SportsLine expert Eric Cohen has released his exact score predictions for all 14 NFL Week 8 games, highlighting key trends and injury impacts that could shape the weekend's outcomes. Cohen, who finished the 2025-26 season with a 188-96-1 straight-up record (66%) and is 59-47-1 (56%) on his 2026 picks, identifies three games where the underdog is projected to win outright.
Key Matchup: Bills vs. Ravens
Cohen recommends backing the Buffalo Bills (-3, 54.5 total) to defeat the Baltimore Ravens, with the over also hitting. He projects a 31-25 Bills victory. Lamar Jackson returns from a three-game absence due to an ankle injury, but historical data shows Jackson averages just 11.5 rushing yards and 2.6 yards per carry in his first game back from in-season injuries. This limits Baltimore's rushing threat to Derrick Henry, while Buffalo ranks second in the league in rushing offense and has won three straight home games against the Ravens by an average margin of 5.7 points. The Bills have won four of the last five meetings, including two playoff games, and teams with a rest advantage playing at home are 12-3 against the spread this season.
Baltimore has blown back-to-back halftime leads of 10+ points in losses to Cleveland and Cincinnati. Buffalo enters off a bye week following road wins over the Rams and Raiders. Cohen expects another high-scoring affair but gives the edge to the Bills to win and cover, maintaining their share of the AFC lead alongside Kansas City.
League-Wide Trends and Underdog Picks
Historical scoring trends show 27-24 is the second-most common final score in NFL history behind 20-17. Two games this season have finished 27-24, both won by the Cleveland Browns in Week 4 against Pittsburgh and Week 7 against Tennessee. Cleveland faces Pittsburgh again this weekend, offering a potential repeat scenario. Ten teams are favored by at least a field goal, including the Cowboys over Cardinals (+7), Bills over Ravens (+3), Lions over Vikings (+3.5), and Commanders over Eagles (+6.5). Cohen has pinpointed three specific games where the underdog wins outright, a critical factor for profitable picks.
