CBS Sports analyst Prisco reveals his Week 8 NFL predictions, abandoning his strategy of picking every underdog after a difficult run that dropped his ATS record to 43-61-3 and straight-up record to 62-44-1. Returning to standard game-by-game picks, the slate features crucial matchups including the undefeated Minnesota Vikings facing the Detroit Lions.
NFC and AFC Matchups
The Carolina Panthers travel to face the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night, with both teams entering after losses. While Carolina surrendered 258 rushing yards against Tampa Bay, Green Bay struggles to run effectively, but quarterback Jordan Love is projected to light up a Panthers defense giving up 27.7 points per game, leading to a 31-24 Packers victory.
In another marquee clash, the undefeated Minnesota Vikings take on a tough road test against the Detroit Lions. Although Minnesota boasts the league’s best scoring defense and Jared Goff plays at a high level, the Lions are picked to hand the Vikings their first loss with a 23-13 score. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills return from a bye to host the Baltimore Ravens in a potential shootout where Josh Allen is favored over a potentially limited Lamar Jackson, resulting in a 35-30 Bills win.
The Cincinnati Bengals host the Tennessee Titans, with Joe Burrow carrying momentum from an impressive second-half performance against the Ravens into what is projected as a 36-10 offensive explosion. The Dallas Cowboys look to continue their strong ground game against an Arizona Cardinals defense ranked last in scoring, with a predicted 37-21 final score. The New York Jets face the Las Vegas Raiders, where Geno Smith is expected to succeed against a Raiders defense allowing 28.1 points per game in a 27-16 Jets victory.
Division Showdowns and Prime-Time Games
The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Cleveland Browns in an important AFC North battle for the division lead. Aaron Rodgers is expected to play well as the Steelers take a 24-20 win over a Browns team playing consecutive road games. In the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet the Atlanta Falcons after both secured upsets last week, with Tampa Bay prevailing 23-17 behind a Baker Mayfield-led effort.
The Jacksonville Jaguars return from a bye to host the struggling Indianapolis Colts, who traded their top offensive lineman Quentin Nelson and haven’t won in Jacksonville since 2014, with the game predicted at 30-16. The Los Angeles Rams face the Los Angeles Chargers in a crosstown matchup where a rested Chargers squad will keep it close, but the Rams secure a 23-20 win. The Kansas City Chiefs visit the Denver Broncos aiming to jumpstart their running game with Kenneth Walker, leading to a low-scoring 19-14 victory.
The New England Patriots travel to play the Miami Dolphins following a Thursday game and a rest advantage, with Drake Maye playing well in a 28-14 Patriots win. The Washington Commanders host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night in a crucial NFC matchup, where Washington benefits from a bye week while the Eagles play on a short week following a Monday game, resulting in a 28-16 Commanders victory. Finally, the Seattle Seahawks host the Chicago Monday night game, where a strong Seattle defense that recently shut down the Chiefs is picked to slow down Caleb Williams and secure a 24-17 win.
