Early NFL Week 8 Predictions and Picks Against the Spread: Impact of Injuries to Deshaun Watson, Ryan Tannehill, and Justin Fields

Well, the Week 7 slate is all but coming to an end, so it is already time to start looking ahead. With lines already available, let’s take a look at our very early NFL Week 8 predictions and picks against the spread with a guest picker from PFN this week in my place.

Our Betting Lines page has the freshest lines and promos to get BANG for your buck. PFN’s FREE Parlay Calculator and Betting Odds CalculatorHow to Bet on the NFL. Visit our Sports Betting Legal Tracker on how to bet legally in the U.S.

NFL Week 8 Picks and Predictions

All odds are from FanDuel Sportsbook. The picks are from PFN’s Director of Search Intent Content and Strategy, Ryan Gosling. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Buffalo Bills Odds

• Spread
  Bills -7.5
• Moneyline
  Buccaneers +315, Bills -400
• Total
  42.5

Before the season started, I highly doubt many would have guessed this line would be nearly a touchdown. But alas, the Buffalo Bills have shown that they have chinks in their armor, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have proven to be more resilient behind Baker Mayfield than originally anticipated.

The Buccaneers will be playing on just three days of rest, but the Tampa Bay QB hasn’t been too bothered by that throughout his career. He’s 6-3 both straight up and against the spread when playing on short rest.

The Bills return home after a surprising road loss to the New England Patriots. Buffalo has been a tough team to figure out this year, with a win over the powerhouse Miami Dolphins but losses to the Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars. Ultimately, the question you need to ask yourself when handicapping this game is which version of the Bills offense will show up? And, even if their best come to play, can they do anything against the league’s best red-zone defense?

According to Inside Edge, the Buccaneers’ defense is allowing touchdowns on just 22.1% of possessions inside the 20-yard line and a passer rating of just 39.1. The Bills have struggled on offense against mediocre teams. We know that Thursday Night Football games can be sluggish, so give me the better defense in a low-scoring affair.

Early Week 8 Pick and Predictions: Buccaneers +7.5

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders Odds

• Spread
  Eagles -6
• Moneyline
  Eagles -270, Commanders +220
• Total
  47

The Philadelphia Eagles enter this contest off a big victory on Sunday Night Football over the Dolphins. The Washington Commanders couldn’t get anything going against a burnable New York Giants defense. This game should be a slam dunk, right? Not so fast, my friend.

For starters, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts looks to be dealing with a potential injury, as he was seen hobbling off the field after the game. Expect the Eagles’ signal-caller and coaching staff to downplay the injury, but it’s clear to anyone with eyeballs that he is hurting.

Week 8 would be the type of game where Philadelphia would love to lean on the run and take pressure off Hurts, but the Washington front four causes headaches for the opposition. Washington always plays Philadelphia tough. Look at their earlier matchup where the Eagles survived overtime with a three-point victory.

Week 8 Prediction: Commanders +6

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Odds

• Spread
  Jaguars -1.5
• Moneyline
  Jaguars -132, Steelers +112
• Total
  41.5

The Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers are two hot teams that have been playing well coming into Week 8. The Jaguars are leading their division at 5-2, and they are doing so thanks to an impressive 24.7 points scored per game.

Meanwhile, the Steelers are trying their best to get their offense going. After weeks of “Fire Matt Canada” chants, Kenny Pickett has finally started to move the ball better. The team is coming off its second-highest-scoring game of the year, defeating the Rams 24-17.

The Jaguars have been an over machine this season, with their games surpassing the number six out of seven times. The Steelers are on the complete opposite side of the spectrum, going one of five to the under this year.

I like what I have seen from Jacksonville. And even though this Steelers defense is terrifying, Trevor Lawrence should be able to cover this number against Pickett off extra rest.

Week 8 Prediction: Jaguars -1.5

New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts Odds

• Spread
  Colts -1.5
• Moneyline
  Colts -112, Saints -104
• Total
  41.5

The New Orleans Saints originally opened as favorites in this game, but even after a loss, the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive explosion against the Cleveland Browns was enough to cause this line to flip. Now, the Colts are laying 1.5 at home with their new starting QB Gardner Minshew II under center. The Saints are looking to avoid losing three in a row.

As mentioned, the Colts’ offense looked fantastic this past week, scoring 38 points against a Cleveland defense off to what was a historic start. Minshew played well, throwing for 305 yards and a TD while also scoring twice on the ground.

This is one of the toughest Week 8 picks to make, as both these teams seem pretty similar. The Saints, although they have one of the more elite defenses in the league, showed last week that they can be beaten. If the Colts can replicate some of their success against Cleveland and the Saints put up a few scores, this total feels too low. Colts are 5-2 to the over this season. Make it 6-2.

