NFL Week 8 Predictions | Sunday Picks Today, Best Bets

For the first time since Week 4, there will be no early international game to wake up to. Instead, bettors will have to wait until the usual 1 pm slot to get their full taste of action. Still, there’s plenty of excitement to look forward to as the schedule is dotted with several crucial matchups.

We’ve got you covered for betting purposes, highlighting our favorite wagers for this week’s NFL action.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Spread: Falcons -2.5 (-115) | Buccaneers +2.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Falcons -146 | Buccaneers +124
Total: OVER 45.5 (-115) | UNDER 45.5 (-105)

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Life is about to get pretty challenging for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Through the early part of the season, the Bucs were able to overcome their defensive shortcomings thanks to their high-powered offense. But with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on the sidelines, Tampa Bay is in for a world of hurt. That anticipated downward trajectory starts in Week 8’s intra-divisional battle versus the Atlanta Falcons.

So far this season, Evans and Godwin have accounted for nearly half of the Bucs’ production in the passing game. Their combined 911 receiving yards represent 49.0% of Baker Mayfield‘s total, leaving an irreplaceable hole in their offensive attack. 

The Bucs’ defense also can’t be trusted to contain the Falcons’ elite offense. Led by Bijan Robinson, Atlanta has the ninth-ranked total offense and 15th-ranked scoring unit. Moreover, that difference implies that the Falcons are progression candidates and should see an uptick in scoring over their coming games. 

This is the beginning of the end for Tampa Bay. Unless Mike Evans makes a quicker-than-anticipated recovery, the Bucs will have a hard time staying afloat in the NFC. That downfall starts on Sunday, with the Falcons covering as road chalk.

Recommended Play: Falcons -2.5 -115

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Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans

Spread: Colts +4.5 (-104) | Texans -4.5 (-118)
Moneyline: Colts +190 | Texans -230
Total: OVER 45.5 (-112) | UNDER 45.5 (-108)

The betting market has placed an undeserving amount of credit on the Anthony Richardson-led Indianapolis Colts. Fresh off a two-game absence, the Colts quarterback returned in Week 7 to lead the Colts to one of their worst offensive performances of the season. That position is unlikely to improve against the AFC South-leading Houston Texans. 

Indianapolis put up just 284 yards of total offense against the Miami Dolphins. In four games with Richardson exclusively under center, the Colts are averaging just 308.7 yards and 18.5 points per game. More concerningly, the second-year pro went just 10-for-24 in the passing game, dropping his season-long completion percentage to 48.5%.

Houston’s defense had been a limiting factor over the past few years but is vastly improved in 2024. The Texans are holding opponents to the third-fewest yards this season, with opponents gaining just 167.7 yards per game through the air and 109.3 on the ground. We’ve also got the Texans earmarked for progression, with their points allowed per game sinking down closer to their yardage totals. 

This line is conspicuously skewed in the visitor’s favor. The Texans should have no problem moving the ball down the field and can use its elite defense to hamper a lackluster Colts offense. Lay the points in this one.

Recommended Play: Texans -4.5 -118

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New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Spread: Saints +7 (-110) | Chargers -7 (-110)
Moneyline: Saints +270 | Chargers -335
Total: OVER 40.5 (-115) | UNDER 40.5 (-105)

Still without Derek Carr, the New Orleans Saints venture west in Week 8, taking on the Los Angeles Chargers. New Orleans has struggled mightily without their former Pro Bowl quarterback under center, and that position is unlikely to improve against a fierce Chargers’ defense. 

New Orleans has been sinking lately. In two games without Carr, the Saints have totaled just 37 points on 574 yards of total offense. That’s not terrible at first glance, but it’s worth noting that the majority of that production came against the Bucs’ defense after they had a comfortable 24-0 lead. While Taysom Hill or Jake Haener could potentially take over under center, neither would be a significant upgrade versus the Chargers.

Jim Harbaugh is leading the Chargers to a new level on defense. Allowing just 13.8 points per game, LA has the top-ranked scoring defense in the NFL. We’re expecting sustained efficiency, as they rank ninth in both passing and rushing defense, yielding the fifth-best total defense. 

If the Kansas City Chiefs could only put up 17 points and 329 yards against the Chargers at SoFi, the Saints don’t stand a chance. It’s tempting to make a play on the spread, but our biggest perceived advantage is betting this one to stay beneath the total.

Recommended Play: Under 40.5 -105

New York Jets vs. New England Patriots

Spread: Jets -7 (-110) | Patriots +7 (-110)
Moneyline: Jets -335 | Patriots +270
Total: OVER 41.5 (-105) | UNDER 41.5 (-115)

Somehow, between Week 8 and Week 9, the New York Jets transformed into a powerhouse deserving of a bountiful betting line. The 2-5 Jets opened as -7 road chalk against the rebuilding New England Patriots. New England hasn’t been without its own struggles this season, but the Pats have enough fight in them to stay within a touchdown against the downed Jets. 

Everything is falling apart at the seams for New York. Despite bolstering their offense with Davante Adams, the Jets were still held in check against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. The more concerning trend is their ineffective defensive play since the coaching change. The last two teams the Jets have faced have combined for 768 yards and 60 points, which is a substantial departure from the norm. It may be tempting to expect improvement from New York’s defense, but it’s more likely the unit is reeling following the departure of the defensive-minded Robert Saleh.

A season-opening win has long been forgotten, but the Pats have shown signs of life with their most recent efforts. New England is averaging 295.0 yards per game over its past three, bringing its season-long average up to 262.9. Improved production correlates with modest improvements in output, but we’re anticipating a stronger showing against a Jets side that has seemingly given up on the season.

The Jets have been one of the worst ATS teams in the league. New York has covered the spread in just two of seven outings this season, including a disastrous 1-3 as the visitors. The Patriots are finding their rhythm with Drake Maye under center and are poised to keep things close at Gillette Stadium.

Recommended Play: Patriots +7 -110

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