Bing Predicts: NFL Week 8
October 25, 2017 by Steven M. PetersThere were three shutouts in Week 7 — matching the total for the entire 2016 NFL season. Strange, eh? Here’s to putting another odd NFL week in the books.
While no one can predict shutouts, a hat-tip to Bing Predicts for accurately calling 12 of 15 games in Week 7. The prediction algorithm made it look easy, even though it wasn’t.
- The New Orleans Saints’ 26-17 win at Green Bay? Bing called it.
- Same with the Los Angeles Chargers’ 21-0 victory over the Denver Broncos.
- Did you see the Miami Dolphins eking out a win over the Baltimore Ravens? Bing did.
Like most of us, Bing didn’t foresee the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss to the Oakland Raiders. Still, 12-3 makes for an impressive week.
It is on to Week 8 now, and once again, there are some tough matchups to call.
It’s safe to say that the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles will be favorites no matter the competition. This week the Patriots welcome the hard-to-read Chargers, while the Eagles host the winless San Francisco 49ers. Bing can certainly handle those two.
What about the Chicago Bears at New Orleans? The Saints get the edge, but those Bears can be pesky and surprising.
The Carolina Panthers are also getting a slight Bing edge over Tampa Bay. Much of that outcome will depend on which Cam Newton takes the field. Let’s just say the quarterback is unpredictable.
Bing’s NFL predictions use team and player statistics and web activity to build a statistical model that takes into account historical data and real-time information (like injuries, suspensions, and lineup changes). Finally, social sentiment adds a unique wisdom-of-the-crowd factor to the model. Learn more about Bing Predicts.
Click here to see all Bing weekly NFL predictions.
Click here to see Bing’s predictions for the NFL week 8.
Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens
> Bing Predicts winner: Baltimore (55%)
> Kickoff time: 8:25 PM EDT (Thursday)
> Game spread: Baltimore -3
> Matchup history: Ravens lead 8-6-0
The Ravens are tumbling down the AFC North standings after losing two in a row and four of their last five. Yet, they are favored over the Dolphins. We’ll call this pick a mystery. What does Bing Predicts know? Quarterback Joe Flacco is a shadow of his former self. One reason is three of his wide receivers — Jeremy Maclin, Breshad Perriman, and Chris Matthews — were out in the loss to the Vikings, and wide receiver Mike Wallace was knocked out early in the game with a concussion. It’s uncertain if any of the four will be up to playing on Thursday night. If you’re an out-of-work wide receiver, send your resume to the Ravens.
The Dolphins have won three straight. It’s not been easy — Miami came back from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Jets 31-28 Sunday. Because breathing is a requirement for a quarterback, it’s unlikely Jay Cutler will be able to start in the quick turnaround after he suffered multiple cracked ribs on Sunday. Backup Matt Moore, who threw two touchdown passes, knows the offense and is expected to get the start. The Dolphins defense has been huge in this win stretch, with defensive end Cameron Wake notching 2.5 sacks on Sunday.
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Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns in London
> Bing Predicts winner: MInnesota (80%)
> Kickoff time: 9:30 AM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: MInnesota -8
> Matchup history: Vikings lead 11-4-0
Both of these teams have had quarterback issues. For the Vikings it’s all about injuries, and for the Browns it is simply incompetence. When you have three quarterbacks — like the Browns do — that usually means you don’t have one.
The Vikings, atop the NFC North, are a big favorite. Too bad no one will see them playing in London — the televised game is at such an odd hour for football. Minnesota’s offensive line is banged up, but running back Latavius Murray managed a breakthrough game with 113 rushing yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s win over the Ravens. Vikings quarterback Case Keenum was hot and cold with 188 passing yards and one interception. The Vikings defense — rated fourth in NFL, giving up 283 yards per game — has been the team’s strength and will make this matchup even tougher for Cleveland.
The Browns have been switching quarterbacks early and often. DeShone Kizer started on Sunday but was yanked after tossing two interceptions and replaced by Cody Kessler. The offense will miss left tackle Joe Thomas, who, after 10,363 straight snaps, is likely out for the rest of the season with a torn tricep. For all the jokes about the Browns, Thomas has been Superman, playing every offensive snap for the Browns for 10 years and six games.
Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills
> Bing Predicts winner: Oakland (51%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Buffalo -3
> Matchup history: Raiders lead 21-19-0
Raiders Nation has got to love tight end Jared Cook, who had his best game of the season in Oakland’s 31-30 win over the Chiefs. Cook, who provides a constant vertical threat, finished with six receptions for 107 yards. He’s a big reason the Raiders have the edge over the Bills. Oakland quarterback Derek Carr picked apart the Chiefs defense with four critical throws in the last two minutes. The Raiders (3-4) have some room for optimism about the season, but they will have their hands full with the Bills (4-2).
Running back LeSean McCoy has provided the offensive spark for the Bills. McCoy poses a dual threat, running and receiving. He finished with 122 yards from scrimmage — including a late game-tying touchdown run — in Sunday’s 30-27 win over Tampa Bay. Wide receiver Deonte Thompson and quarterback Tyrod Taylor have developed a connection, too.
