Taphorn’s Twelve Pack: NFL Week 8 Bets
- Week 7 Record: 3-3; +0 units; Year-to-date Record: 26-15-1; +8.0 units
Six NFL Week 8 Bets I Like:
1. Cincinnati Bengals -8.5 at New York Jets
I’m riding with the Bengals and the LSU boys again this week. A blowout win against the division rival Ravens and now the Jets without #2 overall pick Zach Wilson. This line has likely increased during the week, but I was able to lock in early on. Let’s hope the Bengals don’t overlook this one and take care of business. Bet amount: 2 units.
2. Dallas Cowboys -2 at Minnesota Vikings
The Cowboys won at Minnesota a year ago with a patchwork offensive line, Andy Dalton, and street-free agents on defense. Surely, they can get the job done coming off a bye with a mostly healthy roster. Bet amount: 2 units.
3. Tennessee Titans -1 at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are playing better, but the Titans are coming off wins against Buffalo and Kansas City and are in play for the number one seed in the AFC despite a loss to the Jets. Henry and company keep the train rolling and start to pull away in the division. Bet amount: 1 unit.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -4.5 at New Orleans Saints
The Jameis Winston revenge game. I’m thinking Tom Brady remembers losing to the Saints in New Orleans last year and that factor drives more than Winston against his old team. Bet amount: 1 unit.
- Check out our Buccaneers vs Saints prediction
5. Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills -13.5
Another double-digit line, but the Bills are getting the hook here. Josh Allen owns the Dolphins. Not as much as Rodgers owns the Bears, but it’s starting down that path. Tua is playing better, but still making questionable decisions and the defense just has not played up to last year’s standard. Bet amount: ½ unit.
🔜 #MIAvsBUF#FinsUp x @AutoNation pic.twitter.com/7Tr23VkAF2
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 29, 2021
6. Philadelphia Eagles -3.5 at Detroit Lions
This could be the week that the Lions get their first win, but I think Philly is talented enough on defense to keep that from happening. Nick Sirianni seems to hate running the ball and can now use Miles Sanders being out as an excuse. Still think the Eagles can get it done on the road. Bet amount: ½ unit.
Six NFL Week 8 Bets to Avoid:
1. Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons -3
Carolina is in a tailspin right now after starting 3-0. Sam Darnold was benched a week ago and the talks of a Deshaun Watson trade are making their rounds. Kyle Pitts is really starting to show up for the Falcons as well, but I remain suspicious of this team being any good.
2. Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals -6.5
This should have been the game of the week and possibly the game of the year. The Packers are down a host of players and coaches for the big Thursday night game. Rodgers vs Kyler Murray should make for some fun either way.
3. Los Angeles Rams -14.5 at Houston Texans
Another week and the Rams are double-digit favorites, and the Texans are double-digit underdogs. Rumors that Tyrod Taylor may return could give us a glimpse of what this team was supposed to be.
4. San Francisco 49ers -3.5 at Chicago Bears
The Bears got smacked around by the Bucs last week. Matt Nagy’s seat is almost too hot to sit in at this point. Khalil Mack is heading to the bench for the time being to rest a foot injury and Aikeem Hicks missed last week’s game. The 49ers should have a 4-point advantage in coaching alone, but with both quarterbacks dealing with injuries I’m going to stay away.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns -3.5
Not long ago would this line be a complete shocker to most bettors, but now the Browns are favored with a depleted roster due to injuries. Mike Tomlin made it clear to the media this week he won’t be coaching college and maybe that fire transfers to his team and they show up motivated.
6. Washington Football Team at Denver Broncos -3
These teams just aren’t very good. Washington should have the edge with a banged up Teddy Bridgewater for Denver and a plethora of injuries on the defensive side, but Washington hasn’t proven they can be trusted this far into the season.
