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USA Today Sports Media Group

Sport

Neal Coolong

NFL Week 8 games: Schedules, betting lines and times

The NFL Wire staff put together a quick reader surrounding the games scheduled in Week 8, including the start times, betting lines and top matchups to watch.

These appear in USA TODAY’s Sports Weekly magazine, which hits shelves at your local store or bookshop on Wednesdays. For more info on this game’s best bets, check out Sportsbook Wire.

Seattle Seahawks (5-2) at Atlanta Falcons (1-6)

By Matt Urben, Falcons Wire

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Betting line: Seahawks -7.5

Seahawks’ keys to victory: Get out to a fast start and stay aggressive. Seattle’s offense is as balanced as they come, while Atlanta’s defense can be attacked effectively both through the air and on the ground. The Falcons secondary is vulnerable to giving up the big play, so look for the Seahawks to take some deep shots to Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. If Seattle can get out to an early lead behind QB Russell Wilson, the Falcons should struggle to play catch-up, as they have all season.

Falcons’ keys to victory: Despite the absence of QB Matt Ryan (veteran Matt Schaub will get the start), the Falcons have weapons available to be explosive, with TE Austin Hooper and WRs Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. The Seahawks rank near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed per game. Defensively, Atlanta must slow down running back Chris Carson and get Wilson on the ground when it has the chance. Getting the Seahawks to settle for field goals is the only way the Falcons will stay in the game.

Match-up to watch: Pete Carroll vs. Dan Quinn: The head coaches are extremely familiar with each other’s styles from their three seasons working together in Seattle. The Falcons have won two of three meetings with the Seahawks since Quinn has taken over as head coach. Pete Carroll is pushing all the right buttons this season, though, while Quinn’s team is spiraling out of control.

Who wins? Expect a high-scoring game between two good offenses, but the Falcons will have trouble containing Wilson — who’s playing some of the best football of his career. If Atlanta can’t generate pressure on Wilson, things could get ugly. Seahawks 31, Falcons 28

SEA at ATL :: PHI at BUF :: LAC at CHI :: NYG at DET :: TB at TEN :: DEN at IND :: CIN vs. LAR (London) :: AZ vs. NO :: NYJ at JAX :: CAR at SF :: CLE at NE :: OAK at HOU :: GB at KC :: MIA at PIT :: Betting Guide :: TOP

Philadelphia Eagles (3-4) at Buffalo Bills (5-1)

By Nick Wojton, Bills Wire

Sunday, 1:00 p.m., New Era Field, Orchard Park, NY
Betting line: Bills -1.5

Eagles’ keys to victory: The Eagles offense has to commit to the ground game because of a tough Buffalo secondary led by S Micah Hyde and CB Tre’Davious White. Don’t expect QB Carson Wentz to find much. But if the Eagles commit to running backs Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders, there’s a chance of finding a big play with Wentz’s arm. Defensively, the Eagles have to contain the Bills’ running game and make QB Josh Allen beat them with his arm, that will make things more difficult for the home team. Containing Buffalo’s run game also includes keeping Allen in the pocket and not allowing him to extend drives with his legs.

Bills’ keys to victory: Buffalo’s defensive front seven has to get into the Eagles’ backfield and immediately shut down their momentum. Fresh off his first career sack, rookie DT Ed Oliver will lead the Bills’ pass rush from the middle of their defensive line. That will make it even easier for Buffalo’s secondary to control the game. The Bills defense also has to continue their dominance against opposing tight ends as Zach Ertz is the best tight end the Bills have faced this season. Offensively, this meeting against an oft-banged up Eagles’ secondary could be an opportunity for Allen to finally reach the 300-yards passing plateau in his career. He needs to connect with WR John Brown on deep balls.

Match-up to watch: TE Zach Ertz vs. LB Matt Milano: The Bills have kept opposing tight ends at bay the entire season and a big reason why is Milano. But coming off a hamstring injury, Milano and the Bills’ defense has their toughest challenge yet in Ertz.

