NFL Week 8 Odds: 5 best bets against the spread
By Brad Rowland
Cleveland Browns (+5) over Arizona Cardinals
Here is a true test of our “fade the public” resolve. Nearly 90% (!) of the action to this point is on the Cardinals, and given that Arizona is the (much) better football team, that isn’t a surprise. However, the line isn’t really moving at this point, and that could be an indication that the smart guys are backing Cleveland.
The Browns have been shockingly competent in the recent past despite two consecutive losses, and I’m going to the well with Cleveland as a feisty home underdog. Trust me, I understand the reaction to a pick like this, but sometimes, you have to hold your nose and pray a little bit.
Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers UNDER 48.5
Oh yes, we are giving out a total again this week!
Things went well for us in Week 7 on an under in a game that featured the public on the over, and we’re in a similar spot here with the Bengals and Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger is scheduled to return to action, but there is at least some semblance of doubt about whether that will take place here, and even if “Big Ben” plays, he won’t be at 100 percent.
Given that, it will be in Pittsburgh’s best interest to muck things up by leaning heavily on Le’Veon Bell and the running game, and on the flip side, I still don’t trust Andy Dalton (at least fully) on the road in a tough division game. AFC North battles are often won in ugly fashion, and I’m banking on that this week, along with the fact that the line isn’t moving despite heavy focus on the over from the casual handicappers.
Next: Chargers-Ravens and Jets-Raiders