By Ron Johnson
NFL Week Eight
As October comes to a close, and the NFL hits the half way point we can tell who is heading in the right direction (Chiefs, Eagles, Lions at least), who is heading the wrong direction (Bucs, Rams, Saints for example) and who just can seem to get it right (looking at you Carolina). But the reality is even with Week Eight on the horizon, there is no clear path to the top.
But who will suffer from the tricks of Halloween, and who will enjoy the treats of it?
Texans (3-3) vs. Panthers (0-6)
The Texans have started to figure out the method that works for them as they are no longer in the basement of the AFC South. In fact, they have a better record than the Colts and Titans. CJ Stroud is trying to get the Texans back on the winning path as he leads the Texans to a rookie showdown with an old friend. On the other side, you got the Panthers. This is a team that needs something to go right for them this season. With Bryce Young still trying to find his rhythm, the team, as a whole, is in a state of disarray.
Rams (3-4) vs. Cowboys (4-2)
The Cowboys spent last week watching as its division rivals either shined or imploded. Two weeks ago, they outlasted the Chargers on Monday night despite suffering injuries on the offensive line. Now they have a very angrily motivated Rams team coming to town prior to Halloween. The Cowboys seem to play better in afternoon and evening games, so it will be interesting to see what they do when they are playing an early game on Sunday. As for the Rams, there are questions as to the longevity of Matthew Stafford as well as the overall health of Cooper Kupp. Either way, we should get another episode of The Puka Nacua Show considering how unreal he has been all season for the Rams.
Vikings (3-4) vs. Packers (2-4)
The Packers lost a shocker to the Broncos last week, while the Vikings shocked the Niners on Monday night. While Green Bay’s offense is still looking shaky, so is Minnesota’s offense without Justin Jefferson. One lifetime ago, this would be a can’t miss game, but now, the thrill and energy is hard to find. With both teams chasing Detroit for the top spot in the North, will we see Mr. Icey show out in Green Bay, or will Packers Country finally feel the Love of Jordan?
Saints (3-4) vs. Colts (3-4)
The Saints could not get past a nastier Jags defense last week, and the Colts lost a shootout with the Browns in what turned out to be a very entertaining game. The Saints expected better when they signed Derek Carr in the offseason, and what they got has been the equivalent of Jameis Winston in Tampa Bay form. Gardner Minshew has done enough to keep the Colts in the hunt for the AFC South, and had it not been for Tampa Bay losing on Thursday, the Saints wouldn’t be in the conversation. Something has to give on Sunday, and the Colts look to take down another top quarterback.
Patriots (2-5) vs. Dolphins (5-2)
The Dolphins could not turn on the switch for the offense in Philly, but the Patriots turned out the lights on Josh Allen and the Bills last week. The Patriots finally got back to their winning ways and look to keep that up in South Beach. But the Dolphins have been a major force to be reckoned with, and on top of that, Belichick still has issues in Florida. In theory, we should see the Dolphins have little to no issues with the Pats, but then again, we also expected the Bills to dominate last week. So, anything is possible.
Jets (3-3) vs. Giants (2-5)
In the Battle of the Big Apple, these two teams are not where we expected them to be this stretch of the season. The Giants got their second win of the year last week (a 14-7 win over the Commanders), and the Jets are returning from their bye week after shocking the world against the Eagles. Did we forget to mention that neither Daniel Jones nor Aaron Rodgers will be playing in this game? In fact, Rodgers has been out since the beginning of the season, and the Jets are still finding ways to stun everyone.
Jaguars (5-2) vs. Steelers (4-2)
The Jaguars had a great time in their other home (London), then came back to the States and didn’t miss a beat. While they are owning the AFC South, the Steelers are doing whatever it takes to stay in the postseason picture. Translation: They are begging, borrowing, bribing and dealing as proven last week against the Rams. But even with TJ Watt playing possibly his best season to date, is that enough to stop the momentum of the Jags?
Falcons (4-3) vs. Titans (2-4)
If you were to tell any of us that the Falcons would have a better record than the Titans, I’d say you were drunk. But heading into Week Eight, the Falcons are flying high, while the Titans are falling fast. Has the Ryan Tannehill experiment finally run its course in Nashville? How much more of this will Derrick Henry suffer through? With the NFC South in their grasp, the Falcons will need to play an almost flawless game against an unpredictable Titans squad come Sunday.
Eagles (6-1) vs. Commanders (3-4)
The last time these two battle was a few weeks ago, and the Eagles needed overtime to take them down. Last week, they looked like the Eagles of old, while the Commanders looked like a dysfunctional family at a spring family reunion. With many wondering if the Commanders’ have lost their swagger, no one is questioning the Eagles’ motivation. And with Dallas on the horizon for both of these teams, they both know that you cannot survive in the NFC with the losses piling up.
Browns (4-2) vs. Seahawks (4-2)
In a game where both teams are shocking everyone, Cleveland looks to stay on Baltimore’s heels. But Seattle is also looking to overtake the Niners, losers of two straight, for the NFC West lead. Not many expected these two teams to have matching, winning records, but they do. Can PJ Walker finally be able to shine like he did in the XFL, and will Geno continue his impressive performance with the 12th Man behind him? This close to Halloween, we already know someone has a blank tombstone with Geno’s name on it in their front yard.
Ravens (5-2) vs. Cardinals (1-6)
This will be a quick preview: The Cardinals are lost without Kyler Murray. Lamar Jackson is finding his groove. The Ravens should win this game, and I’ll be surprised if the fans even show up for this one.
Chiefs (6-1) vs. Broncos (2-5)
The last time these two teams met, Denver made Patrick Mahomes look vulnerable. In fact, the Chiefs did not look like themselves at home on Thursday night. Now that the setting changes to the Mile High City, there is a chance that we should see Taylor Swift, Brittany Mahomes and John Elway for that matter. But after last week’s dominating performance against the Chargers, will we see a repeat performance this weekend? And have the Broncos found a way to make the Chiefs go from Gods to humans?
Bengals (3-3) vs. 49ers (5-2)
This was a great Super Bowl in the 80s. This was the Super Bowl everyone picked a few years ago. In fact, this was a Super Bowl that has been picked the last few years. While one team is finding its groove, the other is learning that they can be beaten. The Bengals are hoping that Joe Burrow will be good to go on Sunday, while the Niners are hoping to get off the losing skid they’ve been on since losing a few key players. One thought that McCaffrey was their whole offense, but not even Christian could stop the Vikings defense on Monday night. Can the Niners stop Ja’Marr Chase??
Bears (2-5) vs. Chargers (2-4)
On a Sunday night game that can be missed and not missed at the same time. With Justin Fields out for this Sunday night matchup, it’ll be up to rookie Tyson Bagent to take the reins once more. But here’s the kicker: the kid is helping Chicago get out of the NFC North basement. And while Justin Herbert is suffering two straight losses (vs. Dallas and at KC), the team is still in decent shape if they want to fight for a Wild Card spot.
Raiders (3-4) vs. Lions (5-2)
The Raiders are in a state of pain right now as the Jimmy G Experience is not panning out well for them. While Vegas is changing quarterbacks, their coach is still the same. We all knew that Josh McDaniels is not the head guy we expected him to be, but he still has the job. On the other side, they will have their hands full. After getting embarrassed by Baltimore last week, Detroit is beyond angry with themselves. The Lions look to get back in the groove on Monday night when they face a Raiders team that has not been enjoyable to watch. At least Las Vegas can be happy about one thing: Hockey is back, and the Knights are looking great.
