NFL Week 8 Picks Favor Lions, Bills and Several Road Teams

Eight writers and editors made their Week 8 NFL predictions on October 29, with the Detroit Lions drawing five picks to beat the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. Three chose Minnesota, despite the Vikings’ league-leading sack total and their previous success pressuring Jared Goff. Detroit has won two straight, while its offense ranks among the league’s most productive, the preview noted.

The panel was unanimous on several games: all eight picked Buffalo over Baltimore, Cincinnati over Tennessee, Dallas over Arizona, Jacksonville over Indianapolis, the Rams over the Chargers and New England over Miami. Buffalo was also the staff’s unanimous choice despite uncertainty over Lamar Jackson’s availability. The preview said Jackson was expected back after missing three games with an ankle injury.

The picks split on other matchups. Seven of eight chose Green Bay over Carolina, while seven backed Pittsburgh against Cleveland, the Raiders against the Jets, and Washington against Philadelphia. All eight picked Seattle over Chicago. Kansas City received five votes against Denver, with three writers choosing the Broncos.

A separate upset preview identified the Falcons, Raiders, Vikings and Ravens as possible underdogs. Atlanta’s pass rush and run defense could challenge Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was returning from a thumb injury; the Buccaneers had gone 0-4 at home. The Raiders, meanwhile, had lost four straight, but their recent opponents included several top quarterbacks, and the Jets had struggled to score touchdowns in the red zone.

Minnesota’s defense led the league in several categories, including points allowed, sacks and pressure rate, while Detroit’s defense was allowing the most yards. The preview also pointed to Baltimore’s potential boost from Jackson’s return and the Bills’ rest advantage after their bye. Week 8’s games include divisional contests in the NFC South and AFC North, with Tampa Bay hosting Atlanta and Pittsburgh facing Cleveland.