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Sometimes, the early bettor gets the favorable spread, as Bleacher Report's expert crew did when they jumped on a couple of lines in Week 8.
Analysts Gary Davenport, Brad Gagnon, Kris Knox, Moe Moton, and Brent Sobleski, along with editors Wes O'Donnell and Ian Hanford, initially made their picks amid speculation about Saquon Barkley's injury status and before Indianapolis traded two key veterans. O'Donnell subsequently switched his selection from the Colts to the Jaguars.
Oddsmakers have shifted the lines for the Eagles' and Colts' games over the last 24 hours.
Coming off their best week of the season, our experts feel confident about this week's picks. Can they keep it going in Week 8?
Before we dive into the upcoming slate, check out the panel's standings against the spread through seven weeks.ย
ATS Standingsย
1. Moton: 58-47-2
2. Hanford: 49-56-2
3. Davenport: 48-57-2
4. Gagnon: 47-58-2
T-5. Knox: 46-59-2
T-5. O'Donnell: 46-59-2
7. Sobleski: 41-64-2
Lone Wolf Picks: 14-8
Lines are from FanDuel as of Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 4 p.m. ET. Check FanDuel for the latest odds info. Public betting trend information is courtesy of the Action Network. ATS records are provided by Team Rankings.ย
CAR vs. GB | TEN vs. CIN | BAL vs. BUF | ARI vs. DAL | CLE vs. PIT | IND vs. JAX | MIN vs. DET | ATL vs. TB | LV vs. NYJ | LAC vs. LAR | KC vs. DEN | NE vs. MIA | PHI vs. WAS | CHI vs. SEA
Carolina Panthers (3-3) at Green Bay Packers (4-3)
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Gagnon: Packers (-4.5)
In short-rest Thursday night games this season, the home teams are 4-2 against the spread. The Packers have won each of their last two home games by double digits and should be motivated back at Lambeau after a close road loss to Detroit. Look for Josh Jacobs to get rolling against a toothless defense that was annihilated on the ground last week. ย
Sobleski: Panthers (+4.5)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bludgeoned the Panthers during last weekend's meeting between the division rivals. Carolina couldn't stop the run. That's OK, because the Packers can't run the ball. When the league's worst run defense faces its bottom-ranked ground game, this meeting becomes the movable object versus the stoppable force. However, Carolina should hold an advantage against the Packers' offensive line since the latter is also one of the worst units in pass-block win rate.
Predictions
Panthers: Hanford, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski
Packers: Davenport, Gagnon, Knox
ย
Tennessee Titans (1-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)
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Davenport: Bengals (-10.5)
Spreads this size are always tricky, and the Titans have shown a pulse the last two times out, beating the Colts outright and giving the 5-2 Browns all they could handle. But Tennessee is also a one-win team that ranks last in the NFL in total offense and 31st in points scored.
The Bengals just dropped a 35-0 half on the Ravens at Paycor Stadium. Cincinnati's pass rush and explosive passing game make a double-digit win a strong possibility.
Gagnon: Titans (+10.5)
Five of Tennessee's seven games have been decided by six points or fewer. In their only other game this season as double-digit underdogs, they went to Baltimore and covered in a six-point loss. The oddsmakers want you to buy the Bengals high here, but I don't trust them yet. Throw in the backdoor cover potential and the Titans are the obvious choice. ย
Predictions
Titans: Gagnon, Moton
Bengals: Davenport, Hanford, Knox, O'Donnell, Sobleski
Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Buffalo Bills (5-1)
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Gagnon: Ravens (+3.5)
I think the Bills likely win this game on extra rest, but I don't love the hook. This veteran Ravens team is extremely unlikely to go down easily after being embarrassed in the second half against Cincinnati in Week 7.
This changes if Lamar Jackson doesn't play again, but the last two games between Baltimore and Buffalo were decided by a total of three points and I'm expecting something similar if Jackson suits up in Orchard Park Sunday. ย
O'Donnell: Bills (-3.5)
I don't know what version of Lamar Jackson we'll see if he gets onto the field this week. These two AFC contenders, when healthy, could play 100 times and split it 50-50.ย
The hook is definitely the biggest concern in what should be a close game, but my gut says that even if this one goes to the final possession, it'll take more than a field goal to decide the outcome.
