Week 8 of the 2021 NFL season begins Thursday with the Green Bay Packers visiting the undefeated Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz. The Los Angeles Times' NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week's matchups.
— Farmer's record last week: 9-4 (.692); season 70-37 (.654). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 6-7 (.462); season 51-54-2 (.486).
— Teams on bye: Ravens, Raiders.
Times Pacific. Lines according to FanDuel (O/U = over/under):
Packers (6-1) at Cardinals (7-0)
Thursday, 5:20 p.m.
Line: Cardinals by 6 1/2. O/U: 50 1/2.
The Cardinals are rolling and at home, and the Green Bay defense is pretty banged up. Still, Aaron Rodgers is capable of putting up at least 24 points. Arizona keeps it going on a short week.
Prediction: Cardinals 31, Packers 24
Dolphins (1-6) at Bills (4-2)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Bills by 13 1/2. O/U: 49 1/2.
If the Dolphins try to play man defense, Josh Allen and those Buffalo receivers are going to have a huge day. Miami can dink and dunk with Tua Tagovailoa, but that's not going to get it done.
Prediction: Bills 38, Dolphins 13
Steelers (3-3) at Browns (4-3)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Browns by 3 1/2. O/U: 42 1/2.
Pittsburgh's offensive line isn't very good and the defense might not be as good as advertised. Cleveland is getting some players back, including Nick Chubb, and Case Keenum is up to QB job if necessary.
Prediction: Browns 23, Steelers 20
Titans (5-2) at Colts (3-4)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Colts by 1. O/U: 51.
Teams on winning streaks. The Titans are coming off big wins over Buffalo and Kansas City. The Colts are solid and getting healthier. Titans lean on Derrick Henry and keeps Indy offense sidelined.
Prediction: Titans 24, Colts 21
Bengals (5-2) at Jets (1-5)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Bengals by 10 1/2. O/U: 42.
The Jets are playing OK on defense, but their offense is a collection of turnovers and three-and-outs. They might improve a bit with Joe Flacco. The Bengals are loaded with ways to score.
Prediction: Bengals 27, Jets 14
Panthers (3-4) at Falcons (3-3)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Falcons by 3. O/U: 46.
The Panthers are really struggling. Sam Darnold has regressed since the start of the season and badly needs Christian McCaffrey. Atlanta is nothing great, but Kyle Pitts is a difference-maker.
Prediction: Falcons 24, Panthers 20
49ers (2-4) at Bears (3-4)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: 49ers by 3 1/2. O/U: 39 1/2.
Justin Fields is getting hit by the time he plants his foot. Now, introduce him to Nick Bosa, Dee Ford and the rest of the 49ers front. Bears do get better if Akiem Hicks can play, but not enough better.
Prediction: 49ers 21, Bears 13
Eagles (2-5) at Lions (0-7)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Eagles by 3 1/2. O/U: 48.
Detroit is going to beat somebody, and two-win Eagles are a strong candidate. Lions are playing hard for Dan Campbell (ask the Rams) and the Eagles are hobbled on offense. Jalen Hurts is too streaky.
Prediction: Lions 27, Eagles 24
Rams (6-1) at Texans (1-6)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Rams by 14 1/2. O/U: 47 1/2.
The Rams let Detroit hang around too long and special teams were terrible. But that scare should inspire them to put Texans away quickly. Texans are terrible and would need to get really lucky.
Prediction: Rams 34, Texans 13
Patriots (3-4) at Chargers (4-2)
Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
Line: Chargers by 6. O/U: 49.
People expect the Patriots to be good because they're the Patriots. But Chargers are rested, ready and loaded with more talent. Plus, they're at home. Brandon Staley should have them ready.
Prediction: Chargers 27, Patriots 17
Jaguars (1-5) at Seattle (2-5)
Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
Line: Seahawks by 3. O/U: 43 1/2.
The wind is out of the Seahawks' sails, and they're susceptible to a loss. But Jaguars just aren't good, and it's hard to see them pulling off the upset. QB Geno Smith does enough to get the job done.
Prediction: Seahawks 23, Jaguars 21
Washington Football Team (2-5) at Broncos (3-4)
Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
Line: Broncos by 3. O/U: 44.
Getting Jerry Jeudy back is big for Broncos. He can beat man coverage quickly, allowing indecisive Teddy Bridgewater to get the ball out of his hands. What happened to Washington's defense?
Prediction: Broncos 27, Washington 21
Buccaneers (6-1) at Saints (4-2)
Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
Line: Buccaneers by 5. O/U: 50.
But for one big breakdown, Saints pass defense looked great in last weekend's win at Seattle. But that was against Geno Smith, and this week it's against Tom Brady. The Buccaneers come through.
Prediction: Buccaneers 30, Saints 20
Cowboys (5-1) at Vikings (3-3)
Sunday, 5:20 p.m.
Line: Cowboys by 1 1/2. O/U: 55.
Both teams are rested. Cowboys have an explosive passing offense, but Minnesota has the pass rush to give quarterbacks problems. Kirk Cousins is good enough to direct the home team to a minor upset.
Prediction: Vikings 28, Cowboys 27
Giants (2-5) at Chiefs (3-4)
Monday, 5:15 p.m.
Line: Chiefs by 9 1/2. O/U: 52.
Bounce-back game for struggling Chiefs. Giants sacked Carolina quarterbacks six times Sunday, but getting to Patrick Mahomes won't be so easy. Neither of these teams has a good pass defense.
Prediction: Chiefs 27, Giants 21
