Welcome to the eighth episode of Hart’s Selections for the 2026 NFL regular season. For Week 7—I had slightly better luck than Week 6. However, I picked correctly in 9 out of 14 games. I was wrong with my predictions on the 49ers, Panthers, Texans, Jets, and Chiefs.
Let’s see if I can do better this week. This week there are just 14 games again with the Texans, Saints, Giants, and 49ers all on their bye week.
Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers — Thursday Night Football
Both teams are coming off Week 7 losses and need to find a way and rebound. Carolina’s defense continues to be a big problem. Even though Green Bay’s offense is still struggling a bit, I like their odds of getting a home win in primetime.
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars — Sunday (Afternoon Game)
The Colts continue their downward spiral and could be very good. They have lost three in a row and have traded DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson. Jonathon Taylor and Josh Downs are possibly next in line. All things considered, I think Jacksonville takes care of business here. That would put them at five wins and a big lead in the AFC South.
Las Vegas Raiders at New York Jets — Sunday (Early Game)
After a good start to the season, the Raiders have lost four in a row. Meanwhile, the Jets are coming off a loss to the Miami Dolphins and are now 2-5 on the season. I think Klint Kubiak and his team find a way to win on the road and get back to being a .500 ball cub.
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills — Sunday (Early Game)
I wouldn’t predict the Ravens dead last in the AFC North as of today, but they are right there with a 4-3 record. I highly doubt they can get back on track and beat Josh Allen and the Bills on the road. Buffalo’s defense is a mess, but they continue to find ways to win thanks to a strong offensive attack. I believe they will take care of business at home against Baltimore.
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Sunday (Early Game)
Both of these NFC South teams are coming off losses but are coming off Week 7 victories. Somehow, the Falcons managed to take down the undefeated 49ers, and the Buccaneers completely throttled the Panthers. This should be a pretty close game. The Falcons for the most part have been good at shutting down the run, but is that what propels Tampa Bay to victory next week? I think Bucky Irving had another strong game and Tampa Bay won.
Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys — Sunday (Early Game)
The Cowboys still have a lot of issues to figure out on defense, but their offense is doing enough to help them win games. I think Dak Prescott, Javonte Williams, and CeeDee Lamb continue to work hard on their great Week 7 outings and get a big win at home to stay in the NFC East title race.
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions — Sunday (Early Game)
The Vikings are the last undefeated team left in the NFL with the Chiefs and 49ers losing last week. They’ve been really good on defense and are pulling out close wins even with an offense that’s still pretty inconsistent on a week-to-week basis. The Lions are 4-2 with a good offense, but there are plenty of issues to figure out on the other side of the ball. That being said, I think this week is the one where Minnesota finally loses. I’ll take Detroit home.
Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals — Sunday (Early Game)
The Bengals are in the thick of it in the AFC North at 4-2, while the Titans continue to fall and are 1-6 on the season. Normally, a lot of my ‘easy picks’ have backfired this season, but I’m pretty confident in Cincinnati taking this one. I just don’t see them losing this game.
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers — Sunday (Early Game)
This AFC North rivalry game is a battle for first place. Both teams are 5-2 and riding multi-game winning streaks. I’m sure it will be a close game as well. I’ll pick the Steelers, who are a little better on offense.
Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams — Sunday (Afternoon Game)
I’d be surprised if the Chargers find a way to beat the Rams even with an extra week of preparation. They have too many issues and are devastated by injuries. I think the Rams get their fourth win of the season here and get back to an even record.
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins — Sunday (Afternoon Game)
The Dolphins got their first victory of the season against the Jets, and the Patriots are coming off a Thursday Night Football losing to the Bears. I think Drake Maye and New England find a way to get back in the win column in their Week 8 primetime matchup.
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos — Sunday (Afternoon Game)
The AFC West matchup will determine who is the top team in the division midway through the season. The Broncos really struggled on Monday Night Football in Week 1 to start the season, but they are starting to hit their groove in all phases. Denver has been great at home the last few seasons and I think homefield advantage makes a big difference in this one. I’ll take the Broncos.
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders — Sunday Night Football
It’s a battle of the NFC East’s bottom dwellers when the Eagles head on the road to take on the Commanders in the Sunday Night Football. Both teams have their fair share of injuries and are missing key players. The Commanders are four-point favorites in this one, and I think they’ll find a way to get their second win of the season.
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks — Monday Night Football
This might be one of the best matchups of Week 8. I think it’s the perfect finale for the slate of games. Caleb Williams and the Bears are roaring on offense with a 5-2 record. The Seahawks knocked off the Chiefs in Week 7 thanks to a dominant defensive performance. Oh, and they traded for Quenton Nelson, who should immediately give them some much-needed help in their offensive trenches. I think Seattle’s run game remains strong, and 12th man and home field advantage will make a difference here as well. I’ll pick the Seahawks.