NFL Week 8 Picks 2026: Game-by-Game Predictions & Winners
NFL Week 8 picks 2026 cover all 14 games, from Panthers at Packers on Thursday night to Bears at Seahawks on Monday. Every game gets a straight up winner, the injury news that matters and a short reason why.
Four teams are on bye this week: the Texans, Saints, Giants and 49ers. Every game is in the United States, and the headline matchups are Vikings at Lions, Chiefs at Broncos and Browns at Steelers, a battle of 5 and 2 teams for the AFC North lead. Lamar Jackson is trending toward a return in Buffalo after missing three games.
The Vikings are the last unbeaten team at 6 and 0 after the 49ers lost in Atlanta. We went 8 and 5 on our Week 7 picks, including the Bengals upset, and our season record is 68 and 37 with one tie. Records and injury news below are current through Tuesday, October 27.
For every kickoff time and channel, see the 2026 NFL schedule. These are fan predictions for entertainment only.
In This Article9 sections · tap to jump
Thursday Night Football Pick
Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers, 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video
Carolina is 3 and 3 after a 43 to 13 home loss to Tampa Bay. Bryce Young threw for 163 yards and two interceptions and was sacked five times, and right tackle Taylor Moton is out for the season with a fractured fibula. Young (knee) was a full participant in Monday’s practice estimate.
Green Bay is 4 and 3 after a 20 to 17 loss in Detroit on a walk off field goal. Jordan Love threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns, and Josh Jacobs scored in his season debut. Matthew Golden did not practice Monday, and center Sean Rhyan is awaiting an MRI. Both teams are on a short week, and Lambeau Field is the edge.
Pick: Packers
Sunday, November 1: Early Game Picks (1:00 p.m. ET)
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (FOX)
Minnesota is 6 and 0 after a 16 to 10 win over Indianapolis, sealed by a late Harrison Smith interception. Kyler Murray threw for 150 yards and a touchdown. Aaron Jones (knee) is day to day, and Jordan Mason is back from his thumb injury if Jones sits.
Detroit is 4 and 2 after beating Green Bay 20 to 17. Jared Goff threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, Amon-Ra St. Brown had 153 receiving yards and Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 116. Brian Branch picked off Jordan Love in his return. This is our upset pick: the Lions offense at Ford Field hands Minnesota its first loss.
Pick: Lions
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills (CBS)
Baltimore is 4 and 3 after a 35 to 13 loss to Cincinnati. Tyler Huntley threw for 298 yards but was sacked four times, and Derrick Henry was held to 45 yards. Lamar Jackson (ankle) is very likely to play after missing three games, with more clarity expected Wednesday.
Buffalo is 5 and 1 and comes off its bye. DJ Moore (shoulder) is likely back, though defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson is suspended for this game. Even with Jackson back, the rested Bills at home are the pick.
Pick: Bills
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers (CBS)
Cleveland is 5 and 2 after a 27 to 24 win in Tennessee on a walk off 32 yard field goal by Andre Szmyt. Deshaun Watson threw for 308 yards and ran for a touchdown, Quinshon Judkins scored twice and KC Concepcion caught eight passes for 129 yards.
Pittsburgh is 5 and 2 after a 16 to 10 win over New Orleans in Paris. Aaron Rodgers threw for 212 yards and a touchdown, and Jaylen Warren ran for 101 yards. Michael Pittman Jr. is working back from injury. In a game for first place in the AFC North, the home team gets the nod.
Pick: Steelers
Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals (CBS)
Tennessee is 1 and 6 after a 27 to 24 loss to Cleveland. Tony Pollard ran for 129 yards and three touchdowns, but Cam Ward threw for only 181 yards with an interception.
Cincinnati is 4 and 2 after crushing Baltimore 35 to 13. Joe Burrow went 22 of 30 for 292 yards and four touchdowns, and Tee Higgins caught six passes for 148 yards and a score. Burrow at home is one of the safest calls of the week.
Pick: Bengals
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars (CBS)
Indianapolis is 2 and 5 after a 16 to 10 loss in Minnesota. Daniel Jones threw for 108 yards with an interception, though Jonathan Taylor ran for 95. Shane Steichen said he is not considering a quarterback change.
Jacksonville is 4 and 2 and comes off its bye after two weeks in London. Trevor Lawrence threw four touchdown passes in the 34 to 31 loss to Houston at Wembley. Rest and a struggling Colts offense point to the Jaguars.
Pick: Jaguars
Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys (FOX)
Arizona is 2 and 5 after a 30 to 16 loss to Denver. Jacoby Brissett threw for 272 yards and a touchdown and remains the starter, while rookie running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) missed the game.
Dallas is 3 and 4 after a 38 to 21 win in Philadelphia on Monday night. Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes, two to CeeDee Lamb, and Javonte Williams ran for a career high 155 yards. Even on a short week, the Cowboys offense is rolling.
