We are entering the eighth week of the 2018 NFL season, which means a sizable chunk of the league will reach the halfway point of their schedule. We have one remaining undefeated team, with the Los Angeles Rams demolishing our San Francisco 49ers to improve to 7-0 on the season. The 49ers get their own chance to bounce back with a road game against fellow cellar-dweller Arizona. In the meantime, we open the week with the Brock Osweiler revenge game as the Houston Texans host the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football.
It’s time once again for our pick ‘em and Survivor pool contest options. We have the weekly prediction contest this season, and you can make those picks here. We also have a traditional “Pick ‘Em” contest. If you still want to join, the group name is Niners Nation, the group ID is 45734, and the password is go49ers. You’re pretty far behind, but feel free to join.
I was knocked out of my Survivor pool this past week thanks to my pick of the Jaguars over the Texans. I should have taken the Rams as the safe play and moved on, but such is life. I’ll continue offering up tips each week. For Week 8, the Patriots and Rams are the safe plays if you’re prepared to use those big names. If not, the Bears at home against the Jets might be your value pick of choice. I expect the Chiefs to crush Denver this week, but I’m skeptical about it as a Survivor pick.
Tonight, Week 8 opens with the Texans hosting the Dolphins. Both teams are 4-3, with Houston holding a one-game lead in the AFC South, and the Dolphins sitting a game back of the Patriots in the AFC East. The Texans are a 7.5-point favorite, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. Brock Osweiler is playing some decent football right now. He could regress sooner rather than later, but I think the “revenge” game brings another decent performance. I’m taking the points with Miami in what could be a better game than many might expect.
Here are the rest of my straight-up picks. I was 5-8 last week, bringing my season record to 70-34-2. I’ll have my picks against the spread later this weekend.
Dolphins @ Texans: Texans
Eagles vs. Jaguars (London): Jaguars
Jets @ Bears: Bears
Buccaneers @ Bengals: Bengals
Seahawks @ Lions: Seahawks
Broncos @ Chiefs: Chiefs
Washington @ Giants: Giants
Browns @ Steelers: Steelers
Ravens @ Panthers: Ravens
Colts @ Raiders: Raiders
Packers @ Rams: Rams
49ers @ Cardinals: 49ers
Saints @ Vikings: Vikings
Patriots @ Bills: Patriots