The 49ers suddenly don’t look like the Super Bowl contender we thought they were. The Eagles seem like they might be a powerhouse – the loss to the Jets aside. And, while I can’t seem to explain it, I also can’t deny that Taylor Swift might be leading the Chiefs back to the Super Bowl. Probably more to do with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce than Swift though. But hey, whatever works. This week has a ton of great matchups. Here are our Top 3 2023 NFL Games Week 8.
Buffalo Bills vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This is one of the few Thursday Night Football games that draws my attention. Mostly because the Bills are coming off a really bad loss to the Patriots where they clawed back into the game only to blow a lead and lose in the final seconds. The Bills have been hit or miss and this Tampa defense is legit. They have been rock solid all year long and could give Josh Allen, and specifically the run game, some fits. While Baker Mayfield has had two down weeks, there is always the off chance that he comes in clutch during a primetime game. The run game for Tampa is dead last for a reason so it will be on Baker to make some big plays. While the Bills should be heavy favorites here, I wouldn’t write off the Bucs making things challenging for them. Prediction: Bills 22 Bucs 18
Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Commanders
The Commanders nearly pulled off an upset earlier in the season against this Eagles team and it’s evident that they might have their number. The Eagles defense hasn’t been as strong as it was last year which is typical for a team that lost its defensive coordinator to a head coaching position. It was a shootout last time and it ended in OT. I see a similar offensive performance from Philly who just put it on Miami, but I am not so sure about the Commanders who scored just 7 points last week in a loss to the New York Giants which I am still having a hard time wrapping my head around. Prediction: Eagles 31 Commanders 20
Cincinnati Bengals vs San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have suffered two inexplicable losses in a row at the hands of the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings. Getting back to Santa Clara and playing at Levi’s Stadium is exactly what the doctor ordered for this team as they hope to bring a win into the bye week. They must clean up some messes in their front four and getting pressure on the QB which could be easy against Joe Burrow and the Bengals who don’t block a ton for their franchise star. Cincy began the year slowly but have bounced back with two straight wins. Their defense has come up big in the last two weeks while the offense still looks to find its footing. If Brock Purdy can limit his turnovers from the last two weeks, I think the Niners will get back on track and head into the bye week as happy campers. Prediction: Bengals 21 49ers 27