NFL Picks Week 8: Final-Score Predictions, Vegas Odds and Updated Lines

The NFL schedule has been putting us to sleep for the past few weeks, but all those ugly matchups have finally paid off. 

At least on paper, this looks like the exciting weekend of the year. 

Week 8 features a number of high-profile matchups, most notably a battle of undefeateds on Sunday night between the Broncos and Packers. 

The full schedule is featured below, along with spreads and predictions for each game. 

Day/Time (ET)	Matchup (Spread)	Prediction
Thurs. 8:25 p.m.	Dolphins at Patriots (-8)	Patriots, 24-17
Sun. 9:30 a.m.	Lions vs. Chiefs (-5)	Chiefs, 27-21
Sun. 1 p.m.	Buccaneers at Falcons (-7.5)	Falcons, 31-21
Sun. 1 p.m.	Chargers at Ravens (-3)	Ravens, 24-20
Sun. 1 p.m.	Vikings at Bears (Even)	Vikings, 21-17
Sun. 1 p.m.	Cardinals (-4.5) at Browns	Cardinals, 31-24
Sun. 1 p.m.	Giants at Saints (-3)	Saints, 31-27
Sun. 1 p.m.	Bengals at Steelers (Even)	Bengals, 34-24
Sun. 1 p.m.	49ers at Rams (-9.5)	Rams, 24-10
Sun. 1 p.m.	Titans at Texans	Titans, 20-17
Sun. 4:05 p.m.	Jets (-1) at Raiders	Raiders, 27-21
Sun. 4:25 p.m.	Seahawks (-6) at Dallas	Seahawks, 17-14
Sun. 8:30 p.m.	Packers (-3) at Broncos	Broncos, 27-24
Mon. 8:30 p.m.	Colts at Panthers (-7.5)	Panthers, 31-17

Note: Due to Marcus Mariota's uncertain status, the Texans-Titans game is currently off the board, according to OddsShark.com, as of Wednesday morning.

Notable Games

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots (-8)

Joel Auerbach/Associated Press

The Texans and Titans haven't exactly provided the stiffest competition for the Dolphins under Dan Campbell, but the difference in Miami's performance has been shocking, nonetheless. 

While all the stats point to an easy Patriots victory, the Dolphins are clearly playing with confidence, which can make a significant difference in a rivalry game. 

Miami has pulled off upsets of the Patriots in each of the last two seasons, making this a more difficult game to predict than the numbers may indicate. 

The key to Miami's ability to keep it close will be the running game. 

New England ranks 18th in rushing yards allowed, a surprisingly low placement given the amount of second-half leads they've held this season. 

If the Dolphins are able to exploit the Patriots run defense with Lamar Miller, they should be able to keep this game interesting. 

Prediction: Patriots 24, Dolphins 17

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (Even)

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

The good news for Pittsburgh this week is the expected return of Ben Roethlisberger. 

"

Tomlin: As I sit here today, comfortable with where Ben Roethlisberger is for this week. "We're going to need him, obviously.''

— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) October 27, 2015"

The bad news for the Steelers is nearly their entire secondary is dealing with injuries. 

Starting safety Will Allen missed last week's game against the Chiefs, and he may be joined on the bench by starting cornerback William Gay this week. According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Gay is expected to be limited in practice this week:

"

Tomlin said CB William Gay (shoulder contusion) might be limited in practice this week but didn't rule him out for Bengals

— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) October 27, 2015"

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Brandon Boykin may be in line to replace Gay if the injury prevents him from suiting up. 

A depleted Steelers secondary bodes well for the Bengals' fifth-ranked passing offense. 

A.J. Green racked up 306 yards against the Steelers in two games last season, so a monster game against an injury-plagued secondary is certainly possible on Sunday. 

Prediction: Bengals 34, Steelers 24

Green Bay Packers (-3) at Denver Broncos

Andrew Weber/Getty Images

A home underdog is often a solid play, especially when the underdog has Peyton Manning at quarterback and one of the league's top defenses. 

Much has been made of Manning's struggles this season, but he should be well-rested coming into this game after the bye week. 

Dating back to 2005, Manning has won nine straight games after his bye week. 

A fresh Manning should fare well against a Packers pass defense that was exposed in Week 6 against the Chargers, allowing Philip Rivers to throw for 503 yards. 

For the Packers to win, they may need to get Eddie Lacy going, which will be no small task against the Broncos run defense. 

The Broncos have allowed just one 100-yard rusher this season (Jamaal Charles) and haven't allowed one at home since 2013 (Ryan Mathews). 

Prediction: Broncos 27, Packers 24