I started this season off well, but the past two weeks have been rough, and the overall record has fallen to 26-36. Like a defensive back who has given up a big play, though, my memory has to be short and I remain very confident in my picks for Week 8.
Some of the games featured here include the “Battle of New York,” an interesting clash between the streaking Jaguars and somewhat-surprising Steelers, and a possible defensive struggle involving the Seahawks and Browns.
Week 8 NFL Prop Bets
NFL Week 8 odds used for prop bets are current as of Friday, Oct. 27.
Seahawks vs Browns: SEA Under 20.5 Total Points (-108)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Seahawks will look great in their throwback uniforms, but they won’t find the repainted classic-style end zone often in what might be a low-scoring defensive battle. Seattle has scored 50 offensive points in its last three games.
Cleveland allowed 38 points to Indianapolis in Week 7, but the Browns still have the top-ranked defense in the league, allowing just 19.2 points per game. Expect a rebound defensive performance from the visitors.
Back the Cleveland defense as our NFL bet of the day.
Jets @ Giants: NYJ 1st To Score/Moneyline (+165)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
This could be viewed as the NFL’s version of the Subway Series, but some who reside outside of the area may not realize you have to take a New Jersey Transit train to see the Jets in this rivalry matchup.
Even if their staff and players deny it publicly, this is a meaningful game for the Jets, as they have long been regarded as the inferior co-tenant and are actually the better of the two teams this time.
- Read up on more of our favorite NFL Week 8 Bets.
Zach Wilson has started to play at respectable levels in recent weeks, and while Tyrod Taylor has moved the Giants’ offense better than Daniel Jones did earlier this season, the Jets’ defense will be too hard to penetrate often, especially with both of the starting CBs back from injuries.
As I noted in my Week 8 fantasy football sleepers feature, Garrett Wilson should perform very well and Breece Hall faces the league’s 27th-ranked rushing defense, giving the Jets’ playmakers a much better chance to move the ball into scoring position first.
Lions vs Raiders: DET to Win Both Halves (+135)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Lions return home and will want to quickly put an embarrassing loss at Baltimore behind them. Detroit is now on a mission to regain its footing as one of the best teams in the NFC, and the quest begins this week with a no-doubt win over Las Vegas.
In the first halves of 2023 home games, the Lions have averaged 18.3 points, while the Raiders average 7.5 points in the first halves of away games. Detroit averages 12.7 points in the second halves of home games, and Las Vegas averages 6.5 in the second halves of away games.
Jaguars @ Steelers: JAC Last To Score (-130)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Jacksonville has won four consecutive games and has registered the last score in three of them. Pittsburgh has won two straight games, with an impressive win over the Ravens and a takedown of the scrappy Rams.
Both head coaches are deservedly well regarded, and Mike Tomlin has done another admirable job of guiding the Steelers to an unlikely 4-2 record. But the Jaguars are simply the better team and should pull out a tight win against an opponent that won’t be able to match their offensive potency when it counts most.
Ravens @ Cardinals: BAL Over 6.5 1Q (-120)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Baltimore should jump on the Cardinals quickly. Arizona has allowed 6.7 first-quarter points per game in their last three, which ranks 30th in the NFL during that span. The Ravens lead the NFL with 7.9 first-quarter points per game and have averaged a league-high 9.0 over the past three.
Week 8 NFL Player Props
Myles Garrett: Over 0.75 Sacks (-125) @ Seahawks
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1.5 Units
The Cleveland defensive superstar has registered a sack in four of six games this season on his way to a total of 7.5, which ranks third in the NFL. Seattle has been dealing with key injuries on the offensive line, and Geno Smith has been sacked two-plus times in five of six games.
Breece Hall: Over 67.5 Rushing Yards (-115) @ Giants
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
This is one of my favorite prop bets of the week, as Hall is on the verge of blossoming into a top-level RB. He should lead the Jets to a stirring victory that can be considered another key marker on the road to a possible playoff appearance.
The Giants have allowed the most rushing yards to RBs among NFC teams. Hall was held down in his last game by the formidable Philadelphia run defense, but he soared past this week’s projected total in the previous outing on one play, running for a 72-yard touchdown against Denver. That was his second run of 70-plus yards this season.
Calvin Ridley: Over 50.5 Receiving Yards (-115) @ Vikings
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Ridley has been in a statistical slump lately, but I’m expecting a bounce-back performance in Week 8. The former Falcon has totaled just 35 receiving yards in the last two games, and he hasn’t topped 40 yards in five of six.
In two of his last three road games, Ridley has posted 100-plus receiving yards. The Steelers rank 26th in receiving yards allowed to WRs, and the Jaguars’ coaches and Trevor Lawrence will want to get Ridley back on a positive path this week.
Expect the 28-year-old WR to get the ball early and frequently this week. Ridley is at -145 to go Over three receptions, and you should consider putting two units on that prop.
Jamaal Williams: Anytime TD Scorer (+475) @ Colts
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
This one may seem like a longer shot on the surface, yet it is one I want to take. Williams was a nonfactor in Week 7 in his first game back from a hamstring injury, but now we’ll start to see him take on more of the role he was eyed for when New Orleans acquired the former Lion and Packer.
We can’t forget Williams rushed for 17 TDs last season, and the Colts have allowed an AFC-high 10 rushing TDs to RBs. I did point out that now is the time to add him in the Week 8 fantasy football waiver wire report.
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