Week 8 Is Here: Let’s Keep Climbing!

Week 8 is here, baby! We should have another great week of games, and I’m excited for it. Last week, I went 9–5 on my picks, which I’ll definitely take! That brings my record to 60–46–1 on the year. Let’s keep stacking those dubs and minimizing the losses.

We have four teams on a bye this week: the Texans, Saints, Giants, and 49ers. Three of those four teams lost last week, so they’ll look to use the bye to regroup and get back into the win column next week.

Now, the question everyone has been waiting for: Is this the week I finally stop picking the Jets? I guess we’ll see. 😂

Let’s get into it!

Thursday Night Football

Panthers (3–3) vs. Packers (4–3)

We should have a good game this Thursday with the Panthers taking on the Packers. Both teams are coming off losses last week, but we have two high-powered passing offenses here. Both teams rank in the top five in passing yards per game, and I don’t see that slowing down.

The Panthers come in averaging 398 yards of total offense, while the Packers average 339. Carolina has also been able to run the ball, averaging 105 yards per game on 4.3 yards per carry. Green Bay, on the other hand, has struggled in that department, averaging just 59 yards per game on 2.9 yards per carry.

Granted, Josh Jacobs just returned last week, but the run game didn’t improve much. He had 11 carries for 36 yards. The good news for Green Bay is that it has a favorable matchup to get that running game going. The Panthers allow 153 rushing yards per game on 5.2 yards per carry. If the Packers are going to get their run game back on track, this is the team to do it against.

I think this game is going to come down to quarterback play. I’m a big fan of Bryce Young, but I think the Packers get this dub in a close one.

My pick: Packers win, 30–27.

Sunday at 1 PM

No international game this week, so we’re back at it at 1 PM on Sunday! Let’s get into these matchups.

Ravens (4–3) vs. Bills (5–1)

We should have a great quarterback matchup here, assuming Lamar Jackson plays. Lamar vs. Josh Allen? Sign me up!

These two offenses look pretty similar on paper. The Ravens average 224 passing yards and 141 rushing yards per game, while the Bills average 238 passing yards and 148 rushing yards. Both teams also average at least 4.7 yards per carry.

Derrick Henry only had 45 rushing yards last week, so he’ll look to get back on track. He should have a better chance of doing that with Lamar back in the lineup. Teams can’t simply stack the box and expect to stop the Ravens’ running game because they also have to prepare for Lamar, who can beat defenses with his arm.

Josh Allen will look to continue his stellar play coming off the bye. He should have a good opportunity against a Ravens defense that allows 331 total yards per game.

However, the Bills are allowing the second-most passing yards and the second-most passing touchdowns. That could mean Lamar is in for a big day through the air, and I think he takes advantage of this matchup.

I like the Ravens to win a close one!

My pick: Ravens win, 27–24.

Titans (1–6) vs. Bengals (4–2)

We’ve got two defenses allowing at least 370 yards per game, but these offenses are completely different. The Titans average 259 yards of total offense, while the Bengals average 356.

Tennessee should look to run the ball and keep Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense off the field. They have a favorable matchup on the ground, too. Cincinnati allows 116 rushing yards per game on 4.7 yards per carry, while the Titans average 91 rushing yards on 4.0 yards per carry.

Tony Pollard should get 15–20 touches as Tennessee tries to control the clock and keep the Bengals offense on the sidelines.

Even if the Titans limit Cincinnati’s opportunities, though, I still like Joe Burrow and the boys to have a good game. Tennessee allows 233 passing yards per game, while Cincinnati averages 264. Joe should have a relatively easy day against this defense.

The Titans also allow the sixth-most receiving yards to wide receivers and the third-most receptions. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins should continue making plays. Chase has yet to hit 100 receiving yards in a game this season, and I expect that to change this week.

I like the Bengals to take care of business.

My pick: Bengals win, 27–20.

Cardinals (2–5) vs. Cowboys (3–4)

We’ve got two defenses that have struggled this season, as both allow at least 370 yards of total offense per game.

Both defenses have also struggled against the run. The Cowboys allow 145 rushing yards per game on 4.7 yards per carry, while the Cardinals allow 126 yards on 4.7 yards per carry.

Dallas has been better through the air, averaging 259 passing yards per game. That shouldn’t come as a surprise when you have CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens as your top two targets. The Cardinals allow the second-most receiving touchdowns to wide receivers, which could bode well for both Lamb and Pickens. Maybe they both find the end zone this week!

