The undefeated Minnesota Vikings travel to Detroit in Week 8 as underdogs to the Lions in an NFC North clash that could end Minnesota's perfect record. ESPN analysts are already looking ahead, weighing which games deserve early bets before the odds shift later in the week.
Matt Bowen is backing the Detroit Lions -3. Brian Flores' defense leads the NFL in blitz rate at 69.9% and is tied for the most sacks with 21. The key question is whether Jared Goff, who has completed 72.7% of his throws against the blitz this season, can get the ball out on time. Bowen is betting that he will.
In the other featured game, the Green Bay Packers host the Carolina Panthers, and Pamela Maldonado likes the over 47.5. She argues that Carolina can score and give plenty back, with Bryce Young having the weapons. Green Bay has struggled to get off the field on third down, and its run game has been poor, but facing a defense allowing 5.2 yards per carry should help. Jordan Love also has Christian Watson and Matthew Golden to attack downfield.
Both teams are coming off losses, which adds motivation to a Packers-Panthers matchup that analysts see as offensively productive. Odds are from DraftKings and are subject to change.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing