After going 8-5 on both point spreads and moneylines in Week 7, here’s a 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.
Jacksonville Jaguars (-2.5) vs. Denver Broncos
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 9:30 a.m. ET
Russell Wilson is returning, although one could argue he won’t be much better than Brett Rypien would have been against the Jags. As rumors swirl about Denver becoming sellers before the trade deadline, I can’t imagine that locker room will be a happy place, even if they’re enjoying heaping piles of Yorkshire pudding.
Against-the-spread prediction: Jaguars
Moneyline winner: Jaguars
Atlanta Falcons (-4.5) vs. Carolina Panthers
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 1 p.m. ET
The spread has dropped from 6.5 a few days ago. Why? Perhaps there are sustained concerns about Atlanta’s passing attack, which, now that I think about it, is more like a passing “light shove.” And the shift might assume Carolina will continue to move the ball well against a weak Falcons defense.
Regardless, I like Atlanta seizing on the chance to lead the NFC South. Oh, and if they win, don’t be surprised if they trade for a receiver or defensive help ahead of Tuesday’s NFL deadline.
Against-the-spread prediction: Falcons
Moneyline winner: Falcons
Dallas Cowboys (-9.5) vs. Chicago Bears
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 1 p.m. ET
With three minutes remaining last weekend, Dallas led Detroit only 10-6. For most of the game, the Cowboys underwhelmed versus one of the league’s worst defenses. Conversely, the Bears overachieved against the Patriots, racking up their most points since 2020.
MORE: Why the Cowboys Will Crush the Bears
I believe if the opposite had happened — if Dallas had crushed it, and if Chicago wilted against the Pats — this point spread would be 14+. But the market isn’t entirely sold on a Cowboys blowout. But I am, despite (or rather, because of) an increased role for Tony Pollard.
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
Speaking of the Lions, there are still some injury question marks as of Friday. I’m predicting a narrow Dolphins victory against a Detroit offense that should get back on track against Miami’s anemic pass defense. Then again, the Lions probably can’t slow the Dolphins. The final score could be 37-35. Or maybe closer to 41-38.
Against-the-spread prediction: Lions
Moneyline winner: Dolphins
Minnesota Vikings (-3.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 1 p.m. ET
Are the Vikings as good as their record? I’m banking on it, at least against the hit-or-miss Cardinals. The expected return of James Conner should have no material impact on the Cards’ chances of keeping their faint playoff hopes alive. Minnesota’s two-pronged offense will be too strong to overcome.
Against-the-spread prediction: Vikings
Moneyline winner: Vikings
New Orleans Saints (+1) vs. Las Vegas Raiders
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 1 p.m. ET
Andy Dalton is starting over a reportedly healthy (or healthy enough) Jameis Winston. The timing couldn’t be better for Dalton, who’s facing one of the league’s most porous defenses.
For example, the Texans moved the ball seemingly effortlessly against Vegas last weekend. I believe the Saints will score on at least 70% of their drives. The Raiders won’t be that fortunate.
Against-the-spread prediction: Saints
Moneyline winner: Saints
New York Jets (+2.5) vs. New England Patriots
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 1 p.m. ET
I’m making a somewhat dramatic shift on this one, picking the Jets to win instead of the Patriots. Home field plays a part, although I expect plenty of New England fans in the stands. More importantly, I don’t trust Mac Jones against New York’s improved defense. This game will turn the Patriots into active sellers two days before the trade deadline.
Against-the-spread prediction: Jets
Moneyline winner: Jets
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. I believe they will.
Against-the-spread prediction: Steelers
Moneyline winner: Eagles
Houston Texans (+2.5) vs. Tennessee Titans
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 4:05 p.m. ET
The spread has shrunk by one point since Tuesday, presumably because of continued concerns about Ryan Tannehill‘s status. I’m officially switching my moneyline pick from Tennessee to Houston. At this late stage (Friday afternoon), Tannehill’s questionable status suggests he might not be 100% even if he does play. The Texans somehow have the offensive edge.
Against-the-spread prediction: Texans
Moneyline winner: Texans
Indianapolis Colts (-3) vs. Washington Commanders
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 4:25 p.m. ET
This is probably the first and last time one of the most prolific passers in NFL history will be replaced mid-season by a QB who’s never thrown an NFL pass. This contest has no realistic outcome because no one knows what to expect from Sam Ehlinger.
I love his mobility. Then again, last year, I loved Ian Book’s mobility, and we saw how that turned out. Most likely, it will be Jonathan Taylor and Indy’s defense versus the Commanders. Along those metrics, I’m comfortable betting on the Colts to eke this one out.
Against-the-spread prediction: Colts
Moneyline winner: Colts
Los Angeles Rams (+1.5) 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.
The unspoken (actually, it’s widely spoken) elephant in the room is Matthew Stafford. He’s sporting his worst QB rating since 2013, and at a time when his running game is among the league’s worst. It’s a bad combo heading into a tough opponent that knows how to beat him.
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. They’re also playing a little bit above their weight class, and that’s not meant disrespectfully.
MORE: Week 8 Upset of the Week
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 (-11) vs. Green Bay Packers
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 30
- Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET
Aside from giving Aaron Jones 25 touches, what is Green Bay’s strategy for winning this one — or even keeping it close? Perhaps a savvy veteran like Aaron Rodgers will gut out a close loss, or possibly a shocking victory. But with Allen Lazard looking doubtful as of Friday, the Packers’ slim hopes of remaining competitive just got slimmer.
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
The Ja’Marr Chase news hasn’t yet impacted this betting line (as of midday Friday). I expect this game to shift toward pick’em status by Sunday, but who knows. Regardless, I remain comfortable betting on the Bengals’ still strong passing game overcoming all-world RB Nick Chubb.
The X-factor is Joe Mixon, whose 3.3 yards per carry has weakened a key part of Cincy’s win strategy. If he continues to struggle, don’t be surprised if Samaje Perine earns 6-8 touches, helping to sustain a couple of scoring drives.
Against-the-spread prediction: Bengals
Moneyline winner: Bengals