It was a tale of two Mannings this past week: Peyton’s Broncos took a hit and lost their first game of the season while the winless Giants headed by Eli finally got to taste victory after seven weeks of trying.
Only one squad (Kansas City) is left undefeated, but there are five teams yet to suffer an ATS loss at home this season. Four of them are either playing on the road (Bills, Cowboys, Packers) in Week 8 or serving their byes (Chargers). That leaves us with the Bengals. They’ll be in Cincy this week looking to beat the spread at home again.
Here are the top 5 NFL teams to bet on this week:
1. Dallas Cowboys (+3)
Dallas Cowboys @ Detroit Lions (October 27 | 1:00 PM ET)
For the first time in six years, Dallas is 3-0 SU in the NFC East after beating up their rival Eagles (17-3) in Week 7. In that game, Tony Romo had a sparkling 317-yard passing output and connected for one touchdown. But it was the Cowboys’ defense that starred that day, limiting Chip Kelly’s squad to a season-worst 84 rushing yards (Philadelphia is No.1 in rushing yards in the NFL with 165.0 per game).
The Cowboys’ 14-point win against Philadelphia easily covered their 3-point spread as underdogs. It improved their mark to 3-0 ATS as underdogs this season. Their first ATS win under that circumstance was in a 17-16 SU loss to Kansas City in Week 2. Three weeks later, they engaged Denver in shootout. Though Dallas came out the loser in that game, 51-48, they beat their 7.5-point spread as ‘dogs nonetheless.
2. New York Giants (+5.5)
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (October 27 | 1:00 PM ET)
Seven agonizing weeks of a winless drought mercifully ended when Eli Manning and company recorded the Giants’ first win of the season at the expense of Minnesota, 23-7, on Sunday. It was an ugly win in an ugly game for the Giants but they’ll take it if it can restore their confidence. [sc:NCAA240banner ]
Hoping to build on the momentum they gained, the Giants will tackle a Philadelphia team coming off a horrific 17-3 loss to the Cowboys. It was the lowest scoring output or the Eagles this season and compounding their problems even more was the head injury quarterback Nick Foles suffered in the Dallas game.
Remember, when Philadelphia beat the Giants (36-21) in Week 5, Foles was sterling for his team after Michael Vick got injured midgame. But with the high probability of him sitting out next game, the Eagles might have to turn to third-string QB and rookie Matt Barkley. Barkley debuted against Dallas and quickly went to work by throwing three interceptions in the last quarter. Somewhere, the Giants’ secondary is salivating.
3. Cincinnati Bengals (-6.5)
New York Jets @ Cincinnati Bengals (October 27 | 4:05 PM ET)
The Bengals haven’t dropped a home game this season, nor have they lost against the spread at home this season.
Through seven weeks of slam-bang football action, there are still five teams left undefeated against the spread at home, including the Bengals. What sets Cincinnati apart from the other four is that they’re the only one to play at home this week.
Aside from the 3-0 SU ATS mark in their last three games at home, the Bengals are also on a tear, winning three in a row to sit at first place in the AFC North with a 5-2 SU record.
4. Denver Broncos (-13.5)
Washington Redskins @ Denver Broncos (October 27 | 4:25 PM ET)
It wasn’t that much of a groundbreaking development but Denver’s first defeat of the season at the hands of the Colts sent many experts back to re-calibrate their power rankings. Others cared less and rather looked ahead to see which team will get the unenviable task of facing a Broncos’ squad hell-bent on rebounding.
Week 8 calls for a Redskins-Broncos showdown.
The Broncos’ potent offense could erupt against Washington, a team that seems to forget that football also involves defense. The Redskins allow opposing teams to score an average of 30.7 points a game – third worst in the NFL. Another sorry effort on the defensive end and it could get very ugly for Washington. Denver’s league leading 42.6 points per game could make Washington’s defensive coordinator Jim Haslett’s seat even hotter.
The Broncos are 18-1 SU in their last 19 regular season games and are 8-0 Over in their last eight games overall.
5. St. Louis Rams (+11.5)
Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams (October 28 | 8:40 PM ET)
Sam Bradford is officially out for the season.
There’s no punch line.
Bradford is really done after suffering an ACL injury, and he’s taking with him into his early vacation St. Louis’ hopes for a playoff appearance.
As if to play a cruel trick on the Rams’ luck, the gods of the NFL have St. Louis going up against the crippling rushing attack of the Seahawks.
So why should you bet on this team?
Bookmakers find it fitting to make the Rams 11.5-point underdogs, which should have Ram’s bettors salivating. St. Louis is a perfect 4-0 ATS in their last four games when they’re underdogs in a spread of eight points or greater.
[sc:NFL490Banner ]Visit the sportsbook for odds and lines for NFL Week 8 action. Plus, bet on World Series, NHL and NBA Futures in anticipation of October 29th.
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