Some divisions in this competition are starting to take shape, with clear favorites emerging to clinch the top spot and secure their playoff berth. However, other divisions remain unpredictable, adding a thrilling edge to each game. This week’s preview features matchups that could propel the current leaders of the NFC East and NFC South closer to their postseason goal. Plus, a Monday Night Football showdown with a nostalgic nod to eras past.
Both the Panthers and Saints seem to be out of the NFC South race already. Adding to the division’s uncertainty, the Falcons’ recent loss to the Seahawks has raised concerns. In Week 8, Raheem Morris’ squad will head to the home of the division’s most impressive team so far. However, last Monday’s game has put Todd Bowles’ team in a tough spot. Besides their defeat to the Ravens, the Buccaneers are facing significant setbacks with injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, which could seriously hamper their passing game. Now, players like Palmer, Shepard, McMillan, and tight end Cade Otton will need to step up and support Baker Mayfield.
One key to the Bucs keeping their scoring threat alive is their ground game. The backfield is stacked with talent and versatility, as Rachaad White is now joined by rookie Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker. These three running backs bring diverse skills to help their quarterback move the chains, especially in the screen game, where Tampa Bay excels. With their offensive line performing at a high level and creating space in the run game, the Bucs are well-positioned to stay competitive.
In this sequence, you can see how efficiently this unit operates. Before the snap, Cade Otton shifts to the other side, creating a numbers advantage on the right side of the offense. This forces the linebacker to spread out, clearing the box and allowing the offensive line to reach the second level for blocks. Notice how the center and right guard have a free path ahead of them, making it easy to move up and block the linebackers. This gives the running back plenty of room to cross the line of scrimmage and rack up solid yardage.
On the other side, the Falcons suffered a surprising home defeat recently. After three straight wins and a strong first half, Raheem Morris’ team faltered in the final two quarters. A big reason for this was the inability of both Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier to establish the run, which hampered their play-action game with Cousins. The Buccaneers’ defense is expected to bring heavy pressure with the blitz, aiming to disrupt the Atlanta quarterback. For the Falcons, reestablishing their ground game is crucial. This matchup marks the second meeting of the year between these two teams and could be a pivotal moment in the race for the NFC South title.
The pre-draft discussions were dominated by two quarterbacks vying for the top spot. Ultimately, the Chicago Bears chose Caleb Williams, while the Washington Commanders went with Jayden Daniels. Now, a month and a half into the season, it’s becoming clear that both teams made the right call. Daniels has had a greater impact so far, but we’re beginning to see glimpses of the Caleb Williams we were all anticipating. Unfortunately, with Daniels sidelined by injury, we might miss out on this exciting duel. As of now, his status for Sunday remains uncertain, so it’s a waiting game to see if he returns this weekend or later.
On the Bears’ side, Matt Eberflus is doing impressive work with his defense. The unit is solid, with a strong secondary and a front seven that, while not household names, is proving effective. So far, Eberflus has given the offense the support it needs to stay competitive in every game, and as the offense has improved, this has translated into wins for Chicago. Caleb Williams struggled early in the season, particularly against the pass rush, as his offensive line had trouble holding up. He looked overwhelmed in the first three games, but with Keenan Allen returning to the lineup, Williams is now reading the game more clearly. I also believe Shane Waldron, the offensive coordinator, deserves credit for simplifying the reads for Williams. The images below provide examples of how this has played out.
Before the snap, DJ Moore goes in motion behind the backfield but reverses course just as the snap is made. This movement provides Caleb Williams with an initial read since a defender follows Moore, suggesting man-to-man coverage. As soon as Williams receives the ball, he shifts his body toward the right side of the offense, drawing the defense’s attention there. Meanwhile, the running back moves out to the opposite side, escorted by two offensive linemen. Williams quickly pivots left and hands the ball off to the running back, who takes advantage of the favorable downfield blocking and man coverage to pick up significant yardage.
The Bears’ coaching staff should focus on enabling Williams to release passes quickly, giving his receivers space to generate yards after the catch. Once the defense begins stepping forward to cover the first 5 to 10 yards in response, that’s when Caleb can start exploiting gaps in the secondary. At that point, he can show off his arm talent and target Moore or Odunze on play-action plays. If Chicago’s passing game starts clicking, they can certainly compete against a defense prone to giving up points.
On the other side, Kliff Kingsbury is orchestrating an offensive showcase with a versatile attack that Jayden Daniels has been thriving in. If Daniels is ultimately sidelined, Marcus Mariota will step in to replicate the rookie’s impressive early-season performance. A key battle to watch is the matchup between Terry McLaurin and Jaylon Johnson, which could tip the scales in favor of either team.
Mike Tomlin caught everyone off guard when he hinted at a quarterback change for the game against the New York Jets. Despite Justin Fields leading the team to a solid 4-2 start, it was Russell Wilson who was set to take over the starting role. After a shaky first quarter that raised doubts about the decision, Wilson’s connection with George Pickens torched the Jets’ secondary for the rest of the game. The running game and deep throws allowed the offense to move the chains with ease. In the end, Tomlin emerged not only unscathed but also strengthened by his bold move.
On Monday night, the Steelers have a shot at adding another win as they face a Giants team that continues to stir up questions. The bright spot for New York is the return of one of the NFL’s most dynamic receivers, Malik Nabers. His presence gives the Giants’ offense a new dimension—something they’ll need in this crucial Week 8 matchup.
The sequence above highlights a well-crafted play often seen in Brian Daboll’s playbook. Before the snap, Malik Nabers shifts sides, dragging a defender with him, signaling to Daniel Jones that he’s up against man-to-man coverage. Once the ball is snapped, the vertical routes from the two players on Nabers’ side create defensive traffic, leaving Nabers’ defender a step behind. Nabers cuts inside, executing a shallow cross with plenty of open field to work with. The quick, easy pass from Jones allows Nabers to showcase his incredible burst of speed, racking up significant yards after the catch. The more touches Nabers gets, the easier it will be for the Giants to move the chains.
New York’s success in this game will hinge on the Steelers’ ability to pressure Jones. Last Sunday, Alex Highsmith was a nightmare off the edge for Tyron Smith, and with Cam Heyward and TJ Watt in the mix, Pittsburgh’s defense could exploit weaknesses in the Giants’ offensive line. Daboll will need to rely on the running game, mobile pockets, and quick, short passes to Nabers or Robinson. Otherwise, it could be a long night for the Big Apple squad.
