NFL Week 8 schedule: 5 teams on upset alert
We’re headed for the weekend portion of the NFL Week 8 schedule, and we have five favorites on upset alert in their contests.
5. San Francisco 49ers (-4) at Chicago Bears
Why are the Niners laying four points in this game? The 49ers have the better roster but they haven’t won a game since Week 2. They’ve also only beaten the winless Detroit Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles — both teams who prominently factor in this piece. Chicago is 3-4 and punchless offensively, but the defense is good and Justin Fields has enough athleticism to stress the defense. In a game between two bad teams, take the points and the underdog.
Want $250 to bet on NFL Week 8?
4. Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) at Detroit Lions
The Eagles should be laying points, but the Lions are a frisky underdog here. Detroit has been in a litany of games, including last-second losses to the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens. Even last week on the road against the Los Angeles Rams, the Lions were within a touchdown with two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Philadelphia has struggled this year at 2-5 and could be taken down in Detroit.
3. Los Angeles Chargers (-4.5) vs. New England Patriots
The Chargers should feel good about this matchup. They’re coming off a bye week and the Patriots have to come all the way across the country. However, Los Angeles lost to the Patriots last year by a 45-0 count at SoFi Stadium, with quarterback Justin Herbert having one of his worst days as a pro. Does he struggle once more against Bill Belichick’s schemes? Also, New England can run the ball effectively, and the Chargers have the worst run defense in football.
Read: Mark Davis Calls For Washington Football Team Report
2. Kansas City Chiefs (-9.5) vs. New York Giants
There is absolutely no reason the Chiefs should lose to the Giants at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night. Kansas City is better on both sides of the ball — on paper, anyway — and has the game in its building. Yet, the Chiefs are only one game better than the Giants in the standings, because the defense is a sieve against the run and can’t get pressure. Also, Patrick Mahomes is leading the league with 11 turnovers. It’s cause for major, major concern.
1. Minnesota Vikings (-2.5) vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys were favorites this whole week, but that flipped with concern about whether Dak Prescott will play this week. If he doesn’t, should be an easy win for Minnesota. However, if he does, the Vikings are in serious trouble, and so is anybody betting on Minnesota.
