There are some hefty spreads on the Week 8 betting lines. Does that mean this is a free pass to the second half of your knockout pool, or will some underdog rise and wipe out a good portion of those remaining?
Don’t think about it
Kansas City, sans Patrick Mahomes, plays host to Green Bay on Sunday. Aaron Rodgers vs. Matt Moore is a mismatch. However, the Chiefs’ defense came alive in Denver and it simply isn’t worth banking on them losing three straight at home, no matter how tempting the Packers appear. The Niners are undefeated. And, most likely, many of you used them against Washington. However, if you have them as an option, audible away. Carolina got its act together before the bye and stands a chance to hassle Kyle Shanahan’s team. Another team that was probably used is Buffalo, which toppled Miami. The Bills play host to Philadelphia. As bad as Philly looked against Dallas, expect some sort of a rebound. And that might not matter because the Bills play to the level of their opponent. This should be a toss-up, which means it is a toss-out. Misery must love company as the schedule maker has the Los Angeles Chargers facing the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Two of the most disappointing teams of the season. Stay far away.
Let the bettor beware
Miami has a flicker of a pulse and heads to Pittsburgh for a Monday Night game that ESPN probably wishes it could have the luxury of flexing. The Steelers are going in the right direction. However, they remain using a second- or third-string QB that could be problematic in any situation. The anti-Dolphin pick is not worth it in Week 8. The Raiders are up and down. And the game against the Packers was down. Deshaun Watson should have a field day after the way Aaron Rodgers dissected the Silver and Black. That said, the Texans came up empty against Indy and if the up Oakland team shows up it could be a headache. The Jets head to Jacksonville off a short week. Sacksonville could make life miserable for Sam Darnold. Then again, not sure it is worth banking the season on the Jets or Jags at any point.
Tempting fate
Denver looked anemic against KC. Horrible. Indianapolis is coming off a big victory over Houston. Could this be the spot for a letdown? Will Drew Brees take over for Teddy Bridgewater in New Orleans to face Kyler Murray and Arizona? It shouldn’t matter, especially when you factor the Cardinals’ three victories are against teams with a combined 3-18 record. Still, there are better options, especially if you factor in possible ring rust. Cleveland visits New England. The Browns have been erratic to dismal. The Pats are coming into the game off a short week. This is one to watch. Seattle visits 1-6 Atlanta. The Seahawks have to be stinging after losing to Baltimore. Atlanta has fallen apart and seems intent on costing Dan Quinn his job. Could the Falcons soar in this battle of the birds? Matt Ryan’s status plays a large role on where this one falls. The Lions seem to be in a great spot to torment Daniel Jones and the Giants. Then again, this is Detroit. No thanks.
Go for it
Plenty of options to select on this week’s bettors’ buffet. Tempting to go for an immediate score on Thursday as the Vikings play host to woeful Washington and are double-digit favorites. The revenge of Case Keenum? Unlikely. Speaking of revenge, the Rams might have more troubles with their body clocks against Cincinnati in London than with the winless Bengals. That said, Zac Taylor has to hope the Bengals show some pride in playing against his former team. Take your pick. It doesn’t feel like you will be at great risk either way.
