NFL spread picks, Week 8: A scary amount of consensus winners ahead of Halloween

All of the sudden the race for the best record against the spread is heating up at For The Win.

First and last place are separated by just nine games now.

The worst you could do from tailing any of our experts is two games under .500. Meanwhile, Prince Grimes continues his tremendous bounce back with a third straight winning week.

But Week 8 likely won’t create separation from the pack. Most of our experts are far too aligned for that to happen. Of the 16 games this week, there’s a consensus pick against the spread in seven of them.

Feel free to tail or fade as you see fit.

All odds via BetMGM

Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams (Thursday Night)

Opening Line: Rams -3.5

Blake Schuster: Vikings -3

Cooper Kupp is back for what may be his last game in Los Angeles. It’s not going to matter much.

Prince Grimes: Vikings -3

The Rams are 1-5 ATS, the Vikings are 5-1. And only one of these teams plays defense.

Charles Curtis: Vikings -3

I don’t feel great about this one, given that it feels like the Rams could find a way to cover. But, OK.

Cory Woodroof: Vikings -3

Minnesota rebounds with a Los Angeles team that sure sounds like it’s looking ahead to 2025 right now.

Robert Zeglinski: Vikings -3

The Rams may or may not be pulling the plug on their current era soon while the Vikings are locked in a heated NFC North division race. This one matters a lot more to a better (and healthier) Minnesota team.

Christian D’Andrea: Vikings -3

The other shoe is going to drop when it comes to Sam Darnold. I don’t think the league’s 26th-best passing defense will be the one to make it happen.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Opening Line: Bengals -3

Blake Schuster: Bengals -2.5

Don’t look now, but the Bengals have their swagger back.

Prince Grimes: Eagles +2.5

This matchup seemed more exciting before the season started. Anyway, Saquon Barkley could have another big game.

Charles Curtis: Eagles +2.5

Philly? Underdogs? To the Bengals? Thanks!

Cory Woodroof: Bengals -2.5

Cincinnati is coming alive like it normally does this time of year. Philadelphia feels very inconsistent this season. I’ll take Joe Burrow and company.

Robert Zeglinski: Bengals -2.5

The Eagles are gonna bumble their way to 11 wins again, but that still means they’ve gotta take a few more dumb losses on the chin. Taking an L from the middling Bengals qualifies.

Christian D’Andrea: Bengals -2.5

Cincinnati is doing Joe Burrow things (overcoming a garbage start with MVP-caliber numbers). The bigger concern is whether Lou Anarumo can get his defense in line.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns

Opening Line: Ravens -1

Blake Schuster: Ravens -9

I’m not sure it matters who is starting at QB for Cleveland, the Ravens don’t play with their food.

Prince Grimes: Ravens -9

Although I think Jameis Winston gives Cleveland a better chance than the last dude they had playing quarterback.

Charles Curtis: Ravens -9

Until I see how Jameis Winston does with a broken Browns offense, I have to take the contenders.

Cory Woodroof: Ravens -9

Baltimore will win this game by two touchdowns, but the Cleveland defense will cause occasional problems.

Robert Zeglinski: Ravens -9

Are the Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry Ravens the coolest and most fun NFL team of all time? That’s a rhetorical question.

Christian D’Andrea: Browns +9

I don’t like it either, but Kevin Stefanski does really well when handed a competent quarterback. Plus, this is a *lot* of points to lay on the road.

Tennessee Titans vs. Detroit Lions

Opening Line: Lions -7.5

Blake Schuster: Lions -11

Tennessee is in The Bad Place. I’m not sure how the Titans get out of it.

Prince Grimes: Lions -11

The Titans remain on insta-fade.

Charles Curtis: Lions -11

The Titans are BAD bad.

Cory Woodroof: Lions -11

The Titans’ defense is better than you’d expect for their record, but the offense is not. Detroit will roll.

Robert Zeglinski: Lions -11

Well, I don’t really see why the Lions would hate the anodyne Titans, so don’t expect them to break out trick plays when they’re up by three touchdowns this time.

Christian D’Andrea: Lions -11

Of all the games that will be played in Week 8, this is one of them.

Arizona Cardinals at Miami Dolphins

Opening Line: Dolphins -6

Blake Schuster: Cardinals +3

Tua will need some time to get his rhythm back (if he plays) and the Cardinals seem to have found theirs on offense.

Prince Grimes: Dolphins -3

I don’t feel great about it, but I’ll take the home team. They’ll get a nice boost from their QB’s return.

Charles Curtis: Cardinals +3

I think this will be a close one.

Cory Woodroof: Cardinals +3

I’m not sure why Arizona isn’t the favorite in this game. If Tua Tagovailoa plays, he’s going to be rusty. The Cardinals are feisty, even if they’re not amazing.

Robert Zeglinski: Cardinals +3

Hoo boy, I know Tua might be back, but that is way too many points for the meager Dolphins for my tastes.

Christian D’Andrea: Dolphins -3

Time zones, Tua, etc. Either way, no one will force you to watch this game. The Geneva Convention has a whole thing about it.

New York Jets at New England Patriots

Opening Line: Jets -4.5

Blake Schuster: Patriots +7.5

I was all ready to take the Jets before Aaron Rodgers started breaking out the big words and Davante Adams called out the team’s energy a week after getting traded.

Prince Grimes: Jets -7.5

I felt a lot better about this when it was -7, but the way the Pats offense shut down after a fast start against Jacksonville doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Charles Curtis: Patriots +7.5

Just the kind of game the Jets will play down to and win, but the Pats will cover.

Cory Woodroof: Jets -7.5

New York is going to have to win a game at some point with Davante Adams in the fold. Right? New England feels like the moment.

Robert Zeglinski: Jets -7.5

The Jets are spontaneously combusting right before our eyes, but I can’t in good conscience trust anything about the Patriots right now.

Christian D’Andrea: Patriots +7.5

New York has one win this season by more than seven points. That was at home against the pre-Drake Maye Patriots. You know the old saying: “No one beats Jerod Mayo by 21 points twice in six weeks.”

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Opening Line: Buccaneers -1

Blake Schuster: Falcons -2.5

I don’t think the Bucs are down for the count just yet, but taking down a division rival after losing your two best wideouts is a massive ask.

Prince Grimes: Falcons -2.5

Baker Mayfield’s play was beginning to slip even before he lost his top two receivers.

Charles Curtis: Falcons -2.5

Sigh. Sure.

Cory Woodroof: Falcons -2.5

I would have picked the Bucs without the injuries. Those are devastating. Falcons win close in this scenario. Just know it will still be close.

Robert Zeglinski: Falcons -2.5

No Chris Godwin and no Mike Evans means the Buccaneers don’t even keep pace with Kirk Cousins this time.

Christian D’Andrea: Falcons -2.5

I do not trust Atlanta and I hate the Falcons laying points on the road. But, uh, I also saw the Bucs’ last game, so here we are.

Green Bay Packers at Jacksonville Jaguars

Opening Line: Packers -1

Blake Schuster: Packers -4.5

Thank you for the free money, Green Bay.

Prince Grimes: Packers -4.5

We don’t believe you, Jacksonville.

Charles Curtis: Packers -4.5

Doug Pederson, time to pack your bags after this one.

Cory Woodroof: Packers -4.5

The Jaguars have won a couple of games recently, but they are still bad.

Robert Zeglinski: Packers -4.5

Have the Jaguars considered unplugging and plugging themselves back in? It could work!

Christian D’Andrea: Packers -4.5

Jacksonville can beat the NFL’s dregs but I get the feeling that’s about it. Jordan Love can be forced into bad decisions but is the team with three turnovers forced in seven weeks really gonna capitalize?

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans

Opening Line: Texans -4

Blake Schuster: Colts +5.5

Indy is just good enough to lose this game by a field goal.

Prince Grimes: Colts +5.5

The Colts aren’t good, but they are 6-1 ATS.

Charles Curtis: Texans -5.5

Hey, question here: is Anthony Richardson a bust? I will ponder that while I watch the Texans win by 10.

Cory Woodroof: Texans -5.5

Division games are always weird, but Houston takes care of business here.

Robert Zeglinski: Texans -5.5

Poor Anthony Richardson. He gets a DeMeco Ryans defense a week after a stupid road loss. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Christian D’Andrea: Texans -5.5

I’m done trying to figure out Colts games. They should lose this one, which means Richardson will get hurt and Joe Flacco will lead them to a road win.

New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers

Opening Line: Chargers -3

Blake Schuster: Chargers -7.5

This game is going to be a joyless slog. Also known as Jim Harbaugh’s specialty.

Prince Grimes: Chargers -7.5

This game probably won’t go much different than the Denver game for New Orleans.

Charles Curtis: Chargers -7.5

The defense will clamp down on a hapless Saints team.

Cory Woodroof: Chargers -7.5

The Saints are starting to get healthier, but Los Angeles feels like the kind of machine that wins against struggling teams.

Robert Zeglinski: Chargers -7.5

Oh, I know what the Saints should do to fix their problems! Restructure ANOTHER contract for an older veteran on his last legs. That’ll do it!

Christian D’Andrea: Chargers -7.5

Spencer Rattler, your passing game, woof.

Buffalo Bills at Seattle Seahawks

Opening Line: Bills -3

Blake Schuster: Bills -3.5

Always hard to bet against the Seahawks as home underdogs but I feel pretty good about this week with both teams headed in opposite directions.

Prince Grimes: Bills -3.5

DK Metcalf’s status is iffy. His potential absence makes the Hawks a little easier to defend.

Charles Curtis: Seahawks +3.5

A smidge uneasy about this one given that the Bills are pretty good.

Cory Woodroof: Seahawks +3.5

Seattle can win this one close if it affects Josh Allen like it did Kirk Cousins last week and Geno Smith balls out again

Robert Zeglinski: Seahawks +3.5

The Seahawks aren’t bad enough and the Bills aren’t good enough (at least, yet) for me to avoid taking the points for the home team.

Christian D’Andrea: Bills -3.5

The success of the 49ers and, uh, Giants, suggest Lumen Field isn’t quite the intimidation factor it once was.

Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos

Opening Line: Broncos -2.5

Blake Schuster: Broncos -9

Bryce Young, Andy Dalton, Cam Newton, doesn’t matter. Denver’s defense can shut down any of them with ease.

Prince Grimes: Broncos -9

Laying this many points on Bo Nix is insane, but so is picking the Panthers. So let’s get crazy.

Charles Curtis: Broncos -9

This spread should be larger.

Cory Woodroof: Broncos -9

Bo Nix is not playing well, but this Panthers defense isn’t stopping anybody.

Robert Zeglinski: Broncos -9

The guy who can barely throw downfield is about to destroy the Panthers, who average allowing 34 points a game. You’re doing great, David Tepper!

Christian D’Andrea: Broncos -9

Again, Carolina has played a single game in which it didn’t lose by double digits. And that was against the Raiders.

Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders

Opening Line: Chiefs -5.5

Blake Schuster: Raiders +10

Maxx Crosby is going to make a big impression on his future team and Patrick Mahomes is going to turnover the ball enough to keep the Raiders alive just long enough to crush them.

Prince Grimes: Chiefs -10

The Raiders stink.

Charles Curtis: Chiefs -10

I know, I know. Divisional game. Whatever. This Raiders team ain’t covering.

Cory Woodroof: Chiefs -10

Remember that whole “the Raiders make fun of Patrick Mahomes with a Kermit puppet” thing?

Robert Zeglinski: Chiefs -10

DeAndre Hopkins’ reward for escaping the Titans is leaving the QB with the second-most interceptions in the NFL to join the QB with the most. Gah, he just can’t find any respite, can he?

Christian D’Andrea: Chiefs -10

(looks at Panthers blurb above)

Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders

Opening Line: Bears -2

Blake Schuster: Bears -1.5

I’m insulted by this line. It’s going to be a beatdown.

Prince Grimes: Bears -1.5

I would have taken Chicago even if we knew Jayden Daniels was playing. Only one of these teams plays defense.

Charles Curtis: Bears -1.5

I’ll assume no Jayden Daniels here.

Cory Woodroof: Bears -1.5

No Jayden Daniels, no Washington win.

Robert Zeglinski: Bears -1.5

Not only is Caleb Williams a better and more advanced quarterback, but his Bears are also a better and more complete team on both sides of the ball, whether Jayden Daniels plays or not.

Christian D’Andrea: Bears -1.5

Chicago, coming off a bye, against *that* defense??? Even if Jayden Daniels were fully healthy I’d take the visitors.

Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers (Sunday Night)

Opening Line: 49ers -5.5

Blake Schuster: Cowboys +4.5

Has tailing the Cowboys worked out for me this year? Nope! Am I foolish enough to trust them again? Yep!

Prince Grimes: Cowboys +4.5

I don’t know man. The Cowboys are kinda desperate and the 49ers are losing players left and right.

Charles Curtis: 49ers -4.5

Slightly uneasy about this one too, but sure.

Cory Woodroof: 49ers -4.5

San Francisco isn’t playing to expectations right now, but neither is Dallas. I trust Kyle Shanahan to exploit a bad Dallas defense.

Robert Zeglinski: 49ers -4.5

Brock Purdy looks kinda like a former Mr. Irrelevant again BUT the Cowboys have a way of making everyone … relevant. Ugh, that didn’t feel good. I’m sorry.

Christian D’Andrea: 49ers -4.5

It’s tough to trust either team right now, but if I were betting on one team to get right after an underwhelming start — and I am — it’s not gonna be the one coached by Mike McCarthy.

New York Giants at Pittsburgh Steelers (Monday Night)

Opening Line: Steelers -4

Blake Schuster: Steelers -6.5

Mike Tomlin Magic, man. I don’t know how he keeps winning (against the spread) with this team.

Prince Grimes: Steelers -6.5

My poor poor Giants.

Charles Curtis: Steelers -6.5

Man, I picked too many favorites, but how do you bet on the Giants right now??

Cory Woodroof: Giants +6.5

This feels like a trap game for Pittsburgh. I’m probably wrong, but let’s just get weird here.

Robert Zeglinski: Steelers -6.5

Every time I look over at the Giants, they’re busy vomiting all over themselves. It’s uncanny. What a cupcake matchup for semi-washed Russell Wilson.

Christian D’Andrea: Steelers -6.5

The Giants have the defense to grind this game out. I’m not sure they have the offense to cover.