The NFL is the most popular sport to bet on in America. Since most bettors make wagers for recreational purposes and do not win long-term, fading the public is a popular betting strategy often considered among seasoned bettors.
Based on the information I have collected, as of Friday, October 27, here are the most popular NFL sides for Week 8:
Chiefs -7 over Broncos @ 4:25 pm ET Sunday
The Chiefs are the most public side for Week 8, yet the line has dropped from Kansas City opening as a nine-point favorite to now seven. The Chiefs have won 16 straight games over the Broncos head-to-head, including a 19-8 win as a 10.5-point favorite two weeks ago. Although Kansas City has dominated this rivalry over the past eight years, the Broncos have managed to keep four of the last six contests within six points.
Ravens -9.5 against the Cardinals @ 4:25 pm ET Sunday
Coming off a 38-6 win over the Lions, the Baltimore Ravens are expected to roll again this Sunday. Baltimore is 14-10-1 ATS as a road favorite going back to 2019. The Arizona Cardinals come in at 1-6 straight up on the season, with their last four losses coming by double digits.
Chargers -9 over Bears @ 8:20 pm ET-Sunday
Both the Chargers and Bears have only won two games so far, but Los Angeles is a significant public favorite. Both defenses have struggled this season, as the Bears are 23rd in the nation in yards per play allowed and the Chargers 31st, ahead of only Denver. Most bettors expect the offensive edge for Los Angeles to be too much for Chicago to keep this game close. The Chargers are eighth in the NFL in yards per play gained, and the Bears starting quarterback, Justin Fields, will not play again this Sunday, giving undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent another start.
Dolphins -9.5 over Patriots @ 1 pm ET on Sunday
The New England Patriots are coming off a big upset win against the Bills, but the public is expecting them to come back down to reality this Sunday. The Miami Dolphins lead the NFL with 7.7 yards per play, well ahead of the 49ers and Chiefs at 6.0 yards per play. Miami beat New England 24-17 on the road when these teams met on September 17. The Dolphins will now look for the season sweep at home. Miami is currently 3-0 at home, with each win coming by 15 points or more.
Eagles -7 over Commanders @1 pm ET-Sunday
The Washington Commanders gave the Philadelphia Eagles a fight in Week 4 before falling 34-31 in overtime. This time around, the Eagles are coming off a 31-17 win over Miami, and Washington lost to the Giants 14-7 last week. Although the seven points may seem large for a divisional rivalry, these two teams have yet to play two head-to-head games decided by single digits in the same season since 2016.
