Week 7 of the NFL season is now in the books and the playoff picture is starting to take shape. The Kansas City Chiefs registered another dominant victory and the New England Patriots held off the Bears in two high-profile games. We now move on to an exciting slate of Week 8 fixtures. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers travel to Los Angeles, whilst Cam Newton and the Panthers play host to Baltimore in what appear to be the two games of the week. We’ve provided our best bet for each game on the main Sunday slate and also offered up our best multi.
Monday, October 29, 12:30 am (AEST), Wembley Stadium
Philadelphia Eagles
The 3-4 Eagles enter this one in desperate need of a win after last week’s home loss to the Panthers. QB Carson Wentz performed admirably for three quarters, but a late lost fumble proved crucial. Against a stout Jaguars defence, the Eagles will need to get their rushing attack going this week. Defensively, Philadelphia has done a solid job recently. They shut down the Panthers rushing attack last week but couldn’t contain an explosive fourth quarter passing effort from QB Cam Newton. With the Jaguars offense in turmoil, Philly has the advantage in this one.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The 3-4 Jaguars travel to London after three straight terrible losses. A common theme has been the dreadful play of QB Blake Bortles, who was benched against Houston last week. The rushing offense has struggled in the absence of Leonard Fournette and managed only 70 yards on 22 carries last week. Even the excellent Jaguars defence hasn’t been able to carry the team in recent weeks. Both Dallas and Houston enjoyed strong success running the ball. Against a strong Philly offense, I’m predicting a long day for Jacksonville here.
Prediction: Eagles -3
This is definitely a public play but I’m sick of getting burned by the Jaguars. The Eagles season is well and truly on the line here and I expect an urgent performance in London. I expect their strong defence to shut Jacksonville down, whilst Wentz and Co do enough to secure the win on offense. Philadelphia 24-17 Jacksonville.
Monday, October 29, 4:00 am (AEST), Soldier Field
Chicago Bears
The 3-3 Bears enter this matchup after narrow consecutive losses. QB Mitchell Trubisky has gotten off to a solid start to the campaign, completing 66% of his passes for 13 touchdowns compared to just 6 interceptions. Despite last week’s poor showing, Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen have also formed a strong 1-2 punch in the running game. After a strong start to the season, the vaunted Bears defence has waned in recent weeks. This is in large part due to injuries to star pass rusher Khalil Mack. Against a struggling Jets offense, I expect a resurgent performance from this unit here.
New York Jets
The 3-4 Jets travel to Chicago decimated by injuries. They were comfortably beaten at home last week, falling to the Vikings by a score of 37-17. QB Sam Darnold struggled mightily, completing just 17/42 passes for 192 yards as he threw 3 interceptions. After a strong start to the campaign, the Jets defence has allowed 34+ points in each of the last two weeks. With a defensive backfield riddled by injuries, this promises to be a tough trip for the Jets.
Prediction: Bears Half Time/ Full Time Double
The Bears season is essentially on the line here. They have the matchup advantage on both sides of the ball. I’m expecting them to get out to an early lead in this one and maintain this throughout the fixture. Bears 27-14 Jets.
Monday, October 29, 4:00 am (AEST), Paul Brown Stadium
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals return home after a humbling loss to the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football last week. QB Andy Dalton was poor, throwing for just 148 yards and a pick-six on 29 attempts. Even though this was against the high-flying Chiefs offense, the Bengals defence has to improve. They allowed a very comfortable 550 yards and 5 offensive touchdowns to the Chiefs in what was an embarrassing display.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers somehow enter this one 3-3 after an overtime win over the Browns last week. QB Jameis Winston delivered a mixed performance, throwing for 365 yards and 2 interceptions on 52 attempts. 3 rushing touchdowns narrowly got the Bucs over the line. On defence, it was an improved display from an underperforming unit. They got to QB Baker Mayfield 5 times and allowed just 6.3 yards per attempt. Against a reeling Bengals offence, Tampa Bay has the opportunity to pull off an upset here.
Prediction: Buccaneers +4.5
The past 2 weeks have shown that the Bengals just can’t cut it in big games. These are two evenly matched teams and I believe the Bucs have every chance of pulling off the upset here. Going through the key numbers of 3 and 4 only adds to the value. Cincinnati 30-27 Tampa Bay.
Monday, October 29, 4:00 am (AEST), Ford Field
Detroit Lions
The 3-3 Lions enter this matchup after convincing back-to-back victories. Running Back duo LeGarrette Blount and Kerryon Johnson ran the show, combining for 208 yards and a touchdown. QB Matt Stafford was also effective in a game manager role, going 18/22 for 217 yards and 2 scores. On defence, Detroit has looked better in recent weeks. Their bend but don’t break strategy has effectively limited points and complemented their offensive output. I think they have the advantage here at home against this Seahawks squad.