I'm content leaning on Josh Allen at home with the Bills' defense likely to make a surprisingly big play when the game matters.ย
Predictions
Ravens: Davenport, Gagnon
Bills: Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski
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Arizona Cardinals (2-5) at Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
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Hanford: Cardinals (+6.5)
The Cowboys come off a big divisional win over the Eagles on Monday and face a Cardinals team that allows more points than any team in the league. That could be the recipe for another lopsided win for Dallas, but I don't trust the Cowboys' defense to turn in two strong performances in a row. The Cowboys will win and control most of this game, but Jacoby Brissett throws a late touchdown to force a backdoor cover.
Moton: Cowboys (-6.5)
If Dallas wants to be taken seriously as a playoff-caliber team, it needs dominant back-to-back wins against non-playoff clubs. The Cowboys are on a short week, and the Cardinals upset the Los Angeles Rams two weeks ago, but after finding their rhythm last Monday, Dak Prescott and his playmakers should be able to flex their muscle at home against a lesser opponent despite the Cardinals' 4-0 record at AT&T Stadium.
Predictions
Cardinals: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Sobleski
Cowboys: Knox, Moton, O'Donnellย
Cleveland Browns (5-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
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Knox: Steelers (-3.5)
The Steelers narrowly lost to the Browns a few weeks ago, but that was in Cleveland, on a short week, and before Pittsburgh started to find a bit of offensive rhythm.
The Steelers' offense actually came to life late in that one, though it proved to be too late to prevent the Browns from engineering one of the game-winning drives that have become their 2026 trademark.
While the Browns have been fun, they've also been significantly slow starters this season, and I think that'll offset any jet lag the Steelers experience after last week's international game. Now that Pittsburgh has figured out how to get Rico Dowdle and Germie Bernard involved in its offense, the Browns may fall into an early hole that is too big to escape.ย
Cleveland hasn't won a regular-season game in Pittsburgh since 2003. While that's a trend that will eventually be bucked, I don't think this year's Browns squad will be the one to do it.
Sobleski: Browns (+3.5)
At this point, there's no reason to bet against the Browns, because they continually find a way. Granted, it's never pretty. But this team has a formula that works by letting its defense dictate most of the game then allowing the offense to make plays late in the contest to sneak away with another victory.
With the point spread factored in and Cleveland having already shown this exact approach worked against the Steelers, the Browns get the nod. ย
Predictions
Browns: Gagnon, O'Donnell, Sobleski
Steelers: Davenport, Hanford, Knox, Moton
Indianapolis Colts (2-5) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2)
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O'Donnell: Jaguars (-7.5)
I initially picked the Colts before they traded away important starters on both sides of the ball. The trades, both completely understandable from a big-picture perspective given where Indy's season is going, could be a catalyst for an inspired performance from the road team.ย
The hook is also a cause for concern, but it's not enough to buy into the Jaguars laying an egg off their bye week. Jacksonville has the league's best run defense and will not let Jonathan Taylor beat them.
No, this one could get ugly if Liam Coen wants it to.ย
Sobleski: Jaguars (-7.5)
The Indianapolis Colts have begun selling ahead of the trade deadline, moving Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner.
The next major question is whether Indianapolis will also move Jonathan Taylor as it reshapes its roster.
How much the two-time NFL rushing touchdown leader actually plays in the coming weeks will be fascinating to watch as Indianapolis' front office navigates his potential departure. As a result, Indianapolis is no longer in a position to compete, especially against the AFC South's best team, who happens to be coming off a bye.ย
Predictions
Jaguars: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski
Minnesota Vikings (6-0) at Detroit Lions (4-2)
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Moton: Lions (-3)
Don't let the Vikings' undefeated record fool you. They're good but not dominant. Minnesota beat the Miami Dolphins 15-10 in Week 4 and just squeaked by the Indianapolis Colts 16-10 last week.ย
Kyler Murray has been inconsistent in five outings, throwing for three touchdowns and two interceptions while averaging 162.4 passing yards per game. He won't keep pace with the Lions' second-ranked scoring offense, even if Detroit scores only 21-24 points.
At worst, this is another push against the spread in a divisional matchup for the Lions.
O'Donnell: Vikings (+3)
The Vikings may be one of the ugliest all-around 6-0 teams we've seen; averaging just over 20 points per game in today's NFL is rarely a blueprint for success. The defense, though, holds opponents to a meager 12.3 points per game, and Minnesota leads the league in turnover differential.ย
Jared Goff has yet to throw an interception this season for a Lions team that ranks behind only the Bills in points per game. Something is going to break in this one, or it'll be ugly, and I'm taking the points, leaning defense over offense.ย ย
Predictions
Vikings: O'Donnell
Lions: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, Sobleski
Atlanta Falcons (3-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5)
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Davenport: Falcons (+1.5)
In more than a few ways, these teams are mirror images of one another. Both the Falcons and Buccaneers rely heavily on the run game offensively. Both teams have underrated defenses that aren't easy to run the ball againstโneither squad is allowing 90 yards a game on the ground. That leaves it to the passing games to determine who gets the victory here, so go with the team that threw for more than 64 yards in Week 7.
Hanford: Falcons (+1.5)
Both the Falcons and Buccaneers have stellar run defenses, so this game may come down to which QB plays better. The Bucs beat the Panthers in Baker Mayfield's return to the field, but that was more about leaning on the run game than Mayfield steering the ship. Michael Penix Jr. has six touchdowns in his last two starts, including three in the Falcons' Week 7 upset win over the 49ers. I think Atlanta will carry that momentum and earn a big NFC South win here.
Predictions
Falcons: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski
Las Vegas Raiders (3-4) at New York Jets (2-5)
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Moton: Jets (-1.5)
Both of these teams are desperate for a win. The Jets have lost five of their last six games, and the Raiders have lost four straight. In these circumstances, you typically favor the home team.
The Jets also have more offensive firepower than the Raiders. Rookie first-rounder Omar Cooper Jr. has posted back-to-back 103-plus-yard receiving games, with touchdowns in both. Second-year tight end Mason Taylor caught five passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns last week. Garrett Wilson should see more targets after letting out some frustrations. Running back Breece Hall could return from a quad injury and join Braelon Allen in threatening the Raiders' 30th-ranked run defense.
Las Vegas has All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, and wideout Tre Tucker is starting to show he can be a lead receiver, but that's about it. The Raiders' run game is nonexistent, with the second-fewest yards per contest, and their defense has allowed 27-plus points in five straight games.ย
The Jets have the stronger collection of offensive playmakers, though game management could be decisive in a matchup this close.
O'Donnell: Raiders (+1.5)
The Raiders are barreling toward the Fernando Mendoza era as they ride this four-game losing streak. That losing streak is courtesy of the Chiefs, Patriots, Bills and Rams. The Jets are not those teams.ย
This game could go either way as both teams fight to keep their seasons remotely relevant, but I'll buy into the Raiders for one more game before things really go off the rails with the 49ers, Seahawks, and Broncos on their schedule over the next three weeks.ย
Predictions
Raiders: Davenport, O'Donnell, Sobleski
Jets: Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton
Los Angeles Chargers (0-6) at Los Angeles Rams (3-4)
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Hanford: Chargers (+7.5)
I don't think the Chargers get their first win here, but I do think they keep it close as they come in rested off their bye week.
I keep waiting to see the dominant Rams team that everyone expected to see this season, but I'm not sure when or if we're going to get it as they deal with injuries and an inconsistent offense.
I don't see Justin Herbert coming in and suddenly looking like his old self, but the Chargers can make this one ugly enough to keep it within a touchdown in the end.
Knox: Rams (-7.5)
This is more points than I'd prefer to lay with a Rams team that has been oddly inconsistent this season. That's especially true against a Chargers team that is coming off its bye and has far more talent on its roster than its 0-6 record would suggest.
With both teams sharing SoFi Stadium, the Rams may have little home-field advantage. Meanwhile, injuries continue to mount for Sean McVay's team.
Yet, we finally saw a good all-around performance from the Rams in Week 7. I think we'll see another strong effort from McVay's squad this week as the Rams fight to prove, possibly to themselves, that they are more than just good.
Predictions
Chargers: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Moton, O'Donnell
Rams: Knox, Sobleski
Kansas City Chiefs (5-1) at Denver Broncos (5-2)
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Davenport: Chiefs (-1.5)
Laying points on the road with a team coming off a lopsided loss is riskyโespecially when Denver recently beat the Seattle team responsible for that defeat.
