Hey everybody! Welcome to another NFL preview, now Week 8. Since our hot start, the record has cooled off a bit, but we won’t let that stop us from making some bold picks! Week 8 has six teams on the bye (and I know nobody cares about my fantasy team) but I happen to have most of my team taking the week off. Hopefully my other players can show some grit and get their GM a win! Let’s get into the picks…
PICKS (70-38 Overall)
Minnesota Vikings (3-3) @ Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)
- Both of these teams in the Thursday Night matchup enter the game following tough losses at home. On a short week, I would much rather take Justin Herbert’s Chargers than Carson Wentz. I think it’ll be a close game, but Chargers get it done at home.
New York Jets (0-7) @ Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)
- Old Joe Flacco absolutely SHREDDED my Steelers. That’s all I will say about that. The Jets have been a miserable franchise for the past 7 weeks (and 20 years) and I think they go winless into next week as well.
New York Giants (2-5) @ Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
- Alright, I’ll say it. I do NOT like when the NFL schedules a divisional matchup between the same two teams twice in three weeks. The Giants smoked the Eagles two Thursday nights ago, but I think the Eagles look like a much better team now. They also have several defensive stars returning this week, including potential DPOY Jalen Carter. Eagles by a lot.
Chicago Bears (4-2) @ Baltimore Ravens (1-5)
- Here’s a saucy upset pick for the week. Lamar Jackson looks like he’s trending towards playing this week, after missing a few games with a leg injury. I still don’t think the Ravens have looked that good this season, and the Bears have sneakily won 4 games in a row. Let’s make it 5 Chicago!
Miami Dolphins (1-6) @ Atlanta Falcons (3-3)
- Who knows what to make of the situation in Miami with QB Tua Tagovailoa and HC Mike McDaniel. Neither of them seem like they want to be there, and the Dolphins’ play each Sunday reflects that. Plus, I don’t think they have a chance at stopping Bijan.
Buffalo Bills (4-2) @ Carolina Panthers (4-3)
- Somehow, the Carolina Panthers have a winning record, and they’re undefeated at home?! They face a tough opponent this week, as Josh Allen and the Bills look to bounce back from the bye with a decisive road win. I think the Bills win, but I would not be surprised if the Panthers cover the spread of 7.5.
San Francisco 49ers (5-2) @ Houston Texans (2-4)
- Yes, the Texans have looked GROSS to start this season. I have to be honest though, I don’t know how the Niners keep winning with all of the injuries they have. It’s gotta end at some point, right? I think the Texans pick up a very important home victory here.
Cleveland Browns (2-5) @ New England Patriots (5-2)
- Drake Maye is playing like a future MVP candidate. Some people will point out that he hasn’t played many formidable defenses, but luckily, he has an opportunity this week to play against one of the best in the league. Because the Browns offense has struggled, I’ll take the Patriots to win.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) @ New Orleans Saints (1-6)
- These teams do not like each other, and their games always seem to be closer than expected when they meet up. The Bucs have had to deal with a lot of injuries this year but have still found a way to start 5-2. I think they pick up a divisional road win here.
Tennessee Titans (1-6) @ Indianapolis Colts (6-1)
- Jonathan Taylor.
Dallas Cowboys (3-3-1) @ Denver Broncos (5-2)
- I am VERY excited for this game. The Cowboys bring one of the most explosive offenses to Denver to face the best defense in the NFL. The Broncos offense has really struggled at the beginning of games, and I anticipate the Cowboys to get out to a hot start, putting the Broncos in a hole early.
Green Bay Packers (4-1-1) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
- The Aaron Rodgers Revenge Game (well, not if you ask him). Jordan Love has really struggled against the blitz this year, and Pittsburgh’s defense always seems to come up with a big play at home. Shocker, I’m taking the Steelers again.
Washington Commanders (3-4) @ Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)
- With Jayden Daniels being sidelined with a hamstring injury, I don’t think the Commanders stand a chance in this one. Neither does Vegas, with the spread being 11.5 points. The Chiefs have figured out their offense, and the Commanders’ defense has not been great.
BETS (12-9 Overall)
Michael Pittman Jr. Anytime TD (+155)
Rico Dowdle 50+ Rushing Yards (-120)
Vikings/Chargers Over 44.5 Points (-110)
FANTASY
Last Week’s Pick: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (terrible pick, I apologize. 3.70 points).
Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams is a risky start, but I like it against a struggling Ravens defense.
Enjoy the weekend!