Bleacher Report’s Expert Week 8 NFL Picks
Maurice Moton@@MoeMotonContributor IOctober 23, 2024Bleacher Report’s Expert Week 8 NFL Picks0 of 16
Bleacher Report
When you’re on a betting hot streak, don’t think about the pressure of making perfect picks; ride the positive wave for as long as it lasts. Fortunately for anyone tailing, Bleacher Report’s NFL experts avoided a letdown week, putting together their fourth consecutive winning slate.
B/R’s NFL panel, which includes analysts Brad Gagnon, Gary Davenport, Brent Sobleski and Maurice Moton, along with editors Wes O’Donnell, Ian Hanford and Vince Michelino from B/R Betting Strategy, hit a curveball, taking the Detroit Lions to cover as road underdogs last week. O’Donnell and Davenport nailed lone-wolf picks, siding with the Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders, respectively.
This week, our crew came to a rare unanimous pick for a prime-time game and backed two road underdogs.
All 32 NFL teams are in action, so buckle up for a full slate of picks against the spread.
First, check out our leaderboard with last week’s results in parentheses.
ATS Standings
1. O’Donnell: 60-43-4 (10-5)
2. Knox: 54-49-4 (8-7)
3. Hanford: 53-50-4 (10-5)
4. Moton: 52-51-4 (7-8)
T-5. Gagnon 51-52-4 (7-8)
T-5. Michelino: 51-52-4 (7-8)
7. Sobleski: 50-53-4 (7-8)
8. Davenport: 48-55-4 (11-4)
Consensus picks: 45-42-2 (7-6)
Lines are from DraftKings as of Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 4 p.m. ET. Check DraftKings for the latest odds info. Information on public betting trends is courtesy of the Action Network. ATS records are provided by Team Rankings.
Minnesota Vikings (5-1) at Los Angeles Rams (2-4)1 of 16
Vikings WR Justin JeffersonDavid Berding/Getty Images
The Minnesota Vikings will look to shake off their first loss of the season, which also marked the first time they didn’t cover ATS.
The Los Angeles Rams may already see the writing on the wall regarding their short-term outlook. They face a steep climb to get back into the playoff picture.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and Jourdan Rodrigue, the Rams will consider trade offers for wideout Cooper Kupp that include a second-round pick. They’re willing to pay some of his 2024 salary in a potential trade.
This week, Kupp has logged full practices and is set to return from an ankle injury that sidelined him for four games.
Kupp will boost the Rams’ offense, though Vikings lead skipper Kevin O’Connell is from Sean McVay’s coaching tree. So, these teams will have a bit of a chess match Thursday night.
Hanford thinks McVay will get over on one of his disciples in this scenario.
“The Vikings are coming off a loss in Week 7, and the Rams have been a pretty rough product overall. But this could be Matthew Stafford and Kupp’s last hurrah together with the WR swirling in trade rumors, and the Vikings have been a pass funnel all season,” Hanford said.
“Sean McVay has a blueprint to follow offensively, as the Vikings have allowed 29-plus points in two of their last three games. These are the things I’m telling myself to lean into the next point.
“Since 2006, the team flying west from the Central or Eastern time zones is 4-16 straight up and 4-14-2 against the spread in Thursday night games. That’s a big sample size, and I’m buying into it. The Vikings win, but Stafford and Kupp find some magic to keep this one close.”
Predictions
Davenport: Vikings
Gagnon: Rams
Hanford: Rams
Knox: Vikings
Michelino: Vikings
Moton: Vikings
O’Donnell: Rams
Sobleski: Vikings
ATS Consensus: Vikings -3
Score Prediction: Vikings 30, Rams 17
Tennessee Titans (1-5) at Detroit Lions (5-1)2 of 16
Lions QB Jared GoffKevin Sabitus/Getty Images
The Detroit Lions are the biggest favorites of Week 8, and they have some momentum after a win over the previously undefeated Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
The Lions did receive some bad news this week, though. Wide receiver Jameson Williams faces a two-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy.
Even without Williams, most of our crew isn’t worried about the Lions offense in a matchup with the Tennessee Titans’ 26th-ranked scoring attack. Gagnon still sees the Lions winning by a comfortable margin at home.
“Detroit’s momentum is hard to deny right now, especially ahead of a home meeting with a Titans team that was just demolished in Buffalo and has been held to 17 or fewer points in every loss this season. This is a big number, but this game screams blowout.”
Predictions
Davenport: Lions
Gagnon: Lions
Hanford: Lions
Knox: Lions
Michelino: Titans
Moton: Lions
O’Donnell: Lions
Sobleski: Lions
ATS Consensus: Lions -11.5
Score Prediction: Lions 27, Titans 13
Baltimore Ravens (5-2) at Cleveland Browns (1-6)3 of 16
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (left) and TE Mark Andrews (right)Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
On Tuesday, the Cleveland Browns named quarterback Jameis Winston the starter for this matchup. Winston will replace Deshaun Watson, who’s out for the season with a torn Achilles.
Based on Watson’s struggles in Cleveland—he threw for 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 61.2 percent completion rate in 19 contests—Winston may be an upgrade at quarterback. That swayed two of our experts to side with the Browns.
However, Sobleski doesn’t believe Winston will do enough to help the Browns keep pace with the red-hot Baltimore Ravens, who field the NFL’s No. 1-scoring offense.
“The spread may scare a few bettors off the Ravens since the Browns now have some clarity at the quarterback position. Winston should increase the overall level of performance after Watson provided some of the worst quarterback play in franchise history. Still, the Ravens are playing better than any team in the NFL right now.
“Furthermore, the Browns’ run defense isn’t as stout as it was a year ago. Jim Schwartz’s unit is surrendering 126.1 yards per game. Cleveland’s defense remains talented, but Baltimore’s offense is currently on a historic pace, with quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry leading the way.”
Predictions
Davenport: Ravens
Gagnon: Ravens
Hanford: Ravens
Knox: Ravens
Michelino: Browns
Moton: Browns
O’Donnell: Ravens
Sobleski: Ravens
ATS Consensus: Ravens -8.5
Score Prediction: Ravens 26, Browns 16
Green Bay Packers (5-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)
4 of 16
Packers QB Jordan LoveTodd Rosenberg/Getty Images
The Jacksonville Jaguars stumbled out of the gate with four consecutive losses, but they’ve won two of their last three games. Perhaps the Jaguars’ two-week stay in London inspired them to make a midseason run, but they face a playoff-caliber opponent in the Green Packers, who have won three consecutive outings.
If the Jaguars lose this game, they can probably forget about their playoff aspirations. That’s why Gagnon chose them as the desperate yet talented team that can pull off an upset.
“I don’t trust the Jags, but the talent delta between them and the Packers is too small for them to be getting nearly a handful of points at home,” Gagnon said. “They really need this, and it’s worth noting that they’ve scored 69 combined points in their two victories headed into this one.
“They’ll at least hang here, if not win outright, as the Packers could be due for a dud in a potential trap between meetings with Houston and Detroit.”
Predictions
Davenport: Packers
Gagnon: Jaguars
Hanford: Packers
Knox: Packers
Michelino: Jaguars
Moton: Packers
O’Donnell: Packers
Sobleski: Packers
ATS Consensus: Packers -4.5
Score Prediction: Packers 34, Jaguars 20
Indianapolis Colts (4-3) at Houston Texans (5-2)5 of 16
Texans QB C.J. StroudPatrick McDermott/Getty Images
In Week 7, the Houston Texans suffered a nail-biting road loss to the Green Bay Packers (24-22). This week, they should prepare for a close battle with the Indianapolis Colts.
With C.J. Stroud under center for the Texans, Houston has won its last two games against the Colts by four or fewer points. But in those games, wideout Nico Collins racked up 117-plus yards.
The Texans won’t have Collins for this matchup as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Fellow wideout Tank Dell is off to a slow start, having hauled in only 20 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown in seven contests.
Meanwhile, Indianapolis may be getting healthier on both sides of the ball, with running back Jonathan Taylor and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner possibly returning to action. Yet Sobleski represents most of our panel with a lean toward the Texans.
“While this matchup between the Texans and Colts will be billed as Stroud vs. Anthony Richardson, the truth is that both struggled in their latest outings. In this particular case, Stroud is far more likely to bounce back in a big game against the Colts than Richardson is to finally get into a groove.
“In three career starts against Gus Bradley’s defense, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year averaged 294 passing yards per game, with a six-to-zero touchdown-to-interception ratio. Meanwhile, Richardson is the league’s least efficient passer with a woeful 48.5 completion percentage.”
Predictions
Davenport: Texans
Gagnon: Texans
Hanford: Texans
Knox: Colts
Michelino: Texans
Moton: Colts
O’Donnell: Texans
Sobleski: Texans
ATS Consensus: Texans -6.5
Score Prediction: Texans 24, Colts 17
Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)6 of 16
Eagles RB Saquon BarkleyKyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Although the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense lost some steam over the past two weeks, they still covered 3.5- and 4.5-point spreads against the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, respectively.
Last week, the Philadelphia Eagles offense executed at a high level for the first time since their season opener against the Green Bay Packers, but they did it against a struggling Giants squad.
Our experts came to a consensus in favor of the road underdog in this spot. Knox expects the Eagles to play a more complete game despite a key injury along their offensive line.
“The Bengals are back, right?” Knox asked with a grin. “I wouldn’t be so sure of it.
“We’re used to seeing Cincinnati overcome slow starts, and it has won three of its last four. However, something feels really off with the Bengals. Personally, I’m convinced it’s that Zac Taylor is an average-at-best coach.
“When the Bengals offense has looked good, the defense has stunk. The defense has looked respectable over the last two weeks—albeit against Cleveland and the Malik Nabers-less Giants—but the offense has been out of sync.
“I’m still waiting for Cincinnati to play a good game on both sides of the ball, and I’m not sure we will see it against Philadelphia. I’m not convinced that the Eagles are a contender either, and Jordan Mailata’s absence is extremely concerning. However, I expect Philly to do a better job of consistently showing up on both sides of the ball.”
Predictions
Davenport: Eagles
Gagnon: Bengals
Hanford: Eagles
Knox: Eagles
Michelino: Bengals
Moton: Bengals
O’Donnell: Eagles
Sobleski: Eagles
ATS Consensus: Eagles +2.5
Score Prediction: Eagles 31, Bengals 28
New York Jets (2-5) at New England Patriots (1-6)7 of 16
Jets QB Aaron RodgersJustin Berl/Getty Images
The New York Jets come into this matchup on a four-game losing streak, yet they’re still favored to win by a touchdown.
Anyone who favors the Jets in this spot expects them to finally have their get-right game. That could happen seeing as the New England Patriots have allowed 73 points over the last two weeks.
Gang Green beat New England 24-3 at home in Week 3. Since then, the Jets have fired head coach Robert Saleh, stripped offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of his play-calling duties and acquired wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders.
With those changes, can the Jets replicate or outdo their Week 3 victory over the Patriots? Michelino says yes.
“Things have quickly unraveled at 1 Jets Drive in just the span of the last few weeks,” Michelino said. “After four straight losses, a coaching change, and a trade for Adams, the Jets find themselves at an inflection point. There’s immense pressure to salvage the season with a statement win in New England, and while nobody thrives under pressure quite like Aaron Rodgers, there are legitimate concerns if it’s possible.
“The Patriots have been BAD this season on both sides of the ball, and while rookie Drake Maye has shown flashes, they’ve come in largely uncompetitive efforts thus far. Quite simply, this isn’t just a must-win for the Jets; it’s a must-dominate game.
“With another week to mesh with Adams and Breece Hall finally returning to form, there’s some anecdotal reasons to be optimistic (even if it that feels misguided). I think Rodgers turns in a vintage performance to secure a statement victory and holds off the outside noise for at least another week.”
Predictions
Davenport: Jets
Gagnon: Jets
Hanford: Patriots
Knox: Jets
Michelino: Jets
Moton: Jets
O’Donnell: Jets
Sobleski: Patriots
ATS Consensus: Jets -7
Score Prediction: Jets 26, Patriots 17
Atlanta Falcons (4-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)8 of 16
Buccaneers QB Baker MayfieldCliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
In Week 7, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football. Making matters worse, their top two wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, suffered significant injuries.
Without Evans and Godwin, the Buccaneers figure to elevate second-year pro Trey Palmer and rookie Jalen McMillan into bigger roles.
In Week 5, these teams battled into overtime, and the Atlanta Falcons came out on top 36-30. The Buccaneers must find ways to replace significant offensive production to pull off an upset in this spot. Knox has his eyes on their ground attack.
“I’ll start by saying that I’ve despised picking anything involving the Falcons for years now. Even with the ‘new and improved’ Kirk Cousins-led Falcons, it’s impossible to predict which version of this team is going to show up on any given week. I’m not even going to try here.
“For me, this game will be more about how the Buccaneers respond to the loss of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. They’ll either fold or embrace the underdog role and come out swinging. I think we’ll see the latter, at least for a week.
“I expect Tampa to lean on its newly discovered rushing attack and to blitz the statuesque Cousins into a second straight bad game. I think the Bucs will rally and provide a glimmer of hope that their season isn’t lost.”
Predictions
Davenport: Buccaneers
Gagnon: Falcons
Hanford: Falcons
Knox: Buccaneers
Michelino: Buccaneers
Moton: Falcons
O’Donnell: Buccaneers
Sobleski: Falcons
ATS Consensus: None
Score Prediction: Buccaneers 24, Falcons 23
Arizona Cardinals (3-4) at Miami Dolphins (2-4)9 of 16
Dolphins QB Tua TagovailoaPerry Knotts/Getty Images
The Miami Dolphins offense will get a significant boost with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa set to return to action. Though Tagovailoa struggled before he suffered his third documented concussion in Week 2, the Dolphins had little success moving the ball through the air without him.
Miami hasn’t accumulated more than 179 passing yards in its last four games with Skylar Thompson, Tyler Huntley and Tim Boyle under center. Consequently, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have posted modest receiving numbers.
On Sunday, Tagovailoa will face the Arizona Cardinals’ 26th-ranked pass defense, which should give him a chance to work his way back into a groove.
Davenport sided with the Dolphins to get their mojo back with Tagovailoa.
“This spread and prediction are both based on one potential development—the return of Tagovailoa. All indications are that he’ll be back Sunday, and that will change the dynamic of the game,” Davenport said.
“Neither of these teams are out of the playoff chase, but the Dolphins have less margin for error. They need to get the league’s lowest-scoring offense on track in a hurry, and Arizona’s 24th-ranked scoring defense could be just what the doctor ordered—provided Hill and Waddle don’t both pull hamstrings doing cartwheels the moment Tagovailoa steps back onto the practice field.”
Predictions
Davenport: Dolphins
Gagnon: Cardinals
Hanford: Dolphins
Knox: Dolphins
Michelino: Cardinals
Moton: Dolphins
O’Donnell: Dolphins
Sobleski: Dolphins
ATS Consensus: Dolphins -3
Score Prediction: Dolphins 30, Cardinals 20
Buffalo Bills (5-2) at Seattle Seahawks (4-3)10 of 16
Bills QB Josh AllenTimothy T Ludwig/Getty Images
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has a new No. 1 wide receiver, and he’s yet to throw an interception this season.
Last week, the Bills acquired wideout Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns. He paid immediate dividends, hauling in four out of five targets for 66 yards and a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.
The Bills also have a solid complementary running back who can spell James Cook in rookie fourth-rounder Ray Davis, who’s rushed for 138 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries over the last two weeks.
Buffalo’s offense is on the upswing, while the Seattle Seahawks may have to work around a key injury, which scared our panel away from them in this matchup.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, DK Metcalf is week-to-week with a Grade 1 MCL sprain. Without Metcalf, the Seahawks could struggle to generate explosive plays.
O’Donnell sided with the Bills to cover as their offense picks up steam.
“Seattle has lost each of its last two home games. In the Geno Smith era (or since the start of the 2022 season), the Seahawks are 12-9 straight up at home and only 8-12-1 ATS,” O’Donnell noted. “Josh Allen leads a top-five scoring offense, and the Bills lead the league in turnover differential.
“The Bills’ only winning margin of three or fewer was on Monday Night Football against the division-rival Jets. Seattle’s win in Atlanta last week isn’t enough to force me to overthink this one. Even if the game is close-ish throughout, everything points in Buffalo’s direction when it matters most. I’m leaning more toward the Bills running away with this one, actually.”
Predictions
Davenport: Bills
Gagnon: Bills
Hanford: Bills
Knox: Bills
Michelino: Bills
Moton: Bills
O’Donnell: Bills
Sobleski: Seahawks
ATS Consensus: Bills -3
Score Prediction: Bills 27, Seahawks 23
New Orleans Saints (2-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (3-3)11 of 16
Chargers QB Justin HerbertChristian Petersen/Getty Images
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is still recovering from an oblique injury, so rookie fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler will make his third start despite suffering a hip injury last Thursday.
The Saints lost Rashid Shaheed (knee) for the season, but fellow wideout Chris Olave will likely return after he missed last week’s game because of a concussion.
Most of our panel expects the Los Angeles Chargers to physically dominate the Saints’ 29th-ranked run defense for a decisive victory, but Davenport has a different perspective.
“This game should be a delight to watch—for fans of colonoscopies and trips to the dentist without that wimpy Novocaine nonsense. Three-plus hours of these teams is more terrifying than anything Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers and Jigsaw could ever do, even if they formed a three-man tag team.
“The Saints have been absolutely shredded by injuries on offense, and the Chargers just marched up and down the field against a bad Cardinals defense only to wind up with all of five field goals to show for it. Therein lies the rub: laying over a touchdown with a team scoring 17.7 points per game. Just can’t do it, especially with there being at least a chance that Carr plays.
“Even if he doesn’t? It’s Rattler time again. What could go wrong?”
Predictions
Davenport: Saints
Gagnon: Chargers
Hanford: Chargers
Knox: Chargers
Michelino: Chargers
Moton: Chargers
O’Donnell: Chargers
Sobleski: Chargers
ATS Consensus: Chargers -7.5
Score Prediction: Chargers 24, Saints 14
Kansas City Chiefs (6-0) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-5)12 of 16
Chiefs QB Patrick MahomesMichael Owens/Getty Images
If you think the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs have every reason to take their foot off the gas pedal in this matchup, remember that the two-win Las Vegas Raiders were the last team to beat the reigning champions late last December.
During the offseason, Raiders rookie safety Trey Taylor taunted Patrick Mahomes while holding a Kermit the Frog doll. Meanwhile, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said he presented the recipe for beating the Chiefs.
The Chiefs should have enough fuel to go full throttle in this matchup.
Mahomes and Gardner Minshew are tied for the league lead in interceptions (eight), though Moton has more faith in the Chiefs defense to capitalize off turnovers.
“The Chiefs don’t have much offensive firepower, but they have beaten their last two opponents—the New Orleans Saints (with Derek Carr for most of the contest) and San Francisco 49ers—by double-digit margins,” Moton said.
“The Chiefs’ fifth-ranked defense should be able to force Minshew into more mistakes than Mahomes makes against the Raiders defense. Kansas City has forced seven turnovers compared Las Vegas’ three takeaways.
“With motivation from offseason bulletin-board material, the Chiefs can make an example out of the Raiders, who embarrassed them at their home in Week 16 last year.”
Predictions
Davenport: Chiefs
Gagnon: Raiders
Hanford: Raiders
Knox: Chiefs
Michelino: Raiders
Moton: Chiefs
O’Donnell: Raiders
Sobleski: Chiefs
ATS Consensus: None
Score Prediction: Chiefs 24, Raiders 13
Carolina Panthers (1-6) at Denver Broncos (4-3)13 of 16
Broncos QB Bo NixCooper Neill/Getty Images
On Tuesday, Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton and his family were involved in a car crash. He sprained his thumb in the accident, so Bryce Young will start in his place on Sunday.
On the field, the Panthers face a tough task as they struggle to stay competitive. The Denver Broncos are 5-2 ATS, and the Panthers have only covered against the Las Vegas Raiders this season.
The Broncos aren’t a scoring machine that gives you a ton of confidence to back them on a nine-point spread, but they field a stingy defense that allows 15.1 points per game. Meanwhile, the Panthers have scored only four touchdowns in their last three games combined.
Moton doesn’t see how Carolina can turn its season around in this spot. He laid the points with Denver.
“After the Panthers scored just seven points against the Washington Commanders last week, you have to wonder, how are they going to score points against a high-level defense?” Moton asked rhetorically.
“The Commanders, who have a slightly below-average defense based on total yards and scoring metrics, didn’t allow the Panthers to score until the fourth quarter. Now, Carolina faces a more formidable unit that ranks third in points and yards allowed, and it’ll be doing so with Young under center.
“Meanwhile, Denver may have its best offensive showing of the season against the Panthers, who have allowed the most points in the league through seven weeks.”
Predictions
Davenport: Broncos
Gagnon: Broncos
Hanford: Broncos
Knox: Broncos
Michelino: Panthers
Moton: Broncos
O’Donnell: Broncos
Sobleski: Broncos
ATS Consensus: Broncos -9
Score Prediction: Broncos 28, Panthers 10
Chicago Bears (4-2) at Washington Commanders (5-2)14 of 16
Bears QB Caleb WilliamsHarry Murphy/Getty Images
From an NFL fan perspective, this matchup would lose some sizzle if Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels isn’t able to play through the rib injury that he suffered last week.
So far this season, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Daniels have been the two most impressive rookie signal-callers. One of them will likely emerge as the front-runner for 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year after this contest.
However, Marcus Mariota may start against the Bears’ stout seventh-ranked pass defense.
Coming off the bye, Chicago should be favored, especially with Daniels’ uncertain status. Siding with Washington, Davenport may be holding out with hope that Daniels suits up. Michelino agreed with the consensus pick.
“Caleb Williams is finally proving exactly what he’s capable off, excelling each week after a rough start and leading a potent Bears offense when we last saw them in London. The defense already looked special, but if the offense is going to match it with this level of consistency, the Bears are a legitimate threat in the NFC.
“But Daniels has been arguably more impressive to this point. Featuring a lethal dual-threat arsenal in a talented offense that’s well-coached, the Commanders have catapulted to the top of the NFC East as one of the best offensive teams in the league. Unfortunately, Daniels suffered what looked to be a painful rib injury in Week 7 that puts his status in doubt. Even if he plays, it may limit his ability as a rusher.
“It’s easy to get lost in all the offense allure in this exciting matchup, but I think key plays on defense will decide this game. It’s hard to bet against the Bears with their decisive advantage there.”
Predictions
Davenport: Commanders
Gagnon: Bears
Hanford: Bears
Knox: Bears
Michelino: Bears
Moton: Bears
O’Donnell: Bears
Sobleski: Bears
ATS Consensus: Bears -2.5
Score Prediction: Bears 27, Commanders 17
Dallas Cowboys (3-3) at San Francisco 49ers (3-4)15 of 16
Cowboys QB Dak PrescottSam Hodde/Getty Images
Which team is in a more desperate position heading into Week 8?
The Dallas Cowboys haven’t scored more than 20 points since Week 3, and their opponents have blown them out twice in three losses. Star linebacker Micah Parsons has had an underwhelming start to the season, and he could miss a third consecutive game with an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers have a rash of injuries at wide receiver. Brandon Aiyuk is out for the season with a torn ACL and MCL. Deebo Samuel spent time in the hospital this week with pneumonia and fluid in his lungs. Jauan Jennings missed last week’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with a hip injury. And tight end George Kittle is dealing with a foot sprain.
Our experts are concerned enough with the 49ers’ injuries to believe the Cowboys can cover the spread. Moton doesn’t expect them to win outright, but he thinks they will keep it close.
“Coming off a bye week, the Cowboys should be prepared with a hint of desperation,” Moton said. “After the 49ers, they will face the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans.
“Dallas paid quarterback Dak Prescott and wideout CeeDee Lamb big bucks in extensions for games like this. They will have a chance to carry the Cowboys in a competitive battle against a mediocre defense that ranks 16th in passing yards allowed.
“Because of the injuries within their Niners’ pass-catching group, this game could come down to a field goal either way. Over the years, San Francisco has earned trust in these spots, but the Cowboys do enough to cover the spread.”
Predictions
Davenport: Cowboys
Gagnon: Cowboys
Hanford: Cowboys
Knox: 49ers
Michelino: 49ers
Moton: Cowboys
O’Donnell: 49ers
Sobleski: Cowboys
ATS Consensus: Cowboys +4.5
Score Prediction: 49ers 26, Cowboys 23
New York Giants (2-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)16 of 16
Steelers QB Russell WilsonJustin Berl/Getty Images
Hanford and O’Donnell follow these opposing teams closely, but they agreed on the Pittsburgh Steelers covering by more than a touchdown while discussing this Monday Night Football matchup.
O’Donnell: Ian, you’re a Steelers fan, and I’m a Giants fan; naturally, we pick each other’s teams better than we pick our own teams.
Hanford: Yeah. I think pessimism for your own team combined with being a week late, at least for me. I did not expect Russell Wilson to look the way that he looked.
O’Donnell: This is the same Russell Wilson whom you were against starting this past week, so much so that you took the Jets over the Steelers in Week 7?
Hanford: Yeah, I was not a fan of the Wilson signing. Was not a fan of the quarterback change. But, after a rocky start, Russ undeniably looked good. I’m a tentative to not-so-tentative buyer at this point for what the offense could look like.
O’Donnell: You’re 2-5 in Steelers games. I’m 4-3. And you’re 6-1 to my 4-3 record picking Giants games. We’re both on the Steelers here. But 6.5, that’s not too big a number? Historically, Mike Tomlin is very good on Monday Night Football. Fact-check me, but he’s 21-3 on MNF while the Steelers have won 21 straight MNF home games.
Hanford: Something like that. His track record is very good. I don’t think it’s too many points. The argument would be, at least before the QB change, if what we saw last week was real, every Steelers game is the same. They tend to drown for a little while, play ugly football, keep themselves within a score and find a way to win more often than not.
O’Donnell: But this Giants team has scored 10 total points in their last two games. Points are hard to come by for Daniel Jones and Brian Daboll right now. Scoring a single touchdown will be difficult for the Giants.
Hanford: The sad part for the Giants is that, as good as their defense is, their offense is just as bad. The Jets tried to use a quick game against the Steelers last week, and it kind of kept them off balance at first. In theory, that would work, but I don’t know that Daniel Jones can operate a quick game like that .The results have not been there, and it’s hard to see that changing against what is probably the best defense they’ve seen in the last couple of weeks.
O’Donnell: And this is not one of those opportunities where you think Jones can snap out of it and find some rhythm because he’s 1-14 in prime time. That’s not good. Even if it’s a low-scoring game, 6.5 is simply not enough to back the Giants. We’re both on the Steelers, and so is the rest of the crew.
Predictions
Davenport: Steelers
Gagnon: Steelers
Hanford: Steelers
Knox: Steelers
Michelino: Steelers
Moton: Steelers
O’Donnell: Steelers
Sobleski: Steelers
ATS Consensus: Steelers -6.5
Score Prediction: Steelers 23, Giants 15
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