Arizona hasn’t run the ball particularly well, averaging just 96 yards per game on 3.7 yards per carry. If Love is able to play, he’ll look to exploit Dallas’ struggling run defense and help get this ground game going.

The Cowboys allow the fifth-most rushing yards to running backs and the fourth-most rushing touchdowns to them. That’s where Arizona should attack. Control the clock and let Love and Allgeier run against this defense.

Even with those opportunities for Arizona, I think Dallas pulls this one out.

My pick: Cowboys win, 24–17.

Vikings (6–0) vs. Lions (4–2)

Both teams are coming off wins last week, and the Vikings will look to remain the last unbeaten team in the league. On top of that, we have a divisional matchup!

You’ve got one team with a high-powered offense but a lackluster defense, and another team with a great defense whose offense has been underwhelming.

The Lions average 413 yards of total offense per game, and it’s no surprise when you look at the weapons they have, led by Jahmyr Gibbs. Detroit faces a defense that allows 4.2 yards per carry, so Gibbs should be able to run the ball effectively.

The Vikings, meanwhile, are going up against a defense that allows the most passing yards to quarterbacks. Can Murray take advantage of that and have a big day for Jetta, Addison, and Hockenson? We’ll see!

Tight ends have also performed well against Detroit’s defense. As I mentioned, Hockenson could be in for a big day because the Lions allow the most receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns to tight ends.

The biggest question is whether Minnesota’s pass defense, which allows just 155 passing yards per game, can slow down Detroit’s passing attack, which averages 282 yards per game.

That will be the biggest challenge for the Vikings. If they can’t slow down the Lions, I don’t think their offense will be able to keep up, and we’ll see Minnesota suffer its first loss of the season.

Now, if the Vikings can slow Detroit down, their offense might make enough plays to win with Murray and Jetta. Even so, I’m taking the Lions.

Detroit ends the Vikings’ run as the last unbeaten team!

My pick: Lions win, 30–20.

Sunday at 4 PM

We’ve made it to the four o’clock slate! Let’s keep these picks rolling.

Colts (2–5) vs. Jaguars (4–2)

We’ve got a divisional game here, and the Colts seem to be heading toward a rebuild. They’ve traded Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, and there are rumors that Jonathan Taylor could be traded. Josh Downs has also reportedly requested a trade.

We have two teams that run the ball well, with the Jaguars and Colts both averaging over 110 rushing yards per game and 4.1 yards per carry.

Indianapolis allows 124 rushing yards per game on 4.8 yards per carry, so Tuten should get a fair share of opportunities to run the ball. Taylor, meanwhile, will have his hands full because Jacksonville allows just 72 rushing yards per game on 3.2 yards per carry.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Colts’ running game looks without Nelson at left guard.

Indianapolis does have a good opportunity to move the ball through the air because Jacksonville allows the third-most passing yards. Danny Dimes and the crew will look to exploit that matchup, which could also open up some holes for Taylor.

Still, I think the Jaguars win this divisional matchup.

My pick: Jaguars win, 24–17.

Browns (5–2) vs. Steelers (5–2)

Another divisional matchup, with both teams coming in at 5–2 and coming off wins!

These teams are pretty similar on the ground. Both average 106 rushing yards per game and at least 4.1 yards per carry. However, the Steelers’ defense holds opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards per game on 3.7 yards per carry, while the Browns allow 116 yards on 4.4 yards per carry.

Pittsburgh should look to rely on Warren and Dowdle in the running game.

The Browns allow just 201 passing yards per game, while the Steelers average 217. I’d expect Rodgers to throw for more than 200 yards, but I wouldn’t expect a 250- or 300-yard performance unless he turns back the clock!

Cleveland threw for 300 yards last week in its win, and I don’t think the Browns will reach that mark again this week. Watson should still have a solid performance against a defense that allows 212 passing yards per game.

Judkins could also have a big day as a receiving threat out of the backfield. The Steelers allow the fifth-most receiving yards and the sixth-most receptions to running backs.

I like Pittsburgh to win its fourth straight game!

My pick: Steelers win, 20–17.

Falcons (3–4) vs. Buccaneers (2–5)

We have another divisional game, and both teams are coming off wins last week!

The Falcons ended the 49ers’ unbeaten streak, while Baker Mayfield returned last week and picked up a big win against the Panthers.

We’ve got two high-powered rushing offenses here, with both teams averaging at least 139 rushing yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry. We should have a great running back matchup between Bijan Robinson and Bucky Irving.

