X vs. O: Breaking down 3 marquee Week 8 matchups

Here's a look at the key tactical matchups that will go a long way toward determining the outcomes of three Week 8 contests.

Jaguars' offense vs. Eagles' defense

Can Blake Bortles end his struggles?

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the midst of a tailspin as they get set for a meeting with the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in England. Jacksonville got off to a hot start this season, but the team is now reeling after three straight double-digit losses. Starting quarterback Blake Bortles was benched in the Week 7 defeat to Houston, and tempers flared in the locker room afterward.

A week earlier, in Jacksonville's 40-7 loss to Dallas, Bortles threw a third-quarter interception that was emblematic of his recent struggles. On a 1st-and-10 in Jaguars territory, Bortles (No. 5) looked deep for receiver Dede Westbrook (No. 12) and forced his throw into triple coverage:

Bortles will start Sunday at Wembley, but whether he finishes the game might depend on an Eagles defense with its own problems.

Philadelphia had a 17-point lead in the second half last week, but let Carolina storm back to win with 21 unanswered points. We've previously highlighted the Eagles’ struggles against double-move routes from receivers (in particular Jalen Mills), and this time it was Ronald Darby who was beaten by Devin Funchess (No. 17) for a critical touchdown:

So, there should be opportunities for Bortles to make some plays against Mills, Darby, and Co. Whether he converts those chances could determine the outcome of this game ... and perhaps Bortles' status with the Jaguars moving forward.

Browns' offense vs. Steelers' defense

Can Nick Chubb gain ground against stingy run D?

The AFC North has certainly been intriguing this season, as the Pittsburgh Steelers currently sit just above the Ravens and Bengals (both 4-3) with a 3-2-1 record. In Week 8, the Steelers will face a Cleveland Browns team that's undergone some key offensive-personnel changes since the two teams tied in Week 1.

Aside from Baker Mayfield being under center this time, the trade of veteran Carlos Hyde to the Jaguars means the Browns have handed Nick Chubb the keys to their running attack. The rookie rusher responded with a solid performance in his debut as the starter, carrying the ball 18 times for 80 yards and a touchdown against Tampa Bay. Chubb's longest run of the day, a fourth-quarter carry for 21 yards, highlighted what he does best:

This is an inside-zone running play, and Chubb (No. 24) makes a very quick decision to identify the hole, put his left foot in the turf, and cut downfield, bursting through the crease to pick up a big gain.

This week, Chub will face a stout Pittsburgh run defense. The Steelers are allowing just 97.8 yards per game on the ground, which is 11th best in the league. And they've improved in recent weeks, holding four straight opponents below 100 total rushing yards. It's been a far cry from the Week 1 contest against Cleveland, in which the Browns gained 177 yards on the ground. However, Cleveland's former starting quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, was the leading rusher that day with 77 yards.

The group to watch Sunday will be Pittsburgh's linebacking corps. Jon Bostic, Vince Williams, and T.J. Watt are the Steelers' three leading tacklers this season, and they've all been stout against the run.

Vikings' offense vs. Saints' defense

Can New Orleans' soft secondary contain Thielen, Diggs?

Few football fans will ever forget last season's Minneapolis Miracle, when the Minnesota Vikings pulled of a stunning last-second playoff victory over the New Orleans Saints. While Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs was the hero that day, it was a nightmare for Saints safety Marcus Williams, who missed the potential game-clinching tackle on Diggs, allowing the wideout to reach the end zone.

This season, Williams has been solid at the safety spot, but the Saints’ passing defense has been a weak link overall. New Orleans has given up 297.3 yards per game through the air, which is fifth most in the league. The defense has also allowed 8.5 adjusted net yards per attempt to opposing quarterbacks in 2018. For comparison, it's the same number that Matt Ryan - who's been playing at a near-MVP level - has posted for the season.

The Saints tried to shore up their secondary this week by trading for New York Giants cornerback Eli Apple. But whether he can help Williams, Marshon Lattimore, and Kurt Coleman slow down Minnesota's dangerous passing attack remains to be seen. It will be a tall task, as we know what Adam Thielen (No. 19) and Diggs (No. 14) can do:

The Saints' secondary will need to step up on Sunday night, or the Vikings will surely put plenty of points on the board.