The NFL season rolls on with the Week 8 action sure to create many headlines. There will be the usual mix of big plays, twists and turns. Here are three key storylines and games I will be keeping an eye on this weekend.
Lamar Watch in Baltimore
It will be all eyes on Lamar Jackson's physical status between now and Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. The quarterback has not played due to a hamstring injury since a September 28 loss to Kansas City.
The Ravens have no time to waste. At 1-5, it feels like there is very little room for error. Baltimore are likely to need at least eight or more likely nine wins from their remaining 11 games. It has to start against a Bears team that has won four games in a row, so Lamar should be out there even if he is not fully 100 percent.
Chicago have entered the NFC playoff picture and various units have stepped up at times during those wins. Caleb Williams has enjoyed his moments at quarterback, D'Andre Swift has been a key out of the backfield and the defense stood up big in a win against New Orleans last weekend.
Cowboys take on the Broncos
This 8.25pm contest on Sunday could be really fun. The Cowboys have been fun all season long and not necessarily always in a good way. They move the ball and score points for fun with the league's best offense, but it's a wild ride because Dallas also possess the NFL's worst defense.
Even with that poor unit making life difficult, Dallas have been competitive in the last month; losing just once. They are a dangerous team and few players across the league are playing better than Dak Prescott right now. In the past four games, Prescott has thrown 13 touchdown passes with no interceptions and a quarterback rating north of 128. As long as Dak is in the lineup, the Cowboys have a playoff chance.
The Broncos are a wild ride but they have won four in a row, digging deep in the fourth quarter to beat the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants. Denver are exciting on offense and have the league's best pass rush. Can they slow down Dak and that Dallas attack?
This is a game filled with intrigue and I'm taking Dallas to spring the upset on the road.
Rodgers faces a familiar foe
Sunday Night Football is going to look weird as Aaron Rodgers is in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform going up against the Green Bay Packers – the team he spent 18 seasons with. And it should be an evenly-fought affair.
Rodgers is playing really well at the age of 41 and his mobility is increasing week on week. He may need to have that ability to move on Sunday as he faces Micah Parsons, who is coming off a three-sack performance for the Packers in Week 7.
Green Bay raced out of the gates in 2025 with wins over Detroit and Washington, but even though they are 4-1-1 and in great shape from a record point of view; some of the shine has come off this team. This will be a big night for Jordan Love as he goes up against the man he replaced in Rodgers.
And I think he can take advantage of a Pittsburgh defense that could eventually hold the Steelers back. I fancy the Packers on the road and maybe that will make me start viewing them as a Super Bowl contender once more.
