Week 8 Panel Picks: Texans and Jets Big Favorites, Questions About the Dolphins
Week 7 was chaotic. There was a surplus of panel-altering upsets; the Bears stomped the Jimmy Garoppolo-less Raiders, the Broncos came back to dink the descending Packers, the Falcons upset the Bucs on the road, and the Patriots won a wild divisional contest against Buffalo. These games shook up the standings quite a bit. Everyone moved at least one spot except for George, who remains at the top of the mountain, and Josh, who now shares the bottom with Rahul. Here are the full standings, and this week’s picks.
Primetime Games
Early Window
Late Window
Most alike picks: For the first time this season, two people picked the same result in every game. That duo is George and Theo.
Least alike picks: Jackson and I picked differently in 6 out of 16 contests.
Most upsets picked: Risky Raymond picked 6 upsets. Props to him.
Least upsets picked: George picked just two upsets.
Most picks with majority: George, Rahul, and Theo were with the majority on all but one game.
Fewest picks with majority: Ray and I were in the minority in 4 of this week’s games.
What Stands Out?
There is a great race at the top of the standings, but at the bottom, Rahul and Josh are deadlocked. The 49ers vs Bengals game could be the biggest game for the panel, as it is responsible for a 1.5 game swing, since Josh locked the Niners.
Half of the week 8 games were clean sweeps by the panel. In games that have been swept this season, the panel is 27-10.
The Jets have gained lots of trust after wins against the Broncos and Eagles. They had only received nine votes in six games all season, but they have swept the Giants on the panel despite the G-men looking the best they have all season.
All faith is in C.J. Stroud over Bryce Young in the Texans vs Panthers matchup. If this game was in week 1, it might have seen a sweep the other direction. These rookie QB’s have truly been polar opposites so far this season.
Sam Darnold will be starting for San Francisco this Sunday, and it shows. The 49ers have picked against just twice all year (Rahul picked the Steelers in week 1, and Josh picked the Giants in week 3). This week, we’ve matched that total with two picks for the Bengals. Is San Fran in trouble?
Playoff Picture
Let’s pretend our majority pick in each matchup won this weekend. Here would be the playoff matchups on Wild Card Weekend if that were the case.
AFC
(1) Kansas City Chiefs vs BYE | A win this week would be Kansas City’s 17th in a row against Denver.
(2) Miami Dolphins vs (7) New York Jets | The Dolphins beat the Jets 11-6 to make the playoffs in week 18 of last season.
(3) Baltimore Ravens vs (6) Pittsburgh Steelers | The Steelers have won 7 of their last 8 meetings with the Ravens.
(4) Jacksonville Jaguars vs (5) Buffalo Bills | Jacksonville beat Buffalo 25-20 in week 5 of this season.
NFC
(1) Philadelphia Eagles vs BYE | A win this week would be the Eagles’ 15th of 16 in the first eight games of each of the last two years.
(2) Detroit Lions vs (7) Minnesota Vikings | The Vikings split games with the Lions last season.
(3) San Francisco 49ers vs (6) Dallas Cowboys | We all know how this goes.
(4) Atlanta Falcons vs (5) Seattle Seahawks | The Falcons beat the Seahawks 27-23 in week 3 of last season.
The Bills pick is looking good at the moment. Let’s have ourselves a great week 8!