Jump to content
Bills Fans Gear Now Available! ×
Jackson
Jackson

Billsfans Bets: NFL Week 8 Picks

   (0 reviews)

© George Walker IV -USA TODAY Sports

 

We're getting closer to the midway point of the 2022 NFL season, and while there have been some standout performances, Philadelphia and Buffalo, for example, the playoff picture is still relatively cloudy. The slate for this weekend brings with it several close matchups, with only Dallas joining the AFC and NFC East leaders on handicaps greater than a single touchdown. We look at some of the closest matchups below. 

 

mUSATSI_19246668.jpg

© Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings

Betting Lines:

Spread: Cardinals +3.5, Vikings -3.5

Total: Over/Under 48.5

Money line: Cardinals +150, Vikings -187

 

The Arizona Cardinals travel to Minneapolis on Sunday to take on the Minnesota Vikings. Kliff Kingsbury has come under significant pressure in recent weeks from fans, analysts, and even his own players. His man under center, Kyler Murray, didn't hesitate to confront his coach in their recent win over the New Orleans Saints. 

 

The Cardinals' offense had a huge game that night with DeAndre Hopkins back, topping 100 yards receiving, although his fellow wide receivers will want to increase their workload moving forward. The ground game was even more impressive without James Conner (ankle). Eno Benjamin stepped up with 92 yards across 12 carries, ably backed up by rookie Keontay Ingram who notched his first touchdown for the Red Sea.

 

On defense, Zaven Collins continues to grow into his role, while Isaiah Simmons turned the clock back to 2020 with another Week 7 Pick 6 at home. Marco Wilson was awarded NFC Defensive Player of the Week after a particularly impactful interception, in which he returned it to the house in style. However, there is still cause for concern for the Cardinals' defense which conceded 17 points in the 4th quarter and looked particularly frail against the passing game, with Andy Dalton picking up 350+ yards and four passing touchdowns.

 

This is something 5-1 Minnesota will seek to take advantage of against Arizona. The Vikings' passing yardage sits within the top-3rd of all NFL teams. Justin Jefferson is averaging 100+ yards per game, ably backed up by Adam Thielen and KJ Osborn. The Vikings average 24 points a game and come off a bye week which will have enabled them plenty of time to develop a strategy to take Arizona down. 

 

This could very well be a close game. While you cannot discount the Murray factor under such conditions, I see Arizona needing more here to put Minnesota away despite their better record away from home. The Over/Under lines look high, so I'm taking Minnesota's spread at -3.5 and the Under as a result.

 

mUSATSI_19247785.jpg

© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams

Betting Lines:

Spread: 49ers -1.5, Rams +1.5

Total: Over/Under 43.5

Money line: 49ers -120, Rams +100

 

The NFC West favorite Rams host a San Francisco team that has come under scrutiny in the past two weeks after back-to-back losses against the Falcons and the Chiefs. The 49ers held the best defense in terms of total yards allowed in the first five weeks of the season, notably pressuring opposition quarterbacks but also dealing well with the running threat. That same defense seemed particularly exposed on 3rd down against the Chiefs, best highlighted by Charvarius Ward's mistake on 3rd and long, as individual errors and penalties allowed the game to get away from them in the second half. 

 

Except for the Carolina game, the San Francisco offense hasn't been able to dominate games away from home, scoring just 14 or fewer points against the Falcons, Bears, and Broncos. Aerially, the offense looks stagnant. Aiyuk and Samuel have averaged only 50+ yards per game, with Kittle and Ray-Ray McCloud arguably having a more significant impact against the Chiefs last Sunday. Christian McCaffrey excelled early in that game, working well in tandem with Jeff Wilson Jr. However, whether by design or coincidence, the offense failed to deliver in the second half, and the ground game was restricted in role and impact. 

 

The Rams were potential suitors for McCaffrey after seeking to trade their own running back, Cam Akers. Of which, whose favored destination is, as yet, unknown (I'm leaning towards Buffalo here). In his absence, Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown continue to share the load on the ground in an offense that has failed to deliver, posting the second-worst yards-per-game of all NFL teams. The aerial threat has been better equipped to deliver, with the ever-impressive Kupp averaging 100+ yards per game, Allen Robinson achieving a season-high performance against Carolina, and Tyler Higbee regularly contributing. 

 

This should be another close game, with little to pick between the teams. The Rams have not been scoring well, and San Francisco will also want to assert their defensive dominance. It's likely to take a mercurial moment from one individual player to get the victory here, a Kittle or a Kupp, perhaps. Either way, back the Under.

 

mUSATSI_19249790.jpg

© Dan Powers/USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots @ New York Jets

Betting Lines:

Spread: Patriots -1.5, Jets +1.5,

Total: Over/Under 40.5

Money line: Patriots -125, Jets +105

 

The stage is set for one of the most fascinating Jets v Patriots games in recent memory. The Patriots have won the last 12 matchups between the teams, with their only losses since January 2011 coming in overtime. The Jets will rarely have a better time getting their revenge as they aim to extend their 4-game winning streak.

 

Having defied the odds all season, the Jets come into this game with some personnel concerns. Breakout running back Breece Hall was a contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year before tearing his ACL against the Broncos, having scored four touchdowns and rushed for 463 yards across the season. GM Joe Douglas worked quickly to bring in James Robinson from Jacksonville Jaguars for a likely 5th Round pick. Robinson himself will have much to prove, having started the season so well before losing his role to Travis Etienne. Further injury concerns surround Corey Davis, who has led the passing game with 350+ receiving yards but will hopefully be fit for this game.

