Forecaster Frank NFL Picks Week 8: Riding In Mediocrity

Another terrible week at 5-8. On the season,  I am a feeble 45-59-2.

Thursday Night

• Buf -8.5 (o/u 42.5)
• Bills 31 Buccaneers 10

The Bills need a statement win after playing poorly the last three weeks. The Buccaneers come in taking on water, as they are playing terrible football, with Baker Mayfield reverting to the player that has seen him start for four teams in the last three years. Look for this one to be ugly as Al Michaels falls asleep. 

Sunday at 1

• Car +3 (o/u 43.5)
• Panthers 24 Texans 20

The Panthers played well in the first half against the Dolphins. With a bye week, expect them to come out strong at home as the top-two picks battle. This is going to be Bryce Young's first win. 

• LAR +6.5 (o/u 45.5)
• Cowboys 27 Rams 23

The Rams have a habit of playing a close game every week, while the Cowboys often let lesser teams hang around, especially when they can pressure the quarterback. The Cowboys win, and the Rams cover.

• Min PK (o/u 42)
• Vikings 27 Packers 13

The Vikings appear to be hitting their stride after their Monday Night win against the 49ers. Their defense played well in that game. The Packers, meanwhile, are struggling as Jordan Love has not been effective. 

• NO -1 (o/u 43.5)
• Saints 24 Colts 20

Two inconsistent teams that are hard to figure out. They have both had injury issues at quarterback, with Anthony Richardson lost for the season. The Saints will get the win as the Colts stumble at home again. 

• Mia -9.5 (o/u 47)
• Dolphins 38 Patriots 17

The Patriots had a great win against the Bills at home last week. The Dolphins, meanwhile, lost on Sunday Night to the Eagles as they also had to face the refs. Expect an angry Dolphins team to have a big day, wearing their best uniforms, the 1972 throwbacks. 

• NYG +3 (o/u 36.5)
• Giants 16 Jets 13

It is the MetLife showdown, as the Giants and Jets play in the quadrennial regular-season showdown. The Jets are coming off their bye, which will stop their momentum. The Jets are 2-8 in their last ten games after bye weeks, with five straight losses. The Giants will score the upset, getting bragging rights for the next four years. 

• Jax -2.5 (o/u 42)
• Jaguars 20 Steelers 17

The Steelers habitually steal wins when they do not play their best. This is why Mike Tomlin is among the best coaches in the NFL. The Jaguars are strong and will give the Steelers problems on both sides of the ball as they continue to establish themselves as a certified contender in the AFC. 

• Atl -2.5 (o/u 36)
• Falcons 27 Titans 20

I think the Titans will win the game. However, the Falcons win when I pick against them and lose when I pick them. Therefore, I am doing the opposite and picking the Falcons. 

• Was +6.5 (o/u 43.5)
• Eagles 27 Commanders 24

The Eagles escaped with an overtime win when they faced the Commanders in Philly. Expect the same script as the Eagles win again on a late field goal. 

Sunday Late Games

• Sea -3.5 (o/u 38) 
• Seahawks 20 Browns 10

The Browns are developing a lethal defense, but so are the Seahawks, as Devon Witherspoon is having a rookie season for the ages. With P.J. Walker starting at quarterback, the Browns are not in a position to win this game on the road.  

• Bal -8.5 (o/u 44)
• Ravens 31 Cardinals 13

The Cardinals are looking for the first pick, while the Ravens are looking to show they are a Super Bowl contender. This game has blowout written all over it. 

• KC -7 (o/u 45.5)
• Chiefs 47 Broncos 17

The Broncos have a terrible defense and are without Kareem Jackson. Expect the Chiefs to put up big numbers as the Broncos ride to another ugly loss. 

• Cin +3.5 (o/u 43.5)
• Bengals 24 49ers 20

The 49ers have lost two straight games, as they have played sloppy football. With Brock Purdy in concussion protocol and the Bengals coming in strong, the losing streak will hit three straight. 

Sunday Night

• LAC -8.5 (o/u 46.5)
• Chargers 37 Bears 17

Nobody is waiting all day for this Sunday Night Game. The Chargers tend to play well on Sunday Night, and the Bears are terrible. Look for the Chargers offense to shine. 

Monday Night

• Det -8 (o/u 46.5)
• Lions 34 Raiders 13

Expect the Lions to rebound, returning home after an ugly loss in Baltimore. The crowd in Detroit will be loud as the Raiders limp in, with Jimmy Garoppolo remaining on the sidelines.