NFL Week 8 Predictions: Eagles Set to Dominate Giants, Bears Eye Upset Over Injury-Plagued Ravens

In a Week 8 slate packed with high-stakes NFL action, SportsLine’s advanced computer model is making bold calls that could reshape divisional races. The Philadelphia Eagles are heavily favored to not just win but cover the spread against the New York Giants in a heated NFC East clash, while the Chicago Bears are projected to pull off a surprising cover against the Baltimore Ravens, who will be without star quarterback Lamar Jackson due to injury. These predictions come as both matchups promise fireworks on Sunday, with implications rippling through the playoff picture.

Eagles’ Ground Game Poised to Overwhelm Giants’ Defense

The Philadelphia Eagles enter Week 8 riding a wave of momentum, boasting a 5-1 record and the league’s most explosive rushing attack. Led by running back Saquon Barkley, who’s averaging 5.2 yards per carry this season, the Eagles have racked up over 1,200 rushing yards through six games—a figure that puts them atop the NFL in ground efficiency. Against the New York Giants, who sit at 2-5 and rank dead last in run defense, allowing 160.3 yards per game on the ground, SportsLine’s model sees Philadelphia covering the -6.5 spread with relative ease.

“The Giants’ front seven has been a sieve all year,” noted ESPN analyst Adam Schefter in a recent breakdown. “With Barkley facing a defense that’s given up 10 rushing touchdowns already, this could turn into a blowout early.” Historical context backs this up: In last season’s matchup, the Eagles steamrolled the Giants 28-3, holding New York to just 99 total rushing yards while Barkley exploded for 146 on the ground.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts adds another layer to Philadelphia’s dominance. With 1,800 passing yards and 10 touchdowns to just four interceptions, Hurts has been surgical, especially in primetime spots. The model simulates over 10,000 iterations of this game, giving the Eagles a 72% chance to cover based on their superior offensive line, which has allowed only 12 sacks all season. For the Giants, rookie quarterback Daniel Jones’ successor, Tommy DeVito, steps in amid uncertainty, having thrown for under 200 yards in limited action. New York’s offense, averaging a measly 18.2 points per game, faces an Eagles defense that’s forced 14 turnovers, including eight interceptions.

Key stats highlight the mismatch: The Eagles boast a +15 turnover differential, the best in the NFC, while the Giants languish at -9. Weather in Philadelphia is expected to be clear, with temperatures around 55 degrees, favoring the home team’s physical style. Fans are buzzing, with ticket sales up 25% from last year for this rivalry game, underscoring the emotional stakes in the NFC East.

Ravens’ QB Crisis Hands Bears a Golden Opportunity

Across the league, the Baltimore Ravens’ nightmare scenario unfolds without Lamar Jackson, their two-time MVP quarterback sidelined by a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 7. With backup Tyler Huntley taking the reins, SportsLine’s model predicts the Chicago Bears will cover the +3 spread in what could be a defensive slugfest at Soldier Field. The Ravens, at 5-2, have been unstoppable with Jackson under center, posting a 112.4 passer rating and leading the NFL with 31.1 points per game. But his absence drops their projected output to under 20 points, per simulations.

“Lamar is the engine of this offense—without him, it’s like removing the turbo from a race car,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh in a press conference this week. Huntley, who went 2-2 as a starter last season, has shown flashes with 688 passing yards and four touchdowns in relief roles, but his 58% completion rate and tendency for conservative play won’t intimidate the Bears’ improving secondary.

Chicago, sitting at 3-4, has quietly built momentum under first-year quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick who’s thrown for 1,450 yards and eight touchdowns while cutting down on interceptions to just five. The Bears’ defense, anchored by linebacker Roquan Smith, ranks seventh in the NFL against the pass, allowing only 198.7 yards per game. They’ve sacked opposing quarterbacks 18 times this season, a number that could haunt Huntley, who’s been pressured on 42% of dropbacks in prior starts.

Past encounters add intrigue: The Ravens edged the Bears 16-13 in their last meeting in 2021, but that was with a healthier roster. This time, Baltimore’s running game, led by Derrick Henry ( who’s rushed for 682 yards and six scores), remains a threat, but Chicago’s front four—featuring Montez Sweat with 4.5 sacks—has held opponents to 3.8 yards per carry. The model’s edge for the Bears stems from home-field advantage and a +4 turnover margin at Soldier Field, where they’ve won three of their last four.

Injury reports further tilt the scales: Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is questionable with a calf strain, potentially leaving Huntley without his top target (28 catches, 348 yards). For Chicago, running back D’Andre Swift is expected back from a hamstring tweak, boosting their ground attack that averages 112 yards per game. Wind gusts up to 15 mph in Chicago could favor the Bears’ ball-control style, limiting Baltimore’s deep shots.

