Nick Wright’s Picks: Week 8 Bets and Bold Takes

This week’s NFL slate is tricky, but that’s never stopped us before. All lines come courtesy of Hard Rock Bet, and while some of these go against my usual rules, we’re rolling with them anyway. Five games, five picks — and a few big opinions along the way.

Atlanta (-7.5) vs. Miami

Let’s start with the mess in Miami. The Dolphins are unraveling — they’ve gone from scrappy competitors to a team that looks completely lost. Mike McDaniel’s frustration is showing, Tua Tagovailoa looks shaken, and their defense is giving up chunk plays like it’s part of the game plan.

Atlanta might not be perfect, but this is about timing. Bijan Robinson should run wild against a Dolphins defense that’s given up over a thousand yards on the ground, and the Falcons can exploit Miami’s secondary all day. A seven and a half point spread feels heavy for Atlanta, but the Dolphins look cooked. We’re laying it.

Chicago (+6.5) at Baltimore

The Ravens haven’t earned the right to be touchdown favorites over anyone — and that includes Chicago. Lamar Jackson’s health has been a question, but even if he plays, the Bears match up better than most expect. Chicago has the better defense, the stronger running game, and, believe it or not, the coaching edge right now.

The ping-pong table is gone in Baltimore, but that won’t fix their problems. Six and a half points is too much — the Bears can absolutely win this outright.

Tampa Bay (-3.5) at New Orleans

This one breaks one of my personal betting commandments: don’t lay more than a field goal in a divisional matchup. Still, I’m doing it. Why? Because Baker Mayfield hates the Saints — truly. He thinks they play dirty, and he’s not hiding it.

Coming off a tough loss, I think Baker pours it on. The Bucs’ offense couldn’t get rolling last week, but this is a get-right game for them. It might sound like bad analysis, but I trust Baker’s chip on his shoulder here. Tampa by more than a field goal.

Dallas (+3.5) at Denver

The Broncos are 2–8 straight up in their last ten games when giving up at least 20 points. And with how Dallas has been moving the ball, they’ll easily hit that mark. Denver can’t win this in a shootout, and that’s exactly what they’ll face against one of the league’s most explosive offenses.

And while we’re talking about Denver, keep an eye on Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey — at altitude, he could legitimately challenge the record for the longest field goal in NFL history. Dallas plus the points is the play.

Green Bay (-3) at Pittsburgh

This is a big spot for the Packers, and it’s time for them to show something. They haven’t looked sharp since Week 1, but this is a statement opportunity against a gritty Pittsburgh team. The Packers’ defense can disrupt the Steelers’ timing and force mistakes, and I expect Jordan Love to finally settle in.

Laying points in Pittsburgh isn’t easy, but Green Bay is due for a convincing win. Packers by a field goal feels right.

Nick’s Picks Week 8 Recap

• Atlanta -7.5 vs. Miami
• Chicago +6.5 at Baltimore
• Tampa Bay -3.5 at New Orleans
• Dallas +3.5 at Denver
• Green Bay -3 at Pittsburgh

Two underdogs, three favorites — four road teams. A gutsy card, but one we feel good about.

Damonza’s Teaser of the Week

After last week’s bad beat (thanks, Tennessee), we’re back with an 8-point, three-team teaser at +100:

• Chicago +14.5
• Indianapolis -6
• Dallas +11.5

We like it — solid value across the board, and Indy always handles business against the bottom-feeders. Chicago might ruin it if Baltimore wakes up, but that’s a loss we’d live with.

Touchdown Genie Pick: Travis Kelce (+120 Anytime TD)

Monday Night Football spotlight. Big stage. Travis Kelce is scoring this week. After a quieter game, expect the Chiefs to feed him in the red zone. Simple as that.

Bonus Prop: Bijan Robinson Total Yards Over 125.5 (-115)

We’re doubling down on Bijan. Last week’s total yards bet missed, but we’re going right back to it — because Miami’s defense is tailor-made for him to dominate. Expect a monster game.

Referenced odds and lines are subject to change.