Week 8 of the NFL season is here, and we have just one unbeaten team left: the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now 6-0, they have the best Super Bowl odds (+425) at the BetMGM sportsbook, with the Baltimore Ravens close behind at +600.
Below, I’ll make my picks for this week’s matchups against the spread.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams might have wide receiver Cooper Kupp back for this one, but this is his first game after an ankle injury.
The Vikings lost to a division rival in Week 7, but their defence averages nearly two interceptions per game.
I expect the Vikings’ defence to overwhelm the Rams, leading to a decisive win.
PICK: Vikings -3.5 (-105)
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns
The Ravens are coming off a win, scoring 41 points, while the Browns managed just 14 in a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Browns also lost quarterback Deshaun Watson for the season after he tore his Achilles. Now, I expect Jameis Winston to be their QB.
His willingness to throw (he threw a touchdown on 11 attempts in relief in Week 7) and the defence will be enough to keep this one within 10.
PICK: Browns +10 (-110)
Detroit Lions vs. Tennessee Titans
The Lions’ offence is cruising lately, averaging 40 points per game over their last three.
The Titans still have question marks at QB, and it’s unclear whether Will Levis or Mason Rudolph will play.
The Titans allowed two rushing touchdowns and more than 300 passing yards in Week 8. Whether it’s Levis or Rudolph, I expect them to struggle to score points again like they did a week ago.
PICK: Lions -11 (-110)
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans
The Colts and Texans played a close game in Week 1, with the Texans winning 29-27, but the Colts’ passing game, led by QB Anthony Richardson, is borderline unwatchable.
He’s a fantastic runner, but he’s completed 50 per cent or less of his passes in four of his five games. In the other game, back in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he only had four attempts due to injury.
The Texans win by double digits.
PICK: Texas -6 (-110)
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Green Bay Packers
The Jaguars finally showed out in Week 7, but it was against the New England Patriots.
The Packers looked great in Week 7, beating the Texans at home. QB Jordan Love completed 24 of 33 passes for 220 yards, three touchdowns and two picks.
Look for the Packers’ passing attack to throttle the Jaguars here.
PICK: Packers -4.5 (-110)
Miami Dolphins vs. Arizona Cardinals
Tua Tagovailoa might start at QB for the Dolphins. While this will help, I’ll take the Cardinals +3 because of their rushing attack.
The Dolphins allow 113.33 rushing yards and 1.5 rushing touchdowns per game.
They also allowed 56 rushing yards to Richardson in Week 7.
PICK: Cardinals +3 (-115)
New York Jets vs. New England Patriots
Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye has looked great to start his career, but there will be one of those games where the Jets get something going, and I think it’ll be here.
The Jets beat them at home decisively earlier this season, 24-3.
Look for New York to get on the same page offensively, especially with Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams against the 1-6 Patriots.
PICK: Jets -7 (-110)
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are without WR Chris Godwin and, most likely, Mike Evans. If Tampa Bay has to go to the ground game more, the Falcons have allowed just two rushing touchdowns to opposing RBs this season.
The Buccaneers will be limited on offence while the Falcons recover after putting up just 14 in Week 7.
PICK: Falcons -2.5 (-115)
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Eagles haven’t allowed a passing touchdown in two weeks, but that was against Deshaun Watson, Daniels Jones, and Drew Lock. Before those games, they allowed two passing touchdowns in three of four games.
Bengals QB Joe Burrow has 14 touchdown passes and only two interceptions while completing 70.4 per cent of his passes.
Look for the Bengals’ passing attack to lead the way in this game.
PICK: Bengals -2.5 (-115)
New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers
There’s a chance Derek Carr could suit up at QB for the Saints, but it’s not looking good.
The Chargers’ defence is strong, averaging one interception per game. They’ve also only allowed one rushing touchdown this season.
The Saints roster has numerous injuries, which will be challenging to overcome.
PICK: Chargers -7.5 (-110)
Buffalo Bills vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Bills’ offence looked sensational, with WR Amari Cooper now on board. He caught a touchdown in his first game, and QB Josh Allen threw for over 300 yards.
The Seahawks have allowed two or more passing touchdowns in three of four games.
The Bills allow 4.77 yards per carry to opposing RBs but have only allowed three rushing scores all season.
Bills win big on the road.
PICK: Bills -3 (-110)
Chicago Bears vs. Washington Commanders
It’s unclear if Jayden Daniels will be ready to start at QB for the Commanders.
That said, even with Marcus Mariota at the helm, the offence looked just fine last week in a 40-7 rout of the Panthers.
This is a more challenging task against the Bears coming off a bye, but Chicago allows 4.73 yards per carry and one rushing touchdown per game to opposing RBs.
With Mariota under centre, expect a lot of ground-and-pound from Washington.
PICK: Commanders +2.5 (-105)
Carolina Panthers vs. Denver Broncos
The Panthers have been in total disarray this season, regardless of the QB.
They’ve also surrendered 34 points or more in five straight games, allowing nearly two rushing touchdowns per contest to opposing RBs.
The Broncos will use this opportunity to get the running game going once again, as they did in Week 7, rushing for 225 yards.
PICK: Broncos -8.5 (-110)
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Chiefs haven’t been playing well lately, but they generated three interceptions against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7.
The Raiders are returning to Gardner Minshew at QB with Aidan O’Connell injured.
The team has tight end Brock Bowers, but that’s about it regarding offensive weapons.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes will have his best game of the season in this one.
PICK: Chiefs -10 (-110)
Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers
Niners QB Brock Purdy is coming off a terrible game, and now, he’s without WR Brandon Aiyuk. They have even less offensive firepower now, with RB Christian McCaffrey still out.
The Cowboys have been dreadful lately, but they’re coming off a bye and taking on a weakened 49ers squad.
Look for them to cover on the road.
PICK: Cowboys +5 (-110)
New York Giants vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Giants QB Daniel Jones and Drew Lock were sacked a combined eight times last week against the Eagles, and now they’re without left tackle Andrew Thomas.
The Steelers have Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt coming off the edge. They also have cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to shadow Giants WR Malik Nabers.
Giants score less than 10 here.
PICK: Steelers -6 (-120)