However, both defenses have done a good job limiting opposing running games. Each allows fewer than 90 rushing yards per game and 3.8 yards per carry.

It’ll be interesting to see which offense can open up running lanes against these defenses.

Baker only threw for 94 yards last week, but Tampa Bay didn’t need to rely on him too much, and he was also coming back from injury. I’d expect the Bucs to rely on him more this week, especially against a defense that allows 255 passing yards per game.

Atlanta allows the fourth-most passing yards to quarterbacks, so Baker could be in for a big bounce-back game.

Bijan could also have a big day as a receiver because Tampa Bay allows the sixth-most receptions to running backs.

I like Atlanta to pick up the win in this divisional matchup!

My pick: Falcons win, 27–24.

Chargers (0–6) vs. Rams (3–4)

We’ve got the two Los Angeles teams battling it out at SoFi Stadium!

The Chargers are looking to finally get into the win column, while the Rams want to get back on track after their slow start.

The Rams are averaging 411 yards of total offense per game, including 274 through the air, and they average 4.7 yards per carry. They’ve been without Myles Garrett but should be okay against this Chargers offense.

Los Angeles is throwing for just 168 yards per game on the Chargers’ side, which is surprising with Justin Herbert at quarterback. He hasn’t looked great at all this season. Is it because of the new offense? Could be. But anyway, let’s dig into this matchup!

The Rams face a defense that allows 123 rushing yards per game on 4.0 yards per carry. That should be a favorable matchup for Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.

But this could also be a good matchup for the Chargers’ offense. They average 119 rushing yards per game on 4.2 yards per carry, while the Rams allow 115 yards on 4.2 yards per carry.

Maybe this is the game where Omarion Hampton really gets going, but we’ll see. The Rams also allow the fourth-most receiving yards to running backs, so perhaps Herbert can get them more involved in the passing game.

Ultimately, I think the Rams’ offense will be too much for the Chargers. The Rams get back to .500, while the Chargers continue searching for their first win.

My pick: Rams win, 27–20.

Chiefs (5–1) vs. Broncos (5–2)

Another divisional matchup this week, and this one should be a good one!

The Chiefs are coming off their first loss of the season to the defending Super Bowl champions, while the Broncos are coming off a win over the Cardinals.

Kenneth Walker was finally held in check last week, but the Chiefs will look to get their running game back to its usual production of 141 yards per game on 5.3 yards per carry. Walker had just 36 yards on 14 carries last week.

He should have a good opportunity to bounce back against a Broncos defense allowing 133 rushing yards per game on 4.6 yards per carry.

Denver also allows the seventh-most rushing yards to quarterbacks, so Mahomes could use his legs a little more in this matchup. The Broncos allow the eighth-most receiving yards to tight ends, too, which could mean a big day for Travis Kelce.

On the other side, the Chiefs allow the second-most receptions to tight ends. That could mean a big game for Engram and perhaps some opportunities for a Broncos passing attack that averages just 175 yards per game. Denver will be going up against a defense allowing 223 passing yards per game.

Mahomes is 14–2 all-time against the Broncos, and I think he picks up win No. 15!

My pick: Chiefs win, 24–17.

Patriots (4–3) vs. Dolphins (1–5)

We have another divisional matchup!

The Patriots are coming off a loss to the Bears, while the Dolphins picked up their first win of the season against the Jets. Both teams run the ball well, averaging at least 120 rushing yards per game and 4.2 yards per carry.

Miami has struggled to pass the ball, averaging just 162 passing yards per game. However, the Dolphins are going up against a defense that allows 220 passing yards per game.

Willis was solid last week against the Jets, going 14-of-21 for 208 yards and two touchdowns. He’ll look to build on that performance this week.

On the other side, the Patriots face a team that allows the fifth-most passing touchdowns to quarterbacks. Drake Maye will look to put together another multi-touchdown game and avoid another interception. He threw for over 300 yards against the Bears last week, so he’ll look to build on that performance.

Miami also allows the third-most receiving yards and fourth-most receptions to running backs. That could give Henderson and Stevenson some opportunities in both the running and passing games.

The Dolphins want to build on their first win and pick up No. 2, but I think New England bounces back after its loss to Chicago.

My pick: Patriots win, 27–17.

Sunday Night Football

Eagles (2–5) vs. Commanders (1–4–1)

We have an NFC East divisional matchup here!

Both defenses allow at least 368 yards of total offense per game and at least 4.0 yards per carry. The Eagles have struggled offensively while battling injuries, and now they’re without Jalen Hurts. Those struggles could continue, but we’ll see.

