The NFL landscape shifted dramatically ahead of Week 8 with a series of major trades, headlined by the Chicago Bears acquiring defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons from the Tennessee Titans. The Bears sent a 2027 first-round pick, a 2027 fourth-round pick, and a 2028 first-round pick to Tennessee, receiving Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick in return. The 29-year-old Simmons, a 2025 first-team All-Pro with 15 sacks over the past two seasons, addresses a Bears interior pass rush that had managed only one sack through seven weeks. Analysts graded the deal an A- for Chicago and a C+ for Tennessee.
Thursday Night Football: Packers vs. Panthers
Green Bay (4-3) hosts Carolina (3-3) in a pivotal NFC matchup. The Panthers will be without linebacker Jaelan Phillips (hamstring), while the Packers miss offensive linemen Travis Glover (knee) and Sean Rhyan (ankle). Receiver Matthew Golden is trending toward playing. Bryce Young leads the NFL with 285.3 passing yards per game; Carolina is 3-0 when he avoids turnovers and 0-3 when he doesn't. Green Bay's rushing attack, worst in the league at 59.8 yards per game, faces a Panthers defense allowing 153.2 rushing yards per game. Josh Jacobs returns for the Packers after missing six weeks. Expert picks unanimously favor Green Bay, with scores ranging from 24-17 to 31-24.
Week 8 Expert Picks
Five CBS Sports writers offered standout selections: Pete Prisco takes the Lions (-3) over the undefeated Vikings; Tyler Sullivan backs the Patriots (-7.5) against the Dolphins; Jordan Dajani likes the Broncos (+1.5) over the Chiefs; Jared Dubin picks the Steelers (-3.5) versus the Browns; John Breech chooses the Bills (-3) over the Ravens.
Updated Playoff Projections
Analytics expert Stephen Oh's simulations project the following playoff field: AFC – 1. Bills (5-1), 2. Chiefs (5-1), 3. Jaguars (4-2), 4. Bengals (4-2), 5. Broncos (5-2), 6. Steelers (5-2), 7. Ravens (4-3). NFC – 1. Vikings (6-0), 2. 49ers (6-1), 3. Falcons (3-4), 4. Cowboys (3-4), 5. Lions (4-2), 6. Seahawks (4-3), 7. Bears (5-2). The model predicts the Bills will win their first Super Bowl.
Trade Deadline Matchmaker
With the November 10 deadline approaching, potential moves include Jonathan Taylor to the Vikings, Saquon Barkley to the Bengals, and Tariq Woolen to the Lions.
Extra Points
Lamar Jackson is expected to start for Baltimore against Buffalo after taking all first-team snaps in practice. The Vikings' historically great defense draws comparisons to the 2000 Ravens and 2002 Buccaneers. The Colts' roster teardown continues with Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner already traded.
