Week 8 of the 2025-26 NFL season opens with the Minnesota Vikings heading to California to battle the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football. Both of these franchises are hoping to return to the Playoffs and advance further than the Wild Card Round from last year.

Before we highlight a few other Week 8 matchups, it should be noted that six NFL teams are on a bye this week: Cardinals, Lions, Jaguars, Raiders, Seahawks, and Rams.

With that said, there are still some key matchups that will not only get fans pumped but NFL bettors excited as well, like the 49ers vs. Texans, Cowboys vs. Broncos

However, it’s the two primetime games that close out the week, where most of the excitement and action will take place.

The Sunday Night Football game features two iconic franchises as the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Green Bay Packers. And, on Monday Night Football, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Washington Commanders. Could this be a Super Bowl 60 preview?

Unlike in Week 7, there will not be a NFL International Game in Week 8. Those games return in Week 10.

Without any further delay, let’s take a look at the NFL Week 8 odds and make our early Week 8 picks. There’s no shame in getting your Week 8 NFL bets in early as there is some value on the boards.

NFL Week 8 Schedule

NFL Week 8 Odds

As we take an early look at the Week 8 NFL odds, there are some notable lines that jump off the page  at the top sports betting sites.

The Philadelphia Eagles are massive betting favorites at home versus the New York Giants as they’re listed with a -500 moneyline and a -10.5-point spread.

The biggest road favorite in Week 8 is the Buffalo Bills as they’re favored by seven points at Carolina.

The Chiefs host the Commanders on MNF and they sport the biggest Total for Week with an Over/Under of 48.5 points. I expect this line to increase. This will be a fun game for fantasy football teams and player prop bets.

I was really surprised with the oddsmakers favorite the 49ers at Houston. The Texans are getting zero love from the sportsbooks heading into the season. However, they have a better roster than the 49ers who lost a number of key players from last season.

With that said, check out our industry-leading handicapping membership with a generous free trial. Browse the thousands of NFL picks throughout the season, along with every other major sport.

Score on Every NFL Bet
With Our Elite

Handicapping Membership!

Get Free Trial

NFL Week 8 Predictions

Let’s take a look at the full slate of NFL Week 8 matchups and make our NFL picks for each game.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Chargers Odds

After 15 all-time meetings between these two franchises, the Minnesota Vikings hold a slight lead in this series with an 8-7 record against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The last time these two teams played against each other was in 2023, when the Chargers beat the Vikings in Minnesota by the score of 28-24. Prior to that, the Vikings had won three games in a row.

Their last meeting at the Chargers came in 2021, and the Vikings won that game 27-20. In fact, the Vikings have won two games in a row when playing on the road in this series.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Chargers Predictions

The Vikings finished runner-up in the NFC North last year, and the Chargers finished runner-up in the AFC West. Both teams aim to contend for the top spot in their respective division. Unfortunately, I’m not a big believer in the Vikings at this point in time.

I think LA’s Justin Herbert will outplay Minnesota’s JJ McCarthy and the Chargers’ run game will chew up the Vikings’ defense. Although the trends indicate otherwise, I like LA in this TNF matchup. I believe they snap their home losing streak versus Minnesota and win this game by four or more points.

Bet: Los Angeles Chargers (-150), Chargers -3 (-110)

New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles Odds

These long-time rivals have played against each other 185 times including five postseason matchups. Currently, the Philadelphia Eagles hold the lead in this series with a 95-88-2 record.

In fact, the Eagles have owned the New York Giants over the last four seasons as they’ve gone 7-1 over that span. Philly swept the Giants last season by the combined score of 48 to 16.

Philly has also won 12 consecutive games at home against the Giants. Furthermore, New York has not won in Philly since 2013. The Eagles are 52-38-1 all-time in home matchups versus the Giants.

New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles Predictions

The Eagles are rightfully listed as the favorite in this NFC East matchup. This is a game I will have circled to come back to if the Giants get off to a hot start on the season because 10.5 points in a divisional game is a lot.

With that said, I do see the Eagles winning this game as they are the better team and dominant at home in this rivalry. 12 straight home wins over New York is the very definition of domination. Plus, the Giants need to prove that they can beat Philly if they have any hope of contending for a Wild Card spot this year, which I don’t think they will.

Take Philly to win, but skip the spread and total for now until we see how good, or bad, the Giants are at the beginning of the year.

Bet: Philadelphia Eagles (-500)

Miami Dolphins vs. Atlanta Falcons Odds

The Miami Dolphins hold the lead in this series with a 9-5 record against the Atlanta Falcons. These teams last played against each other in 2021, and the Falcons won 30 to 28. Atlanta has taken three of the last five meetings.

