NFL Week 8 picks, predictions: Is the NY Jets a contender, not a pretender, a pretender, a contender, or is Houston a contender, or a pretender? NFL Week 8 is here, and it’s a big one for four teams in particular: for example, the New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Houston Texans. All four sides can be contenders; however, at some stage in time, they have experienced difficulties this season. Thus, are they or contenders?
New York Jets
Surprisingly, the Jets rank among the most formidable contenders in the entire NFL after six outings when the score was 4 vs. 3. A youthful and gifted offense is led by the team which has Zach Wilson as the quarterback and Elijah Moore as his favorite target. Defense also has been improved, but yet again it is still under development.
It will not be easy for them as they face the New England Patriots next week. The Patriots have always been a bunch of veterans who are never easy to conquer. However, this win will give others an insight that the Jets are a real player in the contest.
Cincinnati Bengals
Another young and talented team, the Bengals has been something else of a roller coaster ride. The Patriots are coming into the Week 8 encounter with a bye week, thus they have enough rest going into that match.
One of the most potent offenses in the NFL is led by Joe Burrow and Ja’MarrChase. However, the defense has not been quite strong. If the Bengals beef up their defense, it is going to be hard for other teams to overcome them.
Houston Texans
The Texans are in the midst of a rebuild, but they’ve shown some flashes of potential this season. They’re led by rookie quarterback Davis Mills, who has been impressive at times. The running game has also been good, led by Dameon Pierce.
The Texans’ defense is still a work in progress, but they’ve made some strides this season. They have a tough test in Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers, who are also in the midst of a rebuild. But if the Texans can win this game, it will be a sign that they’re on the right track.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are the defending Super Bowl champions, but they’ve struggled this season. They’re coming off a loss to the Arizona Cardinals, and they’re now 3-4 on the season.
The Buccaneers have a lot of talent on their roster, led by quarterback Tom Brady and wide receiver Mike Evans. But the offensive line has been a major problem, and the defense hasn’t been as good as it was last season.
The Buccaneers have a tough test in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills, who are one of the best teams in the NFL. If the Buccaneers can win this game, it will be a sign that they’re turning things around.
Are they contenders or pretenders?
So, are the Jets, Bengals, Texans, and Buccaneers contenders or pretenders? It’s too early to say for sure. All four teams have the potential to be contenders, but they all have some work to do.
The Jets and Bengals are the two teams with the most upside. They have young and talented offenses, and they’re both on the rise. But the defense is still a question mark for both teams.
The Texans are a rebuilding team, so it will take them some time to become contenders. But they have some talented young players, and they’re headed in the right direction.
The Buccaneers are the defending Super Bowl champions, so they’re automatically considered contenders. But they’ve struggled this season, and they need to get healthy and start playing more consistently.
Overall, I think all four teams have the potential to be contenders, but it’s too early to say for sure. They all have some work to do, but they’re all headed in the right direction.
