NFL 2021 Week 8 Predictions

The commish is coming off a 2-3 week when Seattle laid an egg in the rain as they continue their slide without Russell Wilson in the driver’s seat.  That brings our season record to 20/35 (57%).  Thanks to member CUSEBOY for pointing out we over stated our record by one game last week.  But we’re now ready fo our NFL 2021 Week 8 Predictions as we have arrived at the mid-season point of another NFL season.    All lines are from Wanamakeabet.com at the time of posting.

Pittsburgh Steelers + 4 over Cleveland Browns

It’s no secret the commish is a die hard Buckeye and Browns fan.  And being honest with yourself about your team’s abilities in certain game states is important for handicapping and profitability.  Despite my power rankings having the Browns ranked #6 and the Steelers ranked #16, I make this line closer to pick-em than the current number of 4.  Cleveland knocked the Steelers out of the playoffs last year which sets up today’s game as revenge central for the Black.  Two weeks rest for Pitt and 10 days for Cleveland but the Browns continue to be banged up in every major skill position in addition to several important pieces on defense.  As much as I love to bash Ben for being toast, he can still take care of the ball and will bring the Steelers to either victory or right to do the final possession today on the shores of lake Erie.

New York Jets + 11 over Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have become the darling of the NFL this season and my backing of them is well documented having cashed the last two weeks against doormat Detroit and division rival Baltimore.   Now they take their electric offense into the Jersey swamp at the Meadowlands for the third road game in as many weeks.   And yet that hasn’t stopped the entire country from piling on and locking Cincy into Survivor pools.  The Jets are the worst team in the league and despite Cincy’s recent success, I still have them ranked 9th overall.  Today, an aging Joe Flacco comes in to take over at QB and the way I see this playing out is a big mean regression model adjustment game.  In other words, the Jets aren’t this bad Cincy isn’t this good.  One stat that really got me on the Jets this week was the look-ahead line for this game was Cincy -3.   Does anyone really believe that a market adjustment of 8 points is what the Bengals deserve for their third straight road game?

Detroit Lions +3.5 over Philadelphia Eagles

Philly laid an egg in Vegas last week and still has the commish scratching his head as to the identity of this team.  Jalen Hurts is not a long term solution and I have downgraded his ranking into the bottom 10% of QBs  in the league.  Of course, he is joined there by Jared Goff who continues to struggle and so does the Detroit offensive line.  But the Lions have so much fight in them that getting more than a field goal at home today as Philly hits the road for the second straight week may get the Lions their first win of the season.    Philly has some problems in the locker room as their motivation and effort was absolutely concerning last week.   And you don’t just bounce back and go out and pummel next week’s opponent.  Meanwhile, the Lions continue to fight hard every single play, every single week for themselves and their coach and today may be the day they finally break through.

LA Chargers -4.5 over New England

This line has been moving the opposite direction from what I expected this week and so here we have an opportunity that has the commish licking his chops.   New England is over rated and the Chargers are under rated and that’s the basis of this handicap.  Yes, my power rankings have the Pats #13 and Chargers at #17.  The Pats are 3-4 and have beaten the Jets twice and Houston!  Ha!  Meanwhile, the Chargers are 4-3 and have wins agains much higher quality opponents in the Chiefs, Browns, Raiders and Skins.    Belichick Shmelichick Chargers win big today in a payback beatdown from last season.

Dallas Cowboys + 3 over Minnesota Vikings

For starters, I have Dallas ranked #5 and the Vikings #12.   So we start off here with one of the best offenses in the league getting a field goal.    Coach Mike Zimmer’s ability to manage the end of football games is one of the most terrifying things that happens every week.   His ability to manage a positive game state and manage a clock should get him fired.   It doesn’t matter what the score is, the wheels are going to start wobbling if the Vikings happen to be in the lead in any game they play.   Now, let’s talk about line value.  On October 20th, Wannamakeabet.com gets their first line on this game and it was Dallas -2.5.  And now we have swung all the way to them getting 3?  How is this possible with a healthy Dak, Zeke, and CD Lamb not to mention left Tackle Tyron Smith is going to start.  Take the Boys to the bank on the night card.

NFL 2021 Week 8 Predictions