For several teams, Week 8 of the NFL season marks the halfway point for them and what has really stood out so far is the fact that there are a lot of teams that are still in the mix. The Rams and Chiefs have leapt out as early Super Bowl contenders but there are a handful of teams in each conference that can challenge them. As we await what looks to be a phenomenal slate of games in Week 9, we must first look back at what stood out from what was in all honesty, a fairly pedestrian slate of games in Week 8.
1 – Doubling Up
This week saw the equal highest number of double digit winning margins this season with eight of the 14 games finishing with a margin of 10 points or more. The average margin of victory this week was 10.57 points but that came without any major “blowout” victories. Somewhat surprisingly, the biggest wins came in the first and last games of the weekend as the Texans and Patriots both won by 19 points.
2 – NFC East Matchups
In the fourth NFC East matchup this season, the Redskins and Giants played out a typically low scoring encounter. In three of the four matchups, the winner has scored a grand total of 20 points and in all four games the losing side has been kept in the teens. Admittedly three of the four losing sides have been the New York Giants whose offence is struggling on all sorts of levels this season. That being said it is worth taking note going forward that in these games, the losing team will score under 20, which could impact the over/under or team total plays. The next all NFC East matchup is between the Eagles and Cowboys in Week 10 so don’t be surprised if that is another low scoring battle.
3 – Enough is Enough
If you look at one stat, the decision of the Browns to fire coach Hue Jackson is befuddling, after all they have one of the best records in the NFL. Against the spread the Browns are second in the lead with a 5-2-1 record however that just wasn’t enough to cancel out the 3-36-1 head to head record during Jackson’s two- and a-bit seasons in charge. Initially this was going to say start backing against the Browns with two big losses in the last three games, but the coaching change may just bring out a bit more of the talent on the Browns roster. If you believe in a coaching change providing a spark the Browns at +8 might be appealing, then you see they’re playing Kansas City.
4 – Testing Times in LA
Even if you are furious at Todd Gurley for turning down that final touchdown against Green Bay (won by 2, favoured by 8.5), you can’t help but be impressed with the Rams moving to 8-0. It has been far from smooth sailing the last few weeks however as they become the clear favourites to win Super Bowl LIII. The line has at least made their games somewhat competitve with the Rams going a mediocre 4-4 against the spread this season. While nobody on the roster will give a second thought to that record, it is worth noting for punters looking for some value on the hottest team in the league right now.
Since Week 4, their winning margins have been: 7, 2, 3, 29 and 2 points, which shows teams are giving them their best shot. Next week sees their gauntlet of tough games continue as they travel to what will be a raucous Superdome in New Orleans to face a Saints side that has been very strong this year. With the early line coming in at Saints -1.5 there is a lot to look forward to, just don’t be surprised if it comes down to the last couple of minutes with a “Less than 7 Points” winning margin play looking appealing right now.
5 – Setting Up the Heavyweight Bout
It’s hard not to be excited about next week’s feature game, we get to see Tom Brady and the Patriots host Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in what has the makings of a classic. Green Bay were right in the mix with the LA Rams, with their much maligned defence putting in a phenomenal performance and Aaron Rodgers was in position to mount a game winning drive. A fumbled kick return changed that but there should still be enough to concern Brady and Belichick.
Speaking of the Patriots they had their tune up on Monday Night Football against their bunnies, the Buffalo Bills. It was a much tighter game than anyone expected with the Patriots not really in total control until the back end of the fourth quarter. The Patriots enter this game 4-0 at home and 3-1 against the spread and there is no doubt this is going to be a phenomenal contest.
If all of that isn’t enough to get you excited for this game, check out the ad running in the US for it.
How do you settle the debate over who is the ‘Greatest of All Time?’@Jumpman23 wants to see it happen head-to-head. pic.twitter.com/L4v6kOvJfF
— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 29, 2018