Looking ahead at Week 8 in the 2020 NFL regular season, there are some teams who have a shot at history. Kansas City opened as a 21-point favorite against the New York Jets. That’s the biggest point spread for the Chiefs as a favorite in the history of the franchise. It’s only the 14th time since the merger between the AFL and NFL that a team has been favored to win by at least 20 points. In the other 13, the favorite has covered just three times. Another team looking at history is the Dallas Cowboys, who could join just the 1991 Bengals and the 2003 Raiders as the only teams since 1970 to start 0-8 against the spread.
For now, though, we’re not worrying about the point spread as we look at the straight up NFL betting picks for the coming week’s slate of games.
NFL News: SU Picks for Week 8
Bye Week: Arizona, Washington, Jacksonville, Houston
Thursday, October 29
Atlanta (+3) at Carolina (8:20 pm ET, FOX / NFL Network)
The Falcons have gone 8-2 SU in their last ten games against the Panthers, although Carolina did win the first meeting this year, winning 23-16 despite being 2 ½-point underdogs. Teddy Bridgewater’s trajectory in Carolina has been a little uneven as the team started 0-2 and then went to 2-2 but is now 3-4. The Falcons haven’t pulled things together yet, though. Panthers to win.
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Sunday, November 1
Early Games
New England (+4) at Buffalo (CBS)
New England has won 29 of the last 32 meetings between these two teams, including the last seven in a row. Bills quarterback Josh Allen is 0-3 lifetime against the Pats. However, the Pats have lost three in a row for the first time since 2002, as Cam Newton has not bounced back from his bout of COVID-19. Bills to win.
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Tennessee (-4) at Cincinnati (CBS)
How about that Cleveland-Cincinnati tilt last week? How about the Titans missing a field goal with time expiring that would have sent their game with Pittsburgh to overtime? The Titans have won five straight as the favorite on the road, and I see their running game breaking down the Bengals. Titans to win.
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Las Vegas (+3) at Cleveland (FOX)
The Browns are 7-1 straight up in their last eight home games. The Raiders are 3-8 straight up in their last 11 games in the Eastern time zone — but 3-2 in their last five road games, including a win at Kansas City. I see Gruden figuring out a way to outcoach the Browns this week. Raiders to win.
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Indianapolis (-2.5) at Detroit (CBS)
Indianapolis is 13-7 straight up against NFC teams since the start of the 2015 campaign. Detroit has won two of their last 10 games played in November. Detroit somehow beat the Falcons last week, but that won’t happen two weeks in a row. Colts to win.
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Minnesota (+7) at Green Bay (FOX)
I have to admit I thought the Vikings would push Green Bay in the division, and so far Minnesota has pushed closer toward the #1 draft pick, with a 1-5 record. The Vikings were the favorite when the teams met in Week 1. Packers to win.
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N.Y. Jets (+21) at Kansas City (CBS)
This is the 15th time the Chiefs have been double-digit favorites since Andy Reid came to town as coach in 2013. In the first 14 games, the Chiefs have gone 11-3 straight up. You’ll have to eat a sour moneyline if you want KC straight up here, because this should be easy pickings at home. Chiefs to win.
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L.A. Rams (-3.5) at Miami (FOX)
Under Sean McVay, the Rams are 10-3 straight up against AFC competition. The Rams also smothered the Bears on Sunday night. I bet they can make Tua Tagovailoa’s life miserable next week. Rams to win.
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Pittsburgh (+5.5) at Baltimore (CBS)
Baltimore is 13-2 straight up in their last 15 home games, and they have won three of the last four meetings with the Steelers. I think the Ravens’ offense finds holes in the Pittsburgh defense that other teams haven’t yet found. Ravens to win.
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Late Games
L.A. Chargers (-1) at Denver (CBS)
Denver has won nine of the last 12 meetings between these two teams, sweeping the 2019 series. However, Drew Lock struggled against the Chiefs last week, and the Chargers bring a mammoth pass rush. Chargers to win.
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New Orleans (-2.5) at Chicago (FOX)
The Bears couldn’t move the ball much against the Rams on Sunday night. As a home underdog, they have split the last 18 games. New Orleans is 14-3 straight up as a road favorite over that same time period. Saints to win.
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San Francisco (+3.5) at Seattle (FOX)
Seattle’s dreadful defense was exposed against Arizona, as Russell Wilson threw three interceptions and left that awful D on the field. Seattle has won 10 of their last 12 against the 49ers, though. Seahawks to win.
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Sunday Night Football
Dallas (+3.5) at Philadelphia (8:20 pm ET, NBC)
Dallas is set to start either third-stringer Ben DiNucci (a rookie who was the team’s seventh-round draft pick this year) or Andy Dalton, if they can rush their backup through the concussion protocol. Eagles to win.
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Monday Night Football
Tampa Bay (-10) at N.Y. Giants (8:15 pm ET, ESPN)
The Buccaneers have figured out how to beat NFC contenders. The Giants haven’t figured out how to run 90 yards without falling down. Bucs to win.
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