Early Week 8 Pick and Predictions: Over 41.5 points scored

Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers Odds

• Spread
  Texans -3
• Moneyline
  Texans -158, Panthers +134
• Total
  41.5

Someone shake me. Are the Houston Texans actually favored? Well, that was not something I had on my bingo card for the 2023 NFL season. But here we are. The Texans have looked impressive behind rookie C.J. Stroud and have managed to get to a 3-3 record. The Texans QB has 1,660 yards and nine touchdowns on the season and is the favorite to win the NFL’s Rookie of the Year Award.

Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are the lone winless team in the NFL. Bryce Young has struggled behind a bad offensive line and a complete lack of weapons. Young’s top weapon is Adam Thielen, who has garnered 509 yards on 49 receptions.

The Panthers’ defense has allowed 3.0 TDs per game in the red zone this season, which is the worst in the NFL. I can’t see them having an answer against the Texans’ young offensive core. I don’t think I have said this since the 2021 season, but give me the Texans to cover.

Week 8 Prediction: Texans -3

Los Angeles Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys Odds

• Spread
  Cowboys -6
• Moneyline
  Rams +205, Cowboys -250
• Total
  45.5

This is a Week 8 picks and predictions column, where we break down each and every game. However, as a Dallas Cowboys fan, this game is one I would love to skip. But, that is not the way the cookie crumbles. Instead, here is my completely biased breakdown of this matchup.

The Cowboys will win.

Okay, but seriously, what in the world are bookmakers thinking with this number? What have the Cowboys done on offense to merit laying six points against anyone? I get they are coming off of a bye. I also understand that they have dominated this year at home, beating both their opponents by 20+.

But the Los Angeles Rams are the third-best team against the spread this year, going 4-2-1, and this beat-up Cowboys defense won’t have an answer for Puka Nacua, who just added eight catches and 154 yards to his already historic season.

I also trust Sean McVay significantly more than I do Mike McCarthy. Cowboys win, but the Rams cover.

Early Week 8 Pick and Predictions: Rams +6

Atlanta Falcons vs. Tennessee Titans Odds

• Spread
  Falcons -1.5
• Moneyline
  Falcons -118, Titans +100
• Total
  37.5

The NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons come into this game off a messy win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Desmond Ridder has been the definition of inconsistent this season, but it is tough to criticize him too much, considering he has helped lead his team to a 4-2 record.

The Tennessee Titans are coming off of a bye, and the early indication is that Ryan Tannehill will not be ready to play in Week 8, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. That means that we will see either Malik Willis or potentially Will Levis in this one.

Regardless of whether it’s Willis or Levis, I will take the Titans. The Falcons are 6-1 to the under this season, and if bookmakers are expecting a tight low-scoring affair, give me Derrick Henry every day of the week, especially as a home underdog.

Week 8 Prediction: Titans + 1.5

New York Jets vs. New York Giants Odds

• Spread
  Jets -3
• Moneyline
  Jets -156, Giants +132
• Total
  36.5

The battle of New York! When NFL schedule makers were putting this one together, I doubt they expected to see it become a Zach Wilson vs. Tyrod Taylor show. Mind you, not sure Aaron Rodgers vs. Daniel Jones would have been all that much better.

The Jets’ defense continues to be elite and are facing a backup QB in Taylor. Will they be able to embarrass him like head coach Robert Saleh says they have done against the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen? Probably.

This is not something I ever expected I would be saying, but give me Zach Wilson laying the points. Yes, the Jets are scoring the fewest points per game in the league right now, but as long as Wilson takes care of the ball, I expect the defense to do enough to get the win.

Early Week 8 Pick and Predictions: Jets -3

New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins Odds

• Spread
  Dolphins -12.5
• Moneyline
  Patriots +500, Dolphins -700
• Total
  47

The Dolphins come into this AFC East battle after a rough loss to the Eagles during Sunday Night Football. However, the Eagles are Super Bowl contenders, and Miami had everything go wrong for them in the game, including some very questionable referee decisions.

The Patriots shocked the world and beat the Bills in a high-scoring affair, a sentence none of us thought we would be saying just a few weeks ago. Has Bill Belichick figured it out? Is Mac Jones rounding back into form?

No, probably not. Give me the Dolphins to get back into their winning ways and blow the doors off the Patriots.

Week 8 Prediction: Dolphins -12.5

Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers Odds

• Spread
  Packers -1.5
• Moneyline
  Vikings -102, Packers -116
• Total
  43.5

The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers are both 2-4 on the year, and this game feels like it will make or break their seasons. Is this playoff football in October? Yes, please.

Based on this number, bookmakers see these two teams as basically even. For me, the Vikings are the better team on paper, especially when they aren’t playing in prime time. This might be a simple handicap, but I cannot pick the Packers right now.

Week 8 Prediction: Vikings +1.5

Cleveland Browns vs. Seattle Seahawks Odds

• Spread
  Seahawks -2.5
• Moneyline
  Browns +118, Seahawks -138
• Total
  40.5

This matchup is intriguing for several reasons, most notably to see if this line moves once we know who will be under center for the Browns. The early speculation suggests Deshaun Watson will be starting, but the final decision will be up to Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski, who kept Watson out of Sunday’s game

No matter who is under center for Cleveland, the Browns want to control the game on the ground, even with Nick Chubb out for the season. The Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt duo has done a terrific job since Chubb’s injury.