Who wins? Buffalo’s defense thrives off of the home crowd and will flex its muscle against one of the better offensive lines they’ll face this season in a close one. Bills 23, Eagles 20.

Los Angeles Chargers (2-5) at Chicago Bears (3-3)

By Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Soldier Field, Chicago
Betting line: Bears -3.5

Chargers’ keys to victory: With the Chargers facing a Bears pass rush that includes OLB Khalil Mack, who has 4.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles this season, the goal is simple: Protect QB Philip Rivers. But how do you do that against this Bears defense? Get rid of the ball quickly and lean heavily on RB Melvin Gordon, who even against this dominant Bears front has the potential to break off a big play. On defense, the Chargers need to pressure QB Mitchell Trubisky and force him to beat them from the pocket. Even as Trubisky recovers from a left shoulder injury, he won’t shy away from taking off when a hole opens up. Trubisky’s legs make him a threat to break off big plays.

Bears’ keys to victory: The Bears defense has been a force this season, and they’ll need to bring the pressure against a struggling Chargers offense. Chicago needs to force mistakes from Rivers, who has thrown six interceptions this season. Stopping Gordon will also be a focus for one of the NFL’s best run defenses, which has allowed just 83 rushing yards per game. On offense, the Bears need to get Trubisky into a rhythm, whether that’s establishing the run game with RB David Montgomery or getting Trubisky going with some easy competitions to build his confidence.

Matchup to watch: RB Melvin Gordon vs. Bears run defense. After missing the first four games this season due to a contract holdout, Gordon returned to the Chargers’ lineup in Week 5. But since his return, Gordon has rushed for just 81 yards on 36 carries. Things won’t get easier for Gordon against the Bears.

Who wins? The Bears have the defensive talent to continue to frustrate and force mistakes against a Chargers offense still looking for consistency. Bears 24, Chargers 13

New York Giants (2-5) at Detroit Lions (2-3-1)

By Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Ford Field, Detroit
Betting line: Lions -1.5

Giants’ keys to victory: RB Saquon Barkley needs to have a big game against a leaky Detroit run defense. If Barkley can consistently set the Giants offense up with second-and-short, it will allow rookie QB Daniel Jones to take more shots downfield to speedy TE Evan Engram and nimble WR Golden Tate, a former Lion who excels after the catch. Jones should have chances to beat the hit-and-miss Lions defense with his legs, too. The Giants run the ball effectively, but have been too quick to abandon it when they fall behind, a mistake they can’t afford on the road. Ball security is critical for a Giants offense that has committed a league-worst 18 turnovers. Detroit CB Justin Coleman has been great at creating turnovers, and the Lions defense aggressively goes after the ball on every snap.

Lions’ keys to victory: The Lions must convert long drives into touchdowns and not settle for field goals. QB Matthew Stafford has been outstanding at throwing the long ball this season to WRs Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay, but the Detroit offense stalls too frequently when the deep ball is taken away by a short field. Getting RB Kerryon Johnson more involved in the passing game could help, as could impressive rookie TE T.J. Hockenson. Kicker Matt Prater has been fantastic, but the Lions rely on him too much. On defense, the Lions would greatly benefit from a more consistent pass rush from DE Trey Flowers and EDGE Devon Kennard.

Matchup to watch: Giants WR Golden Tate vs. Lions CB Darius Slay. These two battled in practice for years when Tate was with the Lions, and both are among the league’s best at what they do. Both are extremely confident in their playmaking ability, too. Expect a lot of talking and momentum-changing plays from each.

Who wins? The Lions have the defensive playmakers to stymie Jones and the Giants offense often enough to allow Stafford and the Detroit playmakers to outpace the visitors. Lions 30, Giants 24

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4) at Tennessee Titans (3-4)

By Crissy Froyd, Titans Wire

Sunday, 12 noon CT, Nissan Stadium
Betting line: Titans -2.5

Buccaneers keys to victory: Winning the turnover battle will be an important factor for Tampa Bay. QB Jameis Winston had five interceptions in Week 6 alone. The Titans typically don’t play catch-up well, so if the Bucs can get going quickly on offense, they stand a much better chance of pulling off the win. The Titans entered last week’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers with a league-high 29 sacks allowed, so taking advantage of the weakness of the Tennessee offensive line and pressuring QB Ryan Tannehill will be essential to the Tampa Bay defense.

