Week 8 NFL preview, best bets, analysis, game picks and props - ESPN

Value is value, no matter where — or how — you find it. And that's what we'll aim to do each week in this space: find betting value.

Ben Solak, Seth Walder and Matt Bowen bring different perspectives into how they approach sports betting. Solak leans on his expertise in player evaluation and the X's and O's to find edges, while Walder relies on statistical models to pick out plus-expected value bets, focusing mainly on defense. Bowen, a former NFL safety, predicts positive matchups and game winners from tape study and his understanding of the league. Also included are fantasy projection creator Mike Clay's top predicted anytime TD scorers for Week 8.

From spreads and money lines to totals and defensive player props, a good price might be found anywhere. Results will be tracked throughout the season, with flat one-unit wagers for each listed bet. Let's get into it.

Note: Odds by DraftKings and subject to change.

Jump to:
Bowen's favorite bets
Solak's plays | Walder's props
Clay's TD projections

Looking at the Week 8 slate, we'll start with my top game in Detroit, as Jared Goff and an explosive Lions offense face the blitz-heavy Minnesota Vikings. I also have a total I like in the Cleveland Browns-Pittsburgh Steelers matchup, and let's hit on another two-team teaser. As always, I'll give also give you some props I like.

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
1 p.m. ET on Fox, Ford Field, Detroit

The Vikings' low-volume pass game has lacked rhythm with Kyler Murray under center, which has resulted in declining numbers for Justin Jefferson. It's a better matchup Sunday versus a Lions defense allowing a league-high 291.8 passing yards per game. This is the game to isolate and scheme for Jefferson.

However, the key in-game