Free NFL Picks ATS and Best Bets – Week 8 (2023)

In this article, we cover our top free NFL picks against the spread (ATS) for Week 8 of the NFL season. In addition, we’ll give you our best bets of the week to target on your favorite sportsbook. Let’s win some money together.

Happy week 8 to all. To begin, I am going to make a statement that rings true as we approach the halfway mark of the 2023 NFL season. The Baltimore Ravens are the best team in the league. Fresh off a victory over the red-hot Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon, Lamar Jackson is finally flourishing in first-year offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s new and improved downfield passing scheme after a slow start to the year.

In the conversation for the MVP award, Jackson is completing 71% of his passes, the highest mark of his career. He is also averaging 8.1 yards per attempt. This puts him on pace to accomplish the rare feat of throwing for 3,900 yards while rushing for over 800.

While it is fun to watch the former MVP play some of the best football of his life, we can’t overlook how good Mike Macdonald’s defense has been. Playing at an elite level all year long, the Ravens rank first in the NFL in opponent points per game (13.9) and second in yards per game (271.7) despite missing key starters like Marcus Williams, Marlon Humphrey, and Odafe Oweh at various points.

With divisional games against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on tap before their Week 13 bye week, Baltimore has three more cross-conference games left to close out the regular season. This gives them an excellent shot at capturing the number-one seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Looking to rebound after a second consecutive 2-4 week, here are the picks.

Jacksonville Jaguars (-2) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (+2)

Currently sitting atop the AFC South at 5-2, the Jaguars are off to their best start since 2007. Jacksonville has won four straight games after falling to the Houston Texans in week 2. Doug Pederson’s group was able to outlast the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football. They jumped out to a commanding 24-9 lead in the first half. Derek Carr and company roared back in the final 30 minutes before turning the ball over on downs late.

Finally beginning to hit their stride on the offensive side of the ball after a slow start to the season, the Steelers rallied for a victory against the Los Angeles Rams. The team trailed 17-10 heading into the fourth quarter after being held to 91 yards of offense in the first half. Nonetheless, Kenny Pickett led two long-scoring drives, capped off by rushing touchdowns from Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris.  Pittsburgh’s defense is continuing to make game-changing plays week in and week out. Pair that with the heart and effort the group brings under Mike Tomlin. Take the points in what could be an upset special.

Pick: Steelers (+2)

Philadelphia Eagles (-7) vs. Washington Commanders (+7)

Back in the driver’s seat for the number one seed in the NFC, the Eagles bounced back on Sunday Night Football after a shocking loss to the New York Jets. Shining in primetime, they knocked off the high-flying Miami Dolphins 31-17. Led by the play of Jalen Hurts, the 25-year-old completed 23 of his 31 passes for 279 yards while combining for three touchdown scores. Furthermore, A.J. Brown posted his fifth straight game of 125-plus receiving yards. The former second-round pick caught ten balls for 137 yards.

Struggling in their inter-divisional matchup against the New York Giants, the Commanders fell 14-7. This was their fourth loss in the last five games. Unable to get anything going against Wink Martindale’s defense, Washington posted just 273 yards while going 1 for 15 on third down. Additionally, Sam Howell was hit and harassed all afternoon long. The first-year starter was sacked six times, including twice by Dexter Lawrence. Nevertheless, following their overtime thriller earlier in the season, two of the last four games between these two teams have been decided by one possession. Seven points is too big a number.

Pick: Commanders (+7)

Los Angeles Rams (+6) vs. Dallas Cowboys (-6)

Now, on the outside of the NFC Wildcard picture, the Rams fell to the Steelers on Sunday. Sputtering in the second half after holding a 9-3 lead at the break, Los Angeles failed to score any points on its final three drives. Along with this, after containing Pittsburgh’s offense through the early parts of the game, they allowed Pickett and company to score 21 points in the final two quarters.

Back home for the first time in three weeks, the Cowboys are coming off a bye. Last playing on Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers, the team came away with a narrow 20-17 victory. Stephon Gilmore picked off Justin Herbert late to seal it. Home to one of the best wide receiver duos in the league in Cooper Kupp and rookie sensation Puka Nacua, the Sean McVay group can still score points quickly. However, with Dallas well rested, expect them to take care of business before a divisional clash with the Eagles next Sunday.

Pick: Cowboys (-6)

Cleveland Browns (+3.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks (-3.5)

Cleveland escaped with a 39-38 win against the Indianapolis Colts in one of the most thrilling contests of the season. Forced to turn to backup quarterback P.J. Walker for the second straight week, Deshaun Watson, returning from injury, let the game in the first half. Anchored by their defense once again, Myles Garrett continued his case for the Defensive Player of the Year Award. The former number-one pick had two strip sacks. He also leaped over the long snapper to block a 60-yard field goal.

In the hunt for the NFC West division crown, Seattle took care of the Arizona Cardinals. Making life miserable for Joshua Dobbs, they held the University of Tennessee product to just 146 yards through the air while sacking him four times. The Browns have been feisty without their starting quarterback. Trying to capture a second-straight road game will be a tall task for Walker. Look for the Seahawks to win this one convincingly.

Pick: Seahawks (-3.5)

New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (O/U 47)

Aiming to get back in the win column, the Dolphins fell to the Eagles in a prime-time showdown. Coming into the game with the league’s hottest offense, Philadelphia was able to contain Tua Tagovailoa and Miami’s high-powered passing attack. They held him to just 216 yards through the air. Meanwhile, Raheem Mostert rushed for just 45 yards on nine carries.

New England pulled off an unlikely 29-25 upset of the Buffalo Bills. Guided by the play of Mac Jones, the former 15th overall pick had his finest performance of the season. He went 25 of 30 for two touchdowns, including the game-winner to Mike Gesicki with 12 seconds left. The Patriots defense held Josh Allen in check for a large chunk of the afternoon.

Buffalo went just 5 for 12 on third down. Along with this, they cashed in on just two of their four red zone opportunities. Miami is primed for an offensive outburst at home. Their average margin of victory at Hard Rock Stadium this season is 28.8 points. Even so, since 2020, six of the last seven games between these two teams have gone under the number.

Pick: Under 47

Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers (O/U 43.5)

In a battle between the first and second overall pick from April’s NFL Draft, the Texans travel to Carolina to battle the winless Panthers. Bouncing back from their loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Houston knocked off the New Orleans Saints before heading into their bye week. This was the team’s third win in its last four games.

Still searching for their first victory on the season, the Panthers have struggled mightily on the offensive side of the ball in Bryce Young‘s first season at the helm. Following their 42-21 beatdown at the hands of the Dolphins, Carolina now ranks 23rd in the NFL in points per game (18.7) and 24th in yards per game (294.7). Currently the front-runner for the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, C.J. Stroud should have no problem moving the ball against a short-handed secondary. Moreover, the Panthers should get a boost with offensive coordinator Thomas Brown taking over play-calling duties. Play the over on a low total.

Pick: Over 43.5

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