Disturbing NFL predictions and picks for Week 8 (bet on the Cowboys to upset the 49ers on Sunday night)

For the second straight week in the NFL, the favorites did a great job beating their opponents. With that in mind, the Sports Illustrated team was able to sniff out some underdogs, including the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions.

Like every week, we’re back for Week 8 with our favorite upsets. Since this is a full 16-game offering, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Let’s take a look at where everyone stands when it comes to picking upset winners:

It’s time to move on to Week 7. All odd bets are listed on the DraftKings Sportsbook.

Cardinals (+145) vs. Dolphins

The Dolphins will likely get Tua Tagovailoa back, but he hasn’t played in a month. And Miami’s defense, whose pass rush was interrupted by injury, had the advantage of playing in three straight rushes in this one. Yes, Arizona is having a short week and traveling around the country, but none of it is perfect. But the Cardinals are becoming a really good team, and I trust them a little more at this point than the Miami group that faces a lot of unknowns. — Albert Breer

Invaders (+350) vs. Warlords

Why the hell not? The Raiders have been one of the NFL’s best turnover-adjusted defenses over the last three weeks, and they continue to play scrappy despite the complete breakdown of the lineup and the performance of Davante Adams. We’ll find out if there’s a band hidden under the rubble worthy of putting on an absolute show. Kansas City may find itself slumbering while the Raiders, frustrated by a close loss to the Rams that should have been a win, wreck bowl leagues across the country. — Conor Orr

Cardinals (+145) vs. Dolphins

Perhaps the Dolphins will get Tua Tagovailoa back, but that remains uncertain. Even if he plays, it will be Tagovailoa’s first action since Week 2, when he was knocked out with a concussion against the Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, the Cardinals, at 3-4, are energetic and still fighting for a playoff spot, just half a game away from leading the NFC West. Arizona has plenty of weapons, including rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., fellow wide receiver Michael Wilson, tight end Trey McBride and point guard James Conner. In what should be a high-scoring game, Miami may have an uphill lead. — Matt Verderame

Cowboys (+164) vs. 49ers

I’m taking Dallas here, but let the record show that this might be the least certain I’ve had in one of these picks all season. I just couldn’t find a sadness on this album that I really liked. However, I think that while everyone probably wrote off the Cowboys as a serious team after being completely blown out against the Lions in Week 6, we shouldn’t assume that they will be one of the bottom teams in the league all season long. The final score of 47-9 is infuriating, but sometimes when a game gets out of hand, the final score doesn’t matter after a certain point.

The Cowboys have had both big wins and crushing losses in recent seasons, and seemingly every week some team ends up in an upset or vice versa after a misunderstanding. Dallas will say goodbye next week and face the Niners, who are pissed and have their own problems. It wouldn’t surprise me to be nervous. —Mitch Goldich

Colts (+180) vs. Texans

These two teams had a nail-biting battle in Week 1, with the Texans defeating the Colts 29-27. Believe it or not, Anthony Richardson was on the field during this exciting game. Many have written off Richardson because of his issues as a passer this season. However, there are games where Richardson gives exceptional performances. He knows the Texas team and beat the rust in last week’s win over the Dolphins. Additionally, the Texans haven’t played well enough this season to be considered clear favorites against a team as talented as the Colts. —Gilberto Manzano

Cardinals (+145) vs. Dolphins

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa may return in Week 8, but I’m not convinced his team will beat the Arizona Cardinals and Kyler Murray.

Arizona’s offense has had its ups and downs in 2024, but turned in a solid defensive performance against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 7. Meanwhile, Miami’s offense has been a disaster since Week 1 – even when Tagovailoa played in Week 2 in a loss to Buffalo.

The Dolphins are allowing 4.6 yards per carry, which should help Arizona with James Conner and Murray on Sunday.

I expect Tagovailoa to show some rust, and Miami has scored 20 or more points just once in six games. —Peter Dewey

Cowboys (+164) vs. 49ers

49ers beaten. Christian McCaffrey is not expected to be ready for this game, Brandon Aiyuk is out for the season, Deebo Samuel was hospitalized with fluid on his lungs, and George Kittle has a sprained foot.

The Cowboys are also banged up, but there is a possibility that Micah Parsons will return and CB DaRon Bland will also make his season debut.

All offensive and defensive stats favor the Niners, and they have won their last three matchups against the Cowboys. But the Cowboys just had a bye and should emerge healthier and more rested. All three of Dallas’ wins this season have come on the road. That’s enough to get me a +170 payout. — Jennifer Piacenti

Giants (+225) vs. Steelers

The biggest upset of the week will be the New York Giants beating the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. I’ll still be haunted by the belief that the Steelers aren’t as good as their record, but keep in mind that this team ranks 19th in net yards allowed per play (-0.2).

Russell Wilson got off to a good start against the New York Jets in Game 1, but I still remember the version of Wilson we saw in Denver and I expect that version to show up sooner rather than later. Now that he’s playing against an underrated Giants defense with an elite pass rush, that could happen this week.

I think this Pittsburgh team is overrated compared to the scrappy Giants team. I’ll try to let New York deal with the confusion. — Iain MacMillan

Rates are refreshed periodically and are subject to change.

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