NFL Week 8 Picks and Predictions

Week 8 of the NFL season doesn’t feature a true marquee matchup, and it’s a slate of games that admittedly leaves a lot to be desired. Still, while this weekend’s schedule may not seem all that compelling, there are plenty of intriguing lines that bettors should take a close look at.

Last week,  the dogs were barking, as we saw seven underdogs cover the number, with six of them—the Cowboys, the Redskins, the Jets, the Bills, the Bengals and the Colts—winning outright.

This week, however, it looks like many of the favorites hold a distinct edge.

So which teams are worth backing? Here’s a look at the picks and predictions for every Week 8 game.

The Top Favorite Pick: Cincinnati Bengals (-6.5)

It seems like the Jets have spent this whole week defending their somewhat controversial win over the Patriots last week, instead of focusing their full attention on a very tough upcoming road game against a very strong and balanced Cincinnati team.

Yes, picking up a big win over division rival New England was huge, even if it did involve a rather suspect penalty that aided in the victory. However, you have to wonder just how much of a hangover effect New York will experience after such a big home win.

Now, the Jets have to go on the road and try to slow down a Cincinnati team that’s got plenty of momentum, following three straight wins.

Geno Smith has shown some flashes of tremendous potential so far during his rookie season, but he’s also made some head-scratching decisions which have really hurt his team. The Bengals secondary, which is allowing just 6.5 yards per pass, is a group that could force Geno into making some of those killer mistakes.

 

The Top Underdog Pick: Dallas Cowboys (+3)

On paper, the battle between the Lions and the Cowboys would seem to favor Detroit, as this will be the second straight home game for Detroit and the second straight road game for Dallas. However, this is a Cowboys team that looks like it’s playing with something to prove at this point in the season. Dallas is searching for a statement win that will show the rest of the league that it is indeed a true contender, and this is the type of game where it can make that statement.

ESPN has tried to manufacture drama this week and make this game about who the best wide receiver is: Calvin Johnson or Dez Bryant. But the reality is, this is a matchup that will ultimately come down to which quarterback steps up and produces the most big plays in the passing game, Tony Romo or Matt Stafford.

After seeing the way both have played and handled themselves this season, I’d rather trust Romo, who has looked outstanding. 

Romo has dealt with plenty of criticism in the past, but it seems as if he’s finally starting to turn the corner and become the true leader and upper-echelon passer he’s always had the potential to be. There’s no better way to prove that he’s taken the next step in his evolution than to go on the road and outduel a prolific passer like Stafford.

 

The Top Total Pick: Atlanta Falcons-Arizona Cardinals UNDER 45

Five of the six games Atlanta has played in this year have gone over the total. However, the Falcons' matchup with the Cardinals seems to be a game that’s shaping up to be a low-scoring defensive battle.

Arizona’s defense, led by star difference-maker CB Patrick Peterson, is one of the most underrated units in the league. Peterson and the Cardinals defense should cause plenty of trouble for QB Matt Ryan and a banged-up Falcons offense.

On the flip side, Atlanta’s defense should be able to force turnover machine Carson Palmer into making some key mistakes. Plus, the Falcons should be able to keep the Cardinals’ nearly nonexistent rushing attack in check.

 

Predictions For Every Week 8 Game

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Spread: Carolina (-6.5)

Total: 40

Picks: Panthers (-6.5), OVER

Prediction: Carolina 27, Tampa Bay 17

 

San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Spread: San Francisco (-17)

Total: 41

Picks: 49ers (-17), UNDER

Prediction: San Francisco 31, Jacksonville 6

 

Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs

Spread: Kansas City (-7.5)

Total: 38.5

Picks: Chiefs (-7.5), UNDER

Prediction: Kansas City 24, Cleveland 10

 

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots

Spread: New England (-6.5)

Total: 45.5

Picks: Dolphins (+6.5), OVER

Prediction: New England 27, Miami 23

 

Buffalo Bills at New Orleans Saints

Spread: New Orleans (-12)

Total: 50

Picks: Saints (-12), UNDER

Prediction: New Orleans 31, Buffalo 13

 

Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions

Spread: Detroit (-3)

Total: 51

Picks: Cowboys (+3), OVER

Prediction: Dallas 35, Detroit 31

 

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles

Spread: Philadelphia (-5.5)

Total: 52

Picks: Giants (+5.5), OVER

Prediction: Philadelphia 31, New York 27

 

Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders

Spread: Pittsburgh (-3)

Total: 40.5

Picks: Raiders (+3), OVER

Prediction: Oakland 26, Pittsburgh 21

 

New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals

Spread: Cincinnati (-6.5)

Total: 41

Picks: Bengals (-6.5), OVER

Prediction: Cincinnati 31, New York 20

 

Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals

Spread: Arizona (-2.5)

Total: 45

Picks: Falcons (+2.5), UNDER

Prediction: Atlanta 23, Arizona 17

 

Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos

Spread: Denver (-13)

Total: 58

Picks: Redskins (+13), UNDER

Prediction: Denver 31, Washington 21

 

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings

Spread: Green Bay (-9)

Total: 47

Picks: Packers (-9), UNDER

Prediction: Green Bay 28, Minnesota 16

 

Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams

Spread: Seattle (-10.5)

Total: 42.5

Picks: Seahawks (-10.5), OVER

Prediction: Seattle 37, St. Louis 20

 

Note: All lines courtesy of Covers.com