The running game is back. After several years seeing teams even more reliant on the pass, the NFL has seen a revival of those hard-earned yards on the ground.

Through seven weeks of action, teams are averaging 246 rushing yards per game. That’s the most over this stretch of games since 1990.

Teams are also averaging 4.5 yards per rushing attempt, the highest through seven weeks since 1970. Will that trend continue? That remains to be seen, but certainly needs to be factored in as bettors weigh some of the key factors in weekly matchups.

Looking to Week 8, a few matchups stand out. The Cowboys (3-3) are one of those teams missing out on that rushing trend and enter a Sunday night showdown with the 49ers dead last in the league on the ground with only 463 yards and an average of 3.5 yards per attempt.

The team is reeling, but the 49ers (3-4) have also been ravaged by injuries and coming off a tough loss to the Chiefs in which quarterback Brock Purdy threw three interceptions and zero TDs.

In other action, the Bengals (3-4)  have been up and down this season but have put together two straight wins and now face a tough test in the Eagles (4-2).

The Falcons-Buccaneers game also offers a big NFC South clash between two 4-3 teams that will decide who takes command in the division.

In a key AFC South matchup, the Colts (4-3) square off against the Texans (5-2). The Bills (5-2) versus the Seahawks (4-3) also promises to be worth checking out. Here’s a quick look at this week’s action.

Make sure you check out our week 8 NFL parlays and prop picks in our dedicated articles as well.

Matchups to Watch

The 49ers have been to four straight NFC championship games and two of the last Super Bowls. However, the franchise wasn’t able to secure a Lombardi Trophy in those appearances.

Niners fans were hoping that would change this year, but most prognosticators probably didn’t expect the squad to have a losing record at this point in the season.

Hosting the Cowboys offers San Francisco a chance to get back to winning. The 49ers have several key injuries, including ​​Brandon Aiyuk (torn ACL), Deebo Samuel (hospitalized with pneumonia and fluid in his lungs), Christian McCaffrey (injured reserve), and George Kittle (sprained foot, day to day).

But the Cowboys have been dominated in games this season against the Saints, Ravens, and Lions. Dallas also has one of the worst defenses in the league and 49ers running back Jordan Mason, second in the league in rushing yardage, could have a field day.

Here’s a look at some other games to watch.

• Eagles at Bengals –These teams have both won three of the last four and are both for a shot to compete in their respective divisions. This crucial matchup offers a big chance to do that.
• Falcons at Buccaneers – Both at 4-3, this is a huge NFC South showdown. The Bucs bring a high-octane offense, but are next-to-last in team defense. The Falcons are in the middle of the pack on that side of the ball, but are inside the top 10 on offense. This one could be interesting.
• Colts at Texans – Indianapolis has gotten by with an offense that leaves a lot to be desired. Quarterback C.J. Stroud continues to impress in Houston, but is hoping to bounce back after a poor performance in Green Bay. 
• Bills at Seahawks – The Bills look once again to be putting together a nice season but face off against one of the most potent offenses in the league – and quite a long road trip. Geno Smith leads the league in passing yardage and Dk Metcalf is third in the league in receiving yardage.

Week 8 NFL Odds

With no byes this week, all 32 teams are in action. Ready to make those selections for this week? Here’s a look at this week’s odds, courtesy of FanDuel.

Matchup	Betting Line	Moneyline	Total
Vikings at Rams	​​Vikings -3	Vikings -142 Rams +120	48.5
Cardinals at Dolphins	Dolphins -3	Cardinals +142  Dolphins -166	46.5
Jets at Patriots	Jets -7	Jets -350 Patriots +280	41.5
Eagles at Bengals	Bengals -1.5	Eagles +114 Bengals -134	47.5
Packers at Jaguars	Packers -4.5	Packers -225 Jaguars +188	48.5
Falcons at Buccaneers	Falcons -2.5	Falcons -142 Buccaneers +120	45.5
Ravens at Browns	Ravens -9.5	Ravens -450 Browns +350	44.5
Colts at Texans	Texans -5.5	Colts +215 Texans -260	46.5
Titans at Lions	Lions -10.5	Titans +460 Lions -620	44.5
Saints at Chargers	Chargers -7.5	Saints +290 Chargers -360	40.5
Bills at Seahawks	Bills -3	Bills -168 Seahawks +140	47.5
Bears at Commanders	Bears -2.5	Bears -142 Commanders +120	43.5
Panthers at Broncos	Broncos -9.5	Panthers +400 Broncos -520	42.5
Chiefs at Raiders	Chiefs -9.5	Chiefs -590 Raiders +430	41.5
Cowboys at 49ers	49ers -4.5	Cowboys +170 49ers -210	45.5
Giants at Steelers	Steelers -6.5	Giants +240 Steelers -295	36.5

Interesting Prop Bets

Last week’s pick of Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels passing yardage turned sour after he was injured early in the game.

It’s unknown if the rib injury will keep out for Week 8. This week, look for Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow to toss more than 1.5 TD passes for a payout of -148.

Picks for the People

It always feels good to have a winning week and after going 5-1 in Week 6, we followed that up with a 5-2 record last week. Here are some picks for Week 8.

• Eagles at Bengals – Neither team has been great, but look to the Bengals to get the win at home by more than 1.5 with Joe Burrow putting up a nice game.
• Falcons at Buccaneers – Expect plenty of offense and the total to easily top 45.5. 
• Ravens at Browns – This is a big line, but the Ravens should be able to top the 9.5 and the total should go over the 44.5 as Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry continue putting up big numbers.
• Titans at Lions – The Lions are an offensive dynamo and should top the 10.5 and the over of 44.5.
• Cowboys at 49ers – The Niners have some serious injuries, but still should find a win of more than 4.5 as the Cowboys seem in disarray, especially on defensive side of the ball.