Seattle Seahawks
The 3-3 Seahawks travel to Detroit fresh off a bye after their dominant win in London the week before. It’s been the resurgent rushing attack that has led the way for Seattle, eclipsing 155 yards against Oakland last time out. This was balanced by an effective game managing performance from QB Russell Wilson, who threw for 222 yards and 3 touchdowns. On defence, it was a truly dominant display by the Seahawks. They allowed just 106 total passing yards, forcing 6 sacks and making Raiders QB Derek Carr cry in the process.
Prediction: Lions -3
Whilst the Seahawks are in good form, it’s tough for me to oppose the Lions here. The trend of backing the Seahawks at home and fading them on the road has again continued to be profitable, and I plan to continue with it again. I expect a resurgent Lions offense to control this one. Detroit 27-20 Seattle.
Monday, October 29, 4:00 am (AEST), Arrowhead Stadium
Kansas City Chiefs
The 6-1 Chiefs enter this divisional rematch fresh off another dominant primetime victory. QB Patrick Mahomes was excellent yet again, throwing for 358 yards and 4 touchdowns. Running Back Kareem Hunt delivered another solid performance, with 140 yards from scrimmage and 3 total touchdowns. It was defensively where the Chiefs really stepped up in this one. They held the Bengals to just 10 points, completely shutting down Andy Dalton in the process. Against a Broncos offense that has largely struggled this season, this is a performance they can build on.
Denver Broncos
With their season on the line, the Broncos came up huge in Arizona last week with a 45-10 victory. It was a dominant defensive display that was the catalyst for this win. They held RB David Johnson to just 2.8 yards per carry and forced 5 turnovers from QB Josh Rosen. Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman combined for 137 yards and 2 scores on the ground to lead the way. Despite coming under question recently, Case Keenum was also effective in a game manager role.
Prediction: Chiefs -9.5
In a league of parity, the Chiefs are 7-0 against the spread this season. After being burnt by fading them in the past, I’m sticking with the Chiefs until they let me down. They have a significant advantage over this Denver side and I’m expecting them to advance to 7-1 here. Kansas City 34-20 Denver.
Monday, October 29, 4:00 am (AEST), MetLife Stadium
New York Giants
The 1-6 Giants enter this one off the back of four straight losses. QB Eli Manning was better in Atlanta on Monday Night, going 27/38 for 399 yards and a touchdown. Receivers Sterling Shepard and Odell Beckham led the way with a combined 310 of these yards. On defence, the Giants were carved apart by the Matt Ryan led passing offence. They again allowed over 400 total yards in what was a costly display. Against a Redskins offence that has largely struggled so far, a home game here acts as an opportunity for redemption.
Washington Redskins
The 4-2 Redskins travel to New York fresh off consecutive conference home wins. This is more impressive when you consider the poor performances of QB Alex Smith in recent weeks. RB Adrian Peterson has picked up the slack though and has carried the offense many a time this season. Defensively, the Redskins have one of the most balanced units in the NFL. Zach Brown and Mason Foster have combined for an excellent linebacking duo, whilst outspoken CB Josh Norman leads the secondary. They’ve put on an excellent defensive showing in 5 of 6 games so far this season, a trend I’d expect to continue against the hapless Giants.
Prediction: Redskins -1
This is definitely a public play but it’s one that I’m more than comfortable making. Washington can really cement their place as an NFC playoff contender in this one, which I’d expect them to do. Off a short week, I don’t like the Giants chances against this talented Redskins squad. Redskins 24-17 Giants.
Monday, October 29, 4:00 am (AEST), Heinz Field
Pittsburgh Steelers
Fresh off their bye, the Steelers have had a chance to heal up after a thrilling win against Cincinnati a fortnight ago. Big Ben Roethlisberger was again dynamic, throwing for 369 yards and a touchdown. This was effectively balanced by the effort of Running Back James Conner, who rushed for 111 yards and 2 scores in the continued absence of Le’Veon Bell. Defensively, it was a very strong display from the Steelers. They forced the Bengals to become one dimensional and shut down Andy Dalton. Buoyed by their raucous home crowd, I expect them to give Cleveland trouble here.
Cleveland Browns
The 2-4-1 Browns travel to Pittsburgh after losing another heartbreaker in Tampa last week. QB Baker Mayfield delivered an inspired 4th quarter comeback but it just wasn’t enough to overcome the Buccaneers. After the trade of RB Carlos Hyde, Nick Chubb joins Mayfield as another rookie tasked with leading this offence. On defence, the Browns performances have somewhat waned in recent weeks. They conceded 38 against the Chargers a fortnight ago and allowed another 3 rushing touchdowns against Tampa Bay last week. Against a tough Pittsburgh offence, they’ll need to be at their best here.
Prediction: Steelers Half Time/Full Time
I think the Steelers are the much better team here, but I could see the pesky Browns hanging around for a backdoor cover. Fresh off the bye week, I expect Pittsburgh to come out strong and register another division victory here. Pittsburgh 31-21 Cleveland.
