With 14 games left in Week Eight there is a lot going on. There are a lot of big name players left to watch as they showcase their talent, and three more divisional matchups to enjoy. Let’s take a look at some of the best player matchups for Week Eight:
Brandon Marshall vs. Darrelle Revis: This matchup could be extended to include Alshon Jeffery vs. Brandon Browner. The Bears offense looked horrible last week, but when Jay Cutler plays well they are almost unstoppable. Well, assuming Cutler plays well (which, granted, is a huge assumption) Marshall will be matched up against the best in the game, Darrelle Revis. On top of that, Jeffery will be up against Brandon Browner who is quite the defensive player himself. Revis and Browner excel at press coverage, taking away the easy check down passes and short throws from quarterbacks. Marshall and Jeffery have the strength and talent to go down the field with the Patriots secondary, so this game will once again come down to Cutler’s ability to get them the ball.
Le’Veon Bell vs. D’Qwell Jackson: Bell has quickly become one of the top running backs in the league this season. His speed and explosiveness make him a problem for defenses everywhere. The Indianapolis Colts linebacking core, led by D’Qwell Jackson and Jerrell Freeman, has the quickness to match and corral the Steelers back as well as the power and toughness to bring him down when he bursts through the offensive line. This game could easily come down to third-and-short situations. If the Colts can stop Bell on third down consistently they’ll have no problem leaving Pittsburgh with a win.
Chip Kelly vs. Todd Bowles: This should prove to be one of the best games of the day. Chip Kelly is an offensive genius, and Todd Bowles is slowly being realized as a defensive mastermind. Even with all of their defensive injuries this season, Bowles has managed to put together a top squad. The Cardinals are able to confuse quarterbacks with their unique 2-3-6 defensive package with a wide variety of blitz schemes. Nick Foles is going to have a problem analyzing this defense, and LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles are going to have trouble trying to break free either from the back field or lined up as wide receivers. However, Kelly knows this; and he will certainly come up with something to combat the Cardinals defensive power. All things considered, this will be a great chess match between two of the best in the business.