Titans’ keys to victory: Offensive execution and consistency have been issues for the Titans all year. Those will need to be fixed if they hope to win this game. There’s no denying the Titans have question marks surrounding the future of the quarterback position, but solid play from Tannehill and keeping him comfortable in the pocket is important for a struggling offense. Fortunately for the passing game, the Buccaneers feature a weak secondary that will allow Titans receivers like Corey Davis and A.J. Brown to capitalize on some potentially game-changing receptions.

Match-up to watch: Titans CB Malcolm Butler vs. Bucs WR Mike Evans. We’ve seen these two go head-to-head before, and there are some plays in that history Butler would certainly like to have back. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out, with Evans being one of the top receivers in the league.

Who wins? Neither team has had a great start to the season, but the Bucs have a track record of having the better offense between the two in 2019. They win by a small margin in what could be a defensive game. Bucs 20, Titans 13

Denver Broncos (2-5) at Indianapolis Colts (4-2)

By Kevin Hickey, Colts Wire

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Lucas Oil Stadium
Betting line: Colts -5.5

Broncos’ keys to victory: RBs Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman will need to carry the offense. Lindsay has been efficient between the tackles, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, while Freeman has been a big part of the passing game with 25 receptions for 177 yards. QB Joe Flacco hasn’t been stellar through the air, but he will need to lean on the explosive talent in WR Courtland Sutton, who is enjoying a second-year breakout having recorded 36 receptions for 564 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, the Broncos need more production from OLB Von Miller, who has just 2.5 sacks in seven games. With the explosive T.Y. Hilton, the Broncos need CB Chris Harris to apply sticky man coverage. Focusing on stopping the run will be key for Broncos front seven against a stout Colts offensive line.

Colts’ keys to victory: Alone atop the AFC South, the Colts must take advantage of their matchups defensively. The front seven must focus on stopping the Broncos rushing attack, which means DEs Justin Houston and Jabaal Sheard will need to set the edges. LB Darius Leonard had a game-sealing interception in Week 6, and his performance holds a lot of weight in stopping the run. The secondary, led by CBs Pierre Desir and Rock Ya-Sin, must force turnovers against Flacco. Offensively, QB Jacoby Brissett must continue his efficient ways following a four-touchdown game. RB Marlon Mack will be looking to bounce back on the ground where he’s averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Targeting WR T.Y. Hilton in the red zone is also key; he has five red-zone touchdowns on the season.

Match-up to watch: Colts WR T.Y. Hilton vs. Broncos CB Chris Harris: This should be a fun matchup to watch. Hilton has been a big-play machine, while Harris is one of the top slot coners in the league. The matchup in the red zone will be intense as Hilton has improved his production inside the 20-yard line.

Who wins? The Colts have been rolling coming off of two big wins. They are at home and are playing with extreme confidence. This could be a trap game, but the Colts should be well-prepared for a struggling Denver team. Colts 20, Broncos 14

Cincinnati Bengals (0-7) at Los Angeles Rams (4-3)

By Cam DaSilva, Rams Wire

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Wembley Stadium, London
Betting line: Rams -13.5

Bengals’ keys to victory: Protecting QB Andy Dalton has been an issue all season for the Bengals. Their offensive line might be the worst in the NFL, and on Sunday, it’ll be challenged by DT Aaron Donald and the Rams’ pass rush. The deck is already stacked against Cincinnati in this matchup, and it will be nearly impossible for the Bengals to pull off the upset if Dalton doesn’t get time in the pocket. The Bengals’ defense hasn’t been much better than their unimpressive offense, either, ranking toward the bottom of the NFL in total defense. DT Geno Atkins is still one of the better interior defenders in football, and he needs to have a big game against the Rams’ offensive line, which has struggled in its own right.

