NFL Odds Week 8: Top Longshots to Bet Against the Spread
Week 7 provided another surprising round of upsets, with the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings both winning as substantial underdogs.
This came one week after both the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles were knocked from the ranks of the unbeaten in surprising fashion.
It has become clear that there's nothing even close to a perfect NFL team in 2023, and we're sure to see several more upsets before the season comes to a close. With all 32 teams in action this week, we're likely to see one or two stunners this weekend.
Below, we'll examine three Week 8 dogs worth backing at the early-week lines.
Check the latest lines at DraftKings.
Tennessee Titans +2.5 Versus Atlanta Falcons
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The Atlanta Falcons are begging to make noise in the playoff race, thanks to improving play from quarterback Desmond Ridder and a top-10 defense. Atlanta moved to 4-3 with its Week 7 win, and the Falcons are now road favorites over the Tennessee Titans.
The 2-4 Titans have not been a particularly good team, they recently traded safety Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles, and they're unlikely to have quarterback Ryan Tannehill (ankle) for this matchup.
Yet, there are still reasons to like Tennessee as a home dog. The Titans are allowing just 3.6 yards per rush, they rank 11th in points allowed, they've finally gotten Derrick Henry and the ground game going, and they've had two weeks to prepare an alternative quarterback plan.
The Falcons, meanwhile, have shown a lot of inconsistencies this season. They haven't had back-to-back wins since Weeks 1 and 2, and they're just 1-2 on the road this season.
Atlanta is ripe for a trap game after beating the rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a close one, and if the Falcons win, it won't be by much. Three of Atlanta's four wins have been by a field goal or less.
Cincinnati Bengals +5.5 at San Francisco 49ers
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No, this is not a knee-jerk reaction to the 49ers losing back-to-back games against the Cleveland Browns and Vikings.
The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off their bye, and quarterback Joe Burrow was finally looking healthy ahead of it. His connection with star receiver Ja'Marr Chase is back, and the Bengals defense has been very good at generating turnovers this season (10 in six games).
Cincinnati was always going to be a tough matchup for the 49ers, and after watching San Francisco's secondary get shredded by a Vikings offense missing Justin Jefferson, this line feels entirely too high.
The biggest thing working against the Bengals here is their poor run defense (5.0 yards per carry allowed). If the 49ers can lean on Christian McCaffrey and the ground game, they can pull away at home.
However, Deebo Samuel (shoulder) is still injured, and Brock Purdy is finally starting to play like an average quarterback. The 49ers have put plenty on tape over the past two weeks that Cincinnati defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo can use.
The Bengals may not pull the outright upset, but they can keep this one close.
Chicago Bears +8.5 at Los Angeles Chargers
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The Chicago Bears just picked up their second win of the season and their first with undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent under center. Bagent didn't do a ton, but he did lead the offense efficiently.
"He made quick decisions, good decisions and got the ball out of his hand quick. It really helped the offensive line with the protection, and it gave him an opportunity to throw the ball," former Bears coach Dave Wannstedt told NBC 5 Chicago.
We're not ready to buy into the Bagent hype train just yet, but this is a large line for a bad Los Angeles Chargers team on Sunday night.
The Chargers offense hasn't looked the same since losing Mike Williams to a torn Achilles, and their pass defense is the worst in the NFL. Chicago has become very good at shutting down opposing running games, and they have a star corner in Jaylon Johnson.
If Johnson can contain Keenan Allen, it will force Justin Herbert to rely on ancillary targets, and L.A. has few reliable ones. The Chargers should still win at home, but this one could be a lot closer than most expect.
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