Believe it or not, we are already halfway through the 2024-25 NFL season. Time flies when you’re betting on soccer! We have a full 16-game schedule ahead of us with no scheduled fixtures, so let’s jump into action with our betting previews and predictions for every game in Week 8.
Minnesota Vikings @ Los Angeles Rams
Thursday, October 24, 8:15 PM, Amazon Prime Video
Spread: Vikings -3
Total: 48.5
This matchup will be much more entertaining than the laughs between the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints last week. The Los Angeles Rams have some momentum after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7, and Cooper Kupp is expected to play for the first time since Week 2. Puka Nacua was also removed from injured reserve and placed on “”TNF.”
The Vikings suffered their first loss of the season to the Detroit Lions last week, holding the defense to 31 points and 7.0 yards per game. A quarterback can burn this defense if he can keep his composure under pressure from Brian Flores, and Matthew Stafford is one of the best in the business.
Matchup to utilize: TJ Hockenson vs. Rams secondary.
The Rams have given up a total of 14 catches, 181 yards and two touchdowns to Brock Bowers and Tucker Kraft over the last two games. If Hockenson was active before this game, take a look at his receiving yards.
Prediction: Vikings 27, Rams 26
Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns
Sunday, October 27, 1 p.m., CBS
Spread: Ravens -8.5
Total: 44.5
In Cleveland, it’s Jameis Winston’s time. Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 7, so Winston will take over as the starter after leading the Browns to a touchdown on the first and only drive of the game. Perhaps this is the week that Cleveland’s 32nd-ranked offense shows some life.
There’s nothing wrong with the Ravens’ offense. Baltimore is averaging 35.0 points per game after starting the season 0-2. Lamar Jackson is the new MVP betting favorite after throwing a career-high five touchdown passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week.
Matchup to utilize: David Njoku vs. Ravens secondary.
Njoku has a season-high 14 targets, 10 catches and 76 receiving yards, and now he has a quarterback throwing downfield at him. Check out Njoku to clean up a prop for receiving yards or find the end zone against a Ravens secondary that struggles to defend tight ends.
Prediction: Browns 28, Ravens 27
New York Jets @ New England Patriots
Sunday, October 27, 1 p.m., CBS
Spread: Jet -7
Total: 41.5
Davante Adams didn’t make much of a difference for the Jets in his debut. New York was overwhelmed by the Pittsburgh Steelers and fell to 2-5. This sets up a must-win game against the New England Patriots, who are coming off an embarrassing loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
One of the positives for the Pats is Drake Maye. He has thrown for 519 yards and five touchdowns through two starts. This offense is at least functional with Maye under center, but the defense has given up at least 30 points in three of the last four games.
Matchup to utilize: Breece Hall vs. Patriots 7th line
The Patriots recently gave up 100-yard rushing games to Tank Bixby, Joe Mixon, and Jordan Mason. Check out Hall for rushing yardage props.
Prediction: Jets 23, Patriots 13
Tennessee Titans @ Detroit Lions
Sunday, October 27th at 1pm, FOX
Spread: Lions -11
Total: 44.5
The Lions took control of the NFC North with a last-minute win over the Vikings last week, and it’s hard to argue that they aren’t the best team in the NFC through seven weeks. Jared Goff established himself as an MVP candidate with a 73.6% completion percentage and 10 touchdown passes.
Meanwhile, the Titans continue to struggle offensively no matter who is under center. Will Levis is waiting for a turnover and Mason Rudolph is not effective at pushing the ball down the field. Things aren’t going to get any easier this week after Tennessee traded DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Matchup to Utilize: Tony Pollard vs. Lions Front 7
Pollard has rushed for at least 61 yards in five of six games this season, and the Lions have given up big plays recently to Aaron Jones and Kenneth Walker. The Titans want to burn the clock and keep Goff off the field, so check on Pollard to see his rushing attempts.
Prediction: Lions 24, Titans 17
Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans
Sunday, October 27, 1 p.m., CBS
Spread: Texas -5.5
Total: 46.5
Now it’s time to talk about Anthony Richardson. The former first-round pick was 10-24 for 129 yards against the Miami Dolphins last week and has completed just 48.5% of his pass attempts this season. It doesn’t look good for Richardson, but he should bring back Jonathan Taylor after missing three games.
The Texans are coming off a last-second loss to the Green Bay Packers, and without Nico Collins, their passing game appears to be broken. CJ Stroud threw for just 86 yards against Green Bay and was under pressure throughout the game. Six defensive starters are listed as questionable for Week 8, so if Richardson plays well, this could be a sneaky embarrassment point.
Matchup to utilize: Tanks Dell vs. Colts secondary.
Dell held no runs last week, but he’s a much better matchup against a Colts secondary that consistently produces explosive passing plays. Take a look at Dell’s longest reception props.
Prediction: Colts 23, Texas 20
