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As we look ahead to Week 8 of the 2023 NFL schedule, we have plenty of matchups that are intriguing. Some teams are heavily favored to dominate their opponent this week. Meanwhile, there are still a few potential upsets that cannot be ruled out.
In terms of betting, there are a plethora of exciting options. This is true of both moneyline and spread picks. Plus, we are going to have some advantageous options to choose from for individual players. Which teams hold some betting value as either the favorite or as an underdog?
It is time to list my favorite plays of the week, with my favorite bets for teams with either the moneyline or the spread. To boot, I will also list a few player props that stand out for Week 8 of the 2023 NFL season. Let’s kick it off.
Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook
Best Bets: Moneyline
Of course, we are not going to list every team for the moneyline category. It is also important to note that we are looking to list the bets that hold the most potential value out of our given options. With that in mind, here are three teams that I like to win straight up in Week 8, who also hold a fair amount of betting value.
Minnesota Vikings: -120 Odds
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Despite a slow start, the Vikings are starting to play strong, complementary football. Minnesota’s defense is able to disguise a multitude of coverages, as well as put consistent amount of heat on opposing quarterbacks. Offensively, Kirk Cousins has been playing astoundingly. Rookie Jordan Addison is a scoring machine. And most of all, it is just too difficult to buy into or trust the Green Bay Packers right now. No matter how close some of their losses may be, Green Bay is too erratic on each side of the ball. Meanwhile, the Vikings believe they can create some momentum for a possible playoff run.
Indianapolis Colts: -105 Odds
This week’s game between the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts may be viewed as a toss-up. Yet, you can see some progress and growth within this new Indianapolis regime. Shane Steichen presents a more trustworthy, as well as aggressive, nature, compared to Dennis Allen. That could be huge in a tight contest. On the flip side, putting trust in Derek Carr and the Saints offense is nearly impossible right now. As long as Gardner Minshew keeps his head above water, so to speak, the Colts are the smart play for me.
Cincinnati Bengals: +170 Odds
Sure, you could argue that the 49ers are due for a major bounce back. There is just something about these Cincinnati Bengals in games against the top competition, however. Plus, Cincinnati has no issue with going into tough environments on the road. This could easily be a tight, gritty affair. But after a slow start, the Bengals have been back to winning down the field offensively. Their ability and depth in the trenches can also match or even surpass San Francisco in certain areas. I am willing to go out on a limb in this mini upset.
Best Bets: Spread
Betting on teams to cover the spread is not always about taking someone who you feel should easily cover, whether that is the favorite or the underdog. However, finding teams that play hard or matchups that have historically been close are key. Finding the number that you believe is possibly too low or too high is also key. You can then thread the needle on either side of the betting odds with whoever you believe holds the better betting value. Here are three teams that offer fair betting value in Week 8 when looking at the spread.
Dallas Cowboys: -6 vs Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have not been as incompetent as some people were expecting. However, the offense has truly failed to show up against some of the better defenses that they have faced. Last week, the Rams scored just 17 points against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Rams also managed just 14 points and 16 points against the Philadelphia Eagles and Bengals, respectively. On the flip side, the Dallas Cowboys rank fourth in scoring defense. With question marks on the LA offensive line, it could be a long day for the Rams offense. Believe in Dallas to take care of business at home.
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Cincinnati Bengals: +4 at San Francisco 49ers
We are double-dipping on the Bengals this week. Even if they do not come through as an outright winner, it is hard to think that the 49ers are capable of blowing them out. This could easily come down to the wire, possibly as a field goal game at the end. San Francisco is dealing with injuries and working through kinks. Elsewhere, Cincinnati is rested and coming off of their bye week. I would be shocked if the Bengals got boat raced and did not keep it close.
Chicago Bears: +8.5 at Los Angeles Chargers
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You can clown the Chicago Bears all you want. Nonetheless, the Los Angeles Chargers are a bad football team right now. They are making simple mistakes on defense. Tyson Bagent may not feel as overwhelmed as some may think against their passing defense. Moreover, if Keenan Allen is not having a huge day, this Chargers offense cannot seem to string drives together. I really would not be surprised if the Bears actually pulled off the upset and won. But in terms of the best betting option, this spread is way too high in favor of the Bolts, in my opinion.
Favorite Player Props
Player prop bets can sometimes be tricky to find the perfect betting value. Some star players do not consistently produce at a high clip. Nevertheless, here are four player prop bets that I enjoy for the eighth weekend of NFL action.
Jaylen Waddle: Over 58.5 Receiving Yards
It is rare that a trip to South Florida ends well for the New England Patriots. I do not think that changes this week, whatsoever. In terms of player props, Jaylen Waddle stands out against this particular opponent. Waddle has topped this number three times this season. At times, you look at the box score and are stunned to see how little yards per catch he ends up with. But the key is, Waddle has been receiving at least four catches in every game this season. Ride with this wide receiver in what could once again be a high-scoring day for Miami.
Dalton Schultz: Over 34.5 Receiving Yards
The Houston Texans are starting to gain more attention. Offensively, CJ Stroud has hit the ground running as an incoming rookie. In the last three weeks, tight end Dalton Schultz has been a go-to target for him. Schultz has topped this number in all three of those weeks. And in back-to-back games, his receiving yardage total has hit at least 60. With a Carolina Panthers defense that has struggled and is banged up on the backend, I like Schultz to continue his strong stretch.
Travis Etienne: Over 60.5 Rushing Yards
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We know how dangerous the Steelers can be as a pass rush. But as a run defense, it has been anything but dangerous for opposing offenses. Pittsburgh ranks 28th in rushing yards allowed and 27th in yards per carry allowed entering this weekend. Travis Etienne has been enjoying a nice season so far. He has tallied at least 53 rushing yards in all but one game this season. More importantly, Jacksonville is leaning on the running back immensely, giving him an average of 19.4 carries per game over the last five games. If Etienne performs like he has been with a healthy dose of touches, he may hit this total before the fourth quarter.
D’Andre Swift: Over 62.5 Rushing Yards
Similar to Etienne, D’Andre Swift has largely cashed in on the rushing opportunities that he has received this year. He has topped this figure three times this season, and fell just short of it twice. Swift has also registered double-digit carries in all but one game this year. And like Etienne, the matchup is incredible for Swift this Sunday. Washington ranks 23rd in rushing yards allowed and yards per carry allowed entering Week 8.
Be on the lookout for more FPC NFL betting articles throughout this 2023 NFL season. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.