2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 8

Dallas Cowboys (5-1) at Minnesota Vikings (3-3)

Sunday, October 31, 8:20PM ET

Trust me, I’d be happy to pick the Minnesota Vikings in this one. I’d also be ecstatic to be proven wrong. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening, as the Dallas Cowboys are too hot and the Vikings are too unpredictable for me to pick them against a 5-1 squad.

More than likely, Dak Prescott is going to have his way against the Minnesota secondary. They’ve been burned at times this season, and have yet to face the type of talent the Dallas passing game has to offer. Even if their outstanding front four impacts Prescott, the Cowboys can turn to Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard to move the ball.

Don’t discount the Minnesota offense, though. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves, but Kirk Cousins is in the middle of an outstanding campaign. If Dalvin Cook can get going as well, the Vikings won’t have too much trouble keeping up in the scoring department.

This one could end up coming down to who has the ball last, especially if the Minnesota defense rises to the challenge. Ultimately, I have to give the edge to the Cowboys, who have one of the best offenses in the NFL and a defense that’s improved tenfold since a season ago.

Prediction: Cowboys win 29-26 | Spread: Cowboys (-2.5)