Week 8 NFL Picks

 A couple bad beats thwarted what could’ve been the second consecutive double-digit win week.

Last Week: 8-7
Season: 50-54-3

On to Week 8…

Vikings at Rams (+2.5)

After being out since Week 2, Cooper Kupp is finally back from a sprained ankle and will suit up for what will likely be his last game in a Rams uniform before the team trades him. Cold game. Los Angeles already shipped off LB Ernest Jones and QB Matthew Stafford was briefly the subject of trade rumors, which suggests the Rams are already throwing in the towel on this season.

Even if the Rams weren’t waving the white flag, they would be hard-pressed to upset a Vikings team that’s a late-game field goal away from still being undefeated.

Pick: Vikings

Titans at Lions (-12.5)

The Lions are playing for the top seed in the NFC. The Titans are playing for the first pick in the draft. It’s a big spread but this Tennessee team is somehow even worse without Will Levis.

Pick: Lions

Cardinals at Dolphins (-4.5)

Tua’s back and, if Miami can keep him conscious, the Dolphins’ dynamic offense will run wild on a bad Cardinals defense.

Pick: Dolphins

Eagles at Bengals (-2.5)

The Bengals are better than their 3-4 record but a run defense that’s been getting gashed all season isn’t going to be able to slow down a hot Saquon Barkley.

Pick: Eagles

Ravens at Browns (+7.5)

Baltimore shouldn’t have much trouble with Cleveland but the Ravens’ secondary is beat up and it wouldn’t surprise me if Jameis Winston puts up enough garbage time numbers to keep it within a touchdown.

Pick: Browns

Jets at Patriots (+7)

The Patriots are ready to turn on head coach Jerod Mayo, who made headlines after calling his team “soft”, and the Jets desperately need a win.

Pick: Jets

Falcons at Bucs (+1.5)

The Baker Mayfield Show was fun while it lasted but with Chris Godwin donezo for the year and Mike Evans sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Bucs aren’t going to be able to keep up with the Falcons.

Pick: Falcons

Colts at Texans (-5)

I have a hard time trusting this Texans offense until Nico Collins returns and the Colts get DeForest Buckner back to strengthen the middle of their defense. Texans win but this ends up closer than it should be.

Pick: Colts

Packers at Jaguars (+3.5)

Despite missing two games, Jordan Love leads the league with 15 touchdown passes. He also leads the league in interceptions. He shouldn’t have much trouble against a toothless Jaguars defense though.

Pick: Packers

Saints at Chargers (-7)

The Saints’ season is pretty much over as injuries have decimated an already thin roster. Chargers roll here.

Pick: Chargers

Bills at Seahawks (+3)

I’d feel better about the Seahawks’ chances if DK Metcalf was playing. Meanwhile, Amari Cooper is adjusting seamlessly to life in Buffalo. Bills win a potential shootout.

Pick: Bills

Panthers at Broncos (-11)

A stellar Broncos defense at home against Bryce Young missing his top two receivers? Sign me up.

Pick: Broncos

Chiefs at Raiders (+8.5)

             

DeAndre Hopkins makes his debut for the Chiefs, who seemingly lose someone on offense every week. Hopkins’ best days are behind him but there’s enough left in the tank to have a day against the Raiders.

Pick: Chiefs

Cowboys at Niners (-5.5)

I don’t have much faith in the Cowboys, but with the Niners potentially down their top three receivers and CMC still out, this feels like a field goal fest.

Pick: Cowboys

Giants at Steelers (-6)

The Giants continuing to score primetime games despite having one of the worst rosters in football needs to be studied. Russell Wilson completes his dominance of NY by rolling over Big Blue.

Pick: Steelers