{"id":25994,"date":"2020-10-29T10:46:46","date_gmt":"2020-10-29T00:46:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/?p=25994"},"modified":"2020-10-29T12:31:17","modified_gmt":"2020-10-29T02:31:17","slug":"nfl-week-8-tips-preview-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2020\/10\/nfl-week-8-tips-preview-2\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL Week 8 Tips & Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Week 8 of the NFL season is headlined by a number of huge divisional battles as the race for the playoffs begins to heat up.<\/p>\n

The Steelers are the lone remaining undefeated team at 6-0 and they will face the reigning AFC North Champion Baltimore Ravens and 2019 MVP Lamar Jackson who are just one game back in the standings.<\/p>\n

In the AFC East the Buffalo Bills can take control of the division by defeating the New England Patriots who have sat atop those standings for the last 11 consecutive seasons and 16 of the last 17.<\/p>\n

Over in the NFC East Philadelphia is currently the best of a bad bunch and they host the Dallas Cowboys in Monday\u2019s feature game, and with all four teams struggling badly, every divisional win is worth double there.<\/p>\n

Read on for our Week 8 NFL tips and previews here!<\/p>\n

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Carolina Panthers v Atlanta Falcons<\/div>\n
Carolina to Cover -2.5 @ $1.91<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Carolina might not be as good as it once was and they will likely play this game without running back Christian McCaffery but they deserve plenty of credit for being better than expected.<\/p>\n

While they are only at 3-4 so far this season they have been competitive in every game so far and three of those four losses have come by a touchdown or less.<\/p>\n

Atlanta found a creative way to lose a game last week (again) this time by accidentally scoring a go-ahead touchdown and are back in the \u201cbet against at all costs\u201d territory as that franchise heads for a major rebuild.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll back the Panthers at the very small line since it\u2019s on the right side of a field goal for me.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Panthers v Falcons<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
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Buffalo Bills v New England Patriots<\/div>\n
Buffalo to Cover -3.5 @ $1.91<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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There are two reasons this line is as low as it is considering the disparity between the records of the two teams.<\/p>\n

The first is simply because the Bills have not looked good in their last three games and needed six field goals to get by the New York Jets last week.<\/p>\n

The second is Bill Belichick, even with an underachieving roster, the market still expects the hooded genius to pull something out and kick start a Patriots revival.<\/p>\n

It will need to be something we have not seen before considering how awful the once mighty Pats have played in their last two games.<\/p>\n

Perhaps this is the game we see a Belichick special but there is no way you can feel good about backing New England in their current state.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Bills v Patriots<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
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Green Bay Packers v Minnesota Vikings<\/div>\n
Packers -7.5 & Over 54.5 @ $3.80<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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When these teams met in Week 1, it was the beginning of the \u201cAaron Rodgers is Not Done Yet\u201d tour as he torched the Vikings in a 43-34 victory that was not as close as the scoreline suggested.<\/p>\n

After rebounding from a bad day at the office against Tampa Bay by putting up 35 points in a win over the Texans, Rodgers would love to put up another 40+ scoreline on the Vikings.<\/p>\n

Considering Minnesota has exhibited all the signs of a team about ready to go into the tank.<\/p>\n

The one reason for hope is the fact Dalvin Cook appears ready to return after the bye but their defence has been nothing short of horrible and got even worse with the trade of pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue to Baltimore.<\/p>\n

The Vikings might be able to hang around for a while on the scoreboard but the Packers should come away with a comfortable win at home.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Packers v Vikings<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
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Kansas City Chiefs v New York Jets<\/div>\n
Chiefs to Cover -19.5 @ $1.91<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Welcome to the perfect convergence of excellent and awful NFL teams.<\/p>\n

Generally when the line in a game approaches three touchdowns you almost have to back the underdog but it\u2019s the Jets.<\/p>\n

In all honesty if the Chiefs decided to roll out their backups I would still probably take them to win by 20+.<\/p>\n

With Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and company set to play at least into the third quarter before things are well and truly in hand, I\u2019ll back the Chiefs to cover.<\/p>\n

