NFL Week 8 Predictions: Underdogs That Will Prevail on Sunday

Betting on underdogs is a dangerous game, but the Week 8 NFL lines, via Vegas Insider, offer up some enticing choices. 

From surging teams on the road to struggling teams looking to bounce back, expect the following three clubs to pull off upsets on Sunday. Just don't blame me if you lose a little cash. 

Dallas Cowboys (+3) over Detroit Lions

The Cowboys are just 1-3 outside their division, but I'm expecting them to feast on some non-NFC East opponents this Sunday. 

Tony Romo and Co. are facing the Detroit Lions, who are fresh off a 27-24 loss at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. Look for the explosive Dallas offense to outgun Matt Stafford and the Lions on Sunday. 

The Cowboys rank third in the NFL in points per game (28.6), and they've won their last two games by an average margin of 14.5.

Calvin Johnson will obviously present some problems for the Dallas secondary, but he won't be able to win the game by himself. 

Romo will continue his strong season (second in touchdown passes, fourth in completion percentage, fourth in yards) while leading his team to a 5-3 record.

New York Jets (+5) over Cincinnati Bengals

The Jets have been one of the most surprising teams in the NFL this season.

Rex Ryan's crew is fresh off a 30-27 upset over the New England Patriots, and it boasts one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Jets are giving up just 224.9 passing yards (10th in NFL) and 77.7 rushing yards (second in NFL) per game.

While the Bengals are off to a hot 5-2 start, their current weakness plays to the Jets' strength. Lead Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis only averages 3.2 yards per carry. Only one of his 99 rushes has gone for over 20 yards. If he and Giovani Bernard (only 55 yards on 22 carries in his last two games) can't get going, the Jets may have the opportunity to control the clock (a rushing attack led by running backs Bilal Powell and Chris Ivory and quarterback Geno Smith averages four yards per carry) and win a low-scoring game.

As long as Geno Smith keeps the turnovers down, look for the Jets to improve to 5-3.

Atlanta Falcons (+2.5) over Arizona Cardinals

The Falcons are 2.5-point underdogs against the Arizona Cardinals, but you can expect Matt Ryan and the explosive Atlanta offense to pull off the upset. 

Although they will be without Julio Jones, the Falcons still boast one of the most talented offensive units in the league, as they haven't scored fewer than 23 points since Week 1. And against a Cardinals D that has allowed 77.7 rushing yards (26th in NFL) and 23 points per game (17th in NFL), they should be able to find the end zone with regularity. 

It won't be easy, but Matty Ice and the Falcons should improve to 3-4.