Week 8 in the NFL season kicks off on Friday morning with an NFC blockbuster between the Packers and Cardinals! Tom Kelly is back again with a preview for the marquee time-slots as well as betting tips for EVERY game in Week 8 below.
It was a disappointing outing in Week 7 against the spread, going 5-8 to now be 57-50 on the season. We’re back to just 2 teams on the bye this week (Ravens & Raiders). Remember to check out our NFL Tips page weekly for updates throughout the regular season and playoffs!
NFL Week 8 Betting Tips
Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals
University of Phoenix Stadium, Friday 11:20am AEST
The key aspect of this game is the health of the undefeated Cardinals two best players. Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins have both been limited in practice this week, with Hopkins failing to practice to so far. You could argue that J.J. Watt is their 3rd best player, and he is certain to miss this game. Hopkins is trending towards a game time decision, while Murray will play and his finger injury is likely of little concern. Those issues aside, the Cardinals continue to get the job done with a offense that thrives on Murray spreading the ball around to his various options. The addition of Zach Ertz last week only makes that mix more dangerous. The defensive unit continues to play at an improved level, although the Packers could be their toughest test so far.
The 6-1 Packers haven’t put a foot wrong since their horrific week 1 display, although the Cardinals also represent the strongest opposition they’ve faced so far. The giant issue this week is that stud receiver Davante Adams is on the COVID list and is looking like he won’t be able to clear protocols in time for the game. Allen Lazard is also on the list and definitely won’t play. The return of Marques Valdes-Scantling will do little to fill the void if Adams can’t play. Given that Hopkins seems more likely to play than Adams, I’m going to side with the home team to continue their undefeated run, but I don’t really want to take on the 7 point spread given the danger of Aaron Rodgers and Aaron Jones in tandem. Instead I’ll take the under with both teams a little banged up.
Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings
U.S. Bank Stadium, Monday 11:20am AEST
The 5-1 Cowboys are coming off a bye, and so far have only suffered a loss to the reigning champs in Week 1 thriller. Having scored 35+ points in each of their last four games, signs are good that Dak Prescott and his offense have found their mojo after an injury ruined season. The defensive outfit is also a little tighter than what we’ve seen previously, with Trayvon Diggs the headline act in a talented unit, although 20+ points conceded to 5 of their 6 opponents isn’t exactly top of the league.
The Vikings are 3-3, although nearly all their games have come down to one score. A comfortable win over the Seahawks was the pinnacle, while a Week 1 overtime loss to the Bengals was less than ideal. The four-pronged offensive unit of Cousins-Cook-Jefferson-Thielen is close to elite, but the squad lacks depth in most other areas. I expect a competitive game, but the Cowboys are a better team overall and I’m happy to take on the small handicap on the road.
New York Giants at Kansas City Chiefs
Arrowhead Stadium, Tuesday 11:15am AEST
The Giants are in the midst of an injury crisis, with all of Saquon Barkley, Daniel Jones, Kenny Golladay, Daruis Slayton, Sterling Shephard and Evan Engram missing games and carrying issues into games. It’s unclear at this point of the week if any will play, but the extra time until the Monday night game is giving them a chance. If it was any other opponent I’d want to look more closely, but against the Chiefs I don’t think any amount of returning players will make a difference given that they won’t be at 100%.
The Chiefs themselves have had some significant issues, with Patrick Mahomes in the concussion protocol and Tyreek Hill managing a quad injury. Both seem like they’ll be fine for this game. The 3-4 record is a big surprise at this point fo the season, having failed to overcome some quality teams in the Ravens, Chargers, Bills and Titans. The Giants should pose no such threat, and it’s just very difficult to imagine that things don’t click soon. Comfortable victories over the Eagles and Washington are good indicators of what to expect against weaker opposition. With the home game and the extra time for their stars to get right, I’m comfortable backing a big win.
Other Tips
Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals - See Above
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills - Dolphins +13.5 ($1.94 at Sportsbet)
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons - Panthers +3 ($1.84 at Sportsbet)
Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions - Eagles -3.5 ($1.90 at Sportsbet)
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts - Titans -1.5 ($1.90 at Sportsbet)
Los Angeles Rams- at Houston Texans - Rams -14.5 ($1.94 at Sportsbet)
Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets - Bengals -10.5 ($1.96 at Sportsbet)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns - Browns -3.5 ($1.90 at Sportsbet)
San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears - 49ers -3.5 ($1.97 at Sportsbet)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Seattle Seahawks - Jaguars +3 ($1.90 at Sportsbet)
New England Patriots at Los Angeles Chargers - Chargers -5.5 ($1.86 at Sportsbet)
Washington Football Team - Washington +3 ($1.96 at Sportsbet)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints - Buccaneers -5 ($1.86 at Sportsbet)
Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings - See Above
New York Giants at Kansas City Chiefs - See Above