Washington has run the ball well, averaging 125 rushing yards per game on 4.6 yards per carry. The Commanders will look to rely on that running game this weekend against Philadelphia, but they could also have a decent day through the air.

The Eagles rank in the top five in receiving yards and touchdowns allowed to wide receivers and in the top 10 in receptions allowed. Washington will look to get Diggs, Williams, and the rest of the receiving crew involved against an Eagles pass defense that allows 239 passing yards per game.

On the other side, the Commanders rank in the top five in passing yards and touchdowns allowed to quarterbacks. Can Tanner McKee take advantage of that matchup and put together a decent game? He might, but I’m not sure.

I think Washington gets back into the win column in this divisional game!

My pick: Commanders win, 20–17.

Monday Night Football

Bears (5–2) vs. Seahawks (4–3)

Both teams are coming off wins last week and will look to keep that momentum going.

The Bears made a blockbuster trade today for Jeffrey Simmons from the Titans in exchange for two first-round picks. Chicago adds another piece to the interior of a defense that allows just 87 rushing yards per game, although opponents are averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Simmons should help improve that yards-per-carry number.

Both teams run for over 100 yards per game, but Chicago averages 4.4 yards per carry, compared with Seattle’s 3.9.

The Bears have one of the most prolific offenses in the league, averaging 409 yards per game. They’ll face a Seahawks defense that shut down the Chiefs last week and allows just 247 yards per game.

Seattle’s defense also does a great job against the run, allowing 89 yards per game on 3.5 yards per carry. That could be a challenge for Chicago, which loves to run the ball. The question is whether Caleb Williams can make enough plays through the air.

Sam Darnold had a good game last week, going 20-of-28 for 257 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He needs to cut down on the turnovers, especially against a defense tied for seventh in the league with 10 takeaways.

Can Seattle’s defense slow down this high-powered Bears offense? I think the Seahawks have a damn good chance, but I still like Chicago in this one.

My pick: Bears win, 24–21.

And Finally… The Jets!

Raiders (3–4) vs. Jets (2–5)

As always, we’re saving the Jets game for last!

Both teams are coming off losses and will look to bounce back. The Jets gave Miami its first win of the season last week, while the Raiders lost to the Rams.

New York should have most of its offensive weapons available, although Breece Hall is still working his way back from a quad injury. Braelon Allen has done a great job filling the void, and he should continue to get opportunities when Breece returns. But let’s be clear: Breece is RB1.

The Jets’ offense could be in for a big day against a Raiders defense that allows the sixth-most passing touchdowns and ranks in the top five in rushing yards and touchdowns allowed to running backs.

Las Vegas allows 143 rushing yards per game on 5.0 yards per carry. That should be a matchup the Jets look to exploit. New York is averaging just 96 rushing yards per game on 3.8 yards per carry, so this could be the perfect opportunity for the running game to find its groove.

One thing I’m looking for this week is for the Jets to get Garrett Wilson more targets and find creative ways to get him the ball. I believe he only had three targets last week, and that is unacceptable. You have one of your best offensive weapons, and you need to find ways to get him involved. It’s that simple.

On the other side, Ashton Jeanty and the Raiders have struggled to run the ball, averaging just 74 yards per game on 3.0 yards per carry. However, the Jets’ defense allows 127 rushing yards per game on 4.1 yards per carry. New York also allows the fifth-most rushing yards to running backs, which bodes well for Jeanty.

So, once again, I’m looking at a matchup where the Jets have opportunities to make plays but need to actually take advantage of them.

I want to pick the Jets. I really do. But after last week, I’m not sure I can do it. I think the Raiders pull out a close one and leave the Jets looking for answers yet again.

My pick: Raiders win, 24–21.

That’s a Wrap for Week 8!

That brings my Week 8 picks to a close! I can’t wait to watch these games this weekend, including tonight’s matchup. But I’m also super stoked for the start of college basketball on Sunday.

You bet your ass I’ll be on my couch at 9:30 AM watching Notre Dame vs. Villanova in Rome! I’m so excited that basketball is back, and I can’t wait for college basketball season to get going.

We’ve still got college football, too, with some great games coming up this weekend. I can’t wait for those matchups either.

The World Series just wrapped up, and what an awesome season it was! I’m curious to see what this offseason brings for baseball. Hopefully, we avoid a lockout, but we’ll see how that plays out.

As always, tune in next week to see how I did and check out my picks for Week 9!

Lace up. Tap in.

– Jett Garden