NFL - Week 8 Betting Tips & Predictions
The 2024 NFL season has reached Week 8 and the main Super Bowl contenders are beginning to emerge with the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs rated favourites in their bid to retain the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Patrick Mahomes and his team, now the only unit with a perfect 2024 record, have not been at their very best on offence this season but it would be a huge surprise if their run comes to an end at the hands of the struggling Las Vegas Raiders this weekend.
We've looked at the weekend coupon and found three standout bets from the Week 8 action.
Tip 1 - Over 46 points in Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ 9/10
The best points bet of the weekend comes from the Raymond James Stadium where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Atlanta Falcons in a contest which could develop into a shootout.
These teams clashed at the start of October when the Falcons ran out 36-30 winners after overtime and high-scoring games have been the norm for both in recent weeks with the Bucs' subsequent games averaging 75 points while Atlanta's last two outings have featured 58 and 48 points.
Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield will be without his top two wide receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin but the Bucs have strength in reserve and a dangerous three-headed rushing attack in Rachaad White, Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker.
Tip 2 - Arizona Cardinals +3 vs Miami Dolphins @ 49/50
The Miami Dolphins have spluttered on offence in the absence of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and while he's poised to return for the Fins' Week 8 meeting with the Arizona Cardinals, it might take time for him to find top gear.
While Tagovailoa's return is a boost, a meeting with the Cardinals - the first since 2020 between these two franchises - poses a difficult test.
Arizona have been inconsistent, as a 3-4 record illustrates, but their losses came against four top teams in Buffalo, Detroit, Washington and Green Bay, and Miami do not fit in that bracket at the moment.
The Cards battled to a 17-15 win over the Chargers on Monday evening and can keep this close.
Tip 3 - Pittsburgh Steelers -6.5 vs New York Giants @ 10/11
The 5-2 Pittsburgh Steelers are tied at the top of the AFC North alongside the Baltimore Ravens and their fine start to the season should continue with a commanding victory over the lowly New York Giants.
The Steelers are a well-coached team and their decision to start Russell Wilson at quarterback in Sunday's primetime clash with the New York Jets paid off as they posted a dominant 37-15 win at Heinz Field.
Wilson's debut, featuring two touchdown passes as well as a third-quarter TD run of his own, could spell bad news for the Giants, who have looked lifeless on offence over the last fortnight, losing 17-7 to the Bengals and 28-3 to the Eagles, both on home turf.
While it's true that the Giants are getting healthier on the offensive side of the ball, they lack the ability to go toe-to-toe with the Steelers and may struggle to keep this within a score.