2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 8

Los Angeles Rams (6-1) at Houston Texans (1-6)

Sunday, October 31, 1PM ET

How did the Los Angeles Rams get so lucky as to have such a light middle of their 2021 schedule? They just beat the winless Detroit Lions, and now get an opportunity to throttle the 1-6 Houston Texans, who are currently riding a six-game losing streak.

Still, I don’t think this will be the blowout it would be easy to expect. Despite their pitiful record, the Texans haven’t been as awful as anticipated in 2021. Davis Mills has held his own under center, and the Houston defense is finding ways to frustrate opponents. The Rams will move the ball well, but don’t expect a complete shellacking.

With that said, there will be plenty of offense for the Rams. Matthew Stafford‘s