NFL Week 8 Betting Picks

It was another winning weekend for underdogs, who went 8-7 ATS while posting four SU victories in Week 7. A number of key divisional matchups are on the schedule in Week 8 with five games featuring home underdogs. Here is a sneak peek of this weekend’s NFL picks.

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals

Game Line: Cincinnati -1.5 | OU 46

After starting the season with three SU and ATS wins, including a 23-16 Week 1 win over the Ravens in Baltimore as one-point underdogs, the wheels have quickly come off the Bengals’ season, now winless in three straight, SU and ATS, for the first time in over two years. Cincy was embarrassed last weekend, losing 27-0 in Indianapolis, converting just one of 12 third down opportunities while amassing just 135 total yards.

While the Bengals continue to ride a 12-game regular season home winning streak, they face a Ravens squad that has come to life in the last two weeks, posting a pair of dominating wins over Tampa Bay and Atlanta, improving to 5-2 ATS and SU on the strength of Joe Flacco’s seven passing TDs and 564 yards in the air. The 5-2 Ravens look poised to extend their lead in the AFC North and put the Bengals’ playoff hopes in doubt.

Free Pick: Take Baltimore and the points. Baltimore 31-15

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans

Game Line: Houston -1 | OU 43.5

The Texans take on the Titans in a matchup of AFC South rivals both in search of answers. Tennessee is coming off a disappointing last-second 19-17 loss in Washington, covering the spread for the first time since Week 1. But point production has been a real problem for Tennessee, who has scored more than 17 points on just two occasions this season while failing to generate more than 290 total yards of offense in three of their last four.

Much will hinge on the availability of Titans QB Jake Locker, currently sidelined with a thumb injury, but possibly available against Houston. The Texans have lost four of five SU since opening with a pair of wins, but have struggled defensively, giving up well over 400 total yards in three of their last five. With renewed stability at quarterback, a defense that has tightened up since three early season blowout losses, and a bad temper after last weekend’s loss to Washington, the Titans are well positioned to please both bettors and their fans this Sunday.

Free Pick: Take Tennessee and the points. Tennessee 21-12

Oakland Raiders @ Cleveland Browns

Game Line: Cleveland -7 | OU 43.5

The Cleveland Browns travelled to Jacksonville last weekend poised to win their fourth straight game outright and challenge for top spot in the AFC North. Instead, the Browns handed the Jags a 24-6 gift victory and enter Week 8 action in the division basement. The Browns turned over the ball three times while Brian Hoyer was held to just 215 yards passing while being sacked three times for a loss of 18 yards.

Cleveland will have to turn things around quickly to preserve their playoff hopes but face a hungry Raiders squad that is winless SU but 3-3 ATS, covering in a pair of nail biting losses to New England and San Diego. Indeed, Oakland has shown amazing resilience, not giving up even when falling well behind opponents, with rookie QB Derek Carr showing the poise of a veteran while running the offense. If the Raiders can establish an early lead over a Browns squad in disarray, they could come away with their first W of the year.

Free Pick: Take Oakland and the points. Oakland 23-21

Chicago Bears @ New England Patriots

Game Line: New England -7 | OU 50

The New England Patriots appear to be back on track after starting the season with a mediocre 2-2 record SU and going 1-3 ATS. The Pats have averaged almost 36 points per game since a devastating 41-14 Monday night loss to Kansas City in Week 4. However, New England almost let the New York Jets steal a win on Thursday night last week, letting the Jets run for 252 yards, their biggest ground game in two years.

While the Pats may still have defensive issues to address against the rush, they bring the NFL’s top pass defense into action on Sunday. Conversely, the Bears have struggled mightily in the last month, SU and ATS losers in three of their last four, committing seven turnovers in their last three games. With conflict reportedly brewing in the Bears’ locker room, an opponent like New England is likely to be too much for the struggling Bears to handle this week.

Free Pick: Take New England and give the points. New England 31-17

Minnesota Vikings @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Game Line: Tampa Bay -3 | OU 42

The Minnesota Vikings appeared on the verge of a breakthrough victory over the Buffalo Bills last Sunday before watching it slip away in the dying seconds in a 17-16 loss. The Vikings covered for the first time in three weeks, holding Buffalo to just 373 total yards and under 28 minutes of possession time while forcing four turnovers and sacking Bills QB Kyle Orton six times.

The Vikes will need to generate more offense than they have lately, just 29 points combined in their last three games. But Minny may have that opportunity against the Bucs, who have given up a whopping 34 points per game, including 41.25 per game in their last four. The Bucs are coming off a bye week looking for their first win at home, SU and ATS, in five games. They are unlikely to get either against Minnesota.

Free Pick: Take Minnesota and the points. Minnesota 28-13

Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys

Game Line: Dallas -9.5 | OU 49.5

The Dallas Cowboys are riding a six-game SU winning streak, 5-1 ATS, onto the big stage at home on Monday night. The Cowboys’ resurgence has been fueled by RB DeMarco Murray, who leads the NFL in rushing yards and set an NFL record last week with his seventh straight 100+ yard rushing performance, getting the ball on almost 80% of the Cowboys’ rushing plays this season.

Washington won for just the second time last week, using their third QB of the season Colt McCoy, but hope that Robert Griffin III will be available to return and bring stability to an offense that has averaged just 17 points per game in their last four outings. But Washington has also held opponents to under 76 rushing yards in three of its last five outings. They are a solid 7-1 ATS in their last eight against their hated NFC East rivals, and will give the Cowboys all they can handle.

Free Pick: Take Washington and the points. Dallas 29-25