These are my picks to win every Week 8 NFL game straight-up, tiered by confidence level and ranked within each tier.
You can bet on any of these games on DraftKings Sportsbook.
NFL Week 8 Picks and Predictions: Straight-Up Picks with Confidence Levels
High Confidence
Bengals over Titans
The Bengals have rattled off back-to-back wins and are very much in the mix for the competitive AFC North. In a division as close as that one, the Bengals can’t afford to lose games like this one. Cincinnati’s offense ranks sixth in EPA/play and success rate, and should have too much firepower for the Titans.
Jaguars over Colts
The Jaguars have a big lead in the AFC South through seven weeks. The Colts are in fire-sale mode, and vibes are very low in Indianapolis. Jacksonville should keep the train rolling out of the bye week and take care of business against the Colts.
Rams over Chargers
The Rams got a much-needed win last week against the Raiders. They now face the winless Chargers and have games against the Commanders and Cardinals after that. This is a chance for the Rams to string together a winning streak and get back into the playoff picture. Los Angeles should keep the momentum going from last week and get the win. The Rams rank fourth in the NFL in offensive success rate, while the Chargers rank 31st.
Cowboys over Cardinals
The Cowboys played well against the Eagles last week and could finally be getting things together. The NFC East is wide open currently, and Dallas is more than capable of winning the division. They need to win games like this one at home if they want to be taken seriously, however. The Dallas offense should just have too much firepower for Arizona in this matchup.
Patriots over Dolphins
The Patriots dropped a tough road game in Chicago last week. However, that game was on Thursday night, so New England is now on extra rest heading into this game. The Dolphins finally got a win last week against the Jets, but this will be a much tougher matchup for them. The Patriots should win this one.
Medium Confidence
Steelers over Browns
The AFC North is very competitive this season. These teams are both vying for the AFC North lead, and the Browns already beat the Steelers earlier this season. However, home field means a lot in this matchup, and after losing a close one in Cleveland, the Steelers should win their home matchup this week. The Cleveland defense is not the same on the road, and Aaron Rodgers should make the winning plays at quarterback.
Commanders over Eagles
The Eagles are falling apart at the seams. Jalen Hurts is out for the season, Lane Johnson retired, and the wide receiver room is banged up. Tanner McKee does not seem up to the task as quarterback, and the Philadelphia defense is struggling as a result of the poor offense. The Commanders should take advantage of the situation and get a win at home.
Lions over Vikings
The Lions are looking to hand the Vikings their first loss of the season this week. Minnesota’s defense has been remarkable, but the offense is quite poor. If the Vikings are ever forced to put up real points to win a game, they could be in trouble. That might come this week, when one of the best offenses in the NFL gets to play on its home field. If Kyler Murray is forced to push the ball downfield to keep up, that could lead to some mistakes. The Lions should get a win and slay the final undefeated team in the NFL.
Packers over Panthers
The Packers have won three of their past four games and are looking to keep the momentum going at home. These teams are pretty comparable this season, but the Lambeau Field advantage should be the edge in the Packers getting the win.
Coin-Flip Games
Seahawks over Bears
The Seahawks finally looked like a dominant team again last week. The defense ranks second in the NFL in EPA/play and success rate. That makes Seattle very hard to beat, especially at home. Ben Johnson is a wizard, but this is arguably the hardest place in the NFL to play as an offense. The Bears should give the Seahawks a tough battle, but the Seattle defense should make the key stops down the stretch to get the win.
Ravens over Bills
This is a great battle between two NFL MVP quarterbacks (assuming Lamar Jackson returns). If Jackson does return, I’ll give the Ravens a small edge in a coinflip game. Jackson leads the NFL in adjusted EPA/play this season. When he was healthy, the Baltimore offense looked unstoppable. These are two elite offenses, but Baltimore is a bit more solid defensively. Jackson’s return should provide the boost Baltimore needs to get the win.
Falcons over Buccaneers
This is a tight NFC South battle. The Falcons rank third in the NFL in offensive EPA/play since Week 3. They are coming off a huge win over the 49ers last week and should keep the momentum rolling. The Buccaneers are coming off a big win as well, but the offense still looks quite shaky. Tampa Bay ranks 25th in offensive EPA/play over that same stretch. Atlanta has more game-changers on offense, and that should be the difference in this matchup.
Jets over Raiders
This is an ugly matchup. After a bright 3-0 start, the Raiders have now lost four straight games. The defense is really struggling, giving up 35.8 points per game over that four-game losing streak. The Jets are struggling as well, but they should be able to move the ball against that shaky defense. The home-field advantage should be the difference in the Jets getting the win in a true coinflip game.
Chiefs over Broncos
This is another true coinflip game, but for the opposite reason that Jets/Raiders is. The Chiefs and Broncos are both great teams. These are two of the best defenses in the NFL, but Kansas City has the much better offense. When it comes down to the final possessions, I’ll take Patrick Mahomes over Bo Nix. The Chiefs should squeak out a pivotal road divisional win.
