Bing Predicts NFL Week 8

Miami Dolphins @ Houston Texans

Game time: Thursday, Oct. 25, 8:20 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Houston Texans lead series 7-1

The Houston Texans look to stay hot this Thursday after a huge 20-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday. Despite an 0-3 start, the Texans put together a four-game winning streak and currently hold sole possession of first place in the AFC South. Houston is only the sixth team in the Super Bowl era to win four-consecutive games after losing its first three of the season. Only one of the previous five—the 1998 Buffalo Bills—went on to reach the playoffs.

If the Texans can extend their winning streak to five, they’ll likely have to do so without dynamic rookie receiver Keke Coutee who left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. Coutee has given Houston a viable third pass-catching option, after he missed the first three games of the season with a hamstring injury. This time around, it looks to be less serious, but he’s not expected to dress on Thursday.  

Houston welcomes its former quarterback Brock Osweiler and the Miami Dolphins this week. Osweiler is expected to start for the third consecutive game this season as regular starter Ryan Tannehill continues to nurse an injured right shoulder. Despite a Dolphins’ loss last week, the team hasn’t seen much of a drop off, if any, with Osweiler under center. In his two-game sample size, the backup QB is averaging more passing yards-per-game and has a better touchdown-to-interception ratio than Tannehill has averaged in 2018.

The Dolphins and the Texans haven’t played since 2015 when Miami won 44-26, but Houston has been victorious the seven other times these two franchises have met. 

Bing Predicts winner: Houston Texans (75% chance)

See more on the Houston Texans

Philadelphia Eagles @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Game time: Sunday, Oct. 28, 9:30 a.m. EST

Historical matchup: Jacksonville Jaguars lead series 3-2

The third and final London game of the season was one many had circled before the season’s start. Both teams enter Week 8 though sitting on the wrong side of .500: The Jaguars have lost three-straight games, and the Eagles have lost three of their last four.

After fumbling in the second quarter, Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles was benched on Sunday in favor of Cody Kessler. Bortles has committed 11 turnovers this season (eight in the last three games). Bortles, who signed a three-year, $54 million contract extension in the offseason, will reclaim his starting role this Sunday.  

Philadelphia relinquished a 17-point lead to Carolina last week: The Panthers scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to defeat the Eagles 21-17. The NFC East is still very much up for grabs with the Redskins currently sitting atop the division at 4-2, but Philadelphia still faces Washington two times this season.

Both of these teams need to turn their seasons around, and a victory across the pond would be a good step in that direction. 

Bing Predicts winner: Philadelphia Eagles (58% chance)

See more on the Philadelphia Eagles

New York Jets @ Chicago Bears

Game time: Sunday, Oct. 28, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Chicago Bears lead series 8-3-0

The Bears have been brought back to reality after stringing together a three-game winning streak earlier this season. Chicago dropped its second straight game after a near-miracle almost brought last week's game against the Patriots into overtime. A Mitchell Trubisky last-second, 54-yard heave to Kevin White fell one yard short of the end zone.

Now at 3-3, the Bears are heavy favorites against a Jets' team that fell 37-17 to the Vikings in Week 7. New York's rookie quarterback Sam Darnold struggled. He was 17-of-42 with three interceptions, and the Jets' two-game winning streak was halted.

The Bears' prolific pass rusher Khalil Mack has had one of the most impressive starts to a season in recent history, but the team's All-Pro acquisition is battling a tweaked ankle (suffered in the Week 6 loss to the Dolphins) and doesn't look like the same player. Chicago's defense is fueled by Mack's success. The defense was credited with only one sack and three quarterback hurries last week. Mack recorded only one tackle and spent most of the afternoon in pass coverage.

The Jets have a chance this week if the Bears' defense can't return to regular form. 

Bing Predicts winner: Chicago Bears (72% chance)

See more on the Chicago Bears

Washington Redskins @ New York Giants

Game time: Sunday, Oct. 28, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: New York Giants lead series 100-68-4

This NFC East battle features the Redskins boasting the best record in the division and the Giants sitting firmly at the bottom.

