NFL betting: Dougherty’s Week 8 betting guide, Part 2

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Carolina Panthers @ Denver Broncos

Sunday, Oct. 27, 4:25 p.m., CBS
Spread: Broncos -10
Total: 41.5

In the most Panthers update possible, Andy Dalton injured his thumb in a car accident this week and has been ruled out for Week 8. You know what that means! That’s right, Bryce Young is back in our lives for another week. Young was the worst quarterback in the NFL through two weeks, and now he has to go up against Denver’s third-ranked defense.

The Broncos have won four of their last five games, and Bo Nix continues to improve each week. Denver’s defense has been the star of the show, though, as it ranks first in the NFL in opponent yards per play and second in sack rate. This could get ugly for Young.

Matchup to exploit: Javonte Williams vs. Panthers rush defense

Williams broke out last week with 88 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints, and the Panthers rank dead last in rushing yards allowed per game. Look at Williams to go over his rushing yards prop and find the end zone.

Prediction: Broncos 26, Panthers 10

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Dallas Cowboys @ San Francisco 49ers

Sunday, Oct. 27, 8:20 p.m., NBC
Spread: 49ers -4.5
Total: 47.5

The Cowboys are coming off an embarrassing 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions, and they’re going to be without DeMarcus Lawrence and possibly Micah Parsons for another week. This defense is built on those two pressuring the quarterback, so Dallas could be in trouble again this Sunday night.

The 49ers aren’t coming in very healthy, either. Brandon Aiyuk suffered a season-ending injury last week, and Jordan Mason, Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings and George Kittle are all questionable. Oh, and still no sign of Christian McCaffrey. Where is the offense coming from for San Fran?

Matchup to exploit: 49ers offense vs. uncertainty

Depending on who suits up for the 49ers, there will be some value to be found in the anytime touchdown market. Take a look at Isaac Guerendo and Ronnie Bell at big prices.

Prediction: 49ers 23, Cowboys 19

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New York Giants @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Monday, Oct. 28, 8:15 p.m., ESPN
Spread: Steelers -6.5
Total: 36.5

Woof. That was a rough one for the Giants, as they averaged only 2.2 yards per play and allowed eight sacks in a blowout loss to the Eagles last week. Daniel Jones was benched for Drew Lock in the second half, but he’s expected to start again this Sunday. This offense is going to struggle with Andrew Thomas on injured reserve. 

Mike Tomlin caught some heat for benching Justin Fields for Russell Wilson, but he’s been proven right so far. Wilson put up 267 total yards and three touchdowns in a dominant win against the New York Jets in his first start. George Pickens seems to be the biggest beneficiary of Wilson’s arrival, as he went off for 111 yards and a score. 

Matchup to exploit: Najee Harris vs. Giants rush defense

The Giants now rank dead last in the NFL in yards allowed per rush after letting Barkley scamper for 176 yards last week. Check out Harris to go over his rushing yards. 

Prediction: Steelers 17, Giants 13