NFL Week 8 Picks & Predictions: Best Early Bets (2026)

I’m eyeing a couple of bets for this week’s NFL games. One team is 6-0, and another is 0-6 heading into Week 8. We’re betting on both of those games this weekend. Here are our top early Week 8 NFL picks.

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Early NFL Week 8 Picks

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions

The Minnesota Vikings are the 6-0 squad in Week 8. However, PFF grades the Vikings 77.8, which isn’t elite or deserving of a 6-0 record. The Vikings have scored 20.8 points per game, including under three points in the third quarter.

It might be hard for the Vikings to keep up with the Detroit Lions, who are home and have scored 30.7 points per game this year.

The Vikings have struggled in the tackling department, holding a 55.9 grade via PFF. Meanwhile, the Lions have performed poorly defensively most of the year but have an 88.1 tackling grade.

That said, the defense has only allowed 99.2 yards per game on the ground this season. The Vikings have Jordan Mason back from injury, but now Aaron Jones is dealing with an injury that could keep him out. Minnesota hasn’t had that two-headed monster in the running game this season.

Don’t be shocked if the Vikings take the lead early and into the half. But I’ve got the Lions storming back in the second half to pull off a win against an undefeated Minnesota squad. Give me the Lions at -3 (-112).

Pick: Lions -3 (-112)

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams

There hasn’t been great football in Los Angeles this season. That said, someone’s got to win this weekend (unless there’s a tie).

These two teams are 3-10 combined this season. Before the season began, both teams were playoff contenders.

Anyway, the Chargers have scored just 15 points per game this season and have averaged only 168.2 yards in the air behind Justin Herbert. The entire team has struggled on offense, but Herbert is still at fault. For example, PFF has the Chargers’ pass grade at 41.9 this season. Pass protection hasn’t held up, and the receivers haven’t been great, especially with Ladd McConkey dealing with an injury at the start of the season.

On the other hand, the Rams are good offensively. They’ve just lacked consistency. Puka Nacua looks healthy, and Kyren Williams, along with Blake Corum, have found a groove in the running game. Still, look for the Rams to exploit the Chargers’ secondary, which is easily the weakest part of their defense.

The tight ends will continue to perform, along with Nacua, even with Davante Adams out with injury.

Let’s back the Rams at -6.5 at home.

Pick: Rams -6.5 (-112)