In fact, after losing six of the first seven matchups against Miami, Atlanta has gone 4-3 since then. However, the Dolphins are 3-2 in games played at Atlanta. And, they won the last meeting at Atlanta (2017), by the score of 20-17.

Miami Dolphins vs. Atlanta Falcons Predictions

This could be a highly underrated matchup for Week 8 as both teams are competing for Wild Card spots in their respective conferences.

The Dolphins are a fun team to watch when everything is clicking on offense and that speed can be put to good use. However, that seems to be inconsistent over the last few seasons and it feels like the days are numbered for the coach, quarterback and GM.

On the other side, I’m pretty high on the Falcons heading into the season. I think they have plenty of potential on offense, which should result in a winning record this year.

That record should improve by one win this weekend as I see Atlanta outlasting Miami in a fun matchup that should result in plenty of points on the scoreboards and with fantasy teams.

Bet: Atlanta Falcons (-120), Falcons -1.5 (-110), Over 46.5 (-110)

Cleveland Browns vs. New England Patriots Odds

These two AFC bottom-dwelling teams from last year, now square off for the 28^th time in league history. Currently, the New England Patriots hold a slight edge with a 14-13 record.

Their last meeting came in 2022, and the Patriots won that game 38 to 15. In fact, New England has won five games in a row, and nine of the last 10 matchups versus the Cleveland Browns.

At home, New England has a losing record versus the Browns as Cleveland has taken eight of the 14 matchups. However, the Patriots have won three of their last four home meetings against the Browns including two in a row.

Cleveland Browns vs. New England Patriots Predictions

For the Patriots to take that next step, they must win the games that they’re the clear-cut favorites in. Especially when these games are at home like in Week 8 versus the Browns.

At this point of the season, Cleveland should be well behind the rest of the teams in the AFC North as they turn their attention towards the 2026 NFL Draft and season. In fact, I would be surprised if the Browns came into this game with more than one win on the year.

The Patriots are the better team from the front office to the coaching staff and down to the roster. Eventually, I see New England pulling away in the second half and winning by a comfortable margin of at least a touchdown.

Bet: New England Patriots (-215), Patriots -5.5 (-110)

New York Jets vs. Cincinnati Bengals Odds

There was a time when the New York Jets dominated this series. From 1992 to 2010, the Jets went 9-1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

However, the Bengals have improved since then and have taken four of the last five matchups. These two teams last met in 2022, and the Bengals won in New York by the score of 27-12.

The last time these teams played against each other in Cincy, came in 2019, and the Bengals won that game 22 to 6. In fact, the Bengals have won two in a row at home and three of the last four home games over the Jets.

New York Jets vs. Cincinnati Bengals Predictions

Like with the Browns above, I see the Jets coming into this matchup firmly entrenched in the basement of the AFC East division. I have very little faith in this organization, QB, and coaching staff.

Sure, the Jets defense might be good again, but it won’t matter when they’re on the field most of the game against an explosive offense like the Bengals.

Cincy should run up and down the field on New York as long as they can protect QB Joe Burrow. If their offensive line plays poorly, then the Jets actually have a chance to cover this spread.

With that said, there’s no way you can take the Jets for any wager at this point in the season.

Bet: Cincinnati Bengals (-195), Bengals -7.5 (-110)

Buffalo Bills vs. Carolina Panthers Odds

Much has been said about the Buffalo-Carolina connection as GM Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott both spent a lengthy amount of time with the Panthers before heading to the Bills. Additionally, there have been a number of front office personnel, assistance coaches and players to switch between teams.

As for the series itself, the Buffalo Bills hold the lead with a 6-2 record. They’ve won three of the last four meetings, including their most recent contest which came in 2021.

However, the Panthers won the last game in Carolina which came in 2017. That year, the Panthers won by a score of 9-3. That was also the year before Buffalo drafted Josh Allen.

Buffalo Bills vs. Carolina Panthers Predictions

Carolina’s development and trajectory will be put to the test this week as one of the best teams in the NFL come into town.

The Bills are coming off a bye week, which is bad news for the Panthers. It means that Buffalo will have an extra week to prepare, which they have shown to be nearly unbeatable following their bye weeks in previous seasons.

I see the Bills pressuring Bryce Young all game long with more blitzes than usual. On the other side, look for QB Josh Allen to rip apart this Panthers secondary that was arguably the worst in the league last year.

Bet: Buffalo Bills (-305), Bills -7 (-110)

San Francisco 49ers vs. Houston Texans Odds

These teams have only played against each other five times and the San Francisco 49ers hold a commanding 4-1 lead in the series. The 49ers have won three consecutive games over the Houston Texans.

Houston is 1-1 in home games versus the 49ers, with their lone home win coming in 2009. However, a lot has changed between these two teams since they last met – which was in 2022.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Houston Texans Predictions

The 49ers come into this week’s matchup as the odds-on favorite, which is a surprise to me considering their void in talent on both sides of the ball. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they entered Week 8 with a losing record and sitting last in the NFC West.  

On the other side of the field sits the Houston Texans who added talent to both sides of the ball. They can beat you by running the ball or throwing it, and their defense is going to be Top 10 all season long.

I don’t see how the 49ers are favored in this matchup considering it’s at Houston and the Texans have a more complete roster. Take the Texans while they’re listed as underdogs with the sportsbooks.

Bet: Houston Texans (+100), Texans +1.5 (-110)

Chicago Bears vs. Baltimore Ravens Odds

You might be surprised to know that the Chicago Bears hold a slight lead over the Baltimore Ravens in this head-to-head rivalry with a 4-3 series record.

The last time these teams met was in 2021, where the Ravens won by the score of 16-13. However, Chicago won the last game in Baltimore (2017) by the score of 27-24.

Overall, the Ravens are 2-1 in home games versus the Bears and have outscored them 48 to 13 in their two home victories.

Chicago Bears vs. Baltimore Ravens Predictions

I’ve been debating with other football fans over who had the best defense of all-time: the 85 Bears or the 2000 Ravens. I was a fan of the Ravens during that era, as I am a big fan of elite defenses. With that said, I still give the edge to the Bears in this debate.

However, there is no debating who the better team is during this Week 8 matchup. Even if the Bears exceeded all expectations and came into this game undefeated, I would still take the Ravens to win the game.

Baltimore is a different animal, and one that the Bears won’t be able to maul. Instead, it will be the Ravens harassing Caleb Williams all game long, along with the offensive duo of Jackson and Henry running all over Chicago’s defense. And, when the Bears try to stop the run, Baltimore will crush them with the play-action pass.

Bet: Baltimore Ravens (-305), Ravens -7 (-110)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints Odds

After 67 all-time meetings, between these bitter divisional rivals, the New Orleans Saints hold command 40-27 series lead. However, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won six of the last seven meetings including sweeping the Saints last year.

Furthermore, the Bucs have won three in a row at New Orleans including last year when they crushed the Saint 51-27 on their home turf.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints Predictions

This NFC South divisional matchup was often a highly competitive matchup where one score decided the outcome. Unfortunately, that all changed last year and it won’t be the case this weekend either.

The Saints are going to be one of the worst teams in the NFL, while the Buccaneers have the talent and drive to win another division title and make a run deep in the NFC Conference.

I expect this Bucs defense to completely stop the Saints running game. This will put pressure on New Orleans’ young QB, whomever it is at the time, who will make a number of mistakes.

Offensively, Tampa Bay will run and pass all over this Saints defense as they get extra possessions and score at-will. I see Tampa winning this game by at least a touchdown; probably even double-digit points.

Bet: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-218), Bucs -5.5 (-110)

Dallas Cowboys vs. Denver Broncos Odds

The Denver Broncos hold the lead in this series with a 9-5 record. However, the Dallas Cowboys won the game that matted the most – Super Bowl 12.

With that said, the Broncos have won seven games in a row over the Cowboys. Additionally, Denver has won three games in a row at home over Dallas. They’ve also taken five of the last six at home versus the Cowboys.

The last game these two played at Denver came in 2017, where the Broncos won by the score of 42-17. The last time these teams played against each other in general, was in 2021, and the Broncos won 30-16.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Denver Broncos Predictions

Here’s another game that should be an intriguing matchup as we have the explosive Dallas offense taking on arguably the best defense in the league. Conversely, I think the Cowboys defense will be improved and provide Denver’s Bo Nix with some problems as well.

With that said, the Broncos have the edge on defense, better head coach, home-field advantage and the altitude all on their side. They also have a seven-game winning streak over the Cowboys too.

I expect this game to see some lulls for both offenses as the defenses prevail at times. However, look for the Broncos to limit Dak Prescott and this passing attack. I also see Denver finding success running the ball against a smaller Dallas defense, which will open up the play-action.

Nix will extend plays with his legs, while Prescott will get sacked more. Take Denver to win at home and cover the spread in what should be an entertaining matchup.

Bet: Denver Broncos (-195), Broncos -4.5 (-110)

Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts Odds

After 61 all-time meetings in this rivalry, the Indianapolis Colts hold a sizable lead over the Tennessee Titans with a 39-22 record.

Additionally, the Colts have won four games in a row. They swept the Titans last year by a combined score of 58 to 47. These games have been decided by one score for the last four years.

The Colts are 21-12 all-time at home versus the Titans. They’ve won two games in a row at home in this series.

Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts Predictions

By this point of the season, one of these two teams will be firmly entrenched in the basement of the AFC South. My money is on the Titans being in last place by then.

I don’t see many wins for Tennessee this season. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were winless coming into this matchup. They don’t have the offensive passing attack needed to win games in this league, and they’re going to be focusing on developing a rookie QB.

The Colts will be erratic on offense as they have their own issues at QB. However, Indy has more weapons on offense and a better overall defense. I also think their coaching staff gives them the edge over Tennessee’s coaches.

Take Indy to win this game and cover. If the spread falls below a field goal, then place more units on Indy to cover. The Colts have swept the Titans over the last two seasons, and I expect Indy to do it again this year as well.

Bet: Indianapolis Colts (-175), Colts -3.5 (-110)

Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Odds

The Green Bay Packers hold a slight lead in this series with a 20-17 all-time record. However, it’s been the Pittsburgh Steelers who have won six of the last eight matchups.

Making matters worse for the Packers is the fact that the Steelers have won six home games in a row over Green Bay. The last meeting in Pittsburgh took place in 2023, and the Steelers won 23-19.

Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions

Here we have Aaron Rodgers’ new team going up against his old team, of which he won multiple MVPs and a Super Bowl with. In fact, that SB win came in 2011, when Rodgers led the Packers over his new team – the Steelers.

Rodgers is well past his prime, but he can’t play any worse than what Fields and Wilson did last year. Additionally, this offense has retooled in the offseason, which should give them more speed than last year as well. Rodgers can still diagnose defensive coverages and get the ball out fast, so speed is his friend here.

Unfortunately, for the Steelers and Rodgers, the Packers are the better team on both sides of the ball. They have the better QB, running backs, offense, and coaching staff this season.

Look for the Packers to win this game by at least a field goal and snap their six-game losing streak at Pittsburgh.

Bet: Green Bay Packers (-120), Packers -1.5 (-110)

Washington Commanders vs. Kansas City Chiefs Odds

This head-to-head matchup has been owned by the Kansas City Chiefs as they’ve gone 10-1 all-time against the Washington Commanders. In fact, the Chiefs have won eight games in a row versus the Commanders.

Furthermore, the Chiefs blew out the Commanders 31-13 in their last head-to-head meeting, which took place in 2021.

If that weren’t enough to depress Washington fans, this stat will – the Chiefs are undefeated at home versus the Commanders with a perfect 5-0 record.

Washington Commanders vs. Kansas City Chiefs Predictions

For me, this is the main attraction of Week 8, and it comes on Monday Night Football for the whole world to see.

Both teams are loaded with talent and made their respective conference title games last year. The Commanders ended up losing in the Conference Championship round, but the Chiefs won the AFC Championship once again.

KC is a tough team at home, which is why they’re favored by more than a FG. Yet, Washington’s young QB Jayden Daniels proved last year that he’s not afraid of big moments. In fact, Daniels firmly established himself as the best young QB and quite possibly the 5^th best QB in the league.

I see this game being a back-and-forth battle where each team scores points. So, take the Over as this should be a high scoring affair of 50+ total points.

For the spread, go with the Commanders. I can see KC kicking a FG as time expires to win this matchup but not cover the points.

Mahomes vs. Daniels is must see TV!

Bet: Kansas City Chiefs (-195), Commanders +3.5 (-110), Over 48.5 (-110)

NFL Week 8 Best Bets

Check out our best NFL bets for Week 8:

• Buffalo Bills (-305)
• Houston Texans +1.5 (-110)
• Commanders vs. Chiefs Over 48.5 (-110)

The Bills are coming off a bye week, which means they have two weeks to prepare for the Panthers who are already not on the same level as Buffalo in regards to talent on both sides of the ball. Allen will shred this defense for 30+ points easily.

The Texans at home versus the 49ers feels like a steal. Houston has the better overall roster and are a strong team at home. San Francisco does not have the passing weapons to challenge this elite Texans’ secondary, which means Houston will stuff the box and stop the run.

As mentioned above, the Commanders vs. Chiefs is the best game of the week. Look for these two teams to put up plenty of points as they easily surpass the 48.5 total. I wouldn’t be surprised if they flirted with 60 or more points.

If you want to combine all four picks into an NFL parlay, then you would win $384 on a $100 wager.