Rams’ keys to victory: The Rams are banged up on defense and have a new-look secondary following injuries and trades, so the coverage is still a work in progress. CB Jalen Ramsey is the star of the defensive backfield now and should be even more comfortable in his second start with the Rams, but CB Troy Hill and S Eric Weddle need to step up in coverage, too – especially if WR A.J. Green is available for Cincinnati. As for the offense, which has declined since last season, it must move the ball on the ground. The Rams are best when RB Todd Gurley is getting the ball and making plays, which he hasn’t done often this season. QB Jared Goff obviously has to play better, and this is the perfect game for him to find a rhythm against a bad secondary.

Match-up to watch: Bengals WR Tyler Boyd vs. Rams CB Jalen Ramsey. Boyd has been the Bengals’ No. 1 receiver this season with Green out, and he’ll likely be treated as such by the Rams this week. Don’t be surprised if Ramsey draws the assignment of covering Boyd all over the field as the Rams try to take away Dalton’s top target.

Who wins? The Bengals are one of only two remaining winless teams and have shown very few signs of life on either side of the ball. It’s hard to imagine them putting it all together against the Rams, who still have a very talented roster despite myriad injuries. Sean McVay won’t let former understudy Zac Taylor pull off the upset in London. Rams 34, Bengals 27

Arizona Cardinals (3-3-1) at New Orleans Saints (6-1)

By John Sigler, Saints Wire

Sunday, Oct. 27, 1 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans
Betting line: Saints -9.5

Cardinals’ keys to victory: Arizona has to find was to pressure the Saints quarterbacks (whoever ends up starting), which is easier said than done for a defense that ranks among the NFL’s lower half in sacks. Edge rushers DE Chandler Jones and DE Terrell Suggs will have to lead the charge against one of the league’s best tackle duos in Saints LT Terron Armstead and RT Ryan Ramczyk. On offense, it’s critical that the Cardinals try to take advantage of RB Chase Edmonds’ electric style of play against a New Orleans linebacker corps that lacks some athleticism at the second level. Anything Edmonds and RB David Johnson can do to keep pressure off of rookie QB Kyler Murray’s will go a long way to helping their chances.

Saints’ keys to victory: The biggest question this week surrounds the quarterback position. This Cardinals game (a week before the Saints’ bye) has been the goal QB Drew Brees set for himself as when he hoped to return from thumb surgery. But backup QB Teddy Bridgewater has managed things well in his absence, and the Saints sit near the top of the NFC after a month-long win streak. They won’t rush Brees back for the sake of it. On defense, the Saints have to focus on containing immortal Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald. Their strategy of shadowing top receivers with CB Marshon Lattimore may end given how often the Cardinals line Fitzgerald up in the slot. Expect the Saints to let their defensive line loose on a Cardinals unit that’s been one of the worst at protecting their quarterback.

Matchup to watch: Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson vs. Saints WR Michael Thomas Peterson returned from suspension in Week 7, and should be ready to stand out in a Cardinals defense that has struggled against the pass. With uncertain status for top-pass catchers TE Jared Cook and RB Alvin Kamara (both battling ankle injuries), Thomas is even more of a go-to threat for the Saints. Expect the Cardinals to commit as many resources as they can to slowing Thomas down, starting with their best defensive player.

Who wins? New Orleans is one of the deepest teams in the league, even with superstars like Brees and Kamara on the mend. The Cardinals are fielding one of the thinnest squads and seem to add new players each week off of waivers just to fill out the roster. Even if the Saints don’t take the field at full strength, they should have enough firepower to handle Arizona. Saints 20, Cardinals 17.

