Andrew Wilsher
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We’re fast approaching the midway point of the 2024 NFL season as we’ve already reached Week 8, and things got started in a big way on Thursday Night Football as the Rams welcomed back Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, who inspired them to a 30-20 victory over the Vikings to hand Minnesota its 2nd straight loss. This week, we see a bumper Sunday slate highlighted by Sunday Night Football between the 49ers and Cowboys. Both those franchises have looked below-par thus far and will hoping a victory can get their season back on track. How will things pan out in Week 8? Let’s get into our Pickswise experts’ 3-star NFL best bets for this Sunday’s games, while you can also find out our NFL picks on the side and total for EVERY matchup this season.
NFL Week 8 best bet: Miami Dolphins -4 over Arizona Cardinals (-110)
Odds available at Bet365 at time of publishing. Playable to -4.5.
Tua Tagovailoa will return to the Dolphins lineup this week after missing a few games through concussion, and his presence should inspire the Fins to pick up a comfortable victory against the Cardinals. Tagovailoa gave a passionate speech in his press conference earlier this week and I’m expecting this team to come firing out of the blocks and a quick return to the vicious offense Miami boasted last season. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have largely been kept quiet while Tyler Huntley and Tim Boyle were under center, but now they get to come up against an Arizona defense that has allowed the most passing yards per attempt in the NFL (8.3). Tua’s return should also reinvigorate Miami’s ground game, which has stuttered over the past week but that is unsurprising given teams were able to give that more focus. Now with having to defend Hill and Waddle, we should see De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert have more success on the ground.
While the Cardinals are coming off a big win over the Chargers, their offense hasn’t quite been able to build on its early-season success. Since their 41-point explosion against the Rams, Arizona has scored 17 points or fewer in 4 of its 5 games. They are now coming up against a Dolphins defense that has allowed the fewest passing yards and passing touchdowns in the league. With Miami having home advantage too, I have full confidence in Mike McDaniel’s team to deliver a statement win at the Cardinals’ expense in this one.
Read our full Arizona Cardinals vs Miami Dolphins predictions
NFL Week 8 best bet: Cleveland Browns +8.5 over Baltimore Ravens (-110)
Odds available at BetMGM at time of publishing. Playable at that number.
We’ve got a classic AFC North rivalry matchup to look forward to here in Week 8, as Jameis Winston gets ready for his first start with the Cleveland Browns. They’ll welcome in the division favorite Baltimore Ravens. Winston, of course, will be starting in place of the injured Deshaun Watson and will look to spark some life into an offense that has been truly anemic this season. I don’t believe Winston is going to do enough for Cleveland to pull off a stunning upset and win outright, but I do think he’ll provide enough of a spark to cover this hefty spread. It’s not too often that you’ll be able to grab 9 points with a home ‘dog in a division game, especially with one like the Browns, who were expected to be a playoff contender before Watson’s play regressed.
The last time these 2 teams played each other was back in November 2023, and Cleveland won outright on the road in Baltimore with Watson under center. The Ravens are riding high off their big win over the Buccaneers in primetime, and now is the time to sell high. Baltimore just played on Monday night, so now they’re going to be on a short week for their 3rd road game in 4 weeks. And one of those aforementioned road games was an overtime thriller against Cincinnati. If that’s not the recipe for some fatigue, I’m not sure what is.
While the Ravens have understandably been getting a lot of praise for the way Lamar Jackson has played, they’re far from unbeatable. Let’s not forget, this is a team that lost at home to the Raiders not too long ago. Derrick Henry has helped unlock a new gear to this Ravens offense, but the Browns are pretty stout against the run. Cleveland is 4th in the league in rushing yards per game allowed, and if they’re able to hold Henry in check here then I expect them to cover this number.
Read our full Baltimore Ravens vs Cleveland Browns predictions
NFL Week 8 best bet: San Francisco 49ers -4 over Dallas Cowboys (-112)
Odds available at Fanatics Sportsbook at time of publishing. Playable to -4.5.
NFL schedule-makers didn’t do the 49ers any favors this season. One week following a tough loss against the Chiefs after the Chiefs’ bye week, the Niners will host the Cowboys, who are also off their bye week. Mike McCarthy is 12-5 all-time and 3-1 ATS as the Cowboys head coach after a bye, one of the best in the NFL besides the coach San Fran battled last week, Andy Reid (a ridiculous 21-4 ATS in his career). Regardless, the 49ers must march on with a litany of injuries on their roster. Last Sunday, Brandon Aiyuk was added to the season-ending list; not great for an offense that’s been sputtering. At 3-4, the Niners aren’t as tasty of a grab this week. Big-money-bettors indicated as much, moving the spread from SF -7 to SF -4.5 in less than 24 hours after it opened. We understand the sentiment – what is there to like about the Niners right now?
At the same time, it’s worth noting that they were 7-point favorites for a reason. Even with their injuries, the 49ers are a professional organization, one that’s risen to the top in the NFC numerous times in the last half-decade, and they have the staff and QB to turn the ship around. At 3-4 and with a bye week ahead, this is a desperate moment for the Niners, an integral time to gain momentum before a long break. And for what it’s worth – this is an opponent that they’ve had the upper hand against for a long time.
The Cowboys and 49ers aren’t in the same division but they might as well be. No 2 NFC teams have battled more in marquee games over the last 40 years, but lately it’s been very one-sided. The Niners have bested the Cowboys in each of their last 3 contests, including a 32-point thrashing last year in the Bay Area. Dallas is not even close to the program they were last season, especially on defense, and they still don’t know if Micah Parsons will be able to suit up. Dallas’ defense has been a funnel for opposing offenses (31st in opponent ppg, 24th in opponent ypg). The Niners are comfortable beating up on the Boys, they need a win, and they can expose matchup advantages on both sides of the ball. I love San Fran in this spot.
Read our full Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers predictions
