We went 8-5 on both point spreads and moneylines in Week 7. Here’s an early look at our NFL Week 8 predictions and picks for all 15 games, with the Chiefs and Chargers on byes. The following betting odds are for picks against the spread, as well as moneylines based on DraftKings Sportsbook.
NFL Week 8 Picks and Predictions
Each week of the NFL season features the expected, the moderately unexpected, and the completely unexpected. When betting on point spreads and moneylines, we need to focus on the first two outcomes.
What are the highest-probability game scripts? Which interesting subplots could emerge? For example, we cannot anticipate when a little-used fullback will fall into the end zone twice in one half. But we can assess the likelihood that one team’s backfield will earn more scoring opportunities.
With that in mind, here are our preliminary assessments of how each game might proceed, including two major questions surrounding each team’s execution of its offense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+1) vs. Baltimore Ravens
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 27
- Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay losing to Kansas City and even Green Bay were understandable, although the back-to-back home defeats seemed a bit odd. Almost blowing a lead against Atlanta was a head-scratcher. Getting blown out by Carolina on Sunday seemed like we’d reached a new phase.
MORE: The Buccaneers Proved They Refuse To Grow in Loss to Panthers
The Buccaneers no longer look fearsome. Whether it’s Tom Brady or his receivers or running backs or his offensive line, there’s enough blame to go around. The Ravens are the wrong team to face when you’re trying to right the ship. But with the 3-4 Bucs’ season on the line, for now, I’m willing to bet on a rebound.
Against-the-spread prediction: Buccaneers
Moneyline winner: Buccaneers
Jacksonville Jaguars (-3.5) vs. Denver Broncos
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 9:30 a.m. ET
London fans will enjoy watching this one. Or perhaps they won’t. There’s nothing we can do about it.
But at the moment, we know that Denver’s defense can win games, and their offense simply cannot. Like the Broncos, the Jaguars are on the edge of playoff contention after a tough loss to the Giants. But Jacksonville has a much better offense, despite sometimes stalling at inopportune times. The Jags should prevail by 5+ points.
Against-the-spread prediction: Jaguars
Moneyline winner: Jaguars
Atlanta Falcons (-6.5) vs. Carolina Panthers
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 1 p.m. ET
Can the Panthers win again? Absolutely. This week? Probably not. I like how Atlanta matches up against them. Marcus Mariota has been far better than I anticipated back in August, and Drake London and Kyle Pitts should bounce back against a defense that, ironically, wasn’t entirely tested enough against Tampa Bay.
Against-the-spread prediction: Falcons
Moneyline winner: Falcons
Dallas Cowboys (-10) vs. Chicago Bears
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 1 p.m. ET
Dak Prescott shook off the rust in Week 7, while his defense clamped down on the beleaguered Lions. It could be more of the same this coming week, as Chicago doesn’t pose much of a threat to Dallas. The bigger question is whether the Cowboys will score 20+ or 30+. (And yes, if they score 30+, it means they’ve scored 20+. I’m making sure you know that I know that you know.)
Against-the-spread prediction: Cowboys
Moneyline winner: Cowboys
Detroit Lions (+3.5) vs. Miami Dolphins
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 1 p.m. ET
Can Detroit get their offense back on track against a hit-or-miss Miami defense? It largely depends on which of their playmakers are healthy. Of course, the betting line could shift significantly in the coming days, based on Sunday’s projected active/inactive list. For now, I’m comfortable leaning toward Miami. But only “leaning.”
Against-the-spread prediction: Lions
Moneyline winner: Dolphins
Minnesota Vikings (-4) vs. Arizona Cardinals
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 1 p.m. ET
Are the Vikings as good as their record? In years past, this might be a trap game. But Minnesota appears poised to pile on another W against a franchise whose offense remains out of sync and whose defense struggles to contain opponents. Expect another big day from Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook, or both.
Against-the-spread prediction: Vikings
Moneyline winner: Vikings
New Orleans Saints (+2) vs. Las Vegas Raiders
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 1 p.m. ET
Which injured Saints will return for this one? And will Andy Dalton continue to helm the passing attack? It’s clearly too soon to formulate a hardened opinion on how this contest will go down. But squads have major holes on both sides of the ball, although Josh Jacobs appears to be carrying Vegas on his back in a contract year. If New Orleans can’t slow him down, this could become a battle to the final possession.
