Week 8 in the NFL is an important week across the NFL. This is the last week that teams could possibly make a trade to bolster their lineup, as the trade deadline is October 31. Many teams are toting the line of a playoff team or outsiders and a win this week could save their season. There are some matchups this week that will garner more attention than most, so what are those matchups?
Redskins vs. Cowboys
This NFC East matchup between the Redskins and Cowboys is bigger than most people would think. Even though the Eagles are flying high at 6-1, both the Cowboys and Redskins are in the thick of the playoff race in the NFC.
Dak Prescott hasn't been as great as his rookie season, but he still has managed to take control of the offense, throwing 14 touchdowns in his first six games. He will need to rely on his running back Ezekiel Elliot this week, as Redskins CB Josh Norman looks to play this week after missing the last two games with cracked ribs. Elliot found his groove back against the 49ers last week after he struggled at the beginning of the season.
The Redskins are looking to get back on track after their loss to the Eagles. The defense looked particularly bad, as Carson Wentz was able to have a field day on the defense. Josh Norman is set to play this week, coming back to a showdown with Dez Bryant. The defense needs to help out Kirk Cousins, who has played particularly well this season but hasn't gotten help from his receiving core.
Terrelle Pryor hasn't lived up to expectations, only catching one touchdown on the year. If the Redskins want a chance to win, they need their secondary to step up and their receiving core to play big against Dallas.
Steelers vs. Lions
The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to move past their drama this week and get a win against the Lions.
The Steelers week has been dominated by Martavis Bryant and his social media outburst. He has been benched for this week against the Lions by head coach Mike Tomlin, so the Steelers can't even use him as a decoy.The Steelers have been on a roll, winning their last two games. The offense has been on point, but the defense has stepped up as well.
They gave up 13 and 14 points the last few weeks, which is really good compared to the beginning of the season. Ryan Shazier will be an x-factor for the game, as his quickness will be needed to cover the field against the Lions offense.
The Lions have underperformed this season as they sit at 3-3. Matthew Stafford has played very well, throwing the balls with ease and not turning the ball over. The Lions defense will need to step up against the Steelers offense. This is by far their biggest test of the season, as Pittsburgh is loaded at the skill positions. With the NFC North being wide open now that Aaron Rodgers is out, the Lions should look to steal this game from the Steelers to put themselves back in the NFC North race.
Week 8 in the NFL will be a critical week for many teams, as they need this win to put them back in the playoff race. These two games are the biggest for this week, as placement in the division is on the line. If you miss these games, you will be missing out on a great week 8.
