There’s plenty of value on the board when looking at the NFL Week 8 picks. We’ve had plenty of action through the first seven weeks. I’ve had good calls, bad calls, and some that should have hit and didn’t. This is the week we start a run. Here’s a look at my top bets and a parlay that plays!
2026 NFL Week 8 Picks, Bets, And A Parlay That Pays
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (-3.5)
We’ll start our NFL Week 8 picks with an NFC North showdown. There’s one remaining undefeated team in the NFL. That would be the Minnesota Vikings. The offense has been alright, scoring 20.8 points per game. Their total yards have been low, at only 281.7 yards per game. However, their defense has been elite. They’ve allowed just 12.3 points per game and 252.8 yards.
On the other side, the Detroit Lions offense has been on fire. They’re scoring 30.7 points per game, while averaging 397.3 total yards. They are the opposite of the Vikings. Their offense has looked elite. However, the defense has left a lot to be desired. They’re allowing 27.5 points per game and 391 yards.
Detroit is 4-2 straight up, but just 2-4 against the spread (ATS). The Vikings are 4-2 against the spread. Defense travels. That’s evident by the way they took care of Detroit in Detroit last year. They beat them in Minnesota too, for the record. I keep saying Minnesota can’t keep winning, yet they do. I’m not going to fade an undefeated team that is an underdog. Maybe they don’t win, but a three-point game seems entirely plausible.
NFL Week 8 Best Bet: Vikings +3.5
Las Vegas Raiders @ NY Jets (-1.5)
The next game I’m looking at for my NFL Week 8 picks is the Raiders hitting the road to take on the New York Jets. Both of these teams are on a losing streak. However, the Raiders are on a longer losing streak. After winning three in a row and then coming down to the wire against KC, they’ve lost four straight. The Jets have lost two straight. They’ve only won two games this season.
The Jets’ offense is struggling, putting up just 19.6 points per game. The defense has allowed 21.4 points per game. The Raiders are averaging 26.1 points per game, but allowing 28.1 points per game. Their defense has struggled, despite having a lot of good pieces. To be fair, they have played the Chiefs, Patriots, Bills, and Rams in the last four games. The Raiders were doing well, beating up teams like the Saints, Chargers, and Dolphins. You can decide which group of teams the Jets belong in.
Kirk Cousins’ feet are in the fire, as there is talk that he remains the starting quarterback for now. The Raiders have lost some tough games against tough teams. They’ve won against the teams that aren’t as tough. I don’t think they should be the dog in this one. They’re 5-2 ATS while the Jets are 2-3-2.
NFL Week 8 Best Bet: Raiders +1.5 + Moneyline
Arizona Cardinals @ Dallas Cowboys Over/Under 54.5 Points
We’re looking at a total next for our NFL Week 8 picks. The Arizona Cardinals head to Texas to take on the Dallas Cowboys. Arizona’s offense is averaging 20.3 points per game. However, their defense is allowing 29.7 points per game.
Dallas, on the other hand, is averaging 27 points per game. Against this defense, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them put up 34+ points. Their defense is allowing 25.7 points per game. This gives the Cardinals the opportunity to score at least 21 or more points.
The Cardinals have actually won four straight against Dallas. Coming off a big Monday Night Football win over their rivals, the Eagles, Dallas will need to be careful in this one. However, four of the last five games the Cardinals have played have hit the over. The Cowboys games have hit the over in five of seven. There’s going to be a lot of points in this one. I’m riding the over.
NFL Week 8 Best Bet: Over 54.5 Points
Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Bills Over/Under 54
This game opened up at 52.5 points and has gone up a point and a half. That’s partially because Buffalo’s defense has allowed totals of 30, 34, and 26. Baltimore enters Buffalo averaging 24.1 points. That’s been a struggle for the offense since Lamar Jackson has been out. I don’t expect him to play this week either. He hasn’t practiced yet, and historically, he won’t play unless he’s at 100%.
The last two games between these two have been high-scoring. Last year it was an 81-point explosion. Prior to that, though, the last four games were under 54 points. The Bills’ offense has been on fire, and the defense has struggled. However, the Ravens’ offense hasn’t lit the world on fire.
I think Buffalo wins this one. I like them as a 5-point favorite as well. However, I’m riding with the under.
NFL Week 8 Best Bet: Under 54
Chicago Bears @ Seattle Seahawks (-3)
The last game on my NFL Week 8 picks sees MY Chicago Bears head to Seattle to take on the defending Super Bowl Champions. Chicago owns the better record at 5-2 and has only lost to teams in their division. They’re 5-2 ATS as well, while Seattle is 4-3 straight up and 2-3-2 ATS.
The Bears have averaged 25.7 points per game. They’ve put up an average of 390.7 yards per game, fueled by a run game that averages 154.3 yards per game. The Seahawks, however, are very good against the run. They are allowing just 89.4 rushing yards per game, meaning Chicago may have to rely strictly on the pass.
The Bears have also been good against the run, allowing 87.6 points per game. However, against Seattle’s passing attack, which has averaged 229.6 points per game, I’m concerned about who covers JSN. Dennis Allen schemes up a great game plan, as witnessed when the Bears played New England last week and Atlanta the week before. However, I don’t know if they have the talent to cover and shut down JSN.
On top of that, this team looked a little rattled getting set last week at home. In front of the 12th-man crowd of Seattle, I expect the noise to be a problem. The Bears have been great, but this feels like a letdown spot. They are coming off extra rest after playing Thursday night, but I’m taking Seattle, even if it is just to jinx them.
NFL Week 8 Best Bet: Seattle -3
The Parlay
For this week’s NFL Week 8 parlay, I’m going to take my two totals (Bills/Ravens under and Cardinals/Cowboys over) and parlay them with the Bengals, Jags, Raiders, and Patriots moneylines. Those are some heavier favorites parlayed with two totals I feel good about and will pay +1180.
