NFL Best Bets, Week 8: Bears among three teams to pick this week

Week 7 saw our picks go 1-2, we are dead even at 10-10-1 on the year.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had every opportunity to put the Atlanta Falcons away but could not get out of their own way.

The Buffalo Bills were outmatched by the New England Patriots, and it might be time for them to take a hard look at their team and think if they can make a run as presently constructed.

The Kansas City Chiefs continued their domination and will be one of our three best bets this week.

Reminder: Lines taken from FanDuel Sportsbook.

SEAHAWKS -3.5 vs Browns

There is no telling where this line will eventually land, but if you can get it for under 4.5, it’s good value. The Browns look like they will be without Deshaun Watson again and are playing their second straight-road game. Cleveland ranks second in rushing yards per game and would like to lean on that for this game. However, Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt are banged up, and Seattle is a top-six unit against the run this year. This will force the Browns into some longer third-down conversions, which is not their specialty (currently ranked 30th).

Geno Smith has had his struggles, but he will be getting DK Metcalf back into the fold, and they will likely win this game comfortably.

CHIEFS -7.5 @ Broncos

I’ve seen this line at 7 and 7.5, and I’m taking this either way. The Chiefs are 5-2 against the spread this year, while the Broncos are a lowly 1-5.

Patrick Mahomes has beaten the Broncos in 12 straight contests and will look to make history by going 13-0 this Sunday. The offense seems to be back on track, and Isaiah Pacheco gives them a nice ground game that can run some clock in the second half once this game gets out of hand.

Chiefs by double digits.

BEARS +8.5 @ Chargers

Tyson Bagent mania has taken over the nation, for once, the Bears are one of the darling storylines of the week. While the offense looked better last week, the defense has had the most significant turnaround in the last few games.

The Bears have not allowed an opponent to score more than 20 points in three consecutive games. They’ll work to replicate the formula from last week’s Raiders game by pounding the ball with D’Onta Foreman and Roschon Johnson and working in quick throws to keep the chains moving.

Ultimately, the Chargers have too much talent to lose this game outright, but I believe the Bears can cover the 8.5 points by controlling the clock and limiting Los Angeles’ offense with their improved defense.