Week 8 NFL Game Watchability Rankings

Week 8 in the NFL is here, and you might be entering the weekend with your own preferences regarding which games to focus on, and which to place on the backburner.

Most of you have your favorites and fantasy players to track. But in case you’re completely neutral or need help breaking ties with regard to what to watch, we’ve ranked all 15 games from most appealing to least enticing.

1. Packers at Saints (Sunday night, NBC): Green Bay is rolling but the Saints are desperate and at home. That’s a big deal, considering that New Orleans is 2-0 at home and 0-4 on the road this season. Expect fireworks on national TV as Drew Brees tries to make a statement against a fellow future Hall of Fame quarterback.

2. Chargers at Broncos (Thursday night, CBS/NFL Network): San Diego upset Denver on the road on a Thursday night last year, and the Chargers look even better this season. Should be a hell of a matchup between two great quarterbacks, especially with the red-hot Peyton Manning going up against a depleted Chargers secondary.

3. Eagles at Cardinals (Sunday, 4 p.m. ET, FOX): Two teams in the running for division titles in the NFC and a potential playoff preview. Arizona is at home but Philadelphia is coming off its bye. Plus, it’s an immovable object meeting an unstoppable force. Football sweetness.

4. Lions at Falcons (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET, FOX): Not only is this a good matchup between a desperate Atlanta team and a surprising yet talented Lions team, but it’s unique because it’ll basically be a nationally-televised morning game for everyone on this side of the pond.

5. Ravens at Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS): This was supposed to be Cincy’s division, but the Ravens are red hot and the Bengals haven’t won since Week 3. These NFC North battles are always fun, and this is sure to remain close throughout.

6. Seahawks at Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS): Would you believe these were the top two seeds in the NFC last season? These teams are a combined 0-3-1 the last two weeks. Desperation makes for entertaining football, and Seattle is very beatable on the road.

7. Redskins at Cowboys (Monday night, ESPN): Only the second time this year the Cowboys have been in prime time. A lot of folks are still very curious about this team, and they have a chance to send a big message against a mess of a division rival.

8. Bears at Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX): This could be a blowout because Chicago’s a bit of a mess right now, but who doesn’t like watching football train wrecks? On paper, it’s a good matchup.

9. Colts at Steelers (Sunday, 4 p.m. ET, CBS): Indy is red-hot and the Steelers are a tired mess on short rest, but the game’s in Pittsburgh and there are a lot of good players on both sides so it could be a close, entertaining matchup.

10. Bills at Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS): Buffalo has been a pleasant surprise at 4-3 and the Jets will be unveiling Percy Harvin. Plus, these matchups are always entertaining.

11. Rams at Chiefs (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX): Well, both teams are coming off big wins over strong divisional opponents. The winner here could be a surprise contender, so it’s worth checking out if it’s close in the second half.

12. Texans at Titans (Sunday 1 p.m. ET, FOX): J.J. Watt… and not a lot else.

13. Vikings at Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX): They’re a combined 3-10, what do you expect me to say?

14. Dolphins at Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS): Battle of Florida? Yeah, that doesn’t do much for us. Neither team is sexy, or particularly good.

15. Raiders at Browns (Sunday, 4 p.m. ET, CBS): Looks like we have a four-way tie for last place.

About Brad Gagnon

Brad Gagnon has been passionate about both sports and mass media since he was in diapers -- a passion that won't die until he's in them again. Based in Toronto, he's worked as a national NFL blog editor at theScore.com (covering Super Bowls XLIV, XLV and XLVI), a producer and writer at theScore Television Network and a host, reporter and play-by-play voice at Rogers TV. His work has also appeared at Deadspin, FoxSports.com, The Guardian, The Hockey News and elsewhere at Bloguin, but his day gig has him covering all things NFC East for Bleacher Report.

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