First Bets for Week 8: Revenge for Rodgers, a Giants Rebound, Plus an MVP Pick

Alright, NFL fans, Week 8 is almost here, and you know what that means: time to get those bets in! This week’s slate is looking pretty spicy, with some intriguing matchups and potential for upsets. We’ve got a Thursday night showdown between the Vikings and Chargers, a Sunday night grudge match featuring Aaron Rodgers against his former team, and a Monday night battle between the Commanders and the Chiefs.

Plus, six teams are chilling on their bye weeks (Lions, Raiders, Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks, and Jaguars), giving us a slightly smaller but still action-packed schedule.

So, who are we liking this week? Our crew of NFL experts – Matt Bowen, Eric Karabell, Pamela Maldonado, Eric Moody, and Seth Walder – have been digging into the odds, and they’ve got some early picks that you might want to jump on before the lines shift.

(Disclaimer: Odds are current as of publication and come courtesy of ESPN BET Sportsbook. Gamble responsibly, folks!)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Cover -5.5 (-120) at New Orleans Saints

Matt Bowen is kicking things off with a bet on the Buccaneers to cover -5.5 against the Saints. Here’s his reasoning:

"Okay, Baker Mayfield is balling out this season, no doubt. But I’m putting my faith in that Tampa Bay defense. They’re gonna bring the heat to Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler. Remember that Week 7 game against the Bears? Rattler threw three picks! The Bucs can make him panic in the pocket, and Todd Bowles’ defense is all about blitzing and applying pressure. I’m calling it: Tampa Bay covers on the road this Sunday."

Bowen’s banking on the Bucs’ aggressive defense to rattle the young QB and force some mistakes. It’s a solid pick, especially considering how inconsistent the Saints’ offense has looked at times.

Pittsburgh Steelers to Cover +3.5 (-125) vs. Green Bay Packers

Next up, Eric Karabell is all over the Steelers to cover +3.5 against the Packers. And the reason? It’s all about that revenge narrative, baby!

"Come on, this is Aaron Rodgers finally getting to play against the Packers! You know he’s got that fire burning inside. He’s been playing just fine for the Steelers, certainly better than Jordan Love has this season. And let’s be real, the Packers haven’t exactly been dominant. They barely squeaked by the Cardinals and Bengals, tied the Cowboys, and lost to the Browns. Maybe they win this one by a field goal, but the Steelers getting points at home? That feels like a gift. I’m buying it."

Karabell’s playing the emotional angle here, and it’s hard to argue with him. Rodgers is a competitor, and you know he wants to stick it to his former team. Plus, the Steelers are a tough team to beat at home, especially with a fired-up Rodgers under center.

New York Giants to Cover +6.5 (Even) at Philadelphia Eagles

Pamela Maldonado is going against the grain here, backing the Giants to cover +6.5 against the Eagles. This one’s a bit of a head-scratcher, but here’s her rationale:

"With Jaxson Dart at quarterback, the Giants have transformed into a balanced, ball-control team. They’re running the ball effectively and staying competitive in every game. The Eagles’ defense, on the other hand, is leaking 4.6 yards per carry and struggling to get off the field on third down. That makes them vulnerable to sustained drives. Dart’s mobility, combined with Cam Skattebo’s physicality, keeps New York inside the number. Philadelphia is winning with precision, not explosiveness, and that limits the margin for error. In a divisional matchup built on tempo and toughness, the Giants cover in a grinder."

Maldonado is betting on the Giants’ newfound running game and the Eagles’ defensive struggles. It’s a risky pick, but if the Giants can control the clock and keep the game close, they definitely have a shot at covering.

Steelers Money Line (+150) vs. Packers

Eric Moody is doubling down on the Steelers, taking them to win outright against the Packers at +150 odds. He’s echoing Karabell’s sentiments, but with a little extra spice:

"Pittsburgh is coming into this game off a mini-bye after playing on Thursday night. With Rodgers facing his old team, the revenge factor is HUGE. I’m buying into it completely. I expect T.J. Watt and the Steelers’ defense to have a major bounce-back game after that rough performance in Week 7."

Moody’s banking on the Steelers’ defense to step up and Rodgers to lead the offense to victory. At +150, the potential payout is definitely tempting.

Dak Prescott to Win MVP (25-1)

Finally, Seth Walder is taking a long-shot bet on Dak Prescott to win MVP at 25-1 odds. This is a bold one, but here’s why he thinks it could happen:

"After another dominant performance by the Cowboys’ offense in their win over the Commanders, Prescott now leads the NFL in QBR. Unlike some of the other guys near the top of the list, Prescott has a proven track record of excellence. Remember 2023? He finished second in QBR, right behind Brock Purdy. MVP is all about the narrative, and the Cowboys will almost certainly need to make the playoffs for Prescott to win it. But if they do (and the FPI gives them a 28% chance), I think Prescott will have the perfect storyline working in his favor: The Cowboys traded away an elite defensive player before the season, their defense struggled, and it was only because of Prescott’s exceptional play that they made the postseason. Plus, the fact that the defense is weak means Prescott will have plenty of opportunities to put up big numbers."

Walder is betting on Prescott’s talent, the Cowboys’ playoff potential, and the power of a good narrative. It’s a long shot, but at 25-1, it might be worth a small wager.

The Bottom Line

So, there you have it: our experts’ first bets for Week 8. We’ve got a revenge game, a potential upset, and a long-shot MVP pick. It’s going to be an exciting week of football, and hopefully, these picks will help you cash in! Remember to do your own research, bet responsibly, and enjoy the games!

Week 8 is shaping up to be a wild ride, with plenty of opportunities for both heartbreak and celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just looking to add a little extra excitement to your Sunday, good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor! Now go out there and make some smart (or maybe not-so-smart) bets! Enjoy the games, everyone!