The 2026 NFL season continues to deliver its fair share of surprises, and our experts are looking to build momentum heading into Week 8.
After a 2-3 showing in Week 7, the team is ready to turn the page and find value across Sunday’s slate of games.
Despite a few tough breaks, last week had some bright spots, including Cam Skattebo cashing an anytime touchdown and Daniel Jones struggling against Brian Flores’ aggressive defense, just as two of our experts predicted. Now, the USA TODAY Sports NFL experts are back at the roundtable with fresh picks and a renewed focus on getting back in the win column.
From point spreads and game totals to player props and anytime touchdown scorers, our staff breaks down the best NFL bets for Sunday in Week 8, highlighting
the matchups and markets worth targeting. Here’s where our experts see the best value this weekend, along with the analysis behind every pick. Best of luck if you tail.
Best bets NFL Week 8
Participating analysts: Nick Brinkerhoff, Jack McKessy, Jacob Camenker, Adam Kaufman, Tom Viera
Jets WR Garrett Wilson anytime TD vs. Raiders (+190)
Nick Brinkerhoff: If you have paid any attention to the Jets this week (we won't blame you if you didn't), it was all about Wilson. Aaron Glenn and Frank Reich were peppered with questions about getting the receiver the ball after he saw just three targets in a loss to the lowly Dolphins. And you know what? This is a great week for the Jets to shut everyone up for at least a few minutes.
Wilson has been getting open, but Geno Smith needs to start throwing him the ball. The Raiders have been shredded by outside receivers lately, which is where Wilson lines up primarily. Puka Nacua? Touchdown. Keon Coleman? Touchdown? Kyle Williams? Touchdown. Tyquan Thornton? Touchdown.
Sensing a theme? The trade deadline is rapidly approaching and everyone seems determined to make Wilson a candidate to be dealt before that – no matter how much he or the Jets deny it. The easiest way to quiet those concerns is by winning and having Wilson produce in those wins.
With the Raiders flying across the country for an early start, Wilson could be in the end zone before the Raiders even realize what happened.
We're on a five-week winning streak after Cam Skattebo delivered the goods in Week 7. Let's push it to six in a row and keep the money flowing in.
Eagles TE Dallas Goedert anytime TD at Commanders (+225)
Jack McKessy: We're not up to the Nick Brinkerhoff level of hot streak, but three in a row ain't too shabby. (Shout out to Daniel Jones for his subpar showing and Vikings DC Brian Flores for his outstanding defensive scheming.) Thanks to Mr. Brinkerhoff's back-to-back hits on anytime touchdown bets, we're falling behind in the units race, so here's something of a heat check.
The Commanders have allowed at least one touchdown to a tight end in five of their six games this season. They've also allowed two touchdowns to a single tight end three times: against the Giants, Cowboys and, yes, the Eagles.
Goedert had a two-touchdown day against this Washington defense in Week 1, tallying two touchdowns and 77 yards on four catches. To date, they're still his only two touchdowns of the season, in part thanks to an MCL injury knocking him out of a couple of games.
The most limiting factor in another big day for Goedert is the Eagles' quarterback situation. Jalen Hurts is out – potentially for the season – with blood clots in his lungs. Backup Tanner McKee is in and set to make his third start. But so far, Goedert has been among McKee's favorite targets. His eight targets in Week 6 and seven targets in Week 7 were both second on the team in those games.
Things are shaping up for another big outing from the Eagles' lead tight end. The question is whether Goedert and McKee can take advantage.
Minnesota Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson OVER 4.5 receptions at Detroit Lions (-101)
Jacob Camenker: Thus far in 2026, the Vikings' offense hasn't had to do a lot to help the team to a 6-0 record. They rank 28th in offensive EPA per play, per the NFL's Next Gen Stats, and are averaging just 27.3 passing attempts per game, second-fewest league-wide to only the Miami Dolphins.
That figures to change against the Lions. Detroit sports a high-flying offense and its star quarterback, Jared Goff, has an otherworldly 129.6 passer rating against the blitz this season, per Pro Football Focus. If Goff can continue his success against Flores' blitz-happy defense, that could force the Vikings to throw more than they have all season to keep pace in a higher-scoring game.
Such an outcome would be a boon for Hockenson, as the Lions have allowed the most receptions (56), receiving yards (602) and receiving touchdowns (10) to tight ends this season. The 29-year-old veteran has also shown good chemistry with Kyler Murray and is averaging 4.5 receptions per game even with Minnesota passing infrequently, so he seems like a safe bet to log at least five receptions in this favorable matchup.
Bengals -12.5 vs Titans (-110)
Adam Kaufman: Bengals by bludgeoning.
Fresh off a 35-point second-half output in Baltimore, I expect Cincinnati to pick up where it left off against a subpar Tennessee team that just traded heart-and-soul player Jeffery Simmons late in the week and won't have rookie Carnell Tate due to injury.
The Titans are down arguably their best defense and offensive players. If you don't want to go that far, those two are certainly high on the list for playmaking ability. The Bengals are healthy and motivated.
Tennessee's a team in transition, while Cincinnati is in the mix for an AFC North crown, with even higher aspirations. Wish I'd given you this line when I bet it and the Bengals were "only" 10-point favorites just days ago, but I'm still comfortable with the nearly two-touchdown spread. Joe Burrow doesn't have the greatest history as a heavy favorite, but I'm ignoring the trends on this one. This situation is ripe for a blowout.
Jaylen Warren anytime TD vs Browns (+120)
Tom Viera: It's about time this train gets on track. A couple of weeks back we were all over Dalton Kincaid on his birthday. Fortunately, another star is celebrating their birthday on a Sunday, and we don't want to miss that party.
Warren has been one of this season's breakout stars and Pittsburgh's most productive weapon, ranking fourth in the NFL with 855 scrimmage yards. He's averaging an impressive 5.5 yards per carry and has already recorded three 100-yard rushing performances. He also rushed for 93 yards on 17 carries (5.5 YPC) against Cleveland in their first meeting. His ability to break tackles, create explosive plays and contribute in the passing game gives him multiple paths to the end zone.
Warren has some risk of getting vultered by Rico Dowdle near the goal line. Still, the Browns are allowing the fourth-most yards per carry and were just trampled by Tony Pollard for three rushing scores. Ride with Warren on his 28th birthday.
Best bets overall records:
- Nick Brinkerhoff: 5-2 (+12.55 Units)
- Jack McKessy: 5-2 (+4.39 Units)
- Jacob Camenker: 3-4 (+0.45 Units)
- Adam Kaufman: 2-5 (-3.0 Units)
- Tom Viera: 1-6 (-4.4 Units)
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL best bets Week 8 from our experts with top player props, anytime TDs
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