Bold predictions for NFL Week 8: Chargers shock the world

Last week, we called the Atlanta Falcons’ upset against the San Francisco 49ers and just missed on our prediction of Malik Nabers going off for 150 yards (finished with 111). Looking ahead to Week 8, here are our bold predictions for a loaded NFL slate. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be favored to win the NFC South after Week 8

Tampa Bay looked dead and gone after its 0-4 start and Baker Mayfield’s thumb injury, but it’s rebounded with two wins in its last three games. Mayfield returned to the field in Week 7 and led the Bucs to a dominant win against the Carolina Panthers, putting them back in the mix in the NFC South. After Week 8, they could be in the driver’s seat. 

The Panthers are 3.5-point underdogs against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday. A loss would drop them to 3-4 with a head-to-head loss against the Buccaneers. If the Bucs beat the Falcons as 2.5-point home favorites, they’ll be 3-5 with a 2-0 record in the division. 

At its best, Tampa Bay is the best team in this division. If the Bucs show that upside in Week 8, they’ll be favored to win the NFC South by Sunday night.

The Los Angeles Chargers will upset the Los Angeles Rams

If you're looking for stats or matchup advantages to back up this prediction, you won't find any here. This is strictly a gut pick. 

The Rams have been an every-other-week team all year. One week, they look like the Super Bowl favorites we expected them to be heading into the season. The next, they show up unprepared and uninspired. After a 14-point drubbing of the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7, Los Angeles is due for another dud.