Sometimes in the NFL, it feels like the more we see, the less we know.
Just when you think you have things figured out, we get surprised once again.
Take a look at some of the games last week.
The undefeated Minnesota Vikings rolled into Philadelphia with a 5-0 record, but the Eagles used multiple blitzes to put pressure on quarterback Sam Bradford. They sacked him six times, hurried him 16 more and handed the Vikings their first loss of the year.
The Buffalo Bills have won five of their last seven games against the Miami Dolphins, and it looked like they were on their way to winning six of eight when they took a 17-6 lead in the third quarter. Miami had other ideas, and scored 21 straight points to get a 28-25 victory.
And who could have possibly foreseen the bizarre Sunday night game between the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks that ended in a 6-6 tie? Each team missed a chip shot field goal that would have won the game.
But that is the norm in the NFL, where we know on any given week anything can happen.
There are still opportunities to make some money, if you know where to look.
Let’s take a look at some of the best opportunities for you to make some money in Week 8!
Record last week 2-1
Overall: 5-4
My pick: San Diego Chargers +4.5 at Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos beat up on a former teammate, as they topped the Houston Texans and Brock Osweiler, last Monday night. Meanwhile, the San Diego Chargers went down to Atlanta and found a way to outscore the Falcons on the road.
These two teams just met a couple of weeks ago, with the Chargers holding on late to preserve a 21-13 win at home. Now, San Diego will make the journey to Mile High Stadium and see if they can do it again.
I like the Denver defense this week and the running of backup running back Devontae Booker, who will be starting in place of C.J. Anderson. But I do not expect the Chargers to go quietly.
Philip Rivers has already thrown 13 touchdowns this season and is averaging over eight yards per pass.
Denver might have to eke out a close one here.
My pick: Oakland Raiders even at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Las Vegas might be getting the Raiders very soon, but they sure aren’t giving them much respect.
The Buccaneers were actually a slight favorite earlier in the week before money came in on Oakland and moved the line to even. You might think the Bucs could be a threat to win this at home, but the Raiders have already proven that they can go on the road back east and get a win.
So far this year, they have traveled to New Orleans, Tennessee and Baltimore and found a way to come out on top.
The Buccaneers defense should help this happen once again. Tampa is allowing over 350 yards, and nearly 27 points per game. That won’t go well against Derek Carr and company on Sunday.
He has already thrown 13 touchdowns this season, and the Raiders offense is compiling almost 370 yards every time they take the field.
My pick: Arizona Cardinals +3 at Carolina Panthers
Yes, the Cardinals ended up with a bizarre tie last week against Seattle, but they should be able to cover three points in Carolina on Sunday.
The struggle this season for the Cardinals, has been the inconsistent play of quarterback Carson Palmer, who has thrown just seven touchdowns to five interceptions.
But this Panthers defense just might be the cure for what ails Palmer.
While they are still stingy against the run, the rookie cornerback combo of Daryl Worley and James Bradberry, could allow the Cardinals to use their downfield passing game to rack up some points.
We know that Arizona does have some receiving threats in Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown and Michael Floyd, and they could make it a long day for a very inexperienced Carolina defensive backfield.
Don’t touch: Seattle Seahawks -2.5 at New Orleans Saints
Seattle is a slight favorite at New Orleans, but their offense is really struggling to put up points.
Now, while I realize that the Saints defense will make for a nice cushy week for Russell Wilson and company, Drew Brees is playing some really good football.
Brees is currently the second ranked passer in the NFL, with 17 touchdowns and over 2,100 yards, through just six games. If this game turns into a shootout, I wouldn’t want to bet on the Seahawks offense that is scoring just over 18 points per game.
And we know that the New Orleans Superdome can be a difficult place to play and strange things can happen down in the Big Easy.
Might want to skip this one.