Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season is upon us, and with no teams on a bye, we have a fantastic slate of games on Sunday to sink our teeth into. The Chiefs will be looking to remain perfect when they make the trip to Vegas to take on the Raiders, while 2 franchises on the rise in the Bears and Commanders will be going head to head. On Sunday Night Football, we see 2 teams collide that are desperate to turn their fortunes around in the Cowboys and 49ers. To add some extra excitement to what is sure to be a thrilling NFL Sunday, I’ve pieced together some of my best NFL picks in the form of an NFL Week 8 parlay, which is available at HUGE +2381 odds with FanDuel Sportsbook. Let’s dive in!
Dolphins -6.5 alternate spread (+126)
Commanders ML (+144)
Browns ML (+350)
NFL parlay odds: +2381
Miami Dolphins -6.5 alternate spread over Arizona Cardinals (+126)
Welcome back, Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins quarterback has been absent since leaving Thursday Night Football in Week 2 following a nasty concussion, but the Miami signal-caller is back and I’m expecting him to reignite this offense. The Dolphins have struggled markedly to put points on the board while Tua’s been gone, with star wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combining for just 1 touchdown this season. However, they couldn’t have asked for a better opponent here as the Cardinals allow the most passing yards per attempt in the NFL. Tagovailoa already appears fired up based on his press conferences this week and I’m expecting him to come out hot.
On the other side, the Cardinals have failed to score more than 17 points in 4 of their last 5 games and must now face a mean Miami defense that has allowed both the fewest passing yards and passing touchdowns in the NFL. Simply put, I’m expecting the Dolphins to score with ease and for Arizona to find it very difficult. With that in mind, I like getting Miami to win this one by at least a touchdown at plus-money odds.
Washington Commanders ML over Chicago Bears (+144)
This matchup was supposed to be a battle of the #1 and #2 picks from the 2024 NFL Draft, but unfortunately Commanders QB Jayden Daniels will miss out due to a rib injury. However, I still like Washington’s chances of earning the victory. For starters, Marcus Mariota took over from Daniels last week and this offense continued to hum, putting 40 points on the Panthers. While some might say “it was only the Panthers”, it’s worth remembering that this Commanders team was a juggernaut at times last year as well, and that was with Sam Howell under center. While I think Daniels has done wonders for this Washington team, I believe they can continue to succeed without him and that they shouldn’t fear the Bears.
Chicago is coming off its bye week after Caleb Williams threw 4 touchdown passes against the Jaguars in London. Plenty have been praising the Bears recently, but I still have my doubts. They’re currently on a 3-game winning streak, but those victories came against the Rams, Panthers and Jaguars, who have a combined 6-15 record this season. This Commanders team is a totally different beast and I love getting them at these odds as a home underdog.
Cleveland Browns ML over Baltimore Ravens (+350)
Do you believe in miracles, Pickswise Nation? I know that picking a team that’s currently 1-6 to beat arguably the best team in the NFL seems crazy, but hear me out. For starters, this is a crunch AFC North rivalry game where the Ravens will be on the road. Despite all the problems with the Browns right now, you know that the atmosphere is going to be rowdy and that Lamar Jackson and company will be walking into a pit on Sunday afternoon. The x-factor for me however is that Jameis Winston will be starting at quarterback. A lot of Cleveland’s stagnant issues can be attributed to Deshaun Watson, who failed to exceed 200 passing yards in any game this season. Now they will have Winston under center, a renowned gunslinger who could be the spark this Browns offense desperately needs.
Baltimore is playing on a short week and in their 3rd road game in 4 weeks, so there’s every chance fatigue will be an issue. Further, this Browns defense is still one of the best in the league and currently ranks 4th in the league in rushing yards allowed. If any defense can keep Jackson and Derrick Henry quiet, it’s this one. Let’s shoot for the moon to round off our NFL parlay picks for Week 8.