TNF Preview, Week 8

Finally, we get a good matchup for Thursday Night Football—on paper at least. When you see the Baltimore Ravens and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the schedule, you can’t help but get excited. The thing is, neither team has really been playing at that incredibly high level to this point. Still, this is an important game for both and could end up being a competitive contest.

The Ravens are 4-3 and in a fierce battle for the AFC North. The Bengals have the same record and seem to be surging. The Ravens, meanwhile, have won four games and have blown leads in a few others. Consistency has been the issue in losses to the Giants, Bills and Dolphins. The Ravens are also trying to figure out the backfield. J.K. Dobbins is back on IR, but Gus Edwards returned in Week 7 to give the team a boost.

The Buccaneers, meanwhile, look lost on offense. The team had a near miss on a big play in Week 7 that seemed to derail all its momentum. The team ended up scoring just three points against the Carolina Panthers, slumping to 3-4 on the season. This isn’t what most expected when Tom Brady came out of retirement to return to a loaded Buccaneers team that figured to compete for a Super Bowl. Instead, the Buccaneers’ offensive line woes seem to have thrown off the team’s rhythm all together. Can they get their mojo back?

In addition to offensive struggles, both defenses have had issues. The Buccaneers let Chuba Hubbard and D’Onta Foreman run all over them in Week 7, while the Raven’s pass defense continues to cause issue. That could make for an intriguing game on Thursday night.

Some might be prone to see a high scoring game, but I think we get a game in the teens or low 20s. For fantasy, I’m starting Lamar Jackson as a Top 5 QB option. Edwards is a low-end RB2, while I’m still starting tight end Mark Andrews despite a non-existent performance in Week 7. Among receivers, I like Rashod Bateman the best, but more as a WR3/Flex option.

For the Buccaneers, Brady is a QB2. You’re playing him in Superflex but moderating expectations. Same for running back Leonard Fournette and wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. They’re too talented to bench but the production has been uneven at best.

Now, on to my Week 8 picks!

NFL Picks, Week 8

Ravens Over Buccaneers
Broncos Over Jaguars
Falcons Over Panthers
Cowboys Over Bears
Dolphins Over Lions
Vikings Over Cardinals
Raiders Over Saints
Jets Over Patriots
Eagles Over Steelers
Titans Over Texans
Colts Over Commanders
Rams Over 49ers
Seahawks Over Giants
Bills Over Packers
Bengals Over Browns

Last Week: 8-6
Season: 55-52

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.