Forecaster Frank NFL Picks: Week 8
Thursday Night
TB +1.5 (o/u 45)
Buccaneers 20 Ravens 17
It is easy to abandon ship on the Buccaneers as they have lost four of five, including inexcusable losses to the Steelers and Panthers. Returning home for Thursday Night Football, they face a Ravens team that has routinely blown double-digit leads. Expect a Tom Brady fourth quarter comeback as Tampa rights the ship.
London Calling
Jax -2.5 (o/u 39)
Jaguars 12 Broncos 9
Fans in London love field goals, as their soccer madness carries over to American Football. The fans will get a kick out of this matchup. The Broncos cannot finish drives as the red zone turns into the dead zone, no matter who is at quarterback. The Jaguars have had their own struggles in the last month, losing winnable games against the Colts and Giants the past two weeks.
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Sunday at 1
Car +4.5 (o/u 42)
Falcons 24 Panthers 20
The Panthers are 2-0 against the NFC South, beating the Saints and Buccaneers. The Falcons have been among the NFL's biggest surprises as they are 3-4 after most experts expected them to be among the worst teams in the NFL. The Falcons will win, but the Panthers won't make it easy.
Chi +9.5 (o/u 42.5)
Cowboys 17 Bears 10
Dak Prescott returned and had his struggles last week as the Cowboys pulled away late to beat the Lions. The Bears, meanwhile, stunned the Patriots on Monday Night. The spread seems a bit high as the Bears can play a little defense, as they will keep the game close.
Mia -3.5 (o/u 51.5)
Dolphins 24 Lions 16
Tua Tagovailoa returned last week as the Dolphins won their first Sunday Night game in nearly two decades. Tua played well in the first half as the Dolphins went into a shell in this second half. After starting strong on offense, the Lions have been stuck in a ditch over the last two weeks. Expect the struggles to continue for Jared Goff and the Lions as the Dolphins get the win.
Min -3.5 (o/u 49)
Vikings 24 Cardinals 17
The Cardinals are coming off a strong performance on Thursday Night, while the Vikings are 5-1 and coming off their bye. The Vikings have played well in 2022 but often have come in flat after their bye. Expect the Vikings to struggle early, but they will pull away in the fourth quarter as the Cardinals fail to take control of the game when given a chance.
LV -2 (o/u 49.5)
Raiders 27 Saints 17
Something clicked last week for the Raiders, as they dominated the Texans in the second half to earn a much-needed victory. They have yet to win on the road and struggle in early kickoffs, but the Saints are quarterback situation is a mess, with Jameis Winston hurting and Andy Dalton playing like Andy Dalton.
NYJ +1.5 (o/u 40.5)
Jets 17 Patriots 13
The Patriots were embarrassed on Monday Night. Usually, you would expect a quick bounceback, but with Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe fighting over the quarterback spot there is trouble in New England. With a loss here and there season could be over on Halloween weekend. The Jets are playing strong defense with Sauce Gardner quickly becoming one of the best defensive backs in the NFL.
Pit +10.5 (o/u 43)
Eagles 23 Steelers 16
Everything is coming up roses in Philadelphia, as the Phillies are in the World Series and the Eagles are the NFL's only unbeaten team. The Eagles are coming off a bye, and have to be on the lookout for a letdown. The Steelers despite their struggles on offense, have played well on defense, and will keep this one close.
Sunday Late Games
Ten -2 (o/u 40.5)
Titans 31 Texans 17
The Texans have been a tease, holding games close in the first half only to shrink in the second half. The Titans have yet to hit their stride, yet are in the driver's seat in the AFC South. Look for a big day from Derrick Henry as the Titans roll in Houston.
Was +3 (o/u 39.5)
Commanders 20 Colts 17
This was to be a Carson Wentz revenge game but Wentz is inured. Taylor Heinicke played well last week as the Commanders stunned the Packers. The Colts looking to turn another page will have Sam Ehlinger starting, but with a strong defense from Washington and a struggling offensive line for Indianapolis, nothing chances as the Colts again have the Blues.
SF -1.5 (o/u 43.5)
49ers 23 Rams 13
The 49ers had their way with the Rams earlier this month. Since then the Niners have struggled losing to the Falcons and Chiefs. The Rams tried to acquire Christian McCaffery but were outbid by the 49ers. Look for CMC to have a field day, as the Niners get back on the winning track.
NYG +3 (o/u 45)
Giants 20 Seahawks 16
What do the Giants need to do to garner respect. They are 6-1, and still being listed as an underdog, as they were last week in Jacksonville. The Giants defense has made the plays when need, while Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones have been making the plays on offense as the Giants have pulled out every game in the fourth quarter.
Sunday Night
Buf -11 (o/u 47.5)
Bills 37 Packers 17
Something is rotten in Green Bay, as the Packers have lost three straight as frustration is mounting for Aaron Rodgers. They are double-digit underdogs this week as the Bills have been firing on all cylinders and are coming off a bye week after beating the Chiefs. Look for Josh Allen to outshine Rodgers under the lights as the Bills rumble to victory.
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Monday Night
Cin -3.5 (o/u 47)
Bengals 27 Browns 16
The Bengals' offense found its rhythm last week as Joe Burrow passed for 481 yards against the Falcons. On Halloween they will carve up the Browns and with the Battle of Ohio, turning Cleveland into a bunch of pumpkins.