NFL Tipsheet: Mini previews and recommended bets for all Week 8 fixtures

Luca Bercelli
25 October 2014

Luca fancies the Seahawks to beat the Carolina Panthers

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Luca Bercelli hopes to repeat, or even better, last week's tally of 9 out of 14 correct predictions with tips on all the weekend's games...

"Jacksonville managed to stop the rot and record their first win of the season against the Browns last week, but they will be trudging back to their well-used drawing board after racking up loss number seven of the season v the Dolphins"

Detroit Lions @ Atlanta Falcons
Sunday 13:30

The Falcons were destroyed by the Ravens last week and I can't see their season picking up against a dominant Lions' defense. Atlanta QB Matt Ryan will be under extreme pressure at the line of scrimmage and that will result in one thing - a Lions' win.

Recommended Bet
Back the Detroit Lions @ 1.564/7

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday 17:00

The 1.910/11 currently on offer for a Ravens' win is a steal. We fancied them big-time last week and we're all over them again this. Baltimore have developed into one of the more balanced outfits in the NFL whereas the Bengals, without star receiver A.J. Green, have pretty much gone to pieces.

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets
Sunday 17:00

Am I missing something here? The Jets have lost six in a row; Buffalo have won two of their last three and sit second in the AFC East with a respectable four and three record. Okay, so the Jets have lost some close ones against decent opposition, but 1.75/7 to win? I'm not tempted, but I do like the look of the over 40.5pts. That's a very low spread for two teams that can score and are dodgy defensively against the pass.

Recommended Bets
Back over 40.5pts @ 2.01/1

Chicago Bears @ New England Patriots
Sunday 17:00

There's nothing like a good locker room rumpus to ignite the passions of an ailing team, and the Bears had toys everywhere except in the pram after last week's disappointment at Miami. Running back Matt Forte will be key in this match-up as he faces a depleted Patriots defense, and I think that his efforts will help the Bears to cover the spread.

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans
Sunday 17:00

It appears likely that third-string rookie quarterback Zach Mettenberger will be thrown into the mix for the visit of the Houston Texans on Sunday. Poor kid: this could turn into 'Sack Zach' day as facing him on the other side of the line will be J.J. Watt and the returning Jadeveon Clowney. Remaining in one piece rather than winning the game will be top of his to-do list and I predict an easy win for Houston.

Recommended Bet
Back the Houston Texans @ 1.855/6

Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday 17:00

Jacksonville managed to stop the rot and record their first win of the season against the Browns last week, but they will be trudging back to their well-used drawing board after racking up loss number seven of the season v the Dolphins. The fish are very solid defensively and now have a much more confident and dangerous Tannehill at quarterback.

Minnesota Vikings @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday 17:00

A wooden spoon clash if ever there was one. These are two struggling teams both desperate for a win and I'm convinced it will go to underdogs Minnesota. They were excruciatingly robbed with one second on the clock last week, but my faith in QB Teddy Bridgewater is undiminished. Ready, Teddy, Go.

Seattle Seahawks @ Carolina Panthers
Sunday 17:00

If Harry Redknapp spotted Adel Taraabt sneaking out of training to make a quick Greggs' run he might be hacked off; but not half as mad as the whole of the Seahawks' organisation. These boys are not used to failure, but with the prospect of back-to-back-to-back losses looming large, they want blood, and they're going to get it in the shape of the Carolina Panthers.

Recommended Bet
Back the Seattle Seahawks -4.5pts @ 1.9520/21 (Best Bet)

St Louis Rams @ Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday 17:00

Week seven saw the Rams nail the 'highlight of the year' award after successfully executing a fake punt-return on one side of the pitch, whilst running it back on the other for a 90-yard touchdown. One of two trick plays in the game, it shouldn't detract from what was an improved performance against the reigning Superbowl champs. The market gives them no chance of victory in this one - I give them a squeak +5.5pts.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Arizona Cardinals
Sunday 20:05

This is a fascinating match-up between two 5-1 teams, one of which will be serious Superbowl contenders at by 11pm on Sunday. Eagles' quarterback Nick Foles has become a tad too turnover happy for my liking; and with Arizona's D running wild in recent weeks, the Cards can continue to surprise and suffocate Philadelphia's quick-fire offense.

Indianapolis Colts @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday 20:25

From now on I'm calling them 'Andrew Luck's Colts' because, let's face it, that's what they are. The third year QB appears unbeatable at the moment, and after he chalks up another W against the hit-and-miss Steelers I've got a feeling that the Horseshoes will be closing in on a single-figure price for Superbowl victory.

Oakland Raiders @ Cleveland Browns
Sunday 20:25

Was the Browns' defeat at the hands of the Jags last week a blip, or evidence that QB Brian Hoyer has finally succumbed to Mazielmania? I like to think it's just a blip as Hoyer has generally done well this season. I reckon he'll bounce back but this is still the least attractive game of the week from a betting perspective. Over 43.5pts is the compulsive gambler's choice!

Recommended Bet
Back over 43.5pts @ 2.01/1

Green Bay Packers @ New Orleans Saints
Monday 00:30

One of these days the Saints are going to remember what a good team they are and rack up 40+ points on the way to a highlight-filled victory. Unfortunately that probably won't be against the Packers, who are looking for five straight wins and a table-topping record. It'll be tight but Green Bay should just nick it.

Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys
Tuesday 00:30

The Redskins have no chance in this game...repeat, no chance. Down to their third starting quarterback and facing arguably the league's second best team they need a miracle. No one wants a blowout on Monday Night Football but I wouldn't even bother Sky-plussing this one. It'll be over by the end of the third quarter.