Seattle is tough up front, and the way to attack the Seahawks’ defense is through the air on the perimeter. The Browns’ offense prefers not to attack that way, favoring the Seahawks.

Points will come at a premium in this hard-fought, low-scoring affair. Take the under. Take Seattle to remain hot and cover at home.

Early Week 8 Pick and Predictions: Under 40.5

Cincinnati Bengals vs. San Francisco 49ers Odds

• Spread
  49ers -5.5
• Moneyline
  Bengals +198, 49ers -240
• Total
  45.5

The Cincinnati Bengals, off their Week 7 bye, travel to the West Coast to face the San Francisco 49ers on a short week following their Monday night appearance against the Minnesota Vikings. The rest will be on the side of the Bengals, but will the game?

Cincinnati has not been the same team in 2023 we saw in 2022. The calf injury QB Joe Burrow sustained pre-season has hampered the star QB. Will Burrow be at his best coming off the bye week? Bengals fans can only hope.

This matchup comes down to the trenches. Expect the 49ers’ offensive line to assert its dominance while establishing the run and wearing down the Bengals’ defense.

The Bengals will be better than the version we have seen in 2023, but it still won’t be enough. The 49ers will wear the Bengals down in the second half with a relentless rushing attack.

Week 8 Prediction: 49ers -5.5

Baltimore Ravens vs. Arizona Cardinals Odds

• Spread
  Ravens -8.5
• Moneyline
  Ravens -450, Cardinals +315
• Total
  44

Give the Arizona Cardinals credit. Even when they are overmatched talent-wise, there is no quit in this team. The question on the lips of many reporters will be about QB Kyler Murray and when he will be back under center for the Cardinals. This early in the week, we do not know definitively, but my best guess is Murray will sit out another week.

The Baltimore Ravens looked amazing in Week 7, dispensing the formidable Detroit Lions. The most impressive feat from Sunday’s action was Baltimore’s ability to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides. The Ravens’ pass rush got after Lions QB Jared Goff, and they established plenty of time for QB Lamar Jackson to shine.

The Ravens found something offensively on Sunday, and I don’t see how the Cardinals’ defense can hold down the Baltimore offense for long.

Early Week 8 Pick and Predictions: Ravens -8.5

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos Odds

• Spread
  Chiefs -8.5
• Moneyline
  Chiefs -400, Broncos +315
• Total
  45.5

We saw this exact game played two weeks ago when the Chiefs were 10.5-point favorites hosting Denver. Kansas City managed a very late (lucky?) cover with a 19-8 victory.

Denver’s defense gives up the most points in the NFL, but that is compounded by the fact that they lost a game to the Dolphins 70-20. The unit has actually been playing better, highlighted by its last game against the Chiefs.

So, same game, but we are laying two fewer points? Alright, Chiefs it is. Mahomes is starting to figure things out and is coming off a 424-yard and four-touchdown game against the Los Angeles Chargers. I expect this one to be the kind of blowout we thought it was going to be two weeks ago.

Early Week 8 Pick and Predictions: Chiefs -8.5

Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Chargers Odds

• Spread
  Chargers -9.5
• Moneyline
  Bears +360, Chargers -460
• Total
  45

This spread is something, considering the Los Angeles Chargers lost this week and the Chicago Bears won. However, context is king. Rookie Tyson Bagent played for the injured Justin Fields and was basically perfect. He went 21-for-29 for 162 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions for a 97.2 passer rating. A rookie QB playing well in his first game is nothing we haven’t seen before, especially with a lack of tape giving the offense an advantage.

However, doing it in back-to-back games can be tough. Will Justin Fields return in Week 8? If he does, will he continue the ascension he was on before the injury?

Regardless, this is too many points to lay with a Chargers team that is 2-4 against the spread on the season.

I am not confident in either side in this Sunday Night Football game, but I lean with the Bears and the big number.

Week 8 Prediction: Bears +9.5

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Detroit Lions Odds

• Spread
  Lions -7.5
• Moneyline
  Raiders +275, Lions -340
• Total
  44.5

Don’t overthink this one. The Las Vegas Raiders couldn’t stop a Bears offense led by Bagent and D’Onta Foreman. How will they stop a Detroit Lions offense with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs?

The Lions’ defense was punished by a Ravens offense that had its way with Detroit all afternoon. This line is artificially suppressed because of what we saw over the weekend, but that is a mistake. The Raiders are nowhere near as talented as the Ravens, and their personnel is nowhere near as diverse.

The Lions’ coaching staff will be all over this team this week. Expect a big bounce-back performance from Detroit at home.

Early Week 8 Pick and Predictions: Lions -7.5

Listen to the PFN Betting Podcast

Listen to the PFN Betting Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Betting Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review!