The NFL Roundup 2022: Week 8 Preview

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It really is quite amazing how fast time flies. Because it seems like yesterday that we were celebrating the return of football to our lives and uh… just like that… it’s Week 8 and we are basically at the midseason point and preparing for everyone’s playoff runs. Well… those that are going to be in the playoffs. Because some teams are done, while others are fighting tooth and nail to keep their season alive, and that is going to bring forth some quality football this weekend. The kind that will be filled with huge wins for juggernauts and desperate play from those on the bubble, and without further ado, let’s dive right in and preview the weekend that awaits us and all of its juicy storylines. 
​
Is this it for Broncos Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett?
Make no mistake about it, year one for Nathaniel Hackett has been an outright disaster. Because he was handed a team with a talented offense and has done nothing with it, and now the Broncos are 2-5 and facing another potential loss since Hackett won’t do anything to change his schemes or work with someone to help him with situational play calling. And that’s led to speculation and discussions that perhaps… he will be fired if he loses this game and well… that’s the big question on everyone’s mind. How much leeway is ownership going to give a struggling first year coach? And honestly, who knows at this point since we don’t have a supremely good read on how ownership is feeling. But if the offense can’t score a touchdown here and plays awful football on the international stage, don’t be shocked if this is the end of the line for Coach Hackett.
 
Have the Colts made the right call by benching Matt Ryan?
Speaking of other odd moves, the Colts went ahead and sat down Matt Ryan after making a trade for him. Granted he’s not exactly playing his best football ever, but he’s kept the team competitive and some of his struggles relate to his o-line. But either way, he’s sitting down and well, is that the right call? For his understudy hasn’t even thrown a pass in a game, making the decision to switch out an experienced play-caller for that, so supremely weird. But we simply don’t know if Sam Ehlinger will come out and play gangbusters and save the team and the season. So really, time will tell here and tell us quickly. Because a QB this young and inexperienced will showcase his raw talent or his need to learn in a matter of a few plays. 
 
Can the Panthers put together another big win?
Carolina’s big win over the Bucs last week was quite the epic surprise. One that informed us that a coaching change and some personnel changes did the team some good. But of course, that was just one game and that does leave one to wonder if they can put together a streak out of this, and honestly, I think they can. Because they are facing the supremely unimpressive Atlanta Falcons. Who look confused and lost often and if Carolina can fire up the same intensity, they did last week and move the ball and put up some points, don’t be shocked to see them earn another big win as they try to salvage their season and offer fans some hope at last for the future.  

---

The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

Thursday Night Football
Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4)
Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Florida
8:15 p.m. EST – Prime Video

​This is a game of note, simply because both teams involved are trying to get their season back on track and meet expectations. For everyone expected Baltimore to come out hot and dominate the AFC North, and while their record isn’t bad… they’re not solely in first place and they have lost some big games. And they are taking on a Bucs team in crisis. Because Tom Brady looks awful this season and his supporting cast is struggling as well, which has led them to a sub-par season and a prime-time matchup where they could fix a great deal morale wise and record wise with a big win and well, in the end, I’m going with Baltimore for this game. Simply because the Bucs are a mess, and something is wrong with Brady and that’s not getting fixed anytime soon.   

New York Giants (6-1) at Seattle Seahawks (4-3)
Lumen Field – Seattle, Washington
Sunday, October 30, 2022 – 4:25 p.m. EST – FOX

This is a game worth watching, simply because it might be a playoff preview. For two teams that everyone left for dead earlier this season, have proven themselves to be so much more. For the Giants are surging and chasing the Eagles in the NFC East and a big win here will help with that, and Seattle… is eager to continue to silence their doubters with a big win as well. Which means we are going to be in for a good game and a quarterback duel from a pair of forgotten QB’s that are clicking this year. As to who will win, well my guess is it will be the Giants. Because they are playing incredible football right now and are fearless when they take the field and that’s bad news for the Seahawks.

Sunday Night Football
Green Bay Packers (3-4) at Buffalo Bills (5-1)
Highmark Stadium – Orchard Park, New York
8:20 p.m. EST – NBC

​One would think that Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen squaring off would mean we’re looking at a true “Clash of the Titans” game. But this matchup, isn’t about that. In fact, the Bills are the least of our concerns here. This is a game of note simply because the Packers are now in panic mode. For their record is trash and they look lost and broken and they are wondering if they can put it all together and salvage a season that was full of hope and high expectations and honestly, I’m not sure they can. Because the Bills are freakin’ amazing and continue to beat down great teams with impunity. So, this game is likely one that will end badly or the Packers. The only question is whether they will go down fighting or embarrass themselves on the national stage.