Washington nearly allowed Dallas back into last week’s game after leading 20-10 in the fourth quarter, but a missed field goal at the end of regulation by Cowboys’ kicker Brett Maher secured a 20-17 victory for the Redskins. Quarterback Alex Smith did just enough, throwing for 178 yards and score. Running back Adrian Peterson added 99 yards on the ground for Washington.

New York has trailed for the most minutes of any team in the NFL this season. They trailed for most of Monday night’s 23-20 loss to the Falcons, despite bringing the game within one score in the fourth quarter. Questionable clock management by quarterback Eli Manning left the Giants with almost no time to kick and recover an onside kick. They had the ball on the Falcons’ one-yard-line with over 40 seconds left in the game when Manning attempted two failed QB sneaks with no timeouts.

Odell Beckham Jr. went off for a season-high 143 yards receiving on eight receptions, but New York will need more than a big game from their star receiver if they want to compete with Washington.

Bing Predicts winner: Washington Redskins (53% chance)

See more on the Washington Redskins

Baltimore Ravens @ Carolina Panthers

Game time: Sunday, Oct. 28, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Carolina Panthers lead series 3-2

The Panthers and the Ravens have shown through the first seven weeks of the season that both teams have the potential to make a playoff run.

The Panthers used 21-unanswered points last week to come from behind and take down the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles. Quarterback Cam Newton threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns (both in the fourth quarter) and added 49 rushing yards in the victory.

The Ravens also battled back from a fourth quarter deficit and were an extra point away from tying the game, but the most accurate field goal kicker in the history of the NFL, Justin Tucker, missed an extra point. He was 222-for-222 on conversions prior to the miss. The improbable failed attempt prevented a chance at overtime and a chance for the Ravens to move into sole possession of first place in the AFC North.

These uncommon opponents have only faced one another five times. The Ravens won their 2014 matchup 38-10, but the Panthers have won their last eight home games.

Bing Predicts winner: Baltimore Ravens (53% chance)

See more on the Baltimore Ravens

Seattle Seahawks @ Detroit Lions

Game time: Sunday, Oct. 28, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Seattle Seahawks lead series 9-5

The Seahawks and the Lions will both try to climb above .500 for the first time this season. While it looks like a foregone conclusion that the Rams will win the NFC West, Seattle hopes to stay in the wild card conversation and build on a dominant 27-3 victory over the Raiders in Week 6. Quarterback Russell Wilson threw for three touchdowns.

The Lions have won two straight games and are in the thick of a wide open NFC North division. Rookie running back Kerryon Johnson rushed for 158 of the Lions 248 yards on the ground in their victory over the Dolphins. The Lions haven’t rushed for a total that high since 1997. The Lions also found a new red zone weapon in tight end Michael Roberts, who was active for the first time since Week 2. Roberts had three receptions, two of which were touchdowns.

These teams last faced each other in the 2016-17 Wild Card Game when the Seahawks defeated the Lions 26-6. Both teams missed the playoffs last season, but a win Sunday would go a long way in either team’s return to the postseason.

Bing Predicts winner: Detroit Lions (53% chance)

See more on the Detroit Lions

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Cincinnati Bengals

Game time: Sunday, Oct. 28, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Tampa Bay Buccaneers lead series 7-4

Tampa Bay takes its .500 record into Cincinnati, looking to maintain momentum after a much-needed victory last week.

The offensive potential shown early this season by the Buccaneers has faded. After victories over the Saints and the Eagles, the Bucs lost three straight prior to Sunday’s overtime victory over the Browns. Tampa Bay needed a 59-yard field goal, the longest in league history in overtime, to secure the 26-23 victory.

The Bengals were trounced 45-10 on Sunday night by the Chiefs—one of the league’s most dynamic offenses. Another elite performance from wide receiver A.J. Green (seven catches for 117 yards) was not nearly enough to keep things close on the road against Kansas City.

After a tough week, the Bengals’ opportunistic defense should pressure quarterback Jameis Winston early and often: Winston has thrown six interceptions and lost a fumble all in three games this season. 

