We’re to Week 8 of the NFL Season, the final full week of October and near the mid-point of the season. Teams are coming into focus and the NFL is taking a break from bye weeks for this one. So, there is a full slate to choose from, including some good matchups. Below is the five that I’m most interested to see this week.

Early Games:

Atlanta Falcons (4-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)
About: This is a crucial game for both teams. They’re each coming off a loss and need to get back on track. They’re each fighting for the top spot in the NFC South. But, worryingly for the Buccaneers, they’re without their best receivers and have already lost a game to the Falcons earlier this season. They can ill-afford a second loss that would put them, essentially, two games behind. The Falcons, meanwhile, have a path to the playoffs if they can control their division. That means winning this game in Tampa Bay.

Indianapolis Colts (4-3) at Houston Texans (5-2)
About: Another crucial division battle. These are the top two teams in the AFC South, and they met to open the season in Week 1. That was a two-point Texans win in Indianapolis. That puts extra pressure on the Colts, who come in one game back of the Texans. A loss could put them in a tough position to vie for the division title. The Texans, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from last week’s stumble in Green Bay. This one has some fireworks.

Late Games:

Buffalo Bills (5-2) at Seattle Seahawks (4-3)
About: This could be a tale of two receivers. The Bills made a trade for Amari Cooper, giving them a go-to guy at receiver. The Seahawks, meanwhile, saw D.K. Metcalf sprain his MCL in Week 7, making him a long shot to play. That puts extra pressure on the Seahawks, who rebounded from a three-game losing streak to win in Atlanta. If they want to build a lead in the NFC West, they need to keep winning. The Bills, meanwhile, have a big divisional lead but have their sights set on more. To do that, they need to remain among the leaders in the AFC. This should have big stakes.

Chicago Bears (4-2) at Washington Commanders (5-2)
About: This could end up being a battle of the top two picks. Last week Jayden Daniels suffered a rib injury, which puts his status in question. The Bears, meanwhile, moved to 4-2 before going on bye in Week 7. The Bears need a win to keep pace with their division, where each of the three other teams already has five wins. The Commanders, meanwhile, are seeking to stay on top of the NFC East. This one has big stakes for both team.

Sunday Night Game:

Dallas Cowboys (3-3) at San Francisco 49ers (3-4)
About: Both these teams were in the playoffs last season, and both have struggled in 2024. That’s due in large part to injuries that have left these offenses and defenses short-handed. The Cowboys are fresh off a bye, while the 49ers might be rolling without their top two receivers once again. Both teams need a win to remain in the playoff race, putting pressure on the squads to produce under the Prime-Time lights.

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.