For the avid football fans and gambling enthusiasts, here are my detailed Week 8 NFL picks. The team logos provided will indicate which teams I predict will win their respective games, but it’s important to note that these picks focus on outright victories rather than covering the spread. At the conclusion of these picks, I’ll also highlight a few teams that I believe will perform well against the spread.
In this matchup, the analysis is straightforward: one team is starting Carson Wentz at quarterback, and the other is not. Consequently, I’m leaning towards the team that has a more stable quarterback situation. Expect the Chargers to secure a victory in this encounter.
The Philadelphia Eagles suffered a significant defeat against the Giants just a couple of weeks ago, particularly struggling in the trenches. Their defense had difficulty tackling rookies Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo, who made significant plays against them. Jalen Hurts had one of his worst performances of the season, missing key opportunities and throwing an interception. Additionally, the Eagles looked disorganized on special teams.
However, this game will see the return of Jalen Carter, who was a surprise scratch in their previous matchup. His presence dramatically alters the defense's performance. After a strong showing in Minnesota, I expect the Eagles to rebound and play significantly better this week. While I predict the Eagles will win, I believe the Giants could still cover the spread at +7.5.
After a rocky start to the season, the Cincinnati Bengals have a chance to approach .500 against the winless Jets. With Joe Flacco stepping in as quarterback, the Bengals remain in the mix for the AFC North title. If Flacco can maintain their momentum for a few weeks, they may even have Joe Burrow back in time for a playoff push.
The Baltimore Ravens are set to welcome back Lamar Jackson, which is crucial for their playoff aspirations. Despite a shaky start, they are not out of the AFC North race, even with a current record of 1-5.
Both the San Francisco 49ers and the Houston Texans are facing significant challenges. The 49ers have been plagued by injuries but have shown resilience in finding ways to win. Meanwhile, the Texans have struggled to close out games, making this matchup difficult to predict.
The Miami Dolphins are in disarray both on and off the field, raising questions about their coaching staff. However, if there’s a team they can potentially defeat, it’s the inconsistent Atlanta Falcons, who have displayed erratic performances this season. Caution is advised when considering the Falcons for your survivor pools.
The Carolina Panthers have been a surprising story this season, yet they’ve faced one of the easiest schedules in the league. Competing against the formidable Buffalo Bills could prove too challenging, especially without their starting quarterback, Bryce Young.
Drake Maye is putting together an impressive MVP-caliber season, while the New England Patriots return home after a successful streak of three consecutive road victories. This matchup should be intriguing as the Patriots look to continue their momentum.
I’ve consistently picked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the spread this season, as they have proven to be a reliable choice. However, their extensive injury list, including stars like Mike Evans and Calijah Kancey, has me reconsidering my pick for this week.
If you’re a fan of the Arizona Cardinals, you might be frustrated that your team overlooked Shane Steichen, who is on track to win NFL Coach of the Year with the Indianapolis Colts. Expect the Colts to take care of business against the Titans.
This matchup promises excitement as the Dallas Cowboys bring their explosive offense against the strong defense of the Denver Broncos. However, a major concern for the Cowboys is their offensive line's performance against the elite pass-rushing duo of Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper.
According to betting market analysis from Inpredictable, the Pittsburgh Steelers are currently the most overrated team in the league. I believe they are not deserving of their current ranking, making them an appealing team to bet against. I’ll take the Green Bay Packers to cover the spread of 3 points.
The Washington Commanders have struggled lately, suffering losses to the Falcons, Bears, and Cowboys. With Jayden Daniels sidelined due to injury, their chances against the Kansas City Chiefs look bleak. The Chiefs appear to be regaining their form, averaging 31.5 points per game in recent weeks. I anticipate that the Commanders' defense will struggle to contain Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense.