Week 8 started with a bit of an anomaly game for the Thursday night clash. We still aren't quite sure what to make of Green Bay, and whether or not they are a true playoff team. Jordan Love was able to step up in the spotlight and handle a team that skeptics might have believed would give them trouble. Carolina, meanwhile, looks to take a step back into mediocrity once again.
Here are our thoughts at The Cover, for a stacked Week 8 schedule. Note, there is no Euro game this week. Phew!
Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys | Cardinals +6.5
Dallas looked considerably better in its win over Philadelphia, but laying more than a touchdown's worth of confidence in this Cowboys team is asking a lot. Arizona has shown it can be dangerous on the road, and we'll take the points with the Cardinals.
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Buccaneers -2.5
Tampa Bay gets the nod at home in what should be a competitive divisional matchup. The Buccaneers have enough offensive firepower to take advantage of an Atlanta team that has struggled to close out tight games.
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills | Bills -3.5
This is one of the marquee matchups of the week. Lamar Jackson's return makes Baltimore dangerous, but Buffalo has been particularly strong coming off its bye. We'll take Josh Allen and the Bills to defend home turf.
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers | Steelers -3.5
Pittsburgh has looked more comfortable offensively in recent weeks, and we like the veteran experience at home. Aaron Rodgers will be a key figure here, particularly after Cleveland managed five sacks against him in their first meeting.
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars | Jaguars -10.5
Jacksonville is being asked to cover a substantial number here, but the Colts have given us little reason to believe they can keep pace. The Jaguars have the home-field advantage and should be able to control this one from the outset.
Las Vegas Raiders at New York Jets | Raiders +1.5
We'll take the Raiders as a small underdog. Neither team has inspired much confidence, but Las Vegas has shown enough on the road to make this an appealing spot. Getting points makes the decision a little easier.
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions | Vikings +3.5
This might be the most interesting divisional matchup of the afternoon. Minnesota has been impressive, and we're not quite ready to surrender its unbeaten status. Three and a half points against Detroit is an opportunity worth taking.
Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals | Bengals -12.5
Cincinnati is a heavy favourite, and understandably so. The Bengals have the offensive talent to make this a long afternoon for Tennessee. Joe Burrow and the passing attack should have plenty of opportunities to put this one away. Burrow's offence produced five consecutive touchdown drives in the second half of last week's win over Baltimore. That's the kind of firepower we're backing here.
Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams | Rams -6.5
The Rams have been inconsistent, but the Chargers have been even less convincing. Los Angeles gets the nod in this battle for the city, with the Rams having the more reliable offensive weapons and a better opportunity to establish control.
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos | Broncos -1.5
We're going against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in Denver. The Broncos have quietly put together a respectable season, and home-field advantage could make the difference in a game that should be decided late. We're buying into Denver.
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins | Patriots -6.5
Miami finally found a win, but we're not convinced that represents a turnaround. New England has looked like the more complete football team, and we expect the Patriots to take advantage of a Dolphins defence that has struggled to consistently get stops.
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders | Eagles +5.5
This is a bit of a contrarian selection, considering Philadelphia's recent struggles. However, five and a half points is a substantial cushion in a divisional game. Jalen Hurts is out. McKee can definitely throw though.
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks | Bears +3
Monday night brings an intriguing matchup between two teams capable of putting points on the board. Seattle is favoured at home, but Chicago has enough talent to make this uncomfortable. We'll take the Bears and the points to close out Week 8.
Closing thought: Week 8 offers a little bit of everything, from divisional battles to some potentially uncomfortable favourites. We're taking a few chances with the underdogs this week, and we'll see if those calls pay off when the dust settles on Monday night.
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