Week 8 NFL Previews:
Note: These are only our Early Computer WinTrac simulation picks and not necessarily the same games given to clients on gameday. For the latest up to date information text “update” to 561-962-5350.
Cincinnati Bengals (-10) at New York Jets
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS
The Bengals have had a superb start to the 2021 season. Their victory over the Ravens in Baltimore announced them as genuine AFC contenders. Meanwhile, the Jets limp into this game potentially without Zach Wilson under center. Realistically, the only difference Wilson likely makes here is whether the Jets cover the 10-point spread or not.
One note of caution — beware of a slow start from the Bengals after their marquee win in Week 7. It should not change the result, but it could make for an uncomfortable experience if you bet on them.
Bengals vs. Jets Prediction: Bengals 28, Jets 17
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts (-1)
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS
The Titans are coming off statement wins over the two favorites in the AFC. Now, they have a chance to advance to 6-2 and separate themselves from their AFC South rival, having already beaten the Colts in Week 3.
While Indianapolis is fighting hard, they have struggled when the competition level has stepped up. Their win over the 49ers was a resilient performance, but a victory over the Titans would be the Colts’ best win of the season. It is somewhat surprising that Indy is the favorite. Unless Tennessee lets the emotion of the past two weeks affect them, they should win this matchup.
Titans vs. Colts Prediction: Titans 24, Colts 21
Los Angeles Rams (-14.5) at Houston Texans
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
The Rams nearly made a complete mess of their matchup with the Lions in Week 7. They came away comfortable winners in the end, and the win prediction models never felt they were in trouble. However, the way they were out-thought by Detroit is a cause for concern.
The Texans will be in the headlines leading up to the 2021 NFL trade deadline. However, if they want to come away winners here, they will need to use tricks similar to those the Lions deployed against LA. The Rams should win comfortably, but covering a 14-point spread is never something that feels comfortable to bet on.
Rams vs. Texans Prediction: Rams 30, Texans 13
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns (-3)
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS
The Browns will be ecstatic to get out of Week 7 with a victory despite not having Baker Mayfield. However, beating the division-rival Steelers without him will be a different task. Mayfield’s status shapes how the outcome of this game looks. With him, Cleveland should be expected to win. Without him, Pittsburgh should be able to make this close.
Steelers vs. Browns Prediction: Browns 23, Steelers 20
Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) at Detroit Lions
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
This matchup between the Eagles and Lions has a feeling of an upset about it. Detroit is desperate to win a game — we have seen that every week. Meanwhile, Philadelphia apparently only steps up in the fourth quarter. The Lions will throw everything at the Eagles this week, and it might just be enough for their first win of the season.
Eagles vs. Lions Prediction: Lions 24, Eagles 23
San Francisco 49ers (-4) at Chicago Bears
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
It is virtually impossible to trust either of these two teams this week. The 49ers cannot seem to get out of their own way and have now lost four straight. The Bears are coming off an embarrassing loss in Tampa Bay, and their offense appears to be in tatters. If any game in Week 8 deserves to end in a tie, it is this one.
In a game with struggling teams, take whoever is getting the points at the time. Nonetheless, I’m staying away.
49ers vs. Bears Prediction: Bears 20, 49ers 20
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (-3)
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
After what appeared to be a promising start to the 2021 season, the Panthers are in trouble. Sam Darnold was benched in Week 7, and Carolina gave up 25 points to a Giants offense that has struggled this year. The Falcons have won two straight, but both have victories been a fight. Consequently, this should be a close game, but how do you trust the Panthers after what we have seen the last few weeks?
Panthers vs. Falcons Prediction: Falcons 27, Panthers 20
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills (-13.5)
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS
Look away, Dolphins fans — this could be yet another ugly game. The Bills knocked Tua Tagovailoa out of their Week 2 meeting and then shut out the Dolphins. The only difference Tua likely would have made to the result is Miami may have at least scored some points. This should be a comfortable victory for Buffalo.
Dolphins vs. Bills Prediction: Bills 30, Dolphins 17
New England Patriots at Los Angeles Chargers (-6)
Time and channel: 4:05 PM ET, CBS
The Patriots had their fun at the expense of the Jets in Week 7, but now it is back to reality. At this point, the Chargers are simply in a different tier from the Patriots in the AFC. Bill Belichick will need to outcoach Brandon Staley and hope Los Angeles comes off its bye week flat if New England is going to sneak out a win here.
Patriots vs. Chargers Prediction: Chargers 27, Patriots 21
Jacksonville Jaguars at Seattle Seahawks (-3.5)
Time and channel: 4:05 PM ET, CBS
Monday Night Football in Week 7 will give us a better idea about this game, but this could be a perfect opportunity for the Jaguars to get two straight wins. Coming off their bye, Jacksonville faces a Seahawks team coming off a short week without their franchise QB.
I cannot believe I am saying this, but unless Urban Meyer coaches his team out of the game, this one has road underdog victory written all over it.
Jaguars vs. Seahawks Prediction: Jaguars 22, Seahawks 20
Washington Football Team at Denver Broncos (-3)
Time and channel: 4:25 PM ET, FOX
This is a matchup between two teams who came into the year with so much hope. Their respective seasons have fizzled out in spectacular style. Washington is on a three-game losing streak, while the Broncos have lost four straight. Denver’s offense has to gain some traction, and if it doesn’t, at least one coach should probably get fired ahead of Week 9.
Washington vs. Broncos Prediction: Broncos 24, Washington 21
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-4.5) at New Orleans Saints
Time and channel: 4:25 PM ET, FOX
Strange things tend to happen in the NFC South, but this should not be one of them. The Buccaneers have largely dismissed all who challenge them in 2021 — this should not be any different.
The Saints’ secondary is a good unit, but their pass rush should not cause Tom Brady any issues. The only real question is whether Jameis Winston can make enough plays against his former team to make this interesting.
Buccaneers vs. Saints Prediction: Buccaneers 30, Saints 20
Dallas Cowboys (-2) at Minnesota Vikings
Time and channel: 8:20 PM ET, NBC
This has the makings of a fun Sunday Night Football game. However, the Cowboys’ offense should ultimately prove too strong for the Vikings. Dallas is averaging 10 points more per game on offense than Minnesota. Meanwhile, defensively, there is just a two-point difference between their per-game performances in 2021.
Cowboys vs. Vikings Prediction: Cowboys 34, Vikings 27
New York Giants at Kansas City Chiefs (-10)
Time and channel: 8:15 PM ET, ESPN
There is every chance this matchup sees the Giants become a sacrificial lamb to an angry Chiefs team. Kansas City was just humiliated by the Titans. Furthermore, their shot at a bye in the AFC playoffs hangs by a thread given their four losses. Kansas City’s defense should give Jones and the Giants a chance to cover the spread, but the Chiefs will win the game.
Giants vs. Chiefs Prediction: Chiefs 35, Giants 24