PICK’EM & SURVIVOR: Week 8

Top 5 Pick ‘Em

Season record: 14-21

Miami +7.5 (@ Houston) – The bottom line is that Deshaun Watson is still playing hurt and the offense is clearly hindered by it. The Texans have failed to cover the spread in their last five home games as well. The only way this game gets out of hand is if the Texans defense can secure a few scores.

Indianapolis -3 (@ Oakland) – I like any team covering a spread against the Raiders. There isn’t much defense to be played in this matchup, so we look at Andrew Luck, Marlon Mack and T.Y. Hilton vs. Derek Carr, Doug Martin and Jordy Nelson. There is a constant buzz about how Jon Gruden has already lost the locker room as he continues to trade away the top talents on the roster.

Buffalo +15 (vs. New England) – 15 points is a huge spread for the Patriots defense to hold. With Sony Michel being injured, the Patriots will have a tougher time controlling the clock and the game, even if they do get out to a huge lead.

Green Bay +10.5 (@ Los Angeles Rams) – Aaron Rodgers has never been this much of an underdog in any game of his career. The Packers are emerging from a much-needed bye week that gave Rodgers another week to rest, while Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison look to be back at practice as well. The Rams are certainly scary, but no lead is safe with Aaron Rodgers on the field.

Detroit -3 (vs. Seattle) – The Lions look like they have finally found a solid run game with Kerryon Johnson. They also just added Damon Harrison from the Giants who will immediately bolster a subpar defensive line and give the Lions a much-needed run stopper.

Top Survivor Picks

New England (@ Buffalo) – I rarely choose a survivor pick while also going with the underdog to cover the spread, but 15 points is a wide cushion.

Survivor Avoid

Houston (vs, Miami) – See above. It is a Thursday night game and the Texans are throttled by Deshaun Watson’s injury.