NFL 2018: Top 3 matchups from week 8

#3 Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Carolina Panthers (4-2)

Newton is coming off a solid game versus the Eagles

This is a matchup between two teams that will probably be in the playoffs in the wildcard spots despite having a shot at the division title. The Ravens are currently on good shape but the Pittsburgh Steelers looks like they are over their September slump and are back as the favourites to win the division and the Bengals also aren't that far behind.

The Panthers, on the other hand, are obviously a game behind the New Orleans Saints who might be the only team that could beat the Rams, besides the team the Rams are facing this week.

This game probably has fewer playoff implications than others but both the teams could use a win this week to show the league that they aren't too far behind the big-name teams for the Superbowl LIII race.

The Panthers will face a ferocious defence which ranks in top 5 in major defence categories. Cam Newton and the rest of the Panther have their work cut out for them. Carolina will look to roll out Christian McCaffrey more as a pass-catcher and employ a lot of screens to put the Ravens' defence honest. Panthers will need Greg Olsen to step up. Olsen had a red-zone TD last week and will look for more to come his way.

Meanwhile, the Ravens offence will also face a good Panthers defence who restricted the Eagles offence to just 7 points in the second half and zero in the final quarter helping the offence to complete the comeback. They will need a similar effort against this sneaky Ravens offence which is using Lamar Jackson in various trick play situations.

Fantasy Outlook

Must Start:

Nothing much here. These two teams have played wonderful defence all season and could very well be a defensive low scoring game.

Under the Radar:

Nick Boyle, TE Ravens: Carolina give up second most to the TE position. Nick Boyle could be a very good streaming option this week.

Caution:

All the skill position players except maybe for Mccaffery who could be more of an impact on the passing game than on the ground.

Prediction

This will be a low scoring slugfest where the best defence wins and currently Ravens are the best. They were a Justin Tucker kick away from tying things up against the Saints last week. It is stunning to see that Tucker hasn't missed a single extra point kick in his seven-year career. It will probably come back to Tucker's feet to decide the winner. He will bounce back just like Mason Crosby did for the Packers.

Ravens 17, Panthers 14