It’s the theoretical middle of the NFL season. Week 8 is here, and with the season covering 17 weeks, who really knows where the middle is? This is close enough.

Most of the Thursday night games to date have been a bit disappointing, but this should be a beauty. In an AFC West matchup, the San Diego Chargers (5-2) pay a call on the Denver Broncos (5-1). The Chargers are a bit banged up in the secondary, and that’s never a good thing going against Peyton Manning. Offensively, the Chargers rely on running back Branden Oliver and golden oldie tight end Antonio Gates, and, of course, quarterback Philip Rivers.

GAMES WE’RE WATCHING ON SUNDAY

Detroit Lions (5-2) at Atlanta Falcons (2-5): On the face of it, there’s not much to see here. But the game airs at 9:30 a.m. ET, because it’s being played at Wembley Stadium in London. The Falcons’ offensive line has been gutted by injury and the Lions rank No. 1 in the league in defense. Watch this one in bed and don’t be ashamed of dozing off.

Philadelphia Eagles (5-1) at Arizona Cardinals (5-1): Both teams have won two in a row and the Cardinals are 3-0 at home.

Oakland Raiders (0-6) at Cleveland Browns (3-3): The Raiders could make a run at going winless this season. But the same was said of the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, and they smacked the Browns around in a 24-6 debacle.

Green Bay Packers (5-2) at New Orleans Saints (2-4): The Packers are the NFL’s second-highest scoring team and the Saints struggle defensively. The Saints let one get away last week against the Lions but are 2-0 at home.

Today’s question

Which games will you be watching, and why?

Answers in the comment box, please.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .