Week 8 of the NFL schedule brings a variety of outstanding matchups around the league, but a few stand out as the best to watch.
Division rivals open the slate, while a bout between undefeated teams clash serves as the precursor to another respectable Monday Night Football matchup.
Bonus: Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys
We’ve desperately tried to give Seattle the benefit of the doubt, but the reigning NFC champions haven’t really proved they deserve it. Russell Wilson and Co. are just 3-4, and the three wins are against teams that have limped to a combined 5-15 record.
The Seahawks shouldn’t have much trouble dispatching the Cowboys on Sunday afternoon. However, if Dez Bryant returns from injury, the tilt will at least be interesting. Tony Romo is still injured, but Bryant’s presence will life a Dallas team searching for life on offense.
When and where to watch: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox
3. Indianapolis Colts at Carolina Panthers
Somewhat similarly, NFL fans have patiently waited for Andrew Luck to shake his slump. Patience is running out, though. Despite sitting out two games, the Colts quarterback has taken 12 sacks, thrown nine interceptions and lost a fumble. That’s not good news for this matchup.
Carolina boasts a ferocious defensive line, so Luck will probably be under relentless pressure for a strong majority of the clash. Cam Newton and the Panthers are 6-0, looking to protect their home field and hoping to show a prime-time audience that the unblemished start is no fluke.
When and where to watch: Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
2. Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
All signs point to Ben Roethlisberger returning to action, and the timing could hardly be better. Pittsburgh has made due without Big Ben, but the offense has lacked the playmaking ability he offers. Roethlisberger is an underrated elite quarterback, meaning he’s better than the second-tier guy most think he is.
That’s not a disrespect card in the slightest. And the Bengals shouldn’t pretend to feed off one, either. Led by a resurgent Andy Dalton, this 6-0 team is fantastic. Cincinnati must protect its home field against the AFC North rival, because a win over the 4-3 Steelers would put some serious distance between the teams in the division.
When and where to watch: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
1. Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos
While it’s not necessarily a surprise both the Packers and Broncos are 6-0, it’s shocking how Denver has reached the mark. Peyton Manning has truly been physically outmatched every week, but the Broncos defense has regularly saved a lackluster attack. The unit needs to repeat the feat when Aaron Rodgers comes to town.
Rodgers has guided Green Bay to a two-game lead in the NFC North, overcoming injuries to Jordy Nelson and Davanted Adams as well as Randall Cobb’s slow start and an inconsistent rushing attack. The Packers likely won’t allow Manning to score much, but can Rodgers pick apart one of the league’s best defenses? Don’t miss this game.
When and where to watch: Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC