NFL Week 8 Game-by-Game Predictions
By Connor Howe
Oct 25, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) yells out to the crowd late in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Philadelphia 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets (4-2) at Oakland Raiders (3-3)
Sunday 11/1 at 4:05PM EST
The Oakland Raiders have quietly gotten off to a 3-3 start, and to be honest, it was very hard for me to pick against them this week. Amari Cooper has been spectacular, the Raiders’ run defense has been nice and Latavius Murray has been good in spurts as well. But the Jets have the supreior running back in Chris Ivory, two quality receivers and one of the NFL’s best defenses. And at 4-2, this Jets team looks like a serious playoff contender. Oakland is exciting, but the Raiders don’t look quite like they’re ready just yet.
28. 23. 30. Final. 17
Seattle Seahawks (3-4) at Dallas Cowboys (2-4)
Sunday 11/1 at 4:25PM EST
This game, like many games this week, is a must-win for both teams. Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks are coming off a nice Thursday night victory in which Marshawn Lynch finally looked fully healthy. Darren McFadden carved up the Giants defense like a Halloween pumpkin last Sunday, so the only way the Cowboys are going to be able to win this game is if DMC gets 30 carries or more. If the Cowboys can’t establish the run–and be dominant in the ground game–the Seahawks should easily win this game.
123. 24. 36. Final. 13
Green Bay Packers (6-0) at Denver Broncos (6-0)
Sunday 11/1 at 8:30PM EST
Easily the most enticing game of the week, the clash of two undefeated teams could surely be one of the most exciting games of the 2015 season. Aaron Rodgers vs. Peyton Manning is always a fun matchup, even if Manning looks older and older in each game he plays. Both defenses in this game should take advantage of weak offensive line play throughout, and both teams could look to establish the run early. But when it comes down to it, this game will be dictated by quarterback play; for that reason, the Packers will likely be the ones to come out on top.
Final. 17. 45. 24. 49
Indianapolis Colts (3-4) at Carolina Panthers (6-0)
Monday 11/2 at 8:30PM EST
Andrew Luck needs to have a good game or two in the next couple of weeks, or people will seriously begin to question whether the Indianapolis Colts even have a chance at making the playoffs. If it weren’t for an unusually high number of quarterbacks playing incredibly well this season, Cam Newton would be an easy MVP candidate. He’s basically the only star player a Panthers offense full of misfits, yet he somehow makes it work. Carolina should win this game on Monday Night Football and advance to 7-0.
46. 17. 87. Final. 16