Bing Predicts winner: Cincinnati Bengals (69% chance)

See more on the Cincinnati Bengals

Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs

Game time: Sunday, Oct. 28, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Kansas City Chiefs lead series 62-55

If we know one thing entering Week 8 of the NFL season, it's that the Kansas City offense cannot be contained. The team is averaging over 37 points-per-game (ranked first in the league) and shows no signs of slowing down. Early MVP frontrunner, Patrick Mahomes II leads the NFL in touchdown passes (22) and has a 114 passer rating, the fifth best in the league.

Despite playing the Chiefs tough earlier this year, eventually surrendering a 10-point lead to their division rivals in a Week 4 loss, the Broncos are big underdogs. Denver is fresh off a monstrous 45-10 win, albeit over the Arizona Cardinals, one of the worst teams in football.

This second matchup between these teams is in Kansas City, and the road has been no friend to the Broncos over the last two years. Including Thursday's victory, Denver is 2-9 on the road, dating back to last season. The Broncos hope running back Royce Freeman and safety Darian Stewart, who are both day-to-day, will be able to go Sunday. They'll need all the help they can get against the Chiefs.

Bing Predicts winner: Kansas City Chiefs (74% chance)

See more on the Kansas City Chiefs

Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Game time: Sunday, Oct. 28, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers lead series 74-58-1

When these two teams last squared off in Week 1, it ended in a 21-21 stalemate, but things look a little different this time around. Tyrod Taylor was quarterbacking the Browns at season’s start but has since given way to dynamic rookie Baker Mayfield, who has helped the Browns to two wins in a season for the first time since 2016.

It was rumored that All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell would finally make his return to the Steelers this week immediately following the team’s bye, but it now appears he won’t report until after the Oct. 30 trade deadline, if at all.

A well-rested Pittsburgh squad welcomes Cleveland who, yet again, found itself in overtime last week, eventually losing 26-23 to the Buccaneers. More games have gone to overtime (4) for the Browns this year than haven’t (3).

Cleveland forced four turnovers in Week 7 against Tampa Bay, but only one of the four led to points. The Browns will need to capitalize on opportunities if they want to take down the division-rival Steelers, who they haven’t beaten since 2014. The AFC North is still up for the taking, which makes this game crucial for these two teams trying to climb to the top of the division. 

Bing Predicts winner: Pittsburgh Steelers (77% chance)

See more on the Pittsburgh Steelers

Indianapolis Colts @ Oakland Raiders

Game time: Sunday, Oct. 28, 4:05 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Oakland Raiders lead series 9-7

Despite their 2-5 record, the Indianapolis Colts aren’t yet dead in the AFC South and are likely better than their record indicates. Only two games separate the last place Colts, who have a point differential of plus-4 this season, and the first place Texans. They’ll travel to Oakland to take on the Raiders, who look unrevivable in the AFC West. The Raiders needed an overtime field goal against the Cleveland Browns in Week 4 for their only victory in an otherwise dismal season.

The second stint of head coach Jon Gruden has been anything but a fairytale, but at the very least, the team appears to be planning for the future. After trading star receiver Amari Cooper to the Cowboys for a first-round pick earlier this week, the Raiders have five first-rounders over the next two seasons.

The reeling Raiders will be without running back Marshawn Lynch, who was placed on injured reserve Monday. The Colts and quarterback Andrew Luck, who is sneakily having a good season after returning from injury (20 touchdowns and just under 2,000 yards passing), should fare well against the depleted Raiders. 

Bing Predicts winner: Indianapolis Colts (55% chance)

See more on the Indianapolis Colts

Green Bay Packers @ Los Angeles Rams

Game time: Sunday, Oct. 28, 4:25 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Series tied 46-46-2

This could be the marquee matchup of the Week 8 slate—the most dominant team in football this season versus arguably the most captivating quarterback in football over the last decade.

The Rams, the only undefeated team remaining in the NFL, welcome Aaron Rodgers and the Packers into Los Angeles off of a Green Bay bye. Rodgers, who has been battling an ailing knee all season after a Week 1 injury against the Bears, hopes to be as healthy as he has been since then. Even with Rodgers at full strength, the task is tall, and he will be facing one of the most lethal defensive lines in the league anchored by 2017 Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald and five-time Pro Bowl selection Ndamukong Suh.

The Packers could pose the biggest threat to the Rams this year. Green Bay has surrendered the fourth-least yards through the air this season. Expect a lot of Rams’ running back Todd Gurley, who leads the league in rushing. On offense for Green Bay, the team hopes #2 and #3 receivers Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison are available: both have been sidelined each of the last two weeks.

Bing Predicts winner: Los Angeles Rams (75% chance)

See more on the Los Angeles Rams

San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals

Game time: Sunday, Oct. 28, 4:25 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: San Francisco 49ers lead series 29-25

These two teams, battling to stay out of the basement of the NFC West, are still struggling to find their identities. The San Francisco 49ers have experienced a bevy of injuries this season, most notably their two biggest offensive weapons in quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and running back Jerick McKinnon who have both missed several weeks with torn ACLs.

Expectations were high entering 2018 after the Niners traded for Garoppolo and ended last season on a five-game winning streak. San Francisco is now attempting to halt a five-game losing streak and to battle even more ailments, particularly to its secondary. Safety Adrian Colbert left Sunday’s game with a leg injury, and cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Jimmie Ward were both inactive as well.

The Cardinals hope to have found their quarterback of the future in Josh Rosen, but the rookie has shown he’s not there yet. Rosen has been shaky since he took over the starting role in Week 4. He struggled last Thursday in a 45-10 loss to the Denver Broncos, throwing three interceptions.

Arizona’s only win in 2018 came when these two faced off earlier in October. The Cardinals won 28-18. 

Bing Predicts winner: Arizona Cardinals (67% chance)

See more on the Arizona Cardinals

New Orleans Saints @ Minnesota Vikings

Game time: Sunday, Oct. 28, 8:20 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Minnesota Vikings lead series 22-11-0

New Orleans and Minnesota sit atop their respective divisions. The Vikings have strung together three-consecutive wins after dipping below .500 earlier this season. It appears that the Minnesota defense that was so disruptive last year has finally found its groove. In Week 7, the Vikings held Jets quarterback Sam Darnold to 11-of-33 passing over the final three quarters of a 37-17 victory. They also forced three interceptions. On the other side of the ball, receiver Adam Thielen continues to amaze. He became the first player in the Super Bowl era to record over 100 yards receiving in each of his first seven games of the season.

The Saints have built an even more impressive win streak—five games—and eked out a 24-23 victory over the Baltimore Ravens and their #1 defense last week. While quarterback Drew Brees was an efficient 22-of-30 with two touchdowns, the storyline from Sunday's game was Ravens kicker Justin Tucker and the first missed extra point attempt of his career, which was the difference in the game.

While this matchup has obvious playoff implications, it's also a rematch of one of the most iconic game-winning moments in playoff history. The Saints will look for redemption after surrendering a last-second touchdown to receiver Stefon Diggs that catapulted the Vikings into last year's NFC Championship Game and sent the Saints home. 

Bing Predicts winner: Minnesota Vikings (60% chance)

See more on the Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills

Game time: Monday, Oct. 29, 8:15 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: New England Patriots lead series 72-43-1

The week’s biggest point spread (13) comes to us by way of the New England Patriots traveling west to Buffalo for an AFC East clash. The Bills are hopeful quarterback Derek Anderson, who was signed before Week 7, can find more of a rhythm this week after throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble in the Bills 37-5 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Anderson will get the nod under center as rookie QB Josh Allen continues to recover from an elbow injury.

Anyone and everyone worried about the Patriots after their 1-2 start to the season. They certainly didn’t feel the pressure. New England is rolling with four-consecutive victories and, as they typically have over the last two decades, sits atop the AFC East.

New England received good news Monday after fearing the worst when starting running back Sony Michel left Sunday’s game with what appeared to be a serious knee injury. An MRI revealed no structural damage to the knee, but Michel will be week-to-week as the season continues.

If the Bills can pull off the huge upset at home, it will be the first time they’ve beaten the Patriots in Buffalo since 2011.

Bing Predicts winner: New England Patriots (73% chance)

See more on the New England Patriots