Rodgers-Packers reunion, Cowboys at Mile High, Chiefs stay hot: Five key Week 8 talking points

For the first time in his storied NFL career, Aaron Rodgers will face his former Green Bay Packers squad.

And Rodgers' Pittsburgh Steelers hosting the Packers is just one of many things to look out for entering Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season, as the Buffalo Bills try to end their skid against the Carolina Panthers, the Kansas City Chiefs aim to keep rolling, and more.

Here are five things to keep an eye on in Week 8.

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Aaron Rodgers plays his former Packers team for the first time

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From 2005-2022 with the Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers arguably solidified himself as the greatest quarterback of his generation — and possibly ever — even leading the squad to a Super Bowl XLV title following the 2010 season.

Now, building something special with the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2), Rodgers will face his former Packers (4-1) squad for the first time. It all takes place under the national spotlight of Sunday Night Football at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Rodgers’ Steelers had their three-game win streak snapped last week against the Cincinnati Bengals in a shootout that had him airing it out for 249 yards and four touchdowns, but also tossing two interceptions. Meanwhile, his Packers will be looking to extend their win streak to three games this weekend.

Vikings-Chargers is pivotal for both teams

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Both the Minnesota Vikings (3-3) and Los Angeles Chargers (4-3) are in the hunt in their respective NFC North and AFC West divisions.  

That makes this Thursday Night Football matchup at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, all the more pivotal as each squad cannot afford to lose ground.

With both teams coming off a stinging loss, the Vikings and Chargers will be looking to bounce back into the win column.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert leads the NFL in passing yards (1,913) and has 13 touchdowns this season.

Bills look to end skid on the road against Panthers

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Mired in their first losing skid of the season, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills (4-2) will look to return to their winning ways against the Carolina Panthers (4-3) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In losses to the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons, the Bills’ offense mustered a combined 34 points.

The Panthers are a top-10 NFL defense in yards allowed, surrendering just under 300 yards per game.

That could make it a long Sunday for Allen and the Bills unless the MVP quarterback could extend plays on his feet — something he does arguably better than anyone else.

The Cowboys need a win at Mile High

With the Dallas Cowboys (3-3) coming off a 44-22 smackdown of the Washington Commanders last week, they will need a big performance to defeat the Denver Broncos (5-2) at Mile High in Denver.

The Broncos have won eight straight home games at Mile High dating back to the 2024 season with their defense leading the NFL in sacks (34) and ranking third overall for allowing 273 yards per game.

Dak Prescott threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns last week. That he is second to Justin Herbert for most passing yards and only behind Matthew Stafford for passing touchdowns with 16 makes him trying to figure out Denver’s defense all the more interesting.

Chiefs are rolling now

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The winners of two straight, have Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs (4-3) finally righted their wrongs and figured it out?

Well, it certainly appears that way as the Chiefs will aim to extend their win streak to three games when they host the Washington Commanders (3-4) at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City for Monday Night Football.

The Chiefs blasted the Las Vegas Raiders, 31-0, last week in a game that had Mahomes air it out for 286 yards and three touchdowns.

Mahomes has been aided by a strong, gelling receiving corps, which includes JuJu Smith-Schuster, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and tight end Travis Kelce.

Pushing their wins to three straight would have the Chiefs red hot for their Week 9 showdown with the Buffalo Bills.