Week 8 NFL panel picks: Key divisional matchups in spotlight

Throughout the 2021 season, a panel of Sportsnet’s NFL contributors will preview each week’s slate of games from a gambling perspective. Staff writer/host Donnovan Bennett, staff writers Emily Sadler and Mike Johnston, plus fantasy writers Andy McNamara and Matt Marchese will pick one FAVOURITE, one UNDERDOG, one OVER, one UNDER, including their personal LOCK, as they attempt to beat the odds

Let’s be honest. Week 7 was a dud. With a handful of the NFL’s best offences on bye, many of the games lacked excitement and scoring. Week 8 is a different story, though, as it kicks off with a massive Thursday battle between undefeated Arizona and NFC North-leading Green Bay.

There’s also a potential Sunday night shootout between the Cowboys and Vikings plus divisional battles with Titans vs. Colts, Steelers vs. Browns and Bucs vs. Saints on tap.

Collectively, the panel went 19-17 on their picks in Week 7 and this week several members are eyeing the over in the aforementioned Tennessee-Indianapolis showdown.

Here are the Week 8 picks.

Donnovan Bennett, staff writer/host
2021 record: 13-15-0
Last week: 2-2-0
Locks: 4-3-0

🏈 49ers at Bears OVER 39.5
🏈 Jaguars at Seahawks UNDER 43
🏈 Steelers (+3.5) at Browns
🔒 Titans (-1) at Colts

Seattle is coming off their lowest-scoring game in the last four seasons. The Seahawks have only scored on eight of 29 drives since Russell Wilson was injured. Jacksonville is much further along in their rebuild process on defence than they are on offence. Don’t expect this to be an offensive work of art.

Emily Sadler, staff writer
2021 record: 16-11-1
Last week: 2-2-0
Locks: 4-3-0

🏈 Titans at Colts OVER 51
🏈 Eagles at Lions UNDER 48
🏈 Packers (+6.5) at Cardinals
🔒 Bengals (-10) at Jets

Aaron Rodgers is built for prime time, and I’m trusting he delivers the Cardinals their first loss by a tight margin — even if he does have to play without his top weapon in Davante Adams. And, although it took me a while (and several failed picks), I think I’ve finally learned my lesson: Stop betting against the Bengals. Locking up a Cincinnati win here against the Jets.

Mike Johnston, staff writer
2021 record: 12-16-0
Last week: 3-1-0
Locks: 2-5-0

🏈 Panthers at Falcons OVER 46
🏈 Giants at Chiefs UNDER 52.5
🏈 Falcons (-2.5) vs. Panthers
🔒 Saints (+5) vs. Buccaneers

The Bucs haven’t been tested in a few weeks, while the Saints continue to fly under the radar. Jameis Winston is playing his former team and will show Tom Brady who the real GOAT is.

Andy McNamara, analyst/fantasy sports writer
2021 record: 16-12-0
Last week: 2-2-0
Locks: 3-4-0

🏈 Bengals at Jets OVER 43
🏈 Cowboys at Vikings UNDER 55
🏈 Cardinals (-6.5) vs. Packers
🔒 Dolphins (+13.5) at Bills

While I’d put money on Buffalo winning this one straight up, the 13.5-point spread is a bit too spicy. Of Miami’s six losses, four have been by 10 or fewer. Granted, the last time they played the Bills it resulted in a nasty 35-0 shutout. However, in Tua’s two games back under centre, the Dolphins offence has sprung to life with the sophomore chucking up six total touchdowns. I just don’t see Buffalo winning by that big of a margin.

Matt Marchese, radio host/producer/fantasy football writer
2021 record: 10-18-0
Last week: 2-2-0
Locks: 2-5-0

🏈 Titans at Colts OVER 51
🏈 Rams at Texans UNDER 47.5
🏈 Lions (+3.5) vs. Eagles
🔒 Falcons (-2.5) vs. Panthers

The Panthers have looked dreadful since Christian McCaffrey went down with an injury and surprisingly, the Falcons have looked a bit better since their awful start. Atlanta is 6-1 against the spread in their last seven and 5-0 against their last five home matchups against Carolina.

Bonus stat: Detroit is 5-1 in their last six against the spread versus Philadelphia and surprisingly covered in four of seven games this season.

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