NFL Week 8 Odds: 5 best bets against the spread

Baltimore Ravens (-3) over San Diego Chargers

If you’ll forgive me, this is not a pure “fade the public” play, as the action seems to be generally split between these two teams. However, the Ravens are 1-6 and it may seem insane to some people to back that team as a favorite, even in their own building.

My rationale, though, is that Baltimore is better than San Diego, and I don’t think there is a debate about that. The Chargers have been a flat-out disaster defensively throughout the season, and in short, San Diego’s running game does not exist right now. The public has not caught up to just how bad they are, as San Diego is just 2-5 against the spread this year, and even with Baltimore’s miserable start in the standings, they have been competitive each and every week.

To be candid, this is my least favorite play of the week (this is what happens when you back Joe Flacco), but I still feel good about the Ravens.

Oakland Raiders (+2.5) over New York Jets

Sound the alarm.

I absolutely love the Raiders in this spot, because no one else does. 90% of the action (via Vegas Insider) is on the Jets as a road favorite, and while Oakland has been shockingly decent to this point in the year, the casual fan apparently has not noticed. Truthfully, this sentiment has more to do with the Jets being better than everyone thought than anything other factor, but I think this line should be closer to a “pick’em” and the free candy is nice.

I enjoy home underdogs. I enjoy fading the public whenever possible. I enjoy picking against teams who have been receiving hype in the media.

This is the perfect storm. Take the points.