NFL betting: Dougherty's Week 8 betting guide, Part 2

Buffalo Bills @ Seattle Seahawks 

Sunday, Oct. 27, 4:05 p.m., FOX
Spread: Bills -3
Total: 47.5

Speaking of injuries, the Seahawks could be missing Kenneth Walker (illness) and/or DK Metcalf (sprained knee) this Sunday. Three starters in the secondary are also listed as questionable, which could spell trouble with Josh Allen on the other sideline.

Allen threw for 323 yards and two touchdowns last week against the Tennessee Titans, and Amari Cooper made a good first impression with 66 yards and a touchdown in his Bills debut. Keep an eye on Seattle's injury report before making a bet on this game. 

Matchup to exploit: Kenneth Walker vs. Bills rush defense

If Walker suits up on Sunday, he should be in for a big game in this matchup. The Bills rank 29th in the NFL in yards allowed per rush, and they've been gashed by Derrick Henry and Breece Hall recently.

Prediction: Bills 27, Seahawks 24

Chicago Bears @ Washington Commanders

Sunday, Oct. 27, 4:25 p.m., CBS
Spread: Bears -2.5
Total: 43.5

This was supposed to be the matchup between the No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, but we might get robbed of a fantastic storyline. Jayden Daniels left the game after suffering a rib injury on the first drive of the game last week, and he hasn't practiced yet this week. 

If Daniels doesn't play, it'll be Marcus Mariota under center for the Washington Commanders. Mariota went 18-23 for 205 yards and two touchdowns last week against the Carolina Panthers, but Jaylon Johnson and the Bears present a much tougher matchup.

Matchup to exploit: Marcus Mariota vs. Bears defense

We're not sold on Mariota after he beat up the inept Panthers defense. The Bears generate a ton of pressure and rank fifth in the NFL in opponent interception rate, so check out Mariota to throw a pick or go under his passing yards.

Prediction: Bears 26, Commanders 20

Kansas City Chiefs @ Las Vegas Raiders

Sunday, Oct. 27, 4:25 p.m., CBS
Spread: Chiefs -9.5
Total: 41.5

Another week, another impressive Chiefs win. Kansas City took down the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl rematch thanks to Brock Purdy's three interceptions. Patrick Mahomes has thrown eight interceptions and only six touchdown passes this season, and KC is still 6-0. Steve Spagnuolo's defense has been that good. 

There isn't anything positive to say about the Raiders, which have been outscored, 86-46, in their last three games. Gardner Minshew will get the start with Aidan O'Connell now on injured reserve, and he might be without Jakobi Myers this Sunday. Good luck!

Matchup to exploit: Gardner Minshew vs. Chiefs secondary

The Chiefs defense has looked dominant against multiple elite quarterbacks this season, and Minshew will be the worst QB they've seen. Take a look at Minshew to go under his passing yards or KC defense to score a touchdown.

Prediction: Chiefs 20, Raiders 9

Carolina Panthers @ Denver Broncos

Sunday, Oct. 27, 4:25 p.m., CBS
Spread: Broncos -10
Total: 41.5

In the most Panthers update possible, Andy Dalton injured his thumb in a car accident this week and has been ruled out for Week 8. You know what that means! That's right, Bryce Young is back in our lives for another week. Young was the worst quarterback in the NFL through two weeks, and now he has to go up against Denver's third-ranked defense.

The Broncos have won four of their last five games, and Bo Nix continues to improve each week. Denver's defense has been the star of the show, though, as it ranks first in the NFL in opponent yards per play and second in sack rate. This could get ugly for Young.

Matchup to exploit: Javonte Williams vs. Panthers rush defense

Williams broke out last week with 88 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints, and the Panthers rank dead last in rushing yards allowed per game. Look at Williams to go over his rushing yards prop and find the end zone.

Prediction: Broncos 26, Panthers 10

Dallas Cowboys @ San Francisco 49ers

Sunday, Oct. 27, 8:20 p.m., NBC
Spread: 49ers -4.5
Total: 47.5

The Cowboys are coming off an embarrassing 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions, and they're going to be without DeMarcus Lawrence and possibly Micah Parsons for another week. This defense is built on those two pressuring the quarterback, so Dallas could be in trouble again this Sunday night.

The 49ers aren't coming in very healthy, either. Brandon Aiyuk suffered a season-ending injury last week, and Jordan Mason, Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings and George Kittle are all questionable. Oh, and still no sign of Christian McCaffrey. Where is the offense coming from for San Fran?

Matchup to exploit: 49ers offense vs. uncertainty

Depending on who suits up for the 49ers, there will be some value to be found in the anytime touchdown market. Take a look at Isaac Guerendo and Ronnie Bell at big prices.

Prediction: 49ers 23, Cowboys 19

New York Giants @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Monday, Oct. 28, 8:15 p.m., ESPN
Spread: Steelers -6.5
Total: 36.5

Woof. That was a rough one for the Giants, as they averaged only 2.2 yards per play and allowed eight sacks in a blowout loss to the Eagles last week. Daniel Jones was benched for Drew Lock in the second half, but he's expected to start again this Sunday. This offense is going to struggle with Andrew Thomas on injured reserve. 

Mike Tomlin caught some heat for benching Justin Fields for Russell Wilson, but he's been proven right so far. Wilson put up 267 total yards and three touchdowns in a dominant win against the New York Jets in his first start. George Pickens seems to be the biggest beneficiary of Wilson's arrival, as he went off for 111 yards and a score. 

Matchup to exploit: Najee Harris vs. Giants rush defense

The Giants now rank dead last in the NFL in yards allowed per rush after letting Barkley scamper for 176 yards last week. Check out Harris to go over his rushing yards. 

Prediction: Steelers 17, Giants 13