NFL Week 8 Brings High-Stakes Matchups and an Undefeated Vikings Test

On October 28, the Buffalo Bills were preparing to host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in a matchup between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Allen praised Jackson as one of the league’s best and said facing elite quarterbacks was part of what makes football compelling. The Bills were 5-1, while Baltimore stood at 4-3 after a collapse against Cincinnati. Jackson, who had missed three games with an ankle injury, took part fully in Wednesday’s practice and was trending toward a return.

Another AFC North game could decide who sits alone atop the division: the 5-2 Cleveland Browns visit the 5-2 Pittsburgh Steelers. Cleveland won their first meeting, 27-24, in Week 4. Deshaun Watson has led a game-winning drive in each of the Browns’ five victories this season.

Minnesota, the only unbeaten team at 6-0, faced a challenging stretch beginning with a trip to Detroit. The Vikings’ defense was allowing 12 points per game, while their offense ranked 28th in total yards and 23rd in scoring. Their next opponents after Detroit include Buffalo, Green Bay and San Francisco.

The Los Angeles Rams, at 3-4, were set to face the winless Chargers, who began the season 0-6. In another featured game, Seattle was due to host Chicago on Monday night after limiting Kansas City to three points. The Bears had scored at least 30 points in each of Caleb Williams’ three full starts.