New York Jets (1-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4)

By James Johnson, Jags Wire

Sunday, Oct. 27, 1 p.m. ET at TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Fla.
Betting line: Jaguars -5.5

Jets’ keys to victory: The Jets have to get RB Le’Veon Bell going to make this game easier on QB Sam Darnold. The production hasn’t quite been there from the veteran, whom the Jets made the third-highest paid at his position this offseason. He’ll enter Week 8 looking to get back to the player fans witnessed while with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fortunately, he’ll be up against a Jags defense that isn’t as consistent as it used to be and has been leaky against the rush, ranking in the back half of the league in the category. On defense, the Jets need to make rookie Gardner Minshew II play from a phone booth by tightening the pocket. If they allow him to break out and extend plays, he’ll continue to make the Houdini-like plays fans have occasionally seen this season from him.

Jags’ keys to victory: Based on the Jags’ recent history with the Jets, stopping the run is where it starts for their defense, and they simply can’t have another one of their blunders with Bell coming to town. Another way the Jags will look to do that is through time of possession by using their own star RB, Leonard Fournette. He’ll have some momentum after rushing for 131 yards in Week 7. It will also be important for Calais Cambell and company to get Darnold on the ground; Darnold showed he can lead the Jets during a Week 6 upset of the Dallas Cowboys.

Match-up to watch: Jags CB A.J. Bouye vs. Jets WR Robby Anderson. Darnold’s biggest weapon in terms of explosive plays is Anderson, who had a 16 yards-per-catch average heading into Week 7. He had some success against Bouye, who is the Jags’ top cover corner after the trade of Jalen Ramsey, and Jacksonville’s defense in a 2017 win. However, he was contained in 2018’s meeting, which the Jags won.

Who wins? The Jags will be coming off a Week 7 win propelled by their defense. With the opportunity to get back to .500, the home crowd will propel them to a close win. Jags 24, Jets 21

Carolina Panthers (4-2) at San Francisco 49ers (6-0)

By Kyle Madson, Niners Wire

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
Betting line: 49ers -5.5

Panthers’ keys to victory: Carolina has been unbeatable since QB Kyle Allen took over the starting quarterback job for the injured QB Cam Newton. While Allen has been impressive, it will take his best performance of the season to beat the 49ers. San Francisco has the league’s best pass defense, so Allen probably won’t put up big numbers, but limiting turnovers is going to be key. Carolina also will need to rely heavily on MVP candidate RB Christian McCaffrey as a versatile piece that can confuse San Francisco’s fast, aggressive defensive front. On the defensive side, DE Gerald McCoy, DT Dontari Poe and DE Vernon Butler can wreak havoc on the 49ers’ offense by clogging up the running lanes inside. They have a real chance to slow down a shaky 49ers offense if they contain the ground game.

49ers’ keys to victory: The formula for the 49ers has been to rush the passer and run the football. Those aspects will be vital again against Carolina. DE Nick Bosa and DE Dee Ford are going to need to pressure Allen and force him into mistakes. Generating a couple turnovers may be enough to end the Panthers’ four-game winning streak. On offense, the onus will be on QB Jimmy Garoppolo to not give the ball back and continue converting with big-time throws on third down. If RBs Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman are rolling and Garoppolo is helping move the chains, there’s no stopping this 49ers offense.

Match-up to watch: Panthers LT Dennis Daley vs. 49ers DE Nick Bosa. Daley can play a huge role for Carolina by slowing down Bosa. He doesn’t have to stop the rookie defensive end; he just has to keep him from hanging out in the backfield the entire game. Slowing down Bosa is key to moving the ball on San Francisco, and whether Daley can do it will be a key factor in this game.

