Fansided

5 most interesting NFL matchups to watch Week 8

By Rucker Haringey

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 25: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass in the first half of a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 25: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass in the first half of a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 11: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

4. Cleveland Browns vs. Success

Just as everyone started to shovel dirt on Baker Mayfield, the Browns managed to turn their season around. Suddenly, Cleveland is sitting pretty with a 4-2 record. That means the Browns would be in the playoffs if the postseason began today.

Their home game against the Raiders gives the franchise a golden opportunity to push their record to 5-2. That wouldn’t necessarily secure their playoff future, but it would put them in an excellent position to end their postseason drought nearing the midpoint of their 2020 campaign.

The key for the Browns will be to handle this season’s success with some measure of maturity. Having Kevin Stefanski in charge should help them achieve that modest goal. The bigger question is whether or not the team’s offense can function at a high level without the services of Odell Beckham.

The Raiders are not an elite opponent, but Jon Gruden has fashioned a respectable roster of his own. Las Vegas will come into this game knowing that a win could buoy their own playoff hopes. Add it all up and this is a sneaky matchup of fringe contenders in Week 8.

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