The Week 8 NFL slate will come to an end on Monday night, when the Cincinnati Bengals head across Ohio to face the Cleveland Browns. This matchup would have had a lot more drama to it if Deshaun Watson were the Browns’ starting quarterback, but his suspension continues, and Jacoby Brissett will lead the Browns’ offense. Joe Burrow almost hit the 500-yard passing mark last week against Atlanta, and the Bengals’ high-octane offense is much different than the grinding, run-first approach that the Browns bring with Brissett under center. Which of these teams will come away with a win? We talk about all of the prime-time games for Week 8, as well as top games from the two Sunday time windows, as you consider your online betting for the weekend.
NFL News: Big Game Rundown for Week 8
→ Thursday, October 27
Baltimore Ravens (-1.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (O/U 45)
(8:15 pm ET, Prime Video)
Baltimore has lost three games this season, and in each of those games, they let a double-digit lead get away. They tried to do it again this past weekend, as the Cleveland Browns came back from a 20-10 deficit before falling, 23-20. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have turned a 3-1 start into a 3-4 record, hopefully hitting bottom with that 21-3 loss at Carolina on Sunday. Remember that Carolina is starting a third-string quarterback and traded Christian McCaffrey away last week. They traded their top receiver, A.J. Brown, to Philadephia before the season started. Also remember, though, that few players are as tough-minded as Tom Brady. Can he bounce back? Against a mentally soft team like Baltimore (at least when it comes to defending leads), I say yes. Buccaneers to cover.
→ Sunday, October 30
New England Patriots (-1) at N.Y. Jets (41)
(1:00 pm ET, CBS)
The most distressing sign from New England’s Monday night embarrassment against Chicago is that the defense didn’t even get off the bus. The Chicago Bears have had a hard time struggling against every team they’ve faced this season – until the Patriots. The quarterback situation in New England is also in flux, as Mac Jones returned from his ankle sprain, only to get yanked after three series. Bailey Zappe led the team to a pair of touchdowns before halftime but then lost effectiveness after halftime. What’s the solution in New York? The Jets lost tailback Breece Hall to an ACL tear and traded for Jacksonville’s James Robinson, but that’s a huge dropoff in speed and talent. The Jets’ defense dismantled Green Bay at Lambeau Field, though, and I think they’re ready for either Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe. Jets to cover.
San Francisco 49ers (-2) at L.A. Rams (42)
(4:25 pm ET, FOX)
The Rams get to come out of the bye against a San Francisco defense that just got torched by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. The 49ers have already beaten the Rams once this season, so I expect Sean McVay to have made some adjustments. However, the Rams have struggled to move the ball – and the 49ers have had the Rams’ number during the regular season over the past few seasons. This time around, I see the Rams’ pass rush rattling Jimmy Garoppolo and causing enough problems to get the cover. Rams to cover.
Green Bay Packers (+11) at Buffalo Bills
(47.5) (8:20 pm ET, NBC)
This is the largest line that the Packers have faced as underdogs since Aaron Rodgers entered his prime at quarterback. Despite having Aaron Jones and Aaron Dillon, the Packers are not giving the duo of tailbacks enough carries, and their passing game features a lack of skill at wide receiver. Buffalo will come out of the bye prepared to manage Green Bay, even if the first half is close. Bills to win and cover.
→ Monday, October 31
Cincinnati Bengals (-3) at Cleveland Browns
(47.5) (8:15 pm ET, ESPN)
Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are clicking, and Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are also catching passes in bunches. Joe Mixon and Samaji Perine are pounding the ball on the ground. Also, their defense continues to make clutch plays. Cleveland has the top rushing offense in the NFL, thanks to Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, but I don’t think the Browns can keep up with the Bengals here, even at home. Bengals to win and cover.
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