Model’s Methodology Reveals Deeper Insights into NFL Week 8 Chaos

SportsLine’s advanced model, powered by algorithms that factor in over 25 variables—from player tracking data via Next Gen Stats to weather impacts and coaching tendencies—has a proven track record. Last season, it nailed 58% of spread picks, outperforming Vegas lines by 12 points on average. For Week 8, it simulates each game 10,000 times, incorporating real-time injury updates like Jackson’s absence, which alone shifts the Ravens-Bears total by 4.5 points.

Breaking down the Eagles-Giants sims: Philadelphia wins 78% outright, with an average margin of 10.2 points. Barkley’s projected 120 rushing yards and two scores dominate the narrative, while the Giants’ pass rush, depleted by Kayvon Thibodeaux’s shoulder injury, registers under two sacks. On the Bears-Ravens side, Chicago covers in 65% of scenarios, thanks to a predicted three-turnover game from Baltimore’s offense without Jackson’s elusiveness.

• Key Model Inputs: Player efficiency ratings (e.g., Hurts’ 105.3 QBR), defensive EPA allowed (Giants at +0.28, worst in NFL), and situational play-calling success rates.
• Historical Parallels: Teams missing elite QBs like Jackson cover just 32% as favorites since 2018.
• Betting Trends: Public money is 68% on the Eagles, but sharps favor Bears at +3 for value.

Broader Week 8 context includes other marquee games, like the Chiefs hosting the Raiders, but these two stand out for divisional implications. The Eagles could extend their NFC East lead to two games, while a Bears win would vault them into wildcard contention, sitting just one game behind Detroit in the NFC North.

Player Spotlights: Stars Who Could Swing Sunday’s Outcomes

In Philadelphia, all eyes are on Jalen Hurts, whose dual-threat ability (512 rushing yards, five TDs) makes him a nightmare for the Giants’ secondary. DeVonte Smith, with 42 receptions for 612 yards, could exploit New York’s cornerbacks, who allow 7.2 yards per target. For the Giants, Malik Nabers’ speed (28 catches, 374 yards) offers hope, but facing Eagles corner Darius Slay (two INTs) tempers optimism.

Chicago’s Caleb Williams faces his biggest test yet, but a strong performance could silence doubters. Rookie wideout Rome Odunze has emerged with 25 catches and three scores, potentially feasting on a Ravens defense missing safety Kyle Hamilton (knee). Baltimore’s Derrick Henry remains the X-factor; if he tops 100 yards, as projected in 55% of sims, the Ravens stay in it. Huntley’s mobility (4.1 yards per rush in backups) might mimic Jackson somewhat, but experts doubt it: “He’s solid, but not Lamar,” per NFL Network’s Rich Eisen.

Stats to watch: Eagles’ red-zone efficiency (68% TD rate) vs. Giants’ poor goal-line stand (42% allowed). Bears’ third-down stops (38% conversion allowed) against Ravens’ usual 45% success with Jackson.

Off-field narratives add flavor—the Eagles’ “Brotherly Shove” trick play, successful on 95% of attempts, could seal the game late. In Chicago, the “Monsters of the Midway” defense revives old glory, with fans chanting for a playoff push not seen since 2018.

Playoff Ramifications and Betting Buzz for NFL’s Midseason Pivot

A Eagles victory solidifies their status as NFC frontrunners, potentially setting up a Super Bowl rematch path with the Cowboys later. Covering the spread would boost their +140 odds to win the East, per FanDuel. For the Giants, another loss drops them to 2-6, intensifying rebuild talks around GM Joe Schoen.

The Bears covering against Baltimore catapults them to .500, injecting life into a fanbase weary of 7-10 finishes. It also pressures the Lions and Packers in the North, where Detroit leads by 1.5 games. Ravens, despite the setback, hold a one-game AFC North edge over the Steelers; a loss tests their depth, with AFC playoff odds dipping to 82% from 91%.

Betting action is fierce: Over/under for Eagles-Giants at 44.5 sees 62% on the over, driven by Philly’s scoring (28.5 PPG). Bears-Ravens total of 41 leans under (55%), anticipating defensive play. Prop bets favor Barkley over 95.5 rush yards (-110) and Williams under 225.5 pass yards (+100).

As Week 8 unfolds, these games underscore the NFL’s unpredictability—injuries like Jackson’s remind us of the fine line between contenders and pretenders. With midseason trades looming post-Week 9, teams like the Bears could emerge as buyers, while the Giants ponder sellers. Sunday’s results will echo through November, shaping a postseason race already heating up.