CBS Sports writers Jordan Dajani and Jared Dubin have released their expert picks for NFL Week 8, analyzing eight key matchups with point spreads and score predictions. The Minnesota Vikings remain the league's only undefeated team at 5-0 after the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs suffered their first losses.
Thursday Night Football: Panthers at Packers
Both experts favor the Green Bay Packers (-3.5) over the Carolina Panthers. Dajani predicts a 27-23 Packers win, citing Carolina's last-ranked rush defense (153.2 yards allowed per game) and expecting a big game from Josh Jacobs. Dubin projects a 24-17 Packers victory, noting Green Bay's explosive passing attack against a depleted Panthers secondary.
Ravens at Bills: Lamar Jackson's Return
Both analysts take the Baltimore Ravens (+3.5) against the Buffalo Bills, contingent on Lamar Jackson playing. Dajani highlights Jackson's MVP-caliber start (70.8% completion, 10.1 yards per attempt, 6 TDs, 1 INT) and Buffalo's poor scoring defense (28.5 ppg allowed). He predicts Ravens 30, Bills 28. Dubin agrees but warns to flip the pick if Jackson sits, forecasting Bills 30, Ravens 27.
Vikings at Lions: Underdog Undefeated
Despite being the only unbeaten team, the Vikings are 3-point underdogs at Detroit. Both experts pick the Lions (-3). Dajani cites Minnesota's anemic offense (fewest TDs by a 6-0 team since 1934) and Detroit's improving defense. He predicts Lions 24, Vikings 20. Dubin expects a similar outcome, 23-14, doubting the Vikings can win a high-scoring game at Ford Field.
Browns at Steelers: Division Rivalry
Both experts favor the Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5) at home against the Cleveland Browns. Dajani notes Pittsburgh's 8-0 straight-up and against-the-spread record in their last eight home games vs. Cleveland, predicting Steelers 26, Browns 21. Dubin questions the Browns' sustainability (every win required a late game-winning drive) and projects Steelers 20, Browns 13.
Falcons at Buccaneers: Road Underdogs
Both analysts back the Atlanta Falcons (+2.5) at Tampa Bay. Dajani points to Atlanta's fourth-ranked rush defense (88.9 yards allowed) and 4-0 ATS record in their last four road games vs. the Bucs, predicting Falcons 26, Buccaneers 24. Dubin agrees, favoring Atlanta's balanced offense over a Tampa Bay team that may need to rely on Baker Mayfield's passing, forecasting Falcons 23, Buccaneers 17.
Chiefs at Broncos: Kansas City Struggles
The experts split on Chiefs (-1.5) at Denver. Dajani takes the Broncos (+1.5), citing Kansas City's 3-3 ATS record and 2-9 ATS on the road since 2025, plus Denver's 5-1 SU/ATS in their last six games. He predicts Broncos 20, Chiefs 16. Dubin favors the Chiefs, dismissing Denver's previous fluky offensive performance and trusting Steve Spagnuolo's defense, projecting Chiefs 21, Broncos 13.
Eagles at Commanders: Sunday Night Football
Dajani backs the Washington Commanders (-5.5) at home, citing their resilience and Jayden Daniels' motivation for his first win since Oct. 5, 2025, predicting Commanders 27, Eagles 17. Dubin takes the Eagles (+5.5), expecting a closer game due to Washington's defense allowing 23+ points every game, forecasting Commanders 17, Eagles 13.
Bears at Seahawks: Monday Night Football
Dajani likes the Chicago Bears (+3) based on their 5-0 ATS in their last five primetime games and Caleb Williams' improved accuracy (off-target rate down from 15% to 7%), predicting Seahawks 24, Bears 23. Dubin favors the Seattle Seahawks (-3), trusting their defense to contain Chicago's run game and pressure Williams, projecting Seahawks 24, Bears 20.