That and Adam Gase is still the Jets coach.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Chiefs v Jets<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
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Baltimore Ravens v Pittsburgh Steelers<\/div>\n
Pittsburgh to Win @ $2.50<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Perhaps after this game, the Steelers will finally be treated like an undefeated team.<\/p>\n

For the second week in a row they find themselves as underdogs but with a chance to secure another statement victory and take control of the AFC North, they look way over the odds here.<\/p>\n

Baltimore has had a fortnight to prepare for this game with a bye last weekend, but that might not work in their favour considering Jim Harbaugh\u2019s tendency to overthink certain things.<\/p>\n

After surviving the scare against Tennessee last week, the Steelers will be looking to win this game in any way shape or form and I\u2019ll happily back them here.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Ravens v Steelers<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
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Cincinnati Bengals v Tennessee Titans<\/div>\n
SGM: Titans to Win, Derrick Henry and AJ Brown Anytime TD Scorers<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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It\u2019s time for a Titans bounce back after their gut punch of a loss to Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n

The good news is that while the Bengals are a team on the rise, they are not at a level where you would expect them to be competitive for a full 60 minutes.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll back the Titans to win and their two main offensive weapons to find the end zone in this victory as the Bengals just can\u2019t hold on.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Bengals v Titans<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
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Cleveland Browns v Las Vegas Raiders<\/div>\n
Over 53.5 Points @ $1.94<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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One way or another, we are destined for points in this all AFC encounter.<\/p>\n

The Raiders games have all featured at least 53 points this season with three also topping 60.<\/p>\n

It says a lot about their offence (in a good way) and a lot about their defence (in a not so good way).<\/p>\n

Cleveland will have to overcome the loss of Odell Beckham Jr to a torn ACL but it does lean more into the run first approach they have been trying to nail down all season.<\/p>\n

The Browns just gave up 34 to the Bengals and it seems like this game could be decided by who has the ball last.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Browns v Raiders<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
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Miami Dolphins v LA Rams<\/div>\n
Rams -3.5 & Under 46.5 @ $3.65<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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It\u2019s the debut that we have had a fortnight to build up for, fifth overall pick in the 2020 draft Tua Tagovailoa (henceforce known as Tua) will make his starting debut for the Dolphins.<\/p>\n

It comes at a bizarre time however as it looked like Miami was starting to hit their stride with Ryan Fitzpatrick running the offence and it\u2019s not like the Rams are a soft landing.<\/p>\n

Coming off a dismantling of the Bears on Monday Night Football, the only reason to have any pause for concern about the Rams is the fact they are on a short week and will be making a cross country flight.<\/p>\n

Even though we keep hearing about how this is a team game, this has all the makings of an Aaron Donald takeover as he gives Tua a debut he will never forget for all the wrong reasons.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Dolphins v Rams<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
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Detroit Lions v Indianapolis Colts<\/div>\n
Detroit to Cover +2.5 @ $1.98<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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These cross conference matchups can always throw out some wonky results but what is certain is that both of these teams are in good form heading into this one.<\/p>\n

Indianapolis has won four of its last five and is coming off the bye while Detroits is starting to find some form after a horror start, winning three of their last four.<\/p>\n

With both sides very hit and miss it\u2019s worth taking a punt on the Lions to cover, home underdogs have gone 8-7-1 against the spread in the last three weeks and the Colts have gone 1-2 on the road this season.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Lions v Colts<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
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Denver Broncos v Los Angeles Chargers<\/div>\n
Chargers to Score Over 23.5 Points @ $1.85<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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The Chargers finally pulled their first win of the Justin Herbert era out against Jacksonville and they are well positioned to make it two in a row when they visit the Denver Broncos this weekend.<\/p>\n

Despite losing the first four games that their rookie quarterback started, they were competitive every time they took to the field and finally broke through.<\/p>\n

Denver\u2019s offence has hit a massive wall the last two weeks scoring a combined total of 28 points in their last two games and really struggling to get things going (Jets game excluded for obvious reasons).<\/p>\n

The Chargers should win and cover but it\u2019s still the Chargers, the value for this game is in the team total market with the visitor\u2019s total at a surprisingly low 23.5.<\/p>\n

In their last three games they have scored 31, 27 and 39 so that should be a fairly easy number for Herbert to top by slinging it around the field.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Broncos v Chargers<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
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Chicago Bears v New Orleans Saints<\/div>\n
New Orleans by 1-13 @ $2.35<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Cinderella\u2019s shoe fell off in spectacular fashion on Tuesday for Nick Foles and the Bears as they had no answer for the Rams in a game that was absolutely up for grabs.<\/p>\n

The Saints don\u2019t seem to know how to play a straightforward game and have seen their last four decided by seven points or less as their defence really struggles to take over a game.<\/p>\n

Despite injuries, suspensions and trips to the COVID list, Drew Brees finds ways to score enough points most weeks.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll back Brees and company to keep going and find a way to win but the Saints defence will give up enough plays to keep this interesting.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Bears v Saints<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
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Seattle Seahawks v San Francisco 49ers<\/div>\n
SGM: Seattle to Win & DK Metcalf Anytime TD Scorer<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Perfect no more, the Seahawks have a chance for an instant reply when they host the 4-3 49ers.<\/p>\n

It both games between these two last season are any indicator of how this one will go, we should be in for an excellent contest with the first game being decided in overtime and the second one ending with a tackle six inches from the end zone to stop a touchdown.<\/p>\n

They address one of the many issues facing their porous defence with a trade for Carlos Dunlap, but it will still come down to Russell Wilson and the offence scoring in the 30\u2019s against this injury ravaged 49ers defence.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll back them to win and second year receiver DK Metcalf to score a touchdown as he has not gone scoreless in back to back games since weeks 13 and 14 last season.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Seahawks v 49ers<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
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Philadelphia Eagles v Dallas Cowboys<\/div>\n
Eagles to Cover -9 @ $1.91<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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How bad are the Dallas Cowboys at the moment?<\/p>\n

They are 0-7 against the spread and not looking like breaking that duck any time soon.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia is not that great either but with the potential return of a few players like Miles Sanders and Dallas Goedert they should have enough firepower to get home here.<\/p>\n

Admittedly -9 is a lot to ask of a limited team like the Eagles but with Andy Dalton still in the concussion protocol and *pauses to google*<\/em> something called Ben DiNucci the next cab off the rank, I\u2019m happy to take on the Cowboys.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Eagles v Cowboys<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
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New York Giants v Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/div>\n
Tampa Bay to Cover -10.5 @ $1.91<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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We can thank the NFL for scheduling a \u201cmust catch up on the highlights later that night\u201d game on Melbourne Cup Day once again.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a horrible mismatch that will probably be over and done with by the time the fifth race jumps at Flemington.<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay is rolling and the Giants won\u2019t be anything more than a minor speedbump as Tom Brady has another big day.<\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Giants v Buccaneers<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Week 8 of the NFL season is headlined by a number of huge divisional battles as the race for the playoffs begins to heat up. The Steelers are the lone remaining undefeated team at 6-0 and they will face the reigning AFC North Champion Baltimore Ravens and 2019 MVP Lamar Jackson who are just one…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":24712,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,344],"tags":[240,2078,242,244,2097,274,2096,47,3435,48,234,3472,2077,3761,5823,273,275,2117],"hub_post_cat":[],"class_list":["post-25994","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-american-football","category-sports","tag-atlanta-falcons","tag-baltimore-ravens","tag-buffalo-bills","tag-carolina-panthers","tag-dallas-cowboys","tag-new-england-patriots","tag-new-york-giants","tag-nfl","tag-nfl-bets","tag-nfl-betting","tag-nfl-odds","tag-nfl-preview","tag-nfl-tips","tag-nfl-week-8","tag-nfl-week-8-preview","tag-philadelphia-eagles","tag-pittsburgh-steelers","tag-tampa-bay-buccaneers"],"acf":{"md_tip_date":null,"md_tip_date_end":null,"md_market_url":"","tip_date":"29\/10\/2020","event_country":"Australia"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25994","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25994"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25994\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24712"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25994"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25994"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25994"},{"taxonomy":"hub_post_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hub_post_cat?post=25994"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}