Andrew Wilsher
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We’re almost at the mid-point of the 2023 NFL season as we dive into Week 8 and it continues to be a profitable campaign for us here at Pickswise. We’re 115-95-4 on the season for +28 units with our NFL picks and our experts are out for more profit in this loaded slate. Let’s dive into the 4 NFL best bets from each of our star NFL handicappers as we look to help you bet better once again.
Chris Farley: Minnesota Vikings -1 over Green Bay Packers (-110)
Kirk Cousins played one of the greatest games of his career last Monday night, and that’s not hyperbole. Against one of the best defenses in the NFL, Cousins sliced and diced the 49er-defense for four quarters, finding holes in San Francisco’s cover-two scheme and leading his team down the field when it mattered most. He was a staggering 35-45 (78%) for 378 yards (8.4 yards per pass), and it was even more impressive considering the team was still without Justin Jefferson. First round draft pick WR Jordan Addison had a breakout performance in Jefferson’s absence, accruing 160 yards and two touchdowns. Brian Flores and his defense also made life difficult for the Niners’ offense, forcing Brock Purdy into two interceptions and holding a top-tier San Francisco rushing attack to just 65 yards. A team dismissed and ridiculed to start the 2023-24 campaign, the Vikings have now won three of their last four and they’re gaining steam midway through the season. The fact that their defense looks markedly improved is an especially promising sign.
The same cannot be said about the Packers. Jordan Love is clearly starting to regress in the wrong direction. Against one of the most exposed defenses in the league, Love never found a rhythm last week in Denver, succumbing to short throws (for a measly 5.8 yards per pass) for just 180 yards through the air in a Week 7 loss. Trying to lean on their run-game, Aaron Jones still didn’t look as explosive and Green Bay’s blocking was inconsistent. Green Bay scored 17 second half points and nearly came back against the Broncos, but averaging just 5.0 yards per play this season just isn’t explosive enough against good offenses. Hell it wasn’t enough against the Broncos offense last week, which is saying a lot!
Even at Lambeau Field, we can’t bet on Green Bay this weekend. Minnesota is riding some real momentum, and like their NFC North counterparts this is an opportunity for the Vikings to gain a stranglehold on this series against an Aaron Rodgers-less Packers’ team.
Be sure to check out our full Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers predictions
The Betting Queen: New Orleans Saints ML over Indianapolis Colts (-110)
The New Orleans Saints visit the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday. The Saints are coming off a devastating loss to the Jaguars on Thursday Night Football on Week 7 while the Colts lost a heartbreaker 39-38 at home to the Browns. Both teams are coming into this matchup with a 3-4 record but I give the edge heavily to the Saints. They have the better quarterback in Derek Carr and he could carve apart this Colts pass defense. The Colts are allowing almost 28 points per game on defense, which is 3rd-worst in the NFL. With Alvin Kamara coming out of the backfield and being a threat in the pass game it could be too much for the Colts to handle and I expect the Saints to get their offense going early.
The Indianapolis Colts will face another tough defense this week. QB Garner Minshew has thrown 4 interceptions and been sacked 7 times in 2 games since replacing rookie Anthony Richardson. They have Jonathan Taylor back, but it will take more than him on offense to beat this tough Saints defense. I’m taking the Saints on the road with confidence this Sunday in Indianapolis.
Be sure to check out our full New Orleans Saints vs Indianapolis Colts predictions
Andrew Ortenberg: Jacksonville Jaguars vs Pittsburgh Steelers Over 41 (-110)
I like the over a lot in this spot. Jacksonville has been winning games but it hasn’t exactly been because of their defense, as they’ve given up 20+ points in each of their last three victories. The Jags signed Calvin Ridley this offseason to unlock a new level to their passing game, and even when he isn’t getting the ball a lot he’s still drawing a ton of attention from opposing defenses and opening things up for Christian Kirk and others. Trevor Lawrence has been dealing with a minor knee injury but it clearly isn’t much of an issue, as he just ran for 59 yards against New Orleans last week and was taking off left and right.
And Pittsburgh’s defense is just coasting on reputation at this point; it clearly isn’t what it used to be. Just a few weeks ago they got torched for over 10 yards per attempt by rookie CJ Stroud as the Texans dropped 30 points on them. The Steelers’ offense isn’t anything to write home about, but Kenny Pickett did at least get some momentum going in the second half of last week’s Rams game, leading a pair of fourth quarter touchdown drives. There have been at least 55 points scored in each of Jacksonville’s last two games, and I like our chances of seeing a third straight shootout here.
Be sure to check out our full Jacksonville Jaguars vs Pittsburgh Steelers predictions
John Martin: Detroit Lions -8 over Las Vegas Raiders (-110)
There’s a system play developing here at Pickswise, if you haven’t picked up on it yet. Has it always worked? No. Will it work more than not? Yes. That system play is fading Josh McDaniels. As long as he’s a head coach in the NFL, there will be an opportunity to make some money with your wagers. The Raiders, even at 3-4, are a complete mirage. They were beneficiaries of brutally bad quarterback play with the Packers and Patriots in back-to-back games and the schedule is about to get much tougher, starting on Monday night.
The Lions were basically blanked by Baltimore, but duds happen in the NFL, especially when you’re on the road. Perhaps we should downgrade Detroit’s defense a bit, but that’s more of a discussion at the macro level. For Monday night, the Lions should feast on this underperforming Raiders offensive line. Davante Adams is frustrated, the team continues to not be able to get much going with Josh Jacobs, and the defense is the definition of mediocre outside of Maxx Crosby. If the Lions are fortunate enough to get running back David Montgomery back from injury, this really becomes my favorite bet of the year. The Lions are in a new position of being such big favorites here, but there’s a reason. This is a spot Dan Campbell, a premier motivator, should have his team ready for, and my bet is that the Lions don’t leave any room for doubt against a flailing Raiders squad.
Be sure to check out our full Las Vegas Raiders vs Detroit Lions predictions for Monday Night Football
