NFL betting: 5 picks against the spread for Week 8
28 Oct
NFL
Robbie Keane
Zach Brunner makes his NFL betting picks for Week 8 of the 2021 season, with five picks against the spread.

Visit Betway’s NFL picks page for picks and predictions throughout the season.

CAROLINA PANTHERS (+3) at Atlanta Falcons 20/23

If you said a month ago that the Panthers would be underdogs against the Falcons, I would have laughed at you. What a difference a few games make.

Sam Darnold looks to be bad at football again, but even he can pick apart this Falcons defense. This is the same team that allowed Tua Tagovailoa to complete 80 percent of his passes for nearly 300 yards last week. Look for the Panther to get back in the win column.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (-10.5) at New York Jets 10/11

No offense to Mike White, but who is Mike White? The Jets offense was having a hard enough time getting on their same page with rookie first-round quarterback Zach Wilson, and he was getting every single snap in practice trying to learn the offense and gel with his teammates. That makes White even more inexperienced than a typical backup.

The Bengals’ offense is rolling and their defense is underrated. They can take away the Jets’ weapons, forcing White to make decisions and win the game himself. I’m willing to bet he makes too many mistakes in trying to do so.

LOS ANGELES RAMS (-14) at Houston Texans 20/21

After nearly losing to the Lions last week, the Rams not only need to win this week, they need a statement win to be respected as Super Bowl contenders.

Houston traded away Mark Ingram, one of their veteran leaders, on Wednesday. Some other leaders on the team have not responded well – airing their grievances on Twitter – so there could be serious issues on the field for the Texans. Should the Rams cover the spread, this would be the fifth game in six weeks that Houston has lost by over 14 points. 

Jacksonville Jaguars at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (-3.5) 20/23

This is not a good Seahawks team and opponents have had more success in Seattle than in years past. However, this hostile environment is still tough for road teams to play in. It exposes inexperience, which is all the Jaguars have.

This Jacksonville defense is also terrible and it should allow Geno Smith to look like a competent quarterback as he gets the win and covers. 

NEW YORK GIANTS (+9.5) at Kansas City Chiefs 20/23

Yes, it’s scary to bet against the Chiefs. Many believe this will be a bounce-back week for them. However, we have been waiting all season for this team to respond.

The Kansas City defense is terrible and their offensive line still has its weaknesses. To make it easier to bet against them, since the start of last season, the Chiefs have been the third-worst team against the spread (10-16-0).