NFL Lines Week 8: Underdogs Sure to Cover the Spread

Almost everyone loves rooting for an underdog, and there are a few NFL teams with that distinction set up to beat betting lines this weekend. 

The New York Jets beat the New England Patriots last weekend to the surprise of many. The Buffalo Bills did the same against the Miami Dolphins, and the Jacksonville Jaguars covered the spread two weekends ago against the mighty Denver Broncos. 

Looking ahead to Week 8, there are a few favored teams that won't be able to live up to expectations against feisty underdogs who'll keep things close—if not win outright. 

Here's a look at the entire schedule with predictions for every game, followed by a closer look at three underdogs that will undoubtedly cover the spread. 

AWAY	HOME	LINE	PICK VS. SPREAD
Carolina Panthers	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	TB (+7)	Panthers
Dallas Cowboys	Detroit Lions	DET (-3)	Lions
Cleveland Browns	Kansas City Chiefs	KC (-7.5)	Browns
Miami Dolphins	New England Patriots	NE (-6.5)	Patriots
Buffalo Bills	New Orleans Saints	NO (-11)	Saints
New York Giants	Philadelphia Eagles	PHI (-5)	Eagles
San Francisco 49ers	Jacksonville Jaguars	JAX (+16.5)	49ers
New York Jets	Cincinnati Bengals	CIN (-6.5)	Jets
Pittsburgh Steelers	Oakland Raiders	OAK (+2.5)	Raiders
Washington Redskins	Denver Broncos	DEN (-13)	Broncos
Atlanta Falcons	Arizona Cardinals	AZ (-2.5)	Falcons
Green Bay Packers	Minnesota Vikings	MIN (+9)	Packers
Seattle Seahawks	St. Louis Rams	STL (+11)	Seahawks

Cleveland vs. Kansas City (-7.5)

This is a trap game for Kansas City, which enters Week 8 with an undefeated record of 7-0.

The Browns come into the contest having lost two games in a row, thanks largely to Brandon Weeden's atrocious play the past two weekends. But veteran Jason Campbell gets the start this Sunday in Kansas City, and his steady leadership should help Cleveland be competitive on offense.

Kansas City's defense has been a wrecking ball this year, but the team's offense hasn't been sharp the past two weekends against Oakland and Houston. This plays into Cleveland's strength, which is its defense—one of the stingiest units in the league. 

After giving up 31 points in two consecutive games, the Browns will shut down Alex Smith and the Chiefs this Sunday, turning this contest into a good old-fashioned defensive slugfest. 

The Chiefs will likely win at home, but it won't be pretty. A field goal will likely carry much weight, and the game will be decided by a touchdown or less. 

New York Jets vs. Cincinnati (-6.5)

The Bengals have rattled off three straight wins to move to 5-2 on the season and take a commanding lead in the AFC North. But all three of Cincinnati's wins have been decided by seven points or less—including the past two games, which were decided by three points each.

Cincinnati's defense continues to perform at a high level, but the team's offense isn't consistent and has only scored 30 or more points once this season. 

Meanwhile, the Jets are starting to put things together on both sides of the ball, and this team has put up 30 points in two of its last three games. 

Geno Smith makes rookie mistakes, but so does Andy Dalton at times. 

New York's defense will give Dalton fits by pressuring him throughout the contest, and the Jets will shock the Bengals by beating them in their own house. 

Atlanta vs. Arizona (-2.5)

Steven Jackson is finally making his return to action this weekend after leaving with an injury in Week 2, as noted by D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

His return couldn't come at a better time for the injury-ravaged Falcons. Though he won't likely be a huge fantasy star this weekend, he'll give his team some much-needed balance on offense.

With the emergence of Harry Douglas on the perimeter and the always solid Tony Gonzalez roaming the middle, Matt Ryan still has options in the passing game, and his aim is true more often than not. 

Conversely, Carson Palmer's aim is typically good—for opposing defenses, that is. 

Palmer has thrown 13 interceptions this season and 11 in his last five starts. His poor play largely contributed to Arizona's four losses, and he seems to be getting worse instead of better as the season wears on. 

Atlanta will take this road contest to improve to 3-4 on the season.

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