Who wins? The unstoppable force meets the immovable object with the undefeated Allen facing the 49ers’ top-ranked pass defense. Allen is making just his fifth start, effectively a rookie by NFL quarterback standards, and San Francisco is likely to humble him. Perhaps the Panthers defense can do enough to keep the 49ers from controlling time of possession, and McCaffrey can get loose to take some of the pressure off Allen. But it’s difficult to imagine Carolina scoring enough to win against a 49ers defense that’s allowing just 12.8 points per game. 49ers 23, Panthers 20

Cleveland Browns (2-4) at New England Patriots (7-0)

By Henry McKenna, Patriots Wire

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
Betting line: Patriots -12.5

Browns’ keys to victory: The Browns need to generate big plays, with QB Baker Mayfield needing to make heavy use of WR Odell Beckham, who should have a tough matchup in CB Stephon Gilmore. It’s imperative Beckham wins that matchup. WR Jarvis Landry could be a nice safety net for Mayfield. They will also need to feed RB Nick Chubb, who is a big play waiting to happen, but an aggressive Mayfield and a productive Beckham will be key for a Browns’ win. Cleveland’s defense, meanwhile, should be just as aggressive with blitzes on QB Tom Brady, who has been terrible under pressure this season. The Bills got pressure on Brady, which kept them within reach of a dysfunctional Patriots offensive in Week 4. That’s not a bad framework for Cleveland to follow.

Patriots’ keys to victory: The Patriots should keep racking up sacks at their impressive pace. Mayfield’s blindside continues to look vulnerable, with tackle Greg Robinson struggling. Pass-rushers Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and John Simon have an opportunity to disrupt the Cleveland offense. And perhaps Collins will have extra motivation to beat the Browns after they released him this offseason. Offensively, it’s likely the Patriots will let Brady and WR Julian Edelman do their thing. Browns’ slot cornerback T.J. Carrie won’t be able to handle Edelman. RB James White will likely be a matchup nightmare in the passing game, and if the Patriots get an early lead, RB Sony Michel will need put together an efficient performance.

Match-up to watch: Browns DE Myles Garrett vs. Patriots LT Marshall Newhouse. Bill Belichick recently praised Newhouse for his ability to pick up the Patriots offense after joining them midseason and sliding directly into the starting left tackle spot. Newhouse replaced tackle Isaiah Wynn, who went on injured reserve. But Garrett will be a unique challenge as one of the NFL’s best pass-rushers. To this point, Newhouse hasn’t seen anyone as talented as Garrett.

Who wins? The Browns have shown flashes of potential to be the playoff team most thought they’d be. Still, Cleveland has not consistent enough to instill confidence for a win in New England. The Patriots defense will stump Mayfield and company. Patriots 24, Browns 10.

Oakland Raiders (3-4) at Houston Texans (4-3)

By Mark Lane, Texans Wire

Sunday, Oct. 27, 1 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium, Houston
Betting line: Texans -6.5

Raiders’ keys to victory: If given the choice at the opening coin toss, defer to the second half. The Texans have won four of their last six when deferring to the second half, and that dynamic allows Houston to overcome deficits midgame. The Raiders must develop the run game with RB Josh Jacobs. By presenting a more balanced attack, the Raiders will be able to keep Houston’s pass rush off balance and not solely attack QB Derek Carr. If the Texans have to also worry about stopping the run on the way to Carr, it could open up Oakland’s passing game for bigger opportunities. In the passing game, Carr will have the advantage as the Texans are battling injuries to the cornerback group.

Texans’ keys to victory: The secret to Houston’s offensive success has been protecting QB Deshaun Watson, with just three sacks allowed in the past three games. When the Pro Bowler is able to survey the field, he expertly picks apart defenses. WR DeAndre Hopkins has to worked into the game plan early in the game, and the Texans have to utilize the slot talents of WR Keke Coutee. WR Kenny Stills is a viable option, especially as WR Will Fuller is an iffy proposition after leaving Week 7’s game at the Colts with a hamstring injury. The Texans’ kicking operation has been shaky with Ka’imi Fairbairn, which emphasizes how much Houston needs to finish drives with touchdowns and not rely on their kicker. DT D.J. Reader must generate interior pressure and take advantage of the double teams DE J.J. Watt and OLB Whitney Mercilus will command.

Match-up to watch: Raiders TE Darren Waller vs. Texans S Tashaun Gipson. The 6-foot-6, 255-pound Waller is the most prolific commodity in the Raiders’ passing game, and he will see his fair share of targets on the afternoon. However, shutting down tight ends is specifically why the Texans gave Gipson a three-year, $22.5 million contract in the offseason. If the former Cleveland Brown and Jacksonville Jaguar is able to stop Waller, it presents Carr with the challenge of having to find his completions elsewhere, which could lead to coverage sacks.

