NFL Week 8 Predictions and Odds: Cards host Pack in most-anticipated TNF game ever

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers are in the desert tonight to face the undefeated Arizona Cardinals on what may just be the most-anticipated Thursday Night Football game in history. Unfortunately, two stars — one on either team — are not expected to play.

Aside from the Patriots taking on the Chargers in Inglewood, the Vikes hosting the Cowboys, and the aforementioned TNF game, there aren’t too many other interesting games on this week’s slate. The Browns are hosting the Steelers, but with Pittsburgh looking nothing like their usual selves, that one just won’t have the same quality of football as we’ve come to expect.

Anyways, curious to see who I like this weekend? Well, let’s get to it. Of course, all odds below are via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.

Thursday Night Football

Packers vs. Cardinals (-6.5) - O/U 50.5

Prediction: Cardinals - Davante Adams will be out tonight as he wasn’t able to pass COVID-19 protocols to return in time. On the other side, the Cardinals are expected to lose J.J. Watt for the year from season-ending shoulder surgery. Since Adams has been the majority of the Packers passing offense this year, his loss hurts them the most. I still think Aaron Rodgers will keep this one competitive but I’ll take the Cards to stay undefeated for another week.

Sunday Morning Games

Rams (-14) vs. Texans - O/U 47.5

Prediction: Rams - This looks to be one of the more lopsided games on the Week 8 slate. The Rams are still one of the best and most-complete teams in the league and the Texans likely have zero answers for them. Will Tyrod Taylor finally return this week? Stay tuned to find out.

Steelers vs. Browns (-3.5) - O/U 42

Prediction: Browns - The Browns have suffered through a rough patch of games ever since they lost a close one to the Chargers. A game against the lowly Steelers (that’s weird to type out) could be just what the doctor ordered.

Eagles (-3.5) vs. Lions - O/U 48

Prediction: Eagles - I’m voting this game to be the least-entertaining of the week. The Lions are still searching for their first win of the season and this is one of their best chances to get it. In the end, I think the athleticism of Jalen Hurts will be a bit too much for them to handle and they drop another close one at home.

49ers (-3.5) vs. Bears - O/U 39.5

Prediction: 49ers - Matt Nagy can’t seem to do anything right with Justin Fields thus far in his career, seemingly making all the wrong decisions with him since he was drafted earlier in April. The 49ers defense isn’t the same as it was during their run to the Super Bowl two years ago but they’ve got enough juice up front to still rattle the rookie in the pocket.

Panthers vs. Falcons (-3) - O/U 45.5

Prediction: Falcons - Sam Darnold has completely reverted back to the Jets version and that’s leaving the Panthers in a weird spot. The team’s owner already had to come out and say that they’re not going after Deshaun Watson, but that little bit probably puts a bug in Darnold’s ear, anyway. I like the Falcons here. Rookie tight end Kyle Pitts is finally breaking out and it’s a big reason the Falcons are doing better as of late.

Dolphins vs. Bills (-13.5) - O/U 49.5

Prediction: Bills - Tua is coming off one of the best games of his young career. He’s also still being pelted with the storyline that his own team is working to possibly make a move behind the scenes for Deshaun Watson. We’re all hoping Tua sees some better days in his future, but this Sunday won’t be one of them with the Bills on tap.

Bengals (-10.5) vs. Jets - O/U 42.5

Prediction: Bengals - The Bengals are blowing minds across the NFL with their recent play. The synergy between quarterback Joe Burrow and rookie wideout Ja’Marr Chase is truly something to behold. Against an offense that’s really finding its’ groove as of late, I don’t see the Jets putting up much of a fight with a backup quarterback getting the start.

Titans vs. Colts (-1.5) - O/U 50.5

Prediction: Titans - The Titans have been on a roll behind the running ability of MVP candidate Derrick Henry and I just don’t think the Colts have what it takes to slow him down. 49ers Elijah Mitchell rushed for ~100 yards against them on Sunday night so I’m expecting another huge night for Henry.

Sunday Afternoon Games

Jaguars vs. Seahawks (-3) - O/U 43.5

Prediction: Jaguars - The Jaguars haven’t looked great much of this season, but neither have the Seahawks since Geno Smith was forced to step in for Russell Wilson. Under Smith, the offense has looked abysmal and I just can’t see them playing winning football as long as he’s orchestrating the offense. I think the Jags sneak out a win here on the road.

Washington vs. Broncos (-3) - O/U 44

Prediction: Washington - Washington continues to be a very competitive team every week and I expect that trend to continue against a struggling Broncos squad that’s been throttled by recent injuries. Taylor Heinicke is an underrated quarterback and he knows how to get the ball to his best playmaker in wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

Buccaneers (-5.5) vs. Saints - O/U 50

Prediction: Buccaneers - This matchup was must-watch football last season when it was Tom Brady vs. Drew Brees. Now that Jameis Winston is leading the way for New Orleans, this game just doesn’t have the same “oomph” to it. I just don’t think the Saints offense will be able to keep up and that Bucs defense is just so dang good.

Sunday Night Football

Cowboys (-2.5) vs. Vikings- O/U 55

Prediction: Vikings - The Vikings have a tendency of showing up against the best opponents and I think this is the definition of a “trap” game for the Cowboys. Both teams are feeling rested and healthy coming off the bye week so I’m not surprised to see the over/under at 55. Expect some fireworks and an extremely entertaining game.

Monday Night Football

Giants vs. Chiefs (-9.5) - O/U 52

Prediction: Chiefs - Nothing irks me more than when primetime slots on the schedule are filled with stinkers like this matchup. Even before the season, who would have ever thought the Chiefs taking on the Giants would be good to have on Monday Night Football? I just don’t get it. The Giants are going to be steamrolled.