Both the Chiefs and Broncos are stout defensively and have questions on offenseโand Denver's concerns have grown with Jaylen Waddle potentially missing this contest.
This has the makings of a close, low-scoring game. If that's the case, give this writer Patrick Mahomes over Bo Nix.
Knox: Broncos (+1.5)
We finally saw an offensive outburst from the Denver Broncos in Week 7. While I do believe that was largely the product of playing a lackluster Arizona Cardinals defense, I think the Broncos will be able to replicate at least some of that success against Kansas City.
Meanwhile, I don't think the Chiefs' offense will be able to do what it did to the Broncos at home in Week 1.
Kenneth Walker III will give the Chiefs a chance to exploit Denver's 28th-ranked run defense. However, I think the Broncos' defense can limit him enough and force enough mistakes to even the series with a close win in Denver.
Predictions
Chiefs: Davenport, Hanford, Moton, O'Donnell
Broncos: Gagnon, Knox, Sobleski
New England Patriots (4-3) at Miami Dolphins (1-5)
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Hanford: Patriots (-7.5)
The Dolphins finally got their first win and are home, but the Patriots will be rested after a Thursday night road loss to the Bears. Miami has been more competitive than I expected this season, despite only having one win, but this feels like a get-right spot for Drake Maye and the New England offense. I think the Patriots win by double digits.
Moton: Patriots (-7.5)
The Dolphins feel good after beating the New York Jets, their first win of the season, but they'll face a much better opponent in the Patriots, who had extra time to prepare after last Thursday's loss to the Bears. Moreover, the Dolphins' seventh-ranked rushing attack won't be able to run over the Patriots' eighth-ranked run defense as it did against the Jets last week.ย
This is a good spot for Drake Maye and A.J. Brown to get in sync in a lopsided victory. Miami ranks 19th in passing yards allowed and has surrendered 14 passing touchdowns in six games.
Predictions
Patriots: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski
Philadelphia Eagles (2-5) at Washington Commanders (1-4-1)
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Gagnon: Eagles (+3.5)
I know the Eagles are a mess, but they held a second-half lead over Dallas on Monday night. Let's not overrate a Washington team that has one victory all season and hasn't won a home game by more than a field goal since last September.
Sobleski: Commanders (-3.5)ย
Washington had two weeks to prepare for an Eagles squad without Jalen Hurts in the lineup and a clearly hampered Saquon Barkley due to a lingering hamstring injury. Washington made some horrific mental mistakes during its previous two games, though.ย
While those were unacceptable at the time, the team had to spend the extra time getting everyone on the same page and rallying for the second half of the season. It's now time to get going against a depleted opponent. Otherwise, it won't happen this season. ย
Predictions
Eagles: Davenport, Gagnon, Hanford, O'Donnell
Commanders: Knox, Moton, Sobleski
Chicago Bears (5-2) at Seattle Seahawks (4-3)
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Davenport: Bears (+3)
I'd like this pick exponentially more with the hook, but even without it I'm taking the points. Seattle's defense was lights-out last week against the Chiefs under the lights at Lumen Field, and the last time the Bears faced a stiff road test they got boatraced at Lambeau.
But Chicago's offense is playing at an entirely different level than Kansas City's, and the Bears' defense has been opportunistic.
A late Sam Darnold turnover could give Chicago the opening it needs to win with a field goal.
Knox: Seahawks (-3)
The Bears have a lot going for them entering this matchup.
They're coming off their mini-bye after playing last Thursday night, and they have an offense that has topped 30 points in every full game it has played with Caleb Williams this season. They also have a defense that has become very adept at forcing turnovers and getting off the field on third downs.
However, Chicago hasn't faced a defense as good as Seattle's since, perhaps, its Week 2 clash with the Minnesota Vikingsโthe game in which Williams was injured.
The Seahawks' offense has been very inconsistent, but I'm still not entirely sold on Chicago's defense. It has its strengths and ranks top 10 in points allowed, but it also ranks 23rd in yards per carry allowed and 31st in net yards per pass attempt allowed. I'm very interested to see how the Bears respond to a low-scoring, grind-it-out game, which is what I believe we'll see here.
I'm much more confident in Seattle's ability to win such a game at home.ย
Predictions
Bears: Davenport, Hanford, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski
Seahawks: Gagnon, Knox
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