NFL Week 8 Picks: Fabulous 5

Welcome back for another week of the Fabulous 5 NFL picks against the Las Vegas spread. Over the last two weeks the Fabulous 5 has gone an amazing 8-1-1 ATS, picking up the win percentage to an amazing 62%! Remember, the goal is to finish the season above 55%. Here is a quick summary from last week along with my overall record on the season:

Week 7: 4-0-1, 100%

Raiders +3 - WIN

Cleveland Browns +6 - WIN

Buccaneers +3 - PUSH

Chicago Bears +3.5 - WIN

Los Angeles Chargers PK - WIN

*** 2017 NFL Record: 21-13-1, 62% ***

BALTIMORE RAVENS (-3) - WIN

The Baltimore Ravens have looked anything but consistent this season and welcome in the under-the-radar 4-2 Miami Dolphins. Yeah, somehow the Miami Dolphins have squeaked out four wins under our noses without anyone noticing. Doesn't make much sense, but good for them! The good news is, Ravens QB Joe Flacco has a knack for playing well in primetime games. Since 2012, Flacco is 11-6 in primetime games and 5-1 in playoff games. What I'm trying to say is, my dude Joe Flacco shows up to play when the world is watching. The other good news is, the Ravens slightly edge out the Dolphins in all but one category that matters when handicapping. Baltimore is also 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing against Miami. Is Joe Flacco elite? When he's not being a slop during 1 pm games, yes! Lay the points, take the Ravens at home under the spot light.

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (-9)

Are the Saints back? After starting 0-2, New Orleans has quietly gone on a four-game win streak raising their record to 4-2. Out of the six games the Saints have played, four of them have been away from home. The fact the Saints are winning games on the road should be alarming to all contenders in the NFC since we know how deadly they can be in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. At home, the Saints are averaging a league-high 36 points per game. The Chicago Bears come into town averaging just 16 points per game on the road, and allowing 29 points per game on the road. This Bears team has been scrappy and one of my favorite picks this season, but are simply over matched here as they lack the offensive fire power to keep up with a team like the Saints. The Bears are in a perfect spot to fade as the public in starting to catch on. Lay the 9 points as the Bears get caught in hibernation.

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (+7.5)

If you're a fan of teasers, don't get suckered into this bet. One of my favorite things is when a line hovers around 7 or 7.5 all week with no movement. It's really easy to tease New England down to -1 and think all they have to do is win isn't it? The Chargers have been playing good football as of late and head coach Anthony Lynn has a lot of experience against the Patriots. Lynn spent six years coaching in the AFC East with the Jets and Bills and is extremely familiar with grumpy old Bill Belichick in Foxboro. He'll have his team ready to go and it wouldn't surprise me at all if the Chargers come away with a dub. The Chargers aren't too shabby on the road going 12-4-1 against the spread in their last 17 games. Chargers did us good last week. Lightning strikes twice, take the Bolts!

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

DETROIT LIONS (+3)

Matt Stafford and the Lions return after much-needed rest during their bye week. They'll have a tough task in front of them as a hot Pittsburgh Steelers' team comes to Motor City for Sunday Night Football. Problem is, Pittsburgh just can't stay away from the drama this season. WR Martavis Bryant has been nothing but a headache and distraction all week for the team and head coach Mike Tomlin. Over the past five seasons, the Lions have gone 5-0 both straight up and against the spread after a bye week. The Steelers are also 2-5 ATS in their last seven games against the Lions. It looks like WR Golden Tate will play and if Stafford is back to full health I really like the Lions to come away with the outright win in this one. Take the points!

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

DENVER BRONCOS (+7.5)

This is one of my favorite picks of the week! The Denver Broncos are coming off two awful losses to the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers and the world has written this team off. There's no better time to buy stock in Denver than now. Don't forget, the Broncos still have the best defense in the NFL and possess the necessary tools to be competitive. The Kansas City offense has slowed down a bit since Pittsburgh has laid the blueprint out. Two things scare me. One, going against Andy Reid with extra rest is never a good idea but remember, Denver doesn't need to win this game. Two, WR Emmanuel Sanders may not play and this one worries me more. Sanders possess some of the best speed, hands and route running ability in the NFL. His presence will be missed but I'm still confident in this team playing a close game to the end. The Broncos are 7-3 in their last 10 games against the Chiefs and 6-2 against the spread in their last eight games on the road against the Chiefs. Take the points and get back on the Bronc train!