Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen Meet in Buffalo With Season Standings Hanging in the Balance
As the NFL hurtles toward its midway point, the Buffalo Bills host the Baltimore Ravens in a Week 8 matchup featuring two quarterbacks who have combined to win three of the past seven Most Valuable Player awards. Lamar Jackson returns to the Baltimore lineup after missing three games with a high-ankle sprain, stepping back onto the field as the Ravens try to climb out of last place in the AFC North with a 4-3 record. Meanwhile, the Bills sit at 5-1 atop the AFC East, boasting the league’s top-scoring offense at 32.8 points per game while yielding 28.5 points defensively, according to league statistics.
Bills Offense Faces Ravens Defense in Regular Season Clash
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen enters the contest holding a 2-0 postseason record against Jackson and the Ravens, though Jackson holds a 3-2 regular-season advantage in their head-to-head meetings. Both 2018 draft picks are still chasing their first Lombardi Trophy, having reached no further than the conference championship round in their careers. The Bills promoted Joe Brady to replace Sean McDermott, while Baltimore hired Jesse Minter to take over for John Harbaugh. The Ravens defense attempts to slow down an explosive Buffalo attack that leads the NFL in scoring, while Baltimore’s offense looks to find rhythm after totaling just 23 points across its last two outings.
Detroit Lions Travel to Face Undefeated Minnesota Vikings
The undefeated Minnesota Vikings host the Detroit Lions in a matchup between an elite defensive unit and a high-powered offense. Minnesota enters the game at 6-0 as the league’s last unbeaten team, giving up just 74 points all season while fielding an offense ranked in the bottom 10 in total yards, passing yards, and scoring under quarterback Kyler Murray. Detroit counters with an attack averaging 30.7 points per game, relying on quarterback Jared Goff, who holds a 136.4 passer rating against the blitz this season. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores leads a pass rush tied for second in the NFL with 21 sacks, setting up a clash against a Lions team that won five straight and six of the last seven meetings prior to the 2025 campaign.
Kansas City Chiefs Visit Denver Broncos in AFC West Battle
The Denver Broncos host the Kansas City Chiefs in a 4:25 p.m. ET divisional game. Kansas City opened the year with five straight wins before dropping a 20-3 decision to the Seattle Seahawks last week, a game in which Patrick Mahomes and the offense failed to reach the red zone. Denver has won three consecutive games under coach Sean Payton, who reclaimed play-calling duties from Davis Webb. Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph oversees a unit holding opponents to 20.1 points per game, ranking seventh fewest in the league, while quarterback Bo Nix looks to find consistency in his third season after averaging 181.6 passing yards.
Philadelphia Eagles Travel to Washington to Play Commanders
The Philadelphia Eagles face the Washington Commanders in an NFC East prime-time matchup at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. Both teams enter the game with significant struggles, as the Eagles sit at 2-5, while Washington holds a 1-4-1 record.
Chicago Bears Visit Seattle Seahawks in Prime-Time Bout
The Seattle Seahawks host the Chicago Bears in an 8:15 p.m. ET matchup on ESPN following Seattle’s victory over Kansas City. Seattle coach Mike Macdonald directs a defense allowing 17.9 points and 233.9 yards per game with 12 takeaways. Chicago strengthened its trenches prior to kickoff by acquiring four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons in a trade with the Tennessee Titans, adding depth to a top-10 scoring defense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Week 8
Which teams are on a bye in Week 8?
Four teams rest during the Week 8 slate: the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers.
When and where is the Lamar Jackson versus Josh Allen matchup taking place?
The game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday in Buffalo, airing nationally on CBS.
What major trade did the Chicago Bears complete ahead of Week 8?
The Bears acquired four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans on Thursday.
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