Last week featured 10 games with spreads of four points or less, and it’s safe to say that this week is a bit different. There are five double-digit spreads featured in Week 8, and only four of the 15 games on the slate have spreads of four points or less. That creates some interesting underdog, moneyline, and over/under opportunities for bettors. Let’s get into it.
All data presented is as of Thursday morning. You can track all NFL line movement on BetQL’s Line Movement Dashboard. Figures below calculated by wagering one unit on each touted bet with -110 spread odds.
WEEK 8 FANTASY RANKINGS
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
NFL Week 8 Betting Picks: Spread pick of the week
Saints -10 vs. Cardinals
BetQL’s NFL Model labels the Saints -10.5, New Orleans’ -540 moneyline and OVER the 49 point total as the best bets in this matchup.
After undergoing surgery on his right thumb five weeks ago, Drew Brees could return this week and would heavily target Michael Thomas, especially since Alvin Kamara (ankle) and Jared Cook (ankle) are questionable and likely won’t be at full strength if they play.
Arizona’s defense ranks 25th in passing yards allowed (263.3), 27th in completions allowed per game (24.4), 30th in completion percentage (69.8), T-30th in passing touchdowns allowed per game (2.4) and 28th in scoring defense (27.4 points per game). The Saints offense should be able to move the ball at will.
New Orleans’ much-improved defense should be able to use its recent momentum and the energy from the home crowd to make life tough for rookie quarterback Kyler Murray. Bet on New Orleans to get the job done and cover the large spread.
So far, 69 percent of the money has been wagered on the Saints (per BetQL’s NFL consensus picks dashboard).
WEEK 8 PPR RANKINGS: Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end
NFL Week 8 Betting Picks: Moneyline pick of the week
Chiefs +170 vs. Packers
Surprisingly, Patrick Mahomes (knee) was able to practice in a limited fashion on Wednesday and has not yet been officially ruled out for Sunday night’s game against the Packers. There’s a ton of value in this line, and it would swing drastically if Mahomes is indeed expected to lay ahead of kickoff.
If Mahomes is ruled in (which would be a surprise), it will likely be later rather than sooner, which will give an edge to anyone who speculates correctly. Nonetheless, Andy Reid’s system can suit a quarterback like Matt Moore, who has shown a proficiency to manage games like Alex Smith, who thrived within Reid’s scheme.
Heading into Arrowhead Stadium in front of a raucous crowd on national television could be a daunting task even for Aaron Rodgers and the surging Packers. Since Reid and his staff have had a week to prepare for the possibility of Moore starting, the Chiefs are a strong moneyline bet whether or not Mahomes trots out onto the field.
Check out BetQL to see what games our NFL picks are on.
Week 8 DFS Lineups:
Y! Cash | Y! GPP | FD Cash | FD GPP | DK Cash | DK GPP
NFL Week 8 Betting Picks: Over/under pick of the week
Seahawks vs. Falcons UNDER 54
This has the makings of a gross, low-scoring game. Matt Ryan (ankle) missed practice early in the week, and while he has not been ruled out yet at the time this was written, the thought of Matt Schaub starting an NFL game in 2019 is enough to make bettors smile.
Since the Seahawks have shown an affinity for the ground-and-pound style of play and would be extremely happy to give Chris Carson the ball 25-30 times if they get out to an early lead, don’t expect fireworks in this one, especially if Schaub is under center for Atlanta. At just 1-6, the Falcons’ season is essentially lost, so there might not be a logical reason to rush their franchise quarterback back if he’s not 100 percent.
Even if Ryan suits up, the Falcons just traded away Mohamed Sanu, therefore stripping their quarterback of a viable receiver. Bet the UNDER in what could shape up to be a hard-to-watch matchup.
MORE WEEK 8 DFS: Stacks | Values | Lineup Builder
You can find all updated NFL odds, lines and spreads at BetQL!