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals
> Bing Predicts winner: Cincinnati (77%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Cincinnati -9.5
> Matchup history: Colts lead 19-10-0
Even though the Bengals use too much energy defending troublesome linebacker Vontaze Burfict, they have won two of the last three and are favorites over the Colts (although that doesn’t set them apart much in the NFL). Burfict was not suspended for kicking Pittsburgh’s Roosevelt Nix in the head on Sunday, even though he has a history of violent hits and suspensions. Looking for good news about the Bengals? Well, quarterback Andy Dalton has improved after a horrific four-interception opener. He’s thrown seven touchdown passes against four interceptions in the last three games. The Bengals defense is in the top five in the NFL, allowing just 289 yards per game.
The Bengals (2-4) aren’t great, but they are better than the Colts (2-5), who miss quarterback Andrew Luck something fierce. Plus, three Colts offensive linemen were out with injuries in the second half of the shutout loss to Jacksonville. No wonder quarterback Jacoby Brissett was the victim of 10 sacks. Ten. Yikes. Coming off a shutout loss to the Jaguars, coach Chuck Pagano’s seat is heating up tremendously. Indianapolis might have a chance against the Bengals, but not much of one.
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Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots
> Bing Predicts winner: New England (66%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: New England -5.5
> Matchup history: Patriots lead 23-15-2
Those darned Patriots fooled some of us with their 2-2 start. Was Tom Brady really reaching the end? No, turns out he was just getting warmed up. The defending Super Bowl champs are operating with precision once again with the NFL’s top-rated offense. Don’t get in their way. It’s not all Brady either. The backfield-by-committee has been key with Dion Lewis, Mike Gillislee, Rex Burkhead, and James White sharing the running duties.
The Chargers (3-4) are improved, too, with three straight wins, but they are the Chargers and the Patriots (5-2) are the Patriots. The Chargers shut out the Broncos 21-0 on Sunday with wide receiver Travis Benjamin scoring a pair of touchdowns — one on a 65-yard punt return and the other on a 42-yard catch from quarterback Philip Rivers. After starting 0-4, the Chargers have won three straight. In that stretch, Rivers has thrown six touchdowns and just one interception, and his quarterback rating has been over 100 in two of those games. Like the Patriots, the Chargers apparently needed a few games to find a rhythm.
Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints
> Bing Predicts winner: New Orleans (78%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: New Orleans -8.5
> Matchup history: Bears lead 15-14-0
The red-hot Saints (4-2) had an ugly 0-2 start but have since won four straight, including Sunday at Green Bay. They are tough to beat at home. It all adds up to favor New Orleans. Drew Brees leads the offense, fourth best in the NFL, averaging 391 yards per game. Brees didn’t have his best game in the 26-17 win at Green Bay with one touchdown and two picks, but Mark Ingram carried the ball 22 times for 105 yards and one score, while Ted Ginn Jr. had seven receptions for 141 yards. Also, the defense came up big holding Green Bay’s run game to 42 yards in the second half.
The Bears (3-4) are an interesting bunch. Other than at quarterback, they feature an abundance of talent on both sides of the ball. Coach John Fox can work offensive magic, too. So even though quarterback Mitchell Trubisky was just 4-of-7 for 107 passing yards, the run game was effective with Jordan Howard in the win over the Panthers. The Bears’ secret scoring weapon is a secret no longer. Safety Eddie Jackson returned an interception 76 yards for a touchdown and recovered a Cam Newton fumble and brought it back 75 yards for a score. It certainly helps when the defense puts points on the board. Still, the Saints have got this one.
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Atlanta Falcons at New York Jets
> Bing Predicts winner: Atlanta (73%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Atlanta -7
> Matchup history: Falcons lead 6-5-0
It’s been a winless October for the Falcons (3-3), but they’re still favorites over the Jets (3-4). Atlanta’s offense has scored 12.5 fewer points per game than it did in 2016, when it was the NFC’s best team. Through six games, quarterback Matt Ryan has seven touchdowns and six interceptions. Through the first six games in 2016, he had 15 touchdowns and three interceptions. It’s not all on him — there have been plenty of changes, including new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. Still, getting the offense fixed is a priority for the Falcons if they want to get back into the playoffs.
The matchup with the Jets defense, ranked 25th in the NFL, allowing 357.9 yards per game, might be the boost the Falcons need. Not much was expected of the Jets this season, but after three straight wins they were starting to turn naysayers into believers. Perhaps it was premature adulation. The Jets were up by 14 points in the fourth quarter Sunday and lost to the Dolphins. A late interception thrown by Josh McCown was costly.
24/7 Wall St.
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
> Bing Predicts winner: Philadelphia (81%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Philadelphia -11.5
> Matchup history: 49ers lead 19-12-1
Face it, any team going against the winless 49ers (0-7) is a favorite. The Eagles (6-1) are no different, but they would be favored over most, if not all, NFC teams. While quarterback is an issue around much of the NFL either because of injury or lack of talent, Philadelphia’s Carson Wentz sails along with an NFL-leading 17 touchdown passes against just four interceptions. He leads the Eagles fifth-ranked offense (381.4 yards per game). Wentz was again impressive in Monday night’s 34-24 win over the Redskins with four touchdown passes and rushing for a team-high 63 yards. The Eagles are legit, no doubt.
