The top 5 betting plays for Week 8

I don't think there's been a weekend this season where the college football and NFL cards have both looked so promising. Let's stay hot, shall we?

Here are my five picks for Week 8. Be sure to shop around for the best numbers available.

Top PlaysNew York Jets at Chicago Bears

Wager: Under 45

It's pretty obvious what you're going to get out of Jets quarterback Sam Darnold: Average to above-average play against bad defenses and average to below-average play against good ones.

Despite the last couple of weeks - in which Chicago's allowed 69 points - the Bears still have a stout unit. What's killed them is speed. They've been poor at tackling in space, and have therefore allowed huge chunk plays. It's a fixable problem and shouldn't be an issue against a Jets skill corps that doesn't inspire much fear beyond deep threat Robby Anderson.

Last weekend versus New England, the Bears only allowed 24 points on 10 possessions. Two of the Patriots' touchdowns came via special teams.

With Chicago hosting a rookie quarterback and looking at a chance to get back in the saddle, I don't think these offenses will get past the number.

Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams

Wager: Over 56.5

How can the Rams be stopped? Green Bay could have a couple of extra bye weeks and, based on the matchup, it might not matter. The Rams still have the top offense in yards per play and have feasted on so-so defenses all season long. Even in a game in which they posted a season-low 5.4 yards per play, they managed to hang 39 on the road against the San Francisco 49ers last week. And if there's any quarterback I want in a shootout as a long underdog, it's the one on the opposite sideline, Aaron Rodgers.

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs

Wager: Over 53.5

Similar to Los Angeles, nothing predictive suggests Kansas City's offense is slowing down, never mind against a Denver team in a tricky spot.

Teams traveling west to east for early starts haven't proved much of anything over the years, but the Broncos have been giving up points aplenty in this situation since Vance Joseph took over. It was a trend we highlighted in Week 5.

In the last meeting in Denver on Oct. 1, the Broncos wanted to establish the running game early, which kept Patrick Mahomes on the sideline and chewed up clock. It worked - until the Chiefs took the lead and Denver was forced to throw the ball.

I expect Kansas City to score at will (again) and leave the Broncos no choice but to try to do the same. A week after the Chiefs' defense showed up in prime time against the Cincinnati Bengals, I'll look for a slight letdown and another boatload of points at Arrowhead.

Extra PointsSeattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions

Recommended Pick: Seahawks +3

With the number moving to +3, I'll take a stab at the Seahawks. Russell Wilson is finally getting some protection recently and Seattle's offense hasn't revolved around the quarterback scrambling for his life to extend plays. The Lions' defense is still concerning, and playing on these road teams off a bye has been quite profitable of late.

New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings

Recommended Pick: Vikings PK

I would've leaned toward the Vikings at the -2.5 opener and I like them even more at a pick 'em.

Top plays: 15-5-1 (75 percent)

Overall record: 24-10-1 (70.6 percent)

Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.

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