Schrock's Week 8 picks: Do 49ers have enough to top Seahawks?
The 49ers enter a Week 8 clash with the Seahawks riding high. Can they leave the PNW with a win? Josh Schrock makes his pick for every Week 8 game.
Editor's note: All odds are provided by our partner, PointsBet. PointsBet is our Official Sports Betting Partner and we may receive compensation if you place a bet on PointsBet for the first time after clicking our links.
There wasn't a lot of marquee NFL action in Week 7.
The 49ers rolled into New England and drubbed Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots to move back above .500 ahead of their bout with Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks. Unfortunately, the win cost the 49ers Deebo Samuel (hamstring) and Jeff Wilson (ankle) who are expected to miss a few weeks with their ailments.
In the desert, the Seahawks' atrocious defense finally came back to bite them against Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals (hope you heeded my advice and grabbed the money line).
Elsewhere, Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers kept rolling, Aaron Rodgers got back on track and the Pittsburgh Steelers remained undefeated by beating the COVID Titans.
Week 8 promises to have a lot more high-stakes action. Let's get to the picks.
Record: 43-45 ATS (63-25-1 SU)
Line: Panthers -3
How will the Falcons lose in heartbreaking fashion this week? It's really the only reason to tune into this week's Thursday night action.
The Panthers have been a lot better than I thought they'd be in Year 1 under Matt Rhule. They rank 11th in the NFL in passing yards per game and have forced 10 turnovers on defense.
But I'm one of those suckers who can't quit the Falcons. They are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games as a road underdog and there's just too much talent.
One more time, we ride with the Dirty Birds.
Pick: Falcons 28, Panthers 24
Pick: Chiefs -19
Look, let's no stay here long. The Jets didn't give up a touchdown to the Bills and still lost. They had 4 (!) net yards in the second half
Things are ugly in New York. Take Pat Mahomes.
Pick: Chiefs 45, Jets 13
Line: Ravens -3.5
This game promises to be your typical nasty fight between two bitter rivals.
The Ravens haven't been running the ball as effectively as they did last season and Lamar Jackson's accuracy has dropped a tick.
Pittsburgh looks like the AFC's best chance to stop the Chiefs. Take the points, but I don't hate a Steelers money line play either.
Pick: Steelers 27, Ravens 24
Line: Colts -2.5
After limping out to an 0-2 start, the Lions have found their footing and now sit at 3-3 and in the thick of the NFC playoff race.
Indy has been unimpressive on offense this season, but their defense is legit. The Colts force a couple of turnovers and Philip Rivers doesn't give the game away, despite his best efforts.
Pick: Colts 27, Lions 21
Line: Rams -4
Welcome to the NFL, Tua. Now, try not to get killed by Aaron Donald.
I could see Tagovailoa's NFL debut going in any direction. But the Dolphins' offensive line isn't good and they'll have issues keeping Donald from harassing him.
Tua turns in a good debut, but it's not going to be enough.
Pick: Rams 30, Dolphins 24
Line: Packers -7
Do the Vikings have any fight left? They traded Yannick Ngakoue and reportedly are open to trading a number of other veterans.
Yes, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers were thumped by the Bucs. It happens. But the Vikings have been bad all year and I don't see why a bye week should change that.
Pick: Packers 31, Vikings 21
Line: Bills -3.5
So, the Patriots have been embarrassed in two straight games and Cam Newton hasn't been good since Week 2.
That means we're on the Bills, right? Not so fast.
If anyone can turn a sinking ship around, it's Bill Belichick.
Josh Allen has turned back into a pumpkin after a hot start. The Patriots know a win here goes a long way toward winning the division.
I'm not sure the Bills can score on the Patriots defense. Give me Hoodie.
Pick: Patriots 21, Bills 17
Line: Titans -5.5
Bet against Joe Burrow at your own risk. He's covered in all but one game so far. His line is bad, his weapons are banged up and Carlos Dunlap is throwing a hissy fit.
No matter. The Titans will be playing their fourth game in 20 days and are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Steelers.
Titans win, but Joe makes them sweat.
Pick: Titans 27, Bengals 24
Line: Chargers -3
Justin Herbert put the Bolts on his back and snapped their losing streak against the Jaguars.
All the Chargers needed was a little confidence and I think they can start reeling off wins behind the star rookie.
Drew Lock doesn't scare me and he shouldn't scare you either.
Pick: Chargers 28, Broncos 17
Line: Saints -4
This is tricky. The Bears are uninterested in scoring, or maybe incapable. Meanwhile, the Saints seem disinterested in covering.
I just can't put my money behind Nick Foles and the Bears' offense.
The Saints should be able to cover the number but it's one I would stay away from.
Pick: Saints 30, Bears 21
Line: Eagles -6
Stop putting the NFC East on primetime for the love of all that is holy.
I'd recommend doing something else with your Sunday than watching Carson Wentz and Ben DiNucci lock horns.
But if you're going chasing, there is only one side. The Cowboys have been non-competitive without Dak Prescott. They are an abomination. Lay it.
Pick: Eagles 24, Cowboys 17
Line: Bucs -10.5
What did I just say about putting the NFC East in primetime? Good lord.
The Bucs look like the NFL's most complete team and they are only getting better. The Giants are good for a few laughs.
Daniel Jones is too loose with the ball for this to be close.
Pick: Bucs 34, Giants 17
Line: Browns -2.5
Look, the Raiders' defense flat out stinks. They can't pressure the quarterback, they can't tackle, they can't stop the run. It's all very bad.
Yeah, Odell Beckham Jr is out, but Baker Mayfield seems to play better without his best wideout looming over him.
This has track meet written all over it, but I'll take the Browns' defense to make one stop.
Pick: Browns 31, Raiders 28
Line: Seahawks -3
Man, the Seahawks' defense is just atrocious. I mean, they seriously can't stop anyone. If Russell Wilson doesn't play a near-perfect game then the Hawks can get got.
Kyle Shanahan has to be licking his chops preparing to face this porous unit. And still, I don't think Wilson will play two subpar games in a row.
The 49ers make them sweat but Jimmy Garoppolo can't do what's necessary to outduel Russ.
Pick: Seahawks 30, 49ers 28
