This NFL season surely has had its surprises, like the success of the Dallas Cowboys and the failures of the Seattle Seahawks. Coming into Week 8, the leaders are hoping to separate from the rest of the pack, and could very well do so.
With only a few heavyweight matchups this week, let’s check out the top headlines for Week 8.
1. Another London Battle
At 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning, many will be able to watch the Detroit Lions take on the Atlanta Falcons in London. The NFL’s experiment continues with the second game this season in the United Kingdom.
The Falcons are coming off a blowout loss to the Balitmore Ravens and the Lions are lucky to be 5-2 after coming back against the New Orleans Saints. Matthew Stafford should be able to have his way with a terrible Falcons defense. Expect a high-scoring affair that will give London viewers a lot to cheer for.
2. The Missouri Matchup
Fans of baseball really wanted the St. Louis/Kansas City matchup in the World Series, however the Cardinals failed to reach the Fall Classic. However, fans get the game between the St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs as consolation.
The Rams shocked the league last week with a win over the Seahawks, but still sit at 2-4 heading into Arrowhead to meet the 3-3 Chiefs. A matchup between the emerging Austin Davis and the consistent Alex Smith could be a fun one to watch.
3. Can the Chicago Bears Recover from Last Week?
The Bears are coming off a 27-14 loss to the Miami Dolphins last week, one that ignited a few flames in the locker room after the game. Jay Cutler is having a tough time leading his team to the success they hoped for at the start of the season.
The Bears now must travel to the hot New England Patriots, who have won three straight en route to a 5-2 record. However, Cutler and his team have all three of their wins on the road.
4. When Will the Seattle Seahawks Get Back to Their Dominant Ways?
At this time last year, the Seahawks were the class of the league, with one of the most feared defenses in recent memory. Now, they’re Percy Harvin-less and have lost two straight to the Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Rams.
Russell Wilson and the Seahawks’ offense rank 26th in the NFL in total yards per game, and need to put together a complete effort to take down the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte.
5. Zach Mettenberger Gets His First Start
The Titans’ season has been frustrating to say the least, as they’re down to their third quarterback and its only Week 8. Mettenberger will get the nod over Charlie Whitehurst in the matchup against the Texans this week.
Mettenberger, the sxith-round pick of the Titans, was certainly not expected the play this season. However, after the injury to Jake Locker and a 2-5 start, it’s his turn to show Ken Whisenhunt what he can do.
6. Battle of the Birds: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Eagles have one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, led by Nick Foles, while the Cardinals are one of the most dominant defenses. When the two teams meet Sunday, it could decide future seeding in the NFC playoffs.
With two high-powered units against each other, the key to this game will come down to Carson Palmer and his success against an Eagles’ defense. If Palmer can find his receiver early and often, the Cardinals might be successful at home.
7. Can the Indianapolis Colts Keep Winning?
The Colts are regarded as the league’s hottest team, winning five straight games (three in division) leading to the matchup with the Steelers on Sunday. Andrew Luck leads all quarterback in passing yards and will try to beat a 16th-ranked Steelers pass defense.
The Colts will have to stop a desperate Steelers offense at Heinz Field, where Ben Roethlisberger will be looking for a win to keep up in the NFC North. Can the Colts defense remain dominant?
8. Division Leaders Meet: Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Ravens took over first place last week, as they rolled past the Atlanta Falcons and the Bengals were shut out by the Indianapolis Colts. It looks like then Ravens are traveling to Cincinnati at the right time.
Andy Dalton and the Bengals offense might get A.J. Green back, which it will certainly welcome. However, it doesn’t look likely, so the Bengals must face the questions: Where is our offense?
9. Do the New Orleans Saints Still Have a Chance?
The Saints have had a dismal 2014 season, culminating in a blown lead late last week against the Detroit Lions. Drew Brees and his team know that Sunday is a must-win, but the Green Bay Packers present a big challenge.
The Saints rank 18th in the league in pass defense and will meet Aaron Rodgers, one of the league’s best passers. They’ll need to step up if they want to get to 3-4 for the season.
10. Will the Dallas Cowboys Roll?
The Cowboys will play in front of a national audience Monday night, but their rivals, the Washington Redskins, will be eager to spoil the moment. However, with DeMarco Murray running the way he has this season, it will be a tough task.
The Cowboys defense will need to halt Colt McCoy and the Redskins offense, which shouldn’t be too much of a task. However, McCoy returns to Texas looking for an upset.