Five NFL players to watch for touchdowns in Week 8

Five NFL players are positioned to score touchdowns this weekend, according to a new analysis of Week 8 matchups. The list includes backup running backs and wide receivers who are likely to see increased playing time due to injuries or team strategies. These players offer higher betting odds compared to star athletes like Jahmyr Gibbs or Bijan Robinson.

Samaje Perine of the Cincinnati Bengals tops the list. The Bengals' rushing attack ranks third-worst in the league with 81.2 yards per game. Perine rushed for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens last week after gaining 68 yards against Miami. He faces the Tennessee Titans, who lack All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Perine is the all-time leading rusher at the University of Oklahoma, with 81 more yards than Adrian Peterson.

Braelon Allen of the New York Jets is expected to start as the lead running back. This shift follows a social media post from starter Breece Hall. Allen is 22 years old and has rushed for over 100 yards in two of the last three weeks. The Jets face the Las Vegas Raiders, who have the third-worst defense in the NFL. New York struggles in the red zone, but the Raiders' defensive weaknesses present an opportunity for Allen to score.

Ollie Gordon II of the Miami Dolphins has scored rushing touchdowns in four consecutive games. He is one score away from becoming the first Dolphins player since Karim Abdul-Jabbar in 1997 to score in five straight games. Abdul-Jabbar, who later changed his name to Abdul-Karim Al-Jabbar, tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns that year. Gordon has also had two 100-yard rushing games in his last three outings.

Chig Okonkwo of the Washington Commanders is a tight end who will likely see more targets after Terry McLaurin was ruled out for the season. Okonkwo was the Tennessee Titans' leading receiver last year with 560 yards on 56 receptions. He has reached 60 receiving yards in his last two games. He faces the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night but has not yet caught a touchdown with Washington this season.

Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars played only 15 snaps in his most recent game. Head coach Liam Coen said the team needs to showcase Thomas to improve his value at the trade deadline. The Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts, a team described as having a lowly defense. Coen stated, "He's going to help us make plays this week. I know it."

Thomas expressed his own motivation during a press conference. He said, "I feel like I still know what I can do, I just have to go out there and do it. Show everybody what I can do." The wide receiver has caught nine passes for 105 yards and one touchdown in six games this year. As a rookie in 2024, he had 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Week 8 slate also features other high-profile games. Lamar Jackson returns to the lineup for the Baltimore Ravens after missing three games to face the Buffalo Bills. The Detroit Lions aim to end the Minnesota Vikings' winning streak. The Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks are scheduled for a Monday night contest.

Analysts noted that these specific picks avoid predictable favorites and long shots. Last week, bets on tight ends Mike Gesicki, Kyle Pitts, and Tucker Kraft paid out. The current focus is on players with specific situational advantages, such as facing weak defenses or filling in for injured starters.

The games are scheduled to take place this weekend, with the Bears and Seahawks playing on Monday night. Betting lines for the five highlighted players range from +125 to +330. Fans and bettors are encouraged to monitor injury reports and practice sessions for any changes in these players' roles.