NFL 2021 Week 8 Against The Spread Betting Analysis & Picks

While it may seem tough to believe, we are fast approaching the midway point of the 2021 NFL season. Harder still to fathom is that one of the preseason favorites, the Kansas City Chiefs are struggling so badly and already in a bit of trouble in regards a playoff spot. There is still a long way to go, though, but who would have wagered that the only team with an unbeaten record after 7 weeks would be the Arizona Cardinals. I guess what we are trying to say here is that this has been a wholly unpredictable season, which is why we are sitting at 9-12 in our ATS picks through the opening 7 weeks. Hope spring eternal every weekend, though, so let’s see if we can get back on track with our picks against the spread in Week 8. Let’s get right to it so you can get bet against the NFL odds.

Week 8 ATS Picks for the 2021 Season | NFL Betting

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (-2 ½)

After a bright start to the season, the Carolina Panthers have seen the wheels come off rather quickly. They are once again without the services of Christian McCaffrey for an extended period of time, while Sam Darnold is reverting back to the type of form he showed with the New York Jets. It’s not that difficult to suggest that the two things might be connected. In Atlanta, the Falcons are playing .500 ball, and while the playoffs still look like a bit of a longshot, they are giving themselves some hope. The Panthers are just 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games, but perhaps more importantly, they are just 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games versus the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home meetings with Carolina, so this seems like an obvious pick.

Cincinnati Bengals (-10) at New York Jets

If you want to talk about surprises this season, you need to talk about the Cincinnati Bengals. Yes, it was apparent last season that they had found their QB of the future in Joe Burrow, but it was also clear that they needed more help in order to be competitive. It would appear that they have accomplished that mission, as they come into Week 8 with a 5-2 record and the lead in the AFC North after dismantling the Baltimore Ravens last weekend. This game against the struggling New York Jets has all the makings of a potential letdown game, but this Bengals team looks and feels different. The Bengals have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 road games, while the Jets are just 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

LA Rams (-14 ½) at Houston Texans

After coming off a good season in 2020, it was clear that the LA Rams were close. But that they needed help at QB. They got that when they traded Jared Goff for Matthew Stafford. 7 weeks into the season, you have to say that it was an inspired piece of business. The Rams are 6-1 on the season and are looking like a team ready to make a deep run in the postseason, and you have to say that a lot of that has to do with the impact that Stafford has made. They are on the road to the Houston Texans, a team in total disarray, this weekend in a game that they should win going away. The Rams are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 versus the AFC, but I think they improve on that this weekend.

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?