NFL teams facing must-win games in week 8

The NFL season is a week-to-week battle, and with the playoff picture beginning to take shape, every game matters. For teams struggling to find consistency or falling behind in the standings, Week 8 presents an important opportunity to turn their seasons around. Here are three teams that desperately need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have endured a difficult start to the season, beginning 2-5 while dealing with injuries and inconsistent performances. However, with Baker Mayfield back in the lineup, Tampa Bay delivered an impressive blowout victory over the Carolina Panthers last week, providing some much-needed momentum.

Despite their disappointing record, the Buccaneers remain in the NFC South race, sitting just 1.5 games behind the first-place Panthers. Sunday's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons is crucial, as a victory would help Tampa Bay close the gap and strengthen its position in the division.

The stakes are even higher amid rumors that the Buccaneers could become sellers ahead of the trade deadline. Another loss could increase speculation that Tampa Bay might move veteran players, including Chris Godwin, rather than continue to push for a playoff spot.

A win over Atlanta could change that conversation, giving the Buccaneers renewed confidence and a reason to keep their roster intact. With the NFC South still within reach, Tampa Bay must take advantage of this opportunity before its season slips further away.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders have gone from a promising 3-0 start to a team desperately searching for answers. After losing four consecutive games, the Raiders are now 3-4 and watching their playoff hopes begin to fade.

Kirk Cousins has thrown 16 touchdown passes, but the Raiders' offensive struggles extend beyond the passing game. Las Vegas has virtually no running game, making it increasingly difficult to sustain drives and consistently put points on the board. If the losing streak continues, first overall pick Fernando Mendoza could eventually see some playing time as the Raiders look toward the future.

Las Vegas has also faced some difficult competition recently, taking on the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams. Those four opponents present significant challenges, making it difficult to judge the Raiders solely on their recent results.

Still, Sunday's road matchup against the New York Jets is a game Las Vegas needs to win. The Raiders cannot afford to keep losing if they want to remain in the wild-card race. A victory would stop the bleeding, restore some confidence and give the team something positive to build on.

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders have a major opportunity to get their season back on track when they face the Philadelphia Eagles on "Sunday Night Football." Philadelphia is 2-5 and has lost five consecutive games, with its season all but done after Jalen Hurts was ruled out for the remainder of the year due to blood clots. Without their starting quarterback, the Eagles face an uphill battle to salvage their season, giving Washington an opportunity to capitalize on its division rival's struggles.

Washington has its own significant challenges, as wide receiver Terry McLaurin is out for the season and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is also unavailable. Their absences leave major holes in the offense, creating opportunities for players like Stefon Diggs, Antonio Williams and Chig Okonkwo to step up and take on larger roles.

The Commanders should also be encouraged by the situation elsewhere in the NFC East. While the New York Giants sit at 4-2-1, they will be without starting quarterback Jaxson Dart for the remainder of the season. With the Dallas Cowboys at 3-4 and the division still within reach, Washington has a genuine opportunity to work its way back into the division race.

Washington enters Sunday's matchup as a six-point favorite and needs to turn that advantage into a victory. Beating a struggling Eagles team would provide a much-needed confidence boost while allowing the Commanders to gain ground in the division. With Philadelphia and New York both dealing with significant quarterback issues, Washington cannot afford to waste this opportunity to get its season back on track.