The conclusion of Week 8 in the 2026 National Football League season reinforced the league's reputation for unpredictability. The Baltimore Ravens suffered a 33-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night, snapping a twelve-game streak where their defense had not allowed a 50-yard play. In that defeat, the Ravens allowed two such long gains in the first half. The game also marked a historic moment for running back Derrick Henry, who moved into seventh place on the all-time rushing list, surpassing LaDainian Tomlinson and Jerome Bettis. This achievement occurred despite Henry running for fewer than 60 yards in four consecutive games.
The Ravens' offensive struggles were further highlighted as they scored 14 or fewer points for the fourth straight game, a first in franchise history. This consistent output has made the recent acquisition of veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett appear increasingly prudent. As the league moves into Week 9, several bold predictions suggest that the chaos may continue across various matchups.
One major upset is predicted in the NFC East, where the Philadelphia Eagles are set to host the New York Giants. The Giants, currently first in the division with a 4-2-1 record, are 3.5-point road favorites. This marks the first time they have been favored over the Eagles since 2016. Philadelphia has lost six consecutive games, while New York has won three straight divisional contests. However, the Eagles are expected to snap their skid with the arrival of new starter Joe Milton III.
Milton, who was a backup to Dak Prescott with the Dallas Cowboys, was signed from the Cowboys practice squad. He replaces Tanner McKee, who lost all three of his starts this season. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer has previously compared Milton's arm strength to that of Brett Favre. In the 2026 preseason, Milton demonstrated improved accuracy, completing 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 118.2.
In another high-profile matchup, the Minnesota Vikings are predicted to sack Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen more than five times. The Vikings defense, led by coordinator Brian Flores, leads the league in multiple categories, including scoring defense, red zone defense, and blitz rate. Their 73.6 percent blitz rate is the highest in the 21st century. Allen, the 2024 MVP, has faced intense pressure before, absorbing a career-high eight sacks in a 2025 game against Houston. The Bills offensive line is currently allowing an 11th-highest quarterback pressure rate, setting the stage for a difficult road game on Monday Night Football.
The Dallas Cowboys are also expected to find defensive stability against the Indianapolis Colts. Despite allowing 29 points per game since the 2025 season, the Cowboys will face a Colts team that has scored 10 or fewer points in two straight games. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones holds the worst passer rating in the league at 68.7. The prediction is that Dallas will hold Indianapolis to under 20 points, ending a 15-game streak of allowing 20 or more points.
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen is projected to surpass 100 scrimmage yards against the Kansas City Chiefs. Since Breece Hall suffered a quadriceps injury in Week 3, Allen has rushed for 504 yards in five games. This output is the second highest in the NFL. If he exceeds 100 yards, he will become the first Jet with five consecutive 100-yard games since Thomas Jones in 2008.
Finally, the Miami Dolphins are predicted to limit Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff to under 200 passing yards. Goff is currently averaging 280.6 yards per game, a figure that places him among the elite in league history. However, the Dolphins rely on edge rusher Chop Robinson, who leads the NFL in quarterback pressure rate. His ability to disrupt Goff is expected to be the key factor in keeping the Lions offense in check.
