NFL Week 8 lines and schedule: Cases made for the underdogs
The Week 8 NFL schedule is chock full of fantastic games, specifically on Sunday afternoon. Here’s why the underdogs can be smart bets.
Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers (-2.5)
The Falcons are in almost every game. Maybe this is the week they decide not to lose in hilarious fashion.
Indianapolis Colts (-2.5) at Detroit Lions
The Lions are 3-3, at home and perhaps the better team. They also traded for Everson Griffen on Tuesday, giving the roster an emotional shot in the arm.
Los Angeles Rams (-4) at Miami Dolphins
It’s all about Tua Tagovailoa. If he turns out to be the player Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert have become, the Dolphins should be favored.
Las Vegas Raiders at Cleveland Browns (-2.5)
This is a toss-up game. Both teams can score and have underwhelming defenses. Also, Baker Mayfield was terrific last week, but he makes mistakes constantly.
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (-6.5)
All about the back-door cover. Minnesota is off a bye and trying to exact some revenge. The Vikings won’t win, but Kirk Cousins could engineer some late scoring.
New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs (-19.5)
The power of prayer?
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New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills (-3.5)
This is Last Chance Saloon for the Patriots. Bill Belichick will throw everything at Josh Allen, and that alone should be enough to keep it close.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5)
The Steelers are there last undefeated team for a reason. Baltimore won’t run the ball on them, and Lamar Jackson has struggled his entire career to beat good teams.
Tennessee Titans (-6) at Cincinnati Bengals
Love the Bengals in this spot. Cincinnati has a high-octane offense, a terrific young quarterback and are playing a team with the worst third-down defense in football.
Los Angeles Chargers (-3) at Denver Broncos
The Broncos are at home and 2-4. This is their season. Additionally, they haven’t won a game at Mile High in three tries this year. It’s bound to change.
Read: Mavericks Willing to Trade Anyone Other than Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis
New Orleans Saints (-4) at Chicago Bears
The Bears have a great defense, the Saints have struggled to move the ball at times and Chicago will be home as the weather is turning colder.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (-3)
Jimmy Garoppolo should throw all over Seattle, which has the worst defense in the NFL. When it’s always a shootout, one mistake can sink you.
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (-7.5)
Both these teams are awful, and if Andy Dalton clears concussion protocol, getting more than a touchdown is a steal.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-10.5) at New York Giants
Much like the other New York team, it’s about prayer.