Pity the 49ers who have lost five games by three points or fewer. They thought they were getting close to picking up a first win on Sunday, but then got whacked 40-10 by the Cowboys. It could be a worse outcome in Philadelphia, Wentz-ylvania.
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
> Bing Predicts winner: Carolina (51%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Tampa Bay -2.5
> Matchup history: Panthers lead 20-13-0
Different week, same question: What’s up with Carolina quarterback Cam Newton? One game he’s Superman, the next he’s Clark Kent. The Panthers (4-3) are favored over the Bucs (2-4) because they have found a way to win more often. And it’s not all up to Newton. Carolina’s defense is ranked third in the NFL, allowing 261.9 yards per game.
It should be an interesting matchup against Tampa Bay’s second ranked offense (392.8 yards per game). The Bucs have lost three straight in part because their defense allows 408.5 yards per game, ranking 30th in the NFL. The Panthers have the slightest edge, so this one could be a nail-biter.
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Houston Texans at Seattle Seahawks
> Bing Predicts winner: Seattle (66%)
> Kickoff time: 4:05 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Seattle -6
> Matchup history: Seahawks lead 2-1-0
In this strange NFL season, the Seahawks have been one of the most befuddling teams. After a 1-2 start, they’ve won three and are favored at home over the Texans (3-3). Statistically, the teams are close, but Seattle has more experience at quarterback with Russell Wilson, who has 10 touchdowns and three interceptions in the last four games. Wide receiver Doug Baldwin had 92 receiving yards and a score in Sunday’s win over the Giants.
Still, Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson would be the hottest quarterback in the NFL if not for Philadelphia’s Carson Wentz. Watson has thrown 12 touchdown passes against just two interceptions in his last three games. The rookie from Clemson is the talk of the town for his generosity following Hurricane Harvey, and of course, for his command of the offense.
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins
> Bing Predicts winner: Dallas (53%)
> Kickoff time: 4:25 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Washington -1
> Matchup history: Cowboys lead 68-44-2
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has thrown three touchdowns in each of his last three games. That’s something Cowboy Hall of Famers Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman did not accomplish. Impressed? You should be. Prescott is one reason the Cowboys (3-3) are favored over the Redskins (3-3), who lost to the Eagles on Monday night. Another reason is running back Ezekiel Elliott, who will be active for this game while waiting for a ruling on his six-game suspension. The running back had 219 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in Dallas’s 40-10 win over the 49ers. He will be missed eventually, maybe.
Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins threw 40 passes and had 30 of them caught for three touchdowns in the Monday night loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Not much of a run game or help from the Washington defense, once again.
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Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions
> Bing Predicts winner: Pittsburgh (61%)
> Kickoff time: 8:30 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Pittsburgh -3
> Matchup history: Steelers lead 16-14-1
The Lions offense has struggled in two straight losses, while the Steelers defense is ranked second in the NFL, allowing a measly 258.7 yards per game. The edge goes to the Steelers (5-2) all the way. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger questioned his future a few weeks ago, and since then the Steelers have won twice. The defense should not have much trouble with the Detroit offense, which has not found a consistent run game in the first six games or for years.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford had a chance to heal (ankle, ribs) during the bye week, but the offensive line has been banged up. That is one reason Stafford has been sacked 17 times in the past three games. Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell, who has rushed for 313 yards in the past two games, will provide a challenge for the Lions defense, which is ranked eighth at stopping the run. The Lions always have a chance to win with Stafford, also known as Captain Comeback, but the Steelers defense will likely just be too much.
24/7 Wall St.
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
> Bing Predicts winner: Kansas City (70%)
> Kickoff time: 8:30 PM EDT (Monday)
> Game spread: Kansas City -7
> Matchup history: Chiefs lead 59-55-0
You’ve got to love the Chiefs here. They’re coming off two straight losses, their feathers are ruffled, they want to get back on track (they started 5-0), and they’re up against a reeling Denver team in an AFC West battle. Kansas City is starting to get healthy, especially with 10 days between games. They could welcome back center Mitch Morse and right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, which obviously would boost the NFL’s third-ranked offense, averaging 392.4 yards per game. Quarterback Alex Smith is solid, and rookie running back Kareem Hunt is trying to win games while shattering the record book, averaging 102.4 rushing yards and 40.7 receiving yards per game.
The Broncos (3-3) might have a few ruffled feathers, too. They’re coming off their first shutout loss since 1992. The offense with quarterback Trevor Siemian was a mess in that game. Siemian threw no touchdown passes, one interception, and fumbled twice on Sunday. Oh, and he was sacked five times. Denver’s defense is ranked first in the NFL, allowing 258.5 yards per game. The team would be a juggernaut if it could put points on the board.
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