Monday, October 29, 4:00 am (AEST), Bank of America Stadium
Carolina Panthers
The 4-2 Panthers return home after last week’s comeback road win over the Eagles. QB Cam Newton showed his toughness and led his offence to three fourth quarter touchdown drives. Receiver Devin Funchess has been a bright spot this year, enjoying another 62 yards and a touchdown a week ago. Defensively, it was another Luke Kuechly led masterclass. Carolina came up big with a crucial fourth quarter turnover to seal the win. They’ll need to keep up this level of play against a formidable Ravens side this week.
Baltimore Ravens
Kicker Justin Tucker missed the first extra point of his career last week as the 4-3 Ravens fell by 1 point to the Saints. With the continued struggles of the rushing attack, Joe Flacco and Jon Brown both stepped up in the passing game. The Ravens also did an effective job on defence, limiting Drew Brees to just 212 yards and allowing only 3.4 yards per carry. After last week’s heartbreaker, they’ll need to rebound here to keep pace in the AFC.
Prediction: Panthers +2
There’s too much value in this line to pass up. I think the Panthers are still underrated by the bookies and expect them to come out victorious here. A strong defensive display combined with some clutch Cam Newton throws proves too much here. Carolina 24-21 Baltimore.
Monday, October 29, 7:05 am (AEST), Oakland Coliseum
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders return home after a dreadful 27-3 defeat to the Seahawks a fortnight ago. In addition to his poor performance, the toughness of QB Derek Carr has been called into question after he was seen crying from taking yet another sack. Besides RB Marshawn Lynch, this unit has very little going for it. Defensively, things weren’t much better for Oakland. They were dominated on the ground by the Seahawks rushing attack, whilst Russell Wilson also carved them apart in the air.
Indianapolis Colts
The 2-5 Colts travel to Oakland after last week’s home demolition of Buffalo. A previously struggling Colts rushing attack led the way with an impressive 220 yards. QB Andrew Luck capped things off with 4 passing touchdowns of his own. As expected, the Colts defence handled Derek Anderson and the Bills with ease. They forced 5 turnovers and allowed just 5.6 yards per attempt in a dominant display. Against a struggling Raiders offence, the opportunity exists for a similar outing this week.
Prediction: Raiders +3.5
It’s tough for me to favour a 2-5 side on the road through the key number of 3. After getting destroyed in the media for weeks, I expect the Raiders to stand up and be counted for here. This is a coin flip game for me, so I’ll happily take the home underdog. Indianapolis 21-20 Oakland.
Monday, October 29, 7:25 am (AEST), Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Los Angeles Rams
The 7-0 Rams return home after another dominant road victory over the 49ers last week. Star Running Back Todd Gurley had yet another excellent day, adding a further three touchdowns. QB Jared Goff also continued his strong start to the season, completing 75% of his passes and totalling 2 touchdowns. On defence, the Rams completely shut down the 49ers offense. They got to Niners QB C.J Beathard 7 times and forced 4 turnovers in a vintage display. They’ll have their work cut out for them this week against Aaron Rodgers, but I’m sure this unit will be up to it.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers come into this one off their bye after a narrow win over the 49ers a fortnight ago. Aaron Rodgers was back to his best, putting the offence on his back with 425 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, the Packers struggled against a usually anaemic 49ers offense. They allowed over 400 total yards and 3 scores in an effort that nearly cost them the game. A much better performance is needed this week against Gurley and the Rams.
Prediction: Packers +9.5
This is the largest point spread Aaron Rodgers has faced in his career. A spread this large offers up room for a backdoor cover and I expect Rodgers to keep it close here. I like it even better if you can get 10 points, but I still think this line is strong value for Green Bay. Rams 34-27 Packers.
Monday, October 29, 7:25 am (AEST), State Farm Stadium
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals delivered one of the worst performances in the NFL this season in last week’s 45-10 home defeat to Denver. QB Josh Rosen was absolutely dreadful, averaging only 5 yards per attempt and accounting for 5 turnovers. The Cardinals defence wasn’t much better and was carved apart by Denver on the ground. With star CB Patrick Peterson demanding a trade, it’s hard to see the Cardinals being up for this one.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers travel to Arizona after a crushing home defeat to the high-flying Rams last week. They handed the Cardinals their only win of the season, with a poor effort in the reverse fixture. Backup QB CJ Beathard has generally been poor this season and accounted for another 3 turnovers last week. Defensively, the 49ers struggled mightily against the Rams last week. They allowed 5 easy touchdowns as the Rams rested some of their key starters late on. Against a dreadful Cardinals offence, this does offer a shot at redemption.
Prediction: 49ers Moneyline
It’s always a tough one to call in these games featuring two of the worst sides in the NFL. Whichever team can make the least number of mistakes should emerge victorious. The clear edge I see here is in the coaching staff, and I expect Kyle Shanahan to outcoach Steve Wilkes en route to a 49ers win here. 49ers 24-20 Cardinals.
A relatively simple multi here featuring 3 teams with the criteria that I look for. Each of these sides is very much in the playoff picture and plays a home game as a touchdown or better favourite. I expect all three teams to take care of business here and love the $1.96 price tag.