NFL Week 8 Picks Against the Spread

Last week we only posted two picks, Steelers (-3.5) over Cardinals and Packers (-9) over Vikings. We split those picks, hitting on the Steelers, but falling short on the Packers who came away with a 6-point win. I didn’t care for too many games on last week’s card since I saw most as toss ups. There’s a handful of games that I like this week. There are several games on the cusp of being posted such as DET (-3) @ DEN, NE (-3) @ PIT, WAS @ BUF (-6), CLE @ SF (-8.5), IND @ TEN (-9), JAC @ HOU (-9.5), but I’m just not completely sold yet. Here’s what I got for you so far.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (-13) @ ST. LOUIS RAMS

The Saints demolished the Colts last week and I didn’t want to pick the game based on my notion that the Saints don’t do well against high spreads. WRONG. They beat the Colts 62-7. What is this? Boise State vs. Colorado State? The Rams will likely be without Sam Bradford and their starting left tackle and former 1st-round pick Jason Smith is also doubtful. If Bradford is out, I would be all over the Saints. The Rams offense is anemic, averaging just 9.8 PPG. I can’t see them scoring more than 10 points without Bradford. The Rams defense is also giving up an average of 28.5 PPG. There hasn’t been a better team to bet against this year, the Rams are 0-6 ATS.

Prediction: Saints 34 – Rams 10

Free Pick Against the Spread: Saints -13 (Confidence: 4/5)

MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ CAROLINA PANTHERS (-3.5)

I’m glad to see the Panthers get another win under their belts as they’re clearly playing better than their 2-5 record. They had a tough defensive test last week against the Washington Redskins, but that couldn’t stop the Panthers who put up 33 points and over 400 yards of total offense including 175 rushing yards. This Panthers team has had a tough schedule facing the Saints and Green Bay already and they almost beat both of those teams. They lost to the Saints 30-27 and lost to the Packers 30-23. I really like the way the Panthers are playing, especially at home. I expect them to carry that momentum into this week and get another win in front of their home crowd. The Vikings made the right decision in going with Christian Ponder. Although the Vikings have played well at home, they have been awful on the road. The Panthers 29th ranked run defense may be a huge liability for them in this one, but the Panthers offense, which is now ranked 5th in the NFL, has proven to be able to put up yards and points with ease.

Prediction: Panthers 27 – Vikings 20

Free Pick Against the Spread: Panthers -3.5 (Confidence: 3/5)

CINCINNATI BENGALS (-3) @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Other than the Seahawks fluky win over the Giants, they have been terrible and I’m always looking to bet against the Seahawks and see a good opportunity this week. The Bengals have been a hidden gem this NFL season with a 5-1 record ATS. They paid off when I took them over the Jaguars two weeks ago. The Bengals are also coming off a bye while the Seahawks are coming off a pathetic 6-3 road loss to the Cleveland Browns. While Tavaris Jackson will be back for the Seahawks, the Seahawks will be without Marshawn Lynch. The Bengals will also be without their runningback Cedric Benson. Bernard Scott looks like a good waiver wire pickup this week if your runningbacks have been punished by the injury bug. I’m expecting the Andy Dalton to A.J. Green connection to stay strong this week.

Prediction: Bengals 24 – Seahawks 20

Free Pick Against the Spread: Bengals -3 (Confidence: 3/5)