Week 8 is upon us, and as always, there are great matchups up and down the league. Here are XX amazing 1-on-1 matchups to watch closely as you enjoy the games this weekend. Whether it be receivers against corners, linemen clashing against each other, or running backs vs. linebackers, the NFL is full of great athletes. Let’s run down some of the best who will be going head to head this week.
Vikings @ Chargers – Justin Jefferson vs. Derwin James
Justin Jefferson is the best in the NFL, and it’s always a pleasure to watch him work. But against a very talented Chargers secondary, and specifically Derwin James, it will be even more interesting to watch. Will the Chargers’ bracket safety help on top of JJ on Thursday night? Or will we see the young and talented Cam Hart 1-on-1 with Jefferson primarily? It’ll be exciting to see this battle between two of the best in the league.
Dolphins @ Falcons – Bijan Robinson vs. Zach Sieler
Bijan has proven he’s one of the best running backs in the league, and Zach Sieler is one of the elite run-stuffers. Nothing is going right for the Dolphins this year, but Sieler has the opportunity to show why he’s the spine of the Miami defense and someone they can build around.
Bears @ Ravens – Rome Odunze vs. Marlon Humphreys
DJ Moore is out for this game, and pressure is on for Caleb to turn it around and play well. Caleb seems to have developed a strong connection with Rome Odunze, which he’ll need to lean on. Marlon Humphreys also has a lot to prove as the Ravens’ defense has struggled immensely. He’s a top corner, and if he can lock down the Bears’ #1 receiver, he’ll be well worth his big contract. Lamar’s comeback is a must-win for Baltimore, and the defense has to help him much more than they have so far this year.
Jets @ Bengals – Ja’marr Chase vs. Sauce Gardner
Another of the best receivers in the league, going up against a top press corner. Joe Flacco seems to have a pretty clear offensive strategy: force-feed Jamarr. It worked well against the Steelers. The Jets have yet to win a game, and Aaron Glenn is desperate for a win to save his job. Sauce is a great player, and if he can lock down Chase that would go a long way for the Jets.
Bills @ Panthers – Tetairoa McMillan vs. Christian Benford
Tet McMillan is quietly having an amazing year, and anyone who’s watched him can testify that his play pops off the screen. Meanwhile, the Bills’ defense is struggling a little bit and desperately needs a get-right game. Benford is a talented corner and certainly can compete with McMillan. This could be an introduction to one of the great receivers in this league and a flashing red light for the Bills’ secondary. It could also calm the fears of the Bills mafia and remind everyone who’s the boss of the AFC East.
49ers @ Texans – Will Anderson Jr. vs Trent Williams
Will Anderson Jr. is coming off a career game with a fumble six, and he has shown time and time again that he’s a stud on an excellent defense. The Texans have had their struggles, but Anderson has been excellent. We all know Trent Williams is one of the best tackles in the league, and these two guys are both monster athletes. Watching them face off against each other will be a delight, and could also portend who will win this game.
Browns @ Patriots – Myles Garrett vs. Will Campbell
Myles Garrett is an absolute monster and a one-man wrecking ball. This may be the toughest test yet for the Patriots’ young tackle. Most of us would literally die if we had to block Garrett, so this will really put Will Campbell’s famous draft day statement to the test. It’ll be fun to watch this red-hot Patriot team go up against one of the best defenses in the NFL, and no matchup is more exciting than “who got Myles?”
Giants @ Eagles – Lane Johnson vs. Abdul Carter
It’s no secret the Eagles’ O-line has struggled this year, especially in the run game. This is also a big revenge game as the Giants embarrassed Philly in MetLife. We’re still waiting to see Abdul Carter’s big breakout, with only half a sack this year. If the Giants can get their pass rush going, they just might go 2-0 against the Eagles in 2025. If Philly starts moving the ball on the ground, they just might defend their title this year.
Buccaneers @ Saints – Cade Otton vs. Justin Reid
Cade Otton became Baker Mayfield’s favorite target after Mike Evans went down, and he may factor into the offense more now. Justin Reid is a talented safety and a great tackler. Watching this Bucs offense try to get back in the swing of things against their division rival will be fun. The Saints have had a rough year so far, but anything can happen in a division game.
Titans @ Colts – Michael Pittman vs. L’Jarius Sneed
The Colts offense has been absolutely cruising this year, and Michael Pittman has been a big reason why. The Titans may not be a great team, but L’Jarius Sneed is certainly one of the best corners in the league. Pittman had 6 catches for 73 yards and a TD last time these teams faced. Sneed will need to bring that number down if the Titans want to keep it closer than last time.
Cowboys @ Broncos – CeeDee Lamb vs. Patrick Surtain
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year faces off against one of the league’s best wide receivers in the NFL’s hottest offense. This will be a serious test for the Broncos’ stout defense, as Dak Prescott and the Cowboys are red hot. Patrick Surtain is capable of guarding anyone, but CeeDee will still get his. Watching these two face off will be an incredible show.
Packers @ Steelers – Micah Parsons vs. Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers has been getting rid of the ball quick, 2.61 seconds from snap to throw (second in the league). But Micah Parsons might be even faster. The Steelers will have to account for him on every play and make sure they can protect their quarterback. Rodgers also needs to have a plan to get the ball out quick and attack the aggresive defense of the Packers.
Commanders @ Chiefs – Terry McLaurin vs. Trent McDuffie
Scary Terry is back from injured reserve, and he restarts his season against one of the best man corners in the league. McDuffie will presumably be trailing McLaurin throughout this game, not an easy task by any means. Terry will be looking to have a big game in his return to the lineup, and McDuffie will look to keep the Chiefs on the rebound from their rough start. Keep your eyes on where these two line up on Monday night!