Who wins? The Texans have to keep pace with the Colts after dropping a Week 7 encounter. The Raiders are on the second of a Central Time Zone road trip, as if winning back-to-back road games isn’t hard enough. Texans 27, Raiders 23

Green Bay Packers (6-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (5-2)

By Charlie Goldman, Chiefs Wire

Sunday, Oct. 27, 8:20 p.m. ET at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Betting line: Packers -4.5

Packers’ keys to victory: Put pressure on QB Matt Moore. The Packers have a huge advantage going into this game as the Chiefs will be without regular starting QB Patrick Mahomes, last year’s NFL MVP. OLBs Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith have been one of the most impressive pass-rushing duos in the league. They’ve combined for 13 sacks on the season. They’re also coached by former Kansas City assistant Mike Smith. If those two can make Moore uncomfortable, it will be a long day for the Chiefs.

Chiefs’ keys to victory: Defense must continue to play well. Kansas City had a dominant defensive performance against the Broncos in Week 7, forcing nine sacks. Players such as DE Frank Clark, LB Anthony Hitchens and DE Alex Okafor each had multiple sacks. In the absence of Mahomes, the Chiefs will lean on the defense more than in previous weeks.

Match-up to watch: Chiefs QB Matt Moore vs. Packers CB Jaire Alexander. Moore may be an 11-season NFL veteran, but he’s had very few snaps with his Chiefs teammates. Following Week 7, when he was thrust into action in relief of the injured Mahomes, Moore explained he had virtually no repetitions with the starters. Some players had never caught a pass from Moore until the game. The Packers secondary, headlined by a confident second-year player in Alexander, is allowing about 250 yards through the air per game. Look for Alexander to capitalize on the lack of practice reps between Moore and his receivers.

Who wins? The Chiefs need to find a way to steal a game over the next few weeks. They have momentum right now despite losing their superstar QB. Chiefs 27, Packers 26

Miami Dolphins (0-6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-4)

By Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire

Monday, October 28, 8:20p.m. ET, Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
Betting line: Steelers -14.5

Dolphins’ keys to victory: Miami is going to have to figure out a way to move the football and score points against an improving Steelers’ defense. Miami’s offense, led by QB Ryan Fitzpatrick now, is easily the worst in the league. RB Kenyan Drake has talent but there is no one around him to bolster this unit. If the Dolphins are serious about winning, they will need to find some creative ways to manufacture yards and hopefully turn them into points. Defensively, the Dolphins need to stuff the run game and force QB Mason Rudolph to throw the football downfield. If they cannot do that, the Steelers will just run the ball right at the Dolphins defense with RB James Conner and RB Benny Snell.

Steelers’ keys to victory: This game is a perfect opportunity for the Steelers to pull to 3-4. Despite the return of Rudolph, look for Pittsburgh to keep things conservative on offense, run the football and continue to utilize the short passing game. The one thing the Steelers cannot do is get complacent on offense. They need to take advantage of the speed at the wide receiver position in WR JuJu Smith-Schuster and WR Diontae Johnson and take some deep shots to pull the Miami defense back off the line of scrimmage. On defense, Pittsburgh just needs to continue to attack. This group continues to improve behind the play of EDGE T.J. Watt, LB Devin Bush and S Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Matchup to watch: Dolphins’ CB Xavien Howard vs Steelers’ WR JuJu Smith-Schuster: If Smith-Schuster wants to prove he’s a true No. 1 receiver, it’s going to take a supreme effort against Howard, who remains one of the best coverage cornerbacks in the AFC. The battle between these two will be one to watch.

Who wins? The Steelers are still pushing to win the AFC North and Miami seems content in stockpiling picks and tanking the season. PIttsburgh wins this one handily at home. Steelers 35, Dolphins 13

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