With the NFL trade deadline less than two weeks away, it seems like the market is open, as teams either throw in the towel or bolster their roster for a playoff run. The Colts are the first team in the league to wave the white flag. They traded Quinten Nelson to the Seahawks and DeForest Buckner to the 49ers. This is evidence of two teams trying to win a division and another committed to a rebuild. A few outcomes of games this week could signal more trades to come. Here are our Top 3 2026 NFL Games Week 8.
Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills
It’s so difficult to judge this Baltimore team when Lamar Jackson doesn’t play. Defense was an issue a week ago when Cincinnati did whatever it wanted to do against them, but without a consistent offense, I don’t really know what we are working with in Baltimore. Jackson is expected to return on Sunday, but if not, Tyler Huntley will start and it will be a dumbed down version of what the Ravens already do. Baltimore has dropped two straight games, including the 35-13 loss to Cincinnati, and desperately needs to get back on track. Jackson’s availability would be a major boost for an offense featuring Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers. Buffalo enters well-rested after its bye week and riding a two-game winning streak. Josh Allen will look to put up a similar performance to Joe Burrow a week ago and hand Baltimore another loss. Prediction: Ravens 26 Bills 30
Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions
The last undefeated team standing. Minnesota escaped Indianapolis with a 16-10 win last week, leaning on a defense that has helped make them the best in the NFC. Detroit enters with a two-game winning streak after edging Green Bay 20-17. Jared Goff has thrown 14 touchdown passes without an interception, while Jahmyr Gibbs has become a major threat on the ground. Minnesota’s defense is what makes this game so tough for Detroit. Goff has looked great in recent weeks, but we know he can see ghosts and if the Vikings contain Gibbs, they have a chance to stay unbeaten. It’s a division matchup, so anything is possible and a week after the Niners and Chiefs lost, I think the Vikings do too. Prediction: Vikings 20 Lions 23
Kansas City Chiefs vs Denver Broncos
This is a tough matchup for the Chiefs in Week 8 against a division foe. The division will come down to these two teams. Denver enters on a three-game winning streak, most recently beating Arizona 30-16. Bo Nix and the Broncos face a major challenge against a Chiefs team that won their first meeting 31-10 in September. The Broncos are looking at a possible death sentence in the AFC West if they get swept by the Chiefs. That would make winning the division so much tougher. If they can find a way to split the series, it could save their chances. Denver will lean on its pass-rush to get into the backfield and pressure Mahomes. It’s the best shot they have at a win. They are playing great ball, and I see them taking this game. Prediction: Chiefs 24 Broncos 27