Against-the-spread prediction: Saints
Moneyline winner: Saints
New York Jets (+1.5) vs. New England Patriots
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 1 p.m. ET
The Jets are simultaneously flying high and in turmoil. As of Monday morning, Breece Hall’s injury could be a season-ender. Corey Davis also exited on Sunday, and Elijah Moore wants out.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Rarely are there cakewalks against New England. New York could struggle to move the ball without their top offensive weapon. Amazingly (given these teams’ recent history), the Jets’ defense probably will be the difference — whether because they continue to rise to the occasion, or because the Patriots are able to expose their weaknesses.
Against-the-spread prediction: Patriots
Moneyline winner: Patriots
Philadelphia Eagles (-10.5) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 1 p.m. ET
Undefeated teams this deep into the season often look unstoppable. Philly certainly looks somewhere between “tough” and unstoppable. Both the Eagles and the Steelers have young offensive cores. That breeds unpredictability. Philadelphia should take this one, but the question is whether Pittsburgh can match their poise and hang around.
Against-the-spread prediction: Steelers
Moneyline winner: Eagles
Houston Texans (+3.5) vs. Tennessee Titans
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 4.05 p.m. ET
Will Ryan Tannehill start this one, or will his injury keep him out? If the latter, it could be Malik Willis’ time to show what he can do.
Against Houston, he could deliver just enough offense to stay competitive. But let’s be honest: Until we know who’s starting at QB, all we can say is that it’ll be Derrick Henry vs. Dameon Pierce. A great battle, and also a toss-up until we know who’s quarterbacking the Titans.
Against-the-spread prediction: Texans
Moneyline winner: Titans
Indianapolis Colts (-4) vs. Washington Commanders
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Does Indianapolis have a new No. 1 WR? We’ve waited several years for Parris Campbell to be healthy enough to contribute. In the last two weeks, he’s reminded everyone why the Colts were excited to draft him, and why they’ve stuck with him. Don’t be surprised if he’s once again a difference-maker, and against the hit-or-miss Commanders, that might be enough.
Against-the-spread prediction: Colts
Moneyline winner: Colts
Los Angeles Rams (+2) vs. San Francisco 49ers
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 4:25 p.m. ET
If the Niners win this one, the Rams will fall to 3-4 with a road game against the Bucs next. If the Niners lose, they’ll drop to 3-5, and some might question whether they paid too much for Christian McCaffrey.
I know. It’s too early to judge. But these are the stakes for two teams that essentially are all in on another Super Bowl push. I expect LA to play better than when these squads met in Week 4. But I expect the same from the improved 49ers.
Against-the-spread prediction: 49ers
Moneyline winner: 49ers
Seattle Seahawks (-3) vs. New York Giants
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 4:25 p.m. ET
The Seahawks and Giants are for real. Few would argue that point. They’re also playing a little bit above their weight class, and that’s not meant disrespectfully.
MORE: Week 8 NFL Power Rankings
Seattle’s beaten up on a couple of injury-plagued teams, while the Giants are gutting out fourth-quarter wins behind an all-world RB and a subpar passing attack. Granted, Daniel Jones and Geno Smith are playing phenomenally. Both teams match up pretty evenly. This week, I think New York’s heroics take a backseat to Seattle’s.
Against-the-spread prediction: Seahawks
Moneyline winner: Seahawks
Buffalo Bills (-10.5) vs. Green Bay Packers
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET
Buffalo should win this one handily. I wouldn’t have thought that three weeks ago. Now, it seems clear, even though we can never count out a veteran squad like the Packers. Still, the Bills have too much firepower, while Green Bay’s fortunes rest largely on Aaron Jones and a situationally proficient defense. That won’t be enough.
Against-the-spread prediction: Bills
Moneyline winner: Bills
Cleveland Browns (+3) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
- Date: Monday, Oct. 31
- Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Can the Bengals be stopped? Like a wound-up toy, once Cincinnati figured out its offense, another playoff run seems inevitable. I don’t think Nick Chubb can help Cleveland keep pace, and Jacoby Brissett remains a better game manager than a come-from-behind wizard.
Against-the-spread prediction: Bengals
Moneyline winner: Bengals