NFL Week 8 Best Bets and Prop Bets
We started off NFL Week 8 white-hot as we nailed the Thursday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The player props were 50/50, but I've always been more of a game-bettor than a prop guy anyway and I've mentioned it before so don't act all surprised if Terrel Bernard missed his tackles+assists prop by one or that James Cook went over his rushing and receiving yards prop by half a yard. Not only did we nail the Bucs covering the spread and the under, but I told you on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio exactly how the game would end right down to the Mike Evans touchdown to get us the back-door cover. But that was yesterday's news and it's time to look at Sunday's NFL games. What looks good? Well, here we go!
NFL Week 8 Best Bets:
Atlanta Falcons at Tennessee Titans
The whole world is down on the Falcons and Arthur Smith after last week's injury reporting debacle and his continued misuse of Bijan Robinson, but when we're matched up against the Titans, we know it's about the passing attack and, believe it or not, Desmond Ridder hasn't been that bad in recent match-ups. He's not great, but he's not completely bereft of talent. He can work through this horrendous Tennessee secondary. But the big thing is, in spite of the quarterback issues, how everyone just automatically bets the Titans at home when they're an underdog because Mike Vrabel as a home dog always hits…or so they say. I'm going with the actual talent on the field and not the narrative the public seems to be in on once again.
Pick: Falcons -2.5
Los Angeles Rams at Dallas Cowboys
Even though the Cowboys are coming off a bye week and get a home game here, I'm having a very tough time pivoting away from the Rams and their elite passing attack. The Dallas secondary hasn't been the same since losing Trevon Diggs and while they've got this amazing pass-rush led by Micah Parsons, they are vulnerable when it comes to pass coverage. Matthew Stafford has plenty of experience being chased out of the pocket and should have no trouble finding either Cooper Kupp or Puuka Nacua downfield. Meanwhile, the Cowboys continue to struggle with their offensive identity and Mike McCarthy hasn't helped the situation with their play-calling. It's a classic letdown for the Cowboys whether they win this one or not. The spread just seems a little large.
Pick: Rams +6.5
New York Jets at New York Giants
While yes, I am a die-hard Jets fan, I'm not really betting with my heart here. If I was, I wouldn't bet the game at all because I don't like betting on my own team. But the Jets have a significant advantage here and should ride Breece Hall all day long, Yes, they'll have Zach Wilson slinging the rock at times, but this is all about controlling the game and Robert Saleh is the type of coach who puts a premium on winning a rivalry match-up like this. The Jets defense gets back both Sauce Gardner and DJ Hall in the secondary and they should have little to no trouble with Tyrod Taylor and this makeshift offense.
Pick: Jets -2.5
Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Chargers
Plain and simple – I always bet against the Chargers when they are a home favorite by more than a touchdowns. Always, and I have come out ahead each and every year. For whatever reason, they are a team that routinely plays down to its competition and this game won't be any different. Even with Tyson Bagent under center, this Bears team has enough firepower to score points against this weak Chargers defense. I actually think this game stays close throughout, but even if it doesn't, look for the Bears to grab a back-door cover and cash our pick.
Pick: Bears + 8.5
Favorite NFL Week 8 Player Props:
- Calvin Ridley over 50.5 receiving yards (-120)
- Calvin Ridley anytime TD (+180)
- Nico Collins over 57.5 receiving yards (-115)
- Isiah Pacheco over 83.5 rush + rec yards (-120)
- Bobby Okereke over 9.5 tackles + assists (-115)
**all odds and lines courtesy of BetMGM