Pick: Cowboys
Las Vegas Raiders at New York Jets (FOX)
Las Vegas is 3 and 4 and has lost four straight after a 35 to 21 loss to the Rams. Kirk Cousins threw for 295 yards and two touchdowns and stays the starter, though rookie Fernando Mendoza is expected to play at some point.
The Jets are 2 and 5 after a 28 to 25 loss to Miami. Geno Smith threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns, and Omar Cooper Jr. had 115 receiving yards. The Raiders travel east for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff, and the Jets get the slight edge at home.
Pick: Jets
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FOX)
Atlanta is 3 and 4 after handing San Francisco its first loss, 29 to 20. Michael Penix Jr. went 25 of 34 for 213 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, and the defense forced four takeaways.
Tampa Bay is 2 and 5 after a 43 to 13 rout in Carolina. Baker Mayfield returned from his thumb injury and threw a touchdown, Bucky Irving ran for 106 yards and two scores, the Bucs ran for 258 yards and YaYa Diaby had three sacks. With Mayfield back at home, Tampa Bay gets the call.
Pick: Buccaneers
Sunday, November 1: Late Game Picks (4:05 and 4:25 p.m. ET)
Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m. ET (FOX)
The Chargers are 0 and 6 and come off their bye. Justin Herbert has eight interceptions and has been sacked 21 times, and Jim Harbaugh said the staff is simplifying the playbook. Joe Alt, Derwin James Jr. and Tre’ Harris are hoped back.
The Rams are 3 and 4 after a 35 to 21 win in Las Vegas. Matthew Stafford threw three touchdown passes, including one to Puka Nacua, who is playing through a calf injury. Davante Adams is out six to 10 weeks. The Rams are the pick in the battle for Los Angeles.
Pick: Rams
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
Kansas City is 5 and 1 after a 20 to 3 loss in Seattle, where it never reached the red zone. Patrick Mahomes threw for 165 yards and an interception, Harrison Butker made one of three field goals and Rashee Rice (hamstring) missed the game.
Denver is 5 and 2 after a 30 to 16 win in Arizona. Bo Nix threw for 222 yards and a touchdown and ran 62 yards for another, and Nik Bonitto had 13 pressures. A Chiefs offense that just scored three points now faces the Broncos pass rush in Denver.
Pick: Broncos
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
New England is 4 and 3 and has had 10 days to rest since a 30 to 24 loss in Chicago. Drake Maye threw for 321 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another in that game, and A.J. Brown is back in the lineup.
Miami is 1 and 5 after its first win, 28 to 25 over the Jets. Malik Willis threw for 208 yards and two touchdowns, ran for another and had no turnovers, and Ollie Gordon II ran for 103 yards. Maye and the extra rest give the Patriots the edge.
Pick: Patriots
Sunday Night Football Pick
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock
Philadelphia is 2 and 5 and has lost five straight after a 38 to 21 loss to Dallas. Tanner McKee threw for 211 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Saquon Barkley scored in his return from a hamstring injury but left with a back injury, and Jalen Hurts is out for the season.
Washington is 1 and 4 and 1 and comes off its bye. Jayden Daniels is expected to start, and Marcus Mariota is back at practice, but Terry McLaurin is out for the season with a torn patellar tendon. Daniels at home against a reeling Eagles team is the pick.
Pick: Commanders
Monday Night Football Pick
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks, 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN
Chicago is 5 and 2 and will have 11 days of rest after beating New England 30 to 24 on Thursday. Caleb Williams threw for 308 yards and two touchdowns for his second straight 300 yard game, and Montez Sweat is back from suspension. Tight end Cole Kmet is out for the season.
Seattle is 4 and 3 after a 20 to 3 win over Kansas City on Sunday night. Sam Darnold threw for 257 yards and a touchdown, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught nine passes for 150 yards. Left tackle Charles Cross (high ankle sprain) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) are hurt. The rest edge and the Williams form tip a close one to Chicago.
Pick: Bears
NFL Week 8 Picks 2026: Quick Recap Table
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Oct 29 | Panthers (3-3) at Packers (4-3) | 8:15 PM | Prime Video | Packers |
| Sun, Nov 1 | Vikings (6-0) at Lions (4-2) | 1:00 PM | FOX | Lions |
| Sun, Nov 1 | Ravens (4-3) at Bills (5-1) | 1:00 PM | CBS | Bills |
| Sun, Nov 1 | Browns (5-2) at Steelers (5-2) | 1:00 PM | CBS | Steelers |
| Sun, Nov 1 | Titans (1-6) at Bengals (4-2) | 1:00 PM | CBS | Bengals |
| Sun, Nov 1 | Colts (2-5) at Jaguars (4-2) | 1:00 PM | CBS | Jaguars |
| Sun, Nov 1 | Cardinals (2-5) at Cowboys (3-4) | 1:00 PM | FOX | Cowboys |
| Sun, Nov 1 | Raiders (3-4) at Jets (2-5) | 1:00 PM | FOX | Jets |
| Sun, Nov 1 | Falcons (3-4) at Buccaneers (2-5) | 1:00 PM | FOX | Buccaneers |
| Sun, Nov 1 | Chargers (0-6) at Rams (3-4) | 4:05 PM | FOX | Rams |
| Sun, Nov 1 | Chiefs (5-1) at Broncos (5-2) | 4:25 PM | CBS | Broncos |
| Sun, Nov 1 | Patriots (4-3) at Dolphins (1-5) | 4:25 PM | CBS | Patriots |
| Sun, Nov 1 | Eagles (2-5) at Commanders (1-4-1), SNF | 8:20 PM | NBC | Commanders |
| Mon, Nov 2 | Bears (5-2) at Seahawks (4-3), MNF | 8:15 PM | ESPN | Bears |
Home teams: 12. Road teams: 2. Upset: Lions over the unbeaten Vikings. Strongest calls: Bengals over Titans, Rams over Chargers and Cowboys over Cardinals. Closest calls: Browns at Steelers, Chiefs at Broncos and Bears at Seahawks. Bye: Texans, Saints, Giants and 49ers.
