-2 on the season this Sunday. The Vikings’ offense has not performed well, but the defense is balling out–so for now, the Vikes should have plenty of time to figure things out. Stefon Diggs has been a reliable target for Teddy Bridgewater over the course of the last couple weeks; it will be interesting to see whether the rapport between these two players develops even more.

Cincinnati Bengals (6-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)

Sunday 11/1 at 1:00PM EST

This matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers has grativational implications. Ben Roethlisberger is expected to get the start for Pittsburgh this week, but he’s far from a lock to return to action in Week 8. Andy Dalton and company have been on fire this season, drawing comparisons to the 1988 Bengals, dominating the stat sheet and compiling a perfect 6-0 record along the way. If Dalton can beat the Steelers, he will break the tie with Carson Palmer and take complete possession of third place in all-time wins among Bengals quarterbacks with 47. For that reason alone, I think the Bengals will get the job done.

San Diego Chargers (2-5) at Baltimore Ravens (1-6)

Sunday 11/1 at 1:00PM EST

The fan consensus is that the San Diego Chargers will win this game, but I don’t see what makes people think this way. Aside from the fact that the Chargers have one more win than the Ravens, there isn’t much more the Ravens can offer than Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates. Although the Ravens are a bad football team, they can run the ball, Steve Smith always seems to make plays when healthy and the defense isn’t nearly as dreadful as San Diego’s D–especially in the run game. Football games are won in the trenches, and San Diego’s two biggest weaknesses are its offensive and defensive lines (or lack thereof).

Tennessee Titans (1-5) at Houston Texans (2-5)

Sunday 11/1 at 1:00PM EST

The quarterback situation for both of these teams is pretty bad, so this game could end up coming down to supporting players stepping up and making some plays. Luckily for the Texans, DeAndre Hopkins has been a top wide receiver this season capable of changing games, and J.J. Watt is still J.J. Watt. Plus, he seems to gain some sort of extra motivation every time the Texans take on the Titans. Why he feels so motivated to beat a mediocre team is anyone’s guess, but the Texans should come out on top in this one.

Next: Late Sunday Games, Monday Night Football