As the NFL enters Week 8, several favorites find themselves on upset alert according to CBS Sports analysis. Five matchups present opportunities for underdogs to pull off surprises, with key factors including injuries, defensive matchups, and historical trends.
Falcons at Buccaneers
Atlanta (+2.5) travels to Tampa Bay where Baker Mayfield returns from a thumb injury. The Falcons defense ranks fourth in rushing yards allowed (88.9 per game) and fourth in pressure rate (41.4%), potentially forcing Mayfield into difficult passing situations. Tampa Bay has yet to win at home this season (0-4).
Raiders at Jets
Las Vegas (+1.5) has lost four straight, but faced elite quarterbacks during that stretch (Mahomes, Maye, Allen, Stafford). Geno Smith and the Jets' struggling red-zone offense (second-worst touchdown percentage) could allow the Raiders defense to rebound.
Vikings at Lions
Minnesota (+3) brings a 6-0 record and the NFL's top scoring defense (12.3 points allowed per game) to Detroit. The Lions offense ranks second in points (30.7) and yards (397.3) per game, but Detroit's defense allows the most total yards (391.0) and passing yards (291.8) in the league.
Ravens at Bills
Baltimore (+3) gets Lamar Jackson back from an ankle injury. Jackson has completed 70.8% of passes with a 119.6 passer rating this season. Buffalo's defense ranks 30th in points allowed (28.5 per game) and 27th on third down (45% conversion). Jackson is 10-5 as an underdog, the best record by a QB since 1970.
Browns at Steelers
Cleveland (+3.5) seeks its first season sweep of Pittsburgh since 1988 and aims to snap a 22-game losing streak in Pittsburgh. All five Browns wins have featured game-winning scores in the final four minutes, with Deshaun Watson completing 21-of-27 for 229 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions on those drives. The Steelers may be fatigued after returning from an international game in Paris.
