NFL Week 8 Predictions: Eagles Set to Cover Spread Against Giants, Bears Gain Edge Over Injured Ravens

In a Week 8 slate packed with intrigue, SportsLine’s advanced computer model is making waves by projecting the Philadelphia Eagles to not only defeat but cover the spread against the New York Giants in their heated NFC East rivalry matchup. Adding to the excitement, the model favors the Chicago Bears to outperform the Baltimore Ravens, capitalizing on the Ravens’ devastating loss of star quarterback Lamar Jackson to injury. These predictions could reshape divisional standings as the NFL season intensifies.

Eagles’ Aerial Assault Targets Giants’ Defensive Vulnerabilities

The Philadelphia Eagles enter their Week 8 showdown with the New York Giants riding a wave of momentum, fresh off a gritty 28-24 victory over the Cleveland Browns that showcased their balanced offensive attack. With a 5-2 record, the Eagles are firmly in the hunt for NFC East supremacy, and SportsLine’s model gives them a strong 68% chance to cover the 6.5-point spread on the road at MetLife Stadium. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has been the engine of this resurgence, completing 68% of his passes for 1,892 yards and 14 touchdowns through seven games, while adding 412 rushing yards and four scores on the ground.

Historically, the Eagles have dominated this rivalry, winning seven of the last 10 meetings against the Giants, including a 28-3 thrashing in last season’s playoffs. The Giants, struggling at 3-4, have shown flashes of defensive prowess under coordinator Wink Martindale, sacking opposing quarterbacks 22 times this season. However, their secondary has been porous, allowing 7.2 yards per pass attempt, the third-worst in the NFL. Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, who exploded for 196 receiving yards in their last encounter with New York, is primed for another big day, especially with DeVonta Smith drawing coverage away.

“The Giants’ pass rush is elite, but our offensive line has gelled,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said in a pre-game presser. “We’re protecting Jalen and letting him make plays downfield. This is a rivalry game—expect fireworks.” The model’s simulation runs 10,000 iterations, factoring in weather conditions (a crisp 52-degree forecast) and player fatigue, ultimately projecting a 27-20 Eagles victory. For bettors, this pick aligns with Philadelphia’s 6-1 against-the-spread record as favorites this year.

Ravens’ Jackson Injury Opens Door for Bears’ Ground Game Revival

The Baltimore Ravens’ season took a gut-wrenching turn when MVP candidate Lamar Jackson was ruled out for Week 8 with a sprained ankle sustained in their 24-23 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Without their dynamic dual-threat quarterback, who has accounted for 2,396 total yards and 18 touchdowns, the Ravens limp into Soldier Field as 3.5-point underdogs to the Chicago Bears. SportsLine’s model, boasting a 52.4% success rate on top picks this season, projects Chicago to win outright by an average margin of 7.2 points in 7,500 simulations.

Jackson’s absence thrusts backup Tyler Huntley into the spotlight, a capable runner but a passer with just 62.1% completion rate in limited action. The Ravens’ offense, ranked fifth in the NFL with 28.1 points per game, could stall without Jackson’s magic. Meanwhile, the Bears (4-3) are surging under first-year coach Matt Eberflus, having won three of their last four games behind a resurgent rushing attack led by David Montgomery (612 yards, five TDs) and rookie D’Ondre Swift (548 yards, four TDs). Chicago’s defense, anchored by Roquan Smith and Jaylon Johnson, has forced 12 turnovers, tying for second in the league.

“Lamar’s our leader, but we’ve got depth,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh stated defiantly. “Huntley steps up, and our run game with Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins will keep us in it.” Yet, the Bears’ home-field advantage can’t be overlooked—they’re 3-1 at Soldier Field this year and have covered in four straight against AFC North foes. The model highlights Baltimore’s 4-3 ATS record without Jackson in prior seasons as a red flag, forecasting a 23-16 Bears upset that could propel Chicago toward their first winning season since 2018.

