NFL: Best bets for Week 8

The following article contains information that is not representative of the opinions of CommRadio. It solely expresses the opinions of Sam Simonic.

You placed another parlay, and it failed. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through Fanduel or Draftkings, why not seek logically thought-through bets?

With that, here are Week 8’s best bets…

Derrick Henry Anytime TD (-190)

We are starting easy with what I believe to be a sure pick. Henry’s struggles over the past couple of weeks have been well-documented, but his matchup in Week 8 is favorable.

Henry will have fresh legs coming off a bye week. In his last performance, he rushed for 122 yards, the most since his Week 1 season debut. Obviously, the past few weeks have been pitiful with Henry not exceeding 50 yards rushing before Week 7.

Three out of the last six opponents Henry faced ranked in the top ten of rushing defenses. Without Lamar Jackson, that hurdle has been even taller. Luckily, everything should turn for the better with the Ravens facing the Chicago Bears, who ranked in the bottom five of rushing defenses.

Henry has yet to go back-to-back games without a touchdown, so he should be back on track this week.

Jordan Addison 60+ receiving yards (+114)

This player prop is undoubtedly one of the best heading into a Thursday night duel against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Many people will shy away from this—given the Thursday night game and the stellar pass defense that is the Chargers—but I’m placing my trust in Carson Wentz.

Since Addison has returned, he has averaged six receptions, 8.6 targets, and 94.3 receiving yards. Addison has been a key contributor in Minnesota’s passing offense, where much of the focus has been directed to Justin Jefferson.

This line almost seems too low for the production Addison has consistently been making.

The Chargers allowed 288 passing yards and 60+ receiving yards to Alec Pierce and Tyler Warren of the Colts last week. I like that struggle to continue with many elite threats in purple.

49ers +1.5 spread (-180)

This might be the easiest pick of the week. Following the 20-10 victory on Monday night over the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco improved to 5-2 on the season. The team will face the 2-4 Houston Texans on Sunday.

On paper, this is an extremely favorable matchup for the Niners. While the defense has struggled at times, it is getting a Texans offense that has struggled tremendously.

Houston ranks 22nd in yards per attempt and third-to-last in completion of yards of 15+ yards. Additionally, star wideout Nico Collins is currently in concussion protocol and is questionable to return.

Over the last five games against NFC opponents, the Texans are 0-5 against the spread, losing each of their last four games against NFC foes.

With Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall possibly returning, the 49ers should be in a prime position to cover this line. Ultimately, I am wondering why this line is not in San Francisco’s favor. Nevertheless, we aren’t complaining.

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Sam Simonic is a first-year student majoring in print/digital journalism. To contact him, please email sps7381@psu.edu.