The NFL Roundup 2020: Week 8

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It is quite funny how time files when the world has gone bonkers and for proof, then look no further than the fact, that we are sitting at Week 8 in the NFL. Because it really just seems like yesterday that we were celebrating the start of the season and wondering how our favorite teams were going to fare. And just like that, we are at the pseudo midpoint and that’s just wild. But all rushing of time aside, the good news is, arriving at this point in the season means that the playoff push is about to begin, and that should motivate every team to push a little harder to either pad their record or save their season. Which means we are in store for some wonderful matchups and some powerful storylines and here is a look at what we should expect from this weekend’s slate of games.
​
Is this the weekend the Broncos turn their season around?
It doesn’t matter what the Broncos do or who is healthy on their squad, they simply cannot get going offensively and their defense is torched often, because they’re exhausted from constantly spending time on the field. And really at this point, every football fan in Denver and beyond is wondering, when this team is finally going to put it all together and win a game in a quality manner. And oddly enough, this might be the weekend where that happens. Because the Chargers are just… okay. Sure, they have a quality QB of the future in Justin Herbert, but that defense is suspect. So, if Drew Lock can keep a level head and be patient in the pocket and if OC Pat Shurmur can lay off the deep balls for a hot minute, the Broncos might actually win a game in epic fashion. But don’t be shocked if they don’t, since this offense is in fact, a hot mess. One that is still working to find unity.
 
Will Cam Newton and the Patriots rebound this weekend?
There is no team that is more in need of a turnaround victory right now, than the New England Patriots. Because they have been outright embarrassed the past couple of weeks, to the point where the football world is stunned at their lackluster performance. But while a rebound victory would be nice, achieving that goal this weekend, is going to be a difficult task for this squad. Simply because Buffalo is a solid football team, and they no longer fear the Patriots or anyone else. Which means they are likely going to go after Cam Newton and his sub-par play all day long and if he isn’t able to hang in the pocket and connect, then the Bills are going to hand the Pats another big L and honestly… that’s how I think this game is going to play out. Because New England just isn’t good on offense or defense right now and the Bills are hungry to lock up the AFC East.
 
Can the Bengals play the spoiler on Sunday?
Truly, Joe Burrow’s breakout game last week was something to behold. Because it let everyone know the Rookie is legit. And his ability to hang with a quality team for four quarters in a fearless manner, leads one to wonder… if by chance he could help the Bengals upset the Titans on Sunday and honestly, it is possible. Because Tennessee exposed some defensive weaknesses in their fight with the Steelers, the kind that Cincy could exploit and if they do, they’ll land the win here. But in the end, that’s likely quite the long shot. For the Titans are not happy with losing in the slightest and they are eager to unleash their fury on a lesser team, in order to get their season back on track and sadly, that likely means the Bengals are in for a long and painful day. 

---

The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-0) at Baltimore Ravens (5-1)
M&T Bank Stadium – Baltimore, Maryland
Sunday, November 1, 2020 – 1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

Talk about an incredible storyline right here. One that features an undefeated team, that is flying into hostile territory in order to defeat an opponent that is eager to topple them for control of the division. And the best part about this grandiose battle, is that it is going to live up to the hype surrounding it. Because both of these teams boast some magnificent offenses, complete with quarterbacks that just don’t quit. So don’t be shocked if this one becomes a shootout since Jackson and Big Ben love to take advantage of opportunities that are presented to them and always find a way to get the ball in the end zone, and really, if I had to guess which team is going to lock up this win; I’d have to go with Pittsburgh. Because their defense knows how to step up at just the right time, and that should help the Steelers continue their undefeated streak and their continued domination of the AFC North. 

New Orleans Saints (4-2) at Chicago Bears (5-2)
Soldier Field – Chicago, Illinois
Sunday, November 1, 2020 – 2:25 p.m. EST – FOX​

This is a game of note, simply because it features two supremely hungry teams. For the Chicago Bears want to show the football world that they are in fact, a quality team and not winning on pure luck alone and the Saints, well they are on a mission to get Drew Brees to one more Super Bowl. Which means this game is another one that is going to come down to defense. Because the Saints D is super porous, and the Bears D was exposed by the Rams last week. So whichever defense decides to step it and play lights out will help their team cruise to a victory. Simply because both Brees and Foles have proven themselves to be touchdown machines in 2020 and if I had to pick a winner in this one, it would be the Saints. Only because they really do seem dedicated to getting Brees his second shot at the title.

San Francisco 49ers (4-3) at Seattle Seahawks (5-1)
CenturyLink Field – Seattle, Washington
Sunday, November 1, 2020 – 2:25 p.m. EST – FOX

Speaking of games that feature a sense of hunger or desire, this is one that features two teams that are quite eager to put some doubts to bed. For the Niners have a lot of question marks surrounding their offense and whether or not Jimmy G is the guy at QB and the Seahawks, well they went from being a bonafide contender to a defensive concern and they now want to prove to the football world that they do have an elite defense that can hang with top tier teams. Which means this game should be quite the showdown for certain, one that will in fact… be decided by those two key elements. Because if #10 plays lights out and drops some touchdowns, the Niners will win. And if the Seattle D finally steps it up, then they’ve got this. As to which team actually lands the win, well we’ll just have to tune in and watch. Because the questions surrounding these two teams are legit and it is up to the parties involved to silence the doubters.