 

The Jets' defense isn't giving up a huge amount of yardage compared to their NFL peers, and they've been equally adept at defending the ground and air, giving up just 5 yards per play. The Patriots are likely to have their work cut out getting the ball near the Red Zone and ultimately converting.

 

Offensively, the Patriots have had more success running the ball than they have passing it so far this season. The production of Damien Harris has been notably reduced in recent weeks due to hamstring concerns, and he's struggled to see his share of carries. His teammate, Rhamondre Stevenson, has seen a higher workload as a result and has been able to capitalize, notching three touchdowns in his past two games. Stevenson was also the most targeted receiver in three of the last four games, demonstrating the lack of consistent alternative options within the Patriots' aerial game.

 

That consistency extends to Quarterback, where it still needs to be determined who will start under center. Bailey Zappe led the Patriots to back-to-back wins in Weeks 5 and 6, then replaced Mac Jones early into the contest against Chicago on Monday night. Zappe communicated his faith in play-caller Matt Patricia after that game, and the relationship between the two could ultimately see Zappe being given the nod to start against the Jets.

 

Ultimately, this too will be a close game. I'm backing the Jets to win on the Moneyline, with Over 40.5 points scored between the teams.

 

 

Related articles you might enjoy:

Billsfans Bets: NFL Week 7 Picks

Billsfans Bets: NFL Week 6 Picks

Billsfans Bets: NFL Week 5 Picks

Billsfans Bets: NFL Week 4 Picks

Billsfans Bets: NFL Week 3 Picks

 

 

GAMBLING PROBLEM?

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the 24-hour confidential national helpline

(1-800-426-2537) or visit The National Council on Problem Gaming.

 

DISCLAIMER

BillsFans is not a gambling website. All information on this website is intended for entertainment purposes only.

Rumbling Herd Media, LLC is not affiliated with any gaming outlets, professional sports teams, the NFL, and/or any association

User Feedback

Guest

  • Easy Tailgating Dip Recipes

    The Bills return home to Buffalo and are playing at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY, this Sunday as they host the Miami Dolphins.    There's nothing skinny about these dip recipes! And they all look amazing. Easy-to-make dips for home-gating or tailgating. So, take a dip as the Bills attempt to Squish the Fish this weekend!   Whether you are meeting friends at the stadium or an outside lot or doing your own little tailgating celebration in a stadium parking lot or in your back

    Home Tailgating Menus

    Easy Tailgating Recipes

    Wow, it has been a while since the Buffalo Bills had a home game. I bet your ready to tailgate?  This week's tailgating menu consists of very easy recipes sure to please your friends and family!   The Bills take on the Tennessee Titans this Monday evening in Buffalo at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY.   Whether you are meeting friends at the stadium or an outside lot or doing your own little tailgating celebration in a stadium parking lot or in your backyard or den, these terr

    Home Tailgating Menus

    Monday Night Tailgating Recipes

    Are you ready for some Monday Night Football tailgating!? The Bills take on the Jacksonville Jaguars this Monday evening in Buffalo at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY.   The Buffalo Bills second home game of the year is a great time for home-gating, tailgating, and good football food while watching the game.     Whether you are meeting friends at the stadium or an outside lot or doing your own little tailgating celebration in a stadium parking lot or in your backyard or

    Home Tailgating Menus

    Home Opener Tailgate Recipes

    Sunday is the home opener versus the Arizona Cardinals in Buffalo at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY.   The Buffalo Bills home opener is finally here, and it would not be hyperbole to say that Bills Mafia is looking forward to the 2024 NFL season. We all have high hopes for the Buffalo Bills this year.   Whether you are meeting friends at the stadium or an outside lot or doing your own little tailgating celebration in a stadium parking lot, these terrific tailgating recipes mi

    Home Tailgating Menus

    Ring in the New Year Tailgating Recipes

    This Sunday, Buffalo's last regular season home game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park is against the New England Patriots.   Taking into consideration this season as a whole and that we are about to ring in a New Year, I decided a nice stiff drink was in order. These ciders, mulled wines, spiked hot chocolate, and coffee recipes are just what this fanbase needs to close out the season at home. (Over 21 crowd, of course) So make up a thermos to take along to tailgate or make up a slow cook

    Home Tailgating Menus
  • Highmark Stadium for the WC game against the Steelers

    Jan 15, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; General view of the stadium during the game between Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 2024 AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium.

    2023 Buffalo Bills

    Stef leaves the field after the '24 AFC Divisional

    Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) reacts after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium.

    2023 Buffalo Bills

    Josh takes off as Reggie Gilliam blocks

    Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs with the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half of the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium.

    2023 Buffalo Bills

    Darrynton Evans is not going to be denied a TD on this run

    Aug 26, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Darrynton Evans (37) runs for a touchdown against Chicago Bears linebacker Micah Baskerville (47) during the second half at Soldier Field. 

    2023 Buffalo Bills

    O'Cyrus Torrence blocks for Ty Johnson against the Cowboys

    Dec 17, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (26) runs the ball in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at Highmark Stadium.

    2023 Buffalo Bills


×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue., Guidelines