If you want to win money betting NFL games then you need to be willing to take teams no one else wants to bet. We refer to these teams as ugly dogs and you really have to hold your nose sometimes when you bet on them, but history has shown that going against the public works. We went 1-1 with the picks in Week 7 and that takes the season record to 16-17-1. Let’s take a look at the Week 8 Ugly Dog picks.
Week 8 Ugly Dog Picks
Minnesota Vikings +7 at Green Bay Packers
Did you ever think the Minnesota Vikings would be an ugly dog? The Vikings are 1-5 and the heat is on head coach Mike Zimmer. Minnesota is nearly out of playoff contention and another loss in the division would pretty much end all division and playoff chances for 2020. There is no reason to think the Vikings are going to go into Lambeau and pull off the upset considering how well Green Bay is playing. It is a little surprising the line on this game is just a touchdown. Minnesota has shown no ability to move the ball consistently this season, as Kirk Cousins has played poorly in most games. The defense has all kinds of issues and that is another reason Zimmer is under fire. This one looks like a Green Bay win but that is the point of this column, as we go the other way. We’ll take the Vikings as an ugly dog.
New York Jets +19 at Kansas City Chiefs
We got our first win with the Jets last week as New York lost to Buffalo by just eight points. This line against the Chiefs was nearly three touchdowns earlier in the week, but wiseguys have been taking the points with New York. We know that the public is not going to back the Jets, no matter the number, but the wiseguys will take the points when they see value. It is hard to make any case for taking the Jets, as they are a bad team with a bad head coach. The Chiefs are explosive on offense and they have a good defense. This one could get ugly early, but again, we go against the public and take the Jets plus the points as an ugly dog.
Dallas Cowboys +7.5 at Philadelphia Eagles
You can make a case that right now, the Cowboys are with the Jets as the worst team in the NFL. Dallas has no offense at all, as without Dak Prescott they simply can’t move the ball. The offensive line is in shambles and they can’t protect Andy Dalton. They also can’t run the ball with Ezekiel Elliott and their receivers can’t get the ball. The defense has been on the field far too much and they are overwhelmed. The Eagles have not been very good this season, but Dallas is a total mess right now. This one is ugly, but that is the point, as we take the Cowboys plus the points as an ugly dog.
New York Giants +11 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Giants played well last week for a while, but eventually they found a way to lose to the Eagles. They would seem to have no chance in this one against Tom Brady and the Bucs. Tampa looks to be one of the top teams in the NFL on both sides of the ball and they should overwhelm New York. The only thing that might give bettors pause is the line on this game, as Tampa is laying double-digits on the road. This is also somewhat of a letdown spot, as the Bucs are coming off marquee games against Green Bay and Las Vegas and next week they get the Saints. It may not matter, as Tampa Bay is the superior team. We’ll take the Giants as an ugly dog.
Check out the latest NFL Week 8 Odds at BookMaker Sportsbook!
