NFL odds: Best bets of Week 8
There are 12 games to be played throughout the remainder of Week 8, and we have some huge lines.
According to OddsShark, the Cincinnati Bengals are laying 10.5 points at Paul Brown Stadium against the Indianapolis Colts, who are still starting Jacoby Brissett under center. The Philadelphia Eagles are holding the team’s best record at 6-1, and they are 12.5 point favorites facing the winless San Francisco 49ers. Then there are the Minnesota Vikings, who are laying 10 points against the Cleveland Browns in their matchup across the pond in London.
However, there are a few lines worth taking a closer look at:
Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots (-7.5)
The Patriots are 5-2 and at home, but they have major issues at the moment. Don’t Hightower sustained a torn pectoral and is out for the season, adding to the walking wounded for New England. Meanwhile, the Chargers are playing good football, winners of their last three games including a 21-0 waxing of the Denver Broncos last weekend. Los Angeles may not be able to walk out of Gillette Stadium with a victory, but the Patriots laying a touchdown is way too much. Look for the Chargers to cover.
Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints (-9.5)
New Orleans is laying almost 10 points against the Bears, who are coming off consecutive victories against the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens. Still, the right bet is on the Saints to cover, who are excellent at home and frankly, the superior team by a wide margin. Chicago was only able to complete four passes last week in a 17-3 victory, riding a pair of defensive touchdowns. Those things are not sustainable, and the Saints should have no problem scoring with Drew Brees at the helm.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) at Detroit Lions
Detroit isn’t getting any love, a theme that has carried over since the offseason. Still, the Lions are 3-3 and dangerous with the duo of Matthew Stafford and Golden Tate to put up points. The Steelers are the better team in this game, but they have traditionally been worse away from home and with the Martavis Bryant situation continuing to loom over them, it could be a tough spot. Factor in a desperate Lions team and a pumped-up crowd at home, and Detroit should cover if not win outright.
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs (-7.5)
The Chiefs are the vastly superior team in this one and should win, but the number is simply too high. Kansas City allowed over 500 yards of offense against the Oakland Raiders a week ago, and while the Broncos have little offense to speak of, look for them to have a decent showing in that department. The Chiefs have been able to score 29 points or more in each of the last three matchups between these two teams, but that’s a tall order against Denver’s defense. Still, the Chiefs likely win at home, but by less than a touchdown.