Head-to-Head Stats Reveal Edges in Critical Matchups

Diving deeper into the analytics, the Eagles-Giants tilt promises fireworks in the trenches. Philadelphia’s offensive line, featuring All-Pro tackle Lane Johnson, has allowed just 1.1 sacks per game, the best in the NFL. Conversely, the Giants’ front seven, bolstered by Dexter Lawrence’s league-leading 6.5 sacks, will test Hurts’ mobility. But simulations show the Eagles’ no-huddle tempo wearing down New York’s defense, which ranks 25th in third-down stops (42.3% conversion allowed).

In the trenches for Bears-Ravens, Baltimore’s run defense has been stout, surrendering only 3.8 yards per carry, but without Jackson’s bootlegs to extend plays, their vulnerabilities show. Chicago’s ground attack could exploit this, especially if Huntley is forced into predictable dropbacks. The Bears’ secondary, allowing a league-low 198.7 passing yards per game, matches up favorably against Huntley’s arm. Historical data underscores the shift: Teams missing their starting QB this season are 12-28 straight-up, per NFL stats.

• Eagles vs. Giants Key Stat: Philly is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 rivalry games.
• Bears vs. Ravens Key Stat: Chicago has won 4 of 6 home games against Baltimore since 2010.
• Injury Impact: Ravens’ offense drops 9.2 points per game without Jackson, per advanced metrics.

Experts like CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco echo the model’s optimism, predicting “Eagles roll by double digits” and “Bears grind out a statement win.” These matchups aren’t just games—they’re pivots in tight playoff chases.

Model’s Precision Backed by Season-Long Trends

SportsLine’s computer model isn’t pulling punches; it’s powered by algorithms that crunch player props, weather data, and historical trends with uncanny accuracy. This season, it has nailed 58% of its spread picks, outperforming Vegas oddsmakers in high-profile games. For the Eagles, the projection stems from their 4-3 road ATS record and Giants’ 1-3 home mark as underdogs. Philly’s red-zone efficiency (65% TD rate) contrasts sharply with New York’s 48%, a gap the model exploits in scoring forecasts.

On the Bears’ side, the absence of Jackson tilts the scales dramatically. Baltimore’s defense, while top-10 in points allowed (20.1 per game), struggles against mobile QBs like Justin Fields, who has rushed for 318 yards and four TDs. Fields’ growth—now with a 94.2 passer rating in his last three starts—fuels the model’s confidence. “The Bears are finding their identity,” said ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky. “Without Lamar, Baltimore’s creativity vanishes.”

Broader NFL context amplifies these picks. The Eagles’ win could extend their NFC East lead to two games over the Cowboys, while a Bears victory might vault them into wild-card contention, tied with the Packers at 4-3. Oddsmakers have adjusted lines slightly post-model release, with Eagles now at -7 and Bears at -4, reflecting market movement.

Playoff Implications and What to Watch Beyond Sunday

If these predictions hold, the ripple effects could define the NFL’s second half. A Eagles triumph solidifies their status as Super Bowl contenders, especially with a softer schedule ahead featuring the Steelers and Texans. For the Giants, another loss deepens their divisional woes, potentially pushing them toward a rebuild despite Saquon Barkley’s heroics (612 rushing yards).

The Bears’ potential upset over the Ravens would mark a turning point, boosting morale in a city starved for success and pressuring Detroit in the NFC North race. Baltimore, already 4-3 and clinging to the AFC’s No. 6 seed, faces a must-win mentality in upcoming games against the Saints and Browns—losses here could derail their title defense aspirations.

Looking ahead, monitor Hurts’ health post-Giants, as the Eagles face back-to-back road tests. For Chicago, Fields’ development against a depleted Ravens secondary could foreshadow bigger things, like a playoff berth. Fans and fantasy players alike should tune in: These Week 8 battles aren’t just for points—they’re for legacies. As the NFL playoff picture sharpens, every snap counts toward October’s glory.

(Additional context: The NFL’s Week 8 also features marquee games like Chiefs vs. 49ers, but these divisional clashes carry extra weight. Betting responsibly, always check local laws.)