Scott Shapiro's Week 8 NFL worksheet: Ezekiel Elliott will shine Sunday night

After a predictably underwhelming week, in terms of entertainment value, in the NFL, we have a much more appealing slate of games in Week 8.

Unfortunately, the Thursday-night affair in Arizona, between the Packers and the undefeated Cardinals, looks less competitive, as Davante Adams is sidelined because of a positive COVID-19 test.

However, Sunday looks fun, with key divisional battles in the AFC North and AFC South, along with a potential shootout in Dallas to close the day.

Let's break down the Week 8 action and make some predictions along the way.

Team most likely to win by 14+ points: Los Angeles Rams

The Rams failed to blow the Lions out in Week 7, in large part because of a successful high-risk/high-reward game plan from Detroit head coach Dan Campbell. Do not expect similar from the Texans and David Culley, which will likely lead to a lopsided result.

Look for Matthew Stafford to find Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods early and often, and for the Rams to roll to their seventh victory in 2021.

Underdog of 6+ points most likely to spring an outright upset: New York Jets

It is difficult to envision the Texans defeating the Rams or the Dolphins outscoring the Bills off a bye. That leaves us with the Jets and Giants.

On paper, the Giants make more sense, against a Chiefs team that has yet to get things going in 2021, but it looks like a get-well spot for Kansas City, given all the injuries to Joe Judge’s squad.

By no means am I predicting a Jets outright victory against the Bengals, but it is a letdown spot for Cincinnati, after its biggest win in years Sunday against Baltimore.

The Jets will be without rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, but should play better than they did against the Patriots last week.

RB/WR/TE most likely to score two touchdowns: Ezekiel Elliott

The Cowboys offense was efficient before their bye week and should continue to roll Sunday night, in their matchup against Minnesota. With a offensive line playing great and a tasty matchup against a Vikings defense that ranks 24th in rushing DVOA, a big game is likely for the Dallas rushing attack.

Look for multiple end-zone celebrations from Ezekiel Elliott in a game with a total of 54.5 points.

Quarterback most likely to throw for 400 yards: Daniel Jones

The Giants only had to throw 33 times in Week 7 against the Panthers, but that was because their defense dominated from start to finish. That will not be the case Monday night, when they encounter a Chiefs offense that is in a bounce-back spot, after it failed to score a touchdown last week.

That should force Daniel Jones and the New York offense to drop back 40 times or more against a Kansas City defense that is among the league’s worst. It should lead to a lot of volume for the sixth overall selection in the 2019 draft.

Defense most likely to pitch a shutout: San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco defense is not what it was in 2019, when the 49ers lost to Kansas City in Super Bowl LIV. That being said, they still have serious playmakers on that side of the ball, including defensive end Nick Bosa.

With Justin Fields struggling to get accustomed to play in the NFL, head coach Matt Nagy doing a poor job of setting his rookie signal caller up for success, and one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, scoring points has been a chore for the Bears.

Expect similar in a must-win spot for both teams Sunday afternoon.

My Week 8 plays of the week

• Colts +1
• Washington Football Team +3
• Browns -3.5