Week 8 has 14 games because the Texans, Saints, Giants and 49ers are on bye. See all 32 dates in our NFL bye weeks guide, and find channels and streaming for Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football.
How Our Week 7 Picks Did
We went 8 and 5 on our Week 7 picks. Correct: Steelers, Bengals, Browns, Vikings, Broncos, Lions, Rams and Cowboys. Wrong: Jets, Texans, 49ers, Panthers and Chiefs. Our Bengals upset pick hit with a 35 to 13 win in Baltimore, while the Falcons, Buccaneers, Dolphins, Giants and Seahawks all surprised. The Thursday game was already final when we posted, so it is not counted. Our season record is 68 and 37 with one tie. For a full game by game review, read what we learned from Week 7 on NFL.com.
Week 8 Injury Watch: Statuses That Shape the Picks
- Quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson (BAL, ankle) is very likely to play after missing three games, with Tyler Huntley as the backup. Bryce Young (CAR, knee) was a full participant Monday. Jayden Daniels (WAS) is expected to start. Tanner McKee starts for Philadelphia with Jalen Hurts out for the season.
- Day to day or uncertain: Aaron Jones (MIN, knee), Matthew Golden and Sean Rhyan (GB), Saquon Barkley (PHI, back), Charles Cross and Rashid Shaheed (SEA), Puka Nacua (LAR, calf, playing through it), Rashee Rice (KC, hamstring).
- Returning: DJ Moore (BUF, shoulder) is likely back, Josh Jacobs (GB) and A.J. Brown (NE) are back in the lineup, Montez Sweat (CHI) is reinstated and Joe Alt, Derwin James Jr. and Tre’ Harris (LAC) are hoped back after the bye.
- Out for the season or on injured reserve: Jalen Hurts (PHI), Terry McLaurin (WAS), Cole Kmet (CHI), Taylor Moton (CAR), Davante Adams (LAR, six to 10 weeks), De’Von Achane (MIA).
- Suspended: C.J. Gardner-Johnson (BUF) misses the Ravens game.
Teams release their first Week 8 practice reports on Monday and Tuesday for Thursday night, and on Wednesday for everyone else. Check the official NFL injury report before you lock your picks.
FAQs About NFL Week 8 Picks 2026
What are the NFL Week 8 picks for 2026?
Our winners are the Packers, Lions, Bills, Steelers, Bengals, Jaguars, Cowboys, Jets, Buccaneers, Rams, Broncos, Patriots, Commanders and Bears.
What is the upset pick for NFL Week 8?
Lions over Vikings. Minnesota is the last unbeaten team at 6 and 0, but Detroit has Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs at home.
How many games are in NFL Week 8 2026?
Fourteen. The Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers are on bye.
When does NFL Week 8 start and end in 2026?
Week 8 starts Thursday, October 29 with Panthers at Packers at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video and ends Monday, November 2 with Bears at Seahawks at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Is there an international game in NFL Week 8?
No. All 14 Week 8 games are played in the United States.
Is Lamar Jackson playing in Week 8 against the Bills?
He is very likely to play after missing three games with an ankle injury, but it is not confirmed. Tyler Huntley starts if he cannot go.
Who is still unbeaten in the NFL after Week 7?
Only the Minnesota Vikings at 6 and 0. The 49ers lost to Atlanta and the Chiefs lost to Seattle in Week 7.
What is our NFL picks record in 2026?
We went 8 and 5 on our Week 7 picks, and our season record is 68 and 37 with one tie.
NFL Week 8 picks 2026 lean on rest and home field. The Bengals, Rams and Cowboys are our strongest calls, Lions over Vikings is the upset, and Browns at Steelers decides first place in the AFC North. Check Lamar Jackson, Aaron Jones and Saquon Barkley on the practice reports before you lock in your sheet.
Catch up on our Week 7 picks and Week 6 picks. We add each Week 8 result here as games finish.
