Injuries play a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of NFL games, and Week 8 of the 2025 season is no exception. Several star players are either ruled out or questionable for their upcoming matchups, which could significantly influence team performances and betting lines. For fans and bettors alike, understanding the latest injury updates is crucial before placing any wagers. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most significant injuries across all Week 8 games, alongside current betting odds and team outlooks.
**Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings**
The Falcons could see veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins return to the starting lineup due to an injury to Michael Penix Jr., who suffered a knee injury last week and is listed as questionable. Penix’s potential absence opens the door for Cousins, who has extensive experience and could stabilize the Falcons’ offense. Additionally, running back Tyler Allgeier, who contributes behind star Bijan Robinson, is also questionable. Atlanta enters this game as a 7.5-point favorite with the total set at 44.5.
**Baltimore Ravens vs. Chicago Bears**
The Ravens, despite their 1-5 record, remain favorites to win the AFC North, especially if their star quarterback Lamar Jackson returns. Jackson missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury but practiced this week and is officially questionable. Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed that if Jackson cannot play, Tyler Huntley will start; Cooper Rush had been starting in Jackson’s absence for the previous weeks. The Bears face significant injury challenges, too, with key defensive backs Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson out, as well as tight end Cole Kmet. Their starting running back, D’Andre Swift, is also questionable. Given the Bears’ defensive struggles this season, Jackson’s potential return could provide a notable advantage. Baltimore is favored by 7 points, with the total at 49.5.
**Carolina Panthers vs. Buffalo Bills**
One of the biggest injury developments in Week 8 surrounds Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who is doubtful due to an ankle injury. Young has been instrumental in leading Carolina to a 4-3 record, including a perfect 3-0 at home. With Young sidelined, expect backup Andy Dalton to start against the Bills. Buffalo, coming off a bye week following two consecutive losses, also has injury concerns. Tight end Dalton Kincaid is questionable, which may increase snaps for veteran Dawson Knox, while receiver Joshua Palmer is out for the game. The Bills are 7-point favorites, and the total is 48.
**New York Jets vs. Cincinnati Bengals**
The Jets face a tough injury situation on both offense and defense. Top cornerback Sauce Gardner is sidelined with a concussion, ruling him out for the game, and wide receiver Garrett Wilson is also unavailable. Running back Breece Hall is questionable, as is backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who briefly played last week. Taylor’s uncertain status makes it less likely that starting quarterback Justin Fields will be benched this weekend. The Bengals, meanwhile, might be without their premier edge rusher Trey Hendrickson due to a hip injury; he missed the team’s last game against the Steelers. Cincinnati is favored by 6.5 points, with a total of 44.5.
**San Francisco 49ers vs. Houston Texans**
The 49ers will rely on Mac Jones at quarterback once again, as Brock Purdy remains out with a toe injury that has limited him to just two games this season. Jones has performed well as a starter, boasting a 4-1 record in Purdy’s absence. San Francisco will also be without receiver Ricky Pearsall, who continues to battle a knee injury. The Texans are struggling on offense this season and face a difficult challenge against one of the NFL’s top defenses. Their situation is worsened by the absence of star receiver Nico Collins, who is out with a concussion, and Christian Kirk, sidelined by a hamstring injury. Houston is a 2.5-point underdog, with the total at 41.5.
**New England Patriots vs. Cleveland Browns**
Both the Patriots and Browns enter this game relatively healthy, with the most notable injury being Browns tight end David Njoku, who is questionable. Although Njoku’s production has been modest this year, tight ends often serve as reliable targets for young quarterbacks like Dillon Gabriel, making his availability important. New England is favored by 7 points, and