Scoring in the NFL has declined slightly this season, which is surprising considering the league has tailored its rules in a way that is difficult to play defense.
However, there are sometimes changes in the NFL. A lot of the previous generations of star quarterbacks are starting to retire and now teams are scrambling, looking at new options.
So far this season, teams are averaging 21.6 points per game, so they will want to pick things up as the season goes along. Here are the best NFL week 8 over/under predictions.
Denver Broncos vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Broncos vs. Jaguars Predictions
Best Bet: Under 39.5 Points
The NFL putting this game in London probably looked a lot more appealing when the schedule was released. However, quarterback Russell Wilson has sputtered for the Broncos since arriving and the team’s offense was already on a downward trend before he was limited by injury. There is a chance, with a bye week approaching following the game at Wembley Stadium, Denver may rest Wilson.
However, the Broncos can’t afford to take too many more losses and stay in the playoff race. Jacksonville’s offense has struggled to finish drives. This game should stay under the low total.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles
Steelers vs. Eagles Predictions
Best Bet: Over 44.5 Points
The Steelers defense settled in during the second half of a 16-10 loss to Miami. Pittsburgh rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett has struggled with turnovers. The Eagles have taken advantage of their opponents’ mistakes throughout the season.
Philadelphia averages 26.8 points per game, which ranks fourth in the league. The Eagles put up 408.3 yards of offense per game.
Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints
Raiders vs. Saints Predictions
Best Bet: Over 46.5 Points
The Raiders and Saints brand of football hasn’t resulted in a ton of victories for either team. What both teams have done is entertain the masses by being more than willing to engage in a slugfest. Las Vegas, which has won two of three games, has scored 27.2 points per game, which is third in the league.
Conversely, the Raiders also concede 25 points per game, which is 26th in the league. Even with starting veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, the Saints have been scoring 25 points per game, which is seventh in the league. New Orleans has the second-worst scoring defense in the league, allowing 28.6 points per game.
Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings
Cardinals vs. Vikings Predictions
Best Bet: Over 48.5 Points
After two consecutive weeks of scoring below 20 points, the Cardinals finally broke out by scoring a season-high 42 points last week. Arizona benefitted from Dalton’s generosity, who threw a number of interceptions. The Cardinals will try to maintain some of that momentum against the Vikings.
Arizona may need it to keep up. Minnesota has scored 24 or more points in its last four games.
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
Titans vs. Texans Predictions
Best Bet: Under 40.5 Points
Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill has a tender ankle and may still be limited in his movement.
The Texans offense is limited by their lack of playmakers. Expect this one to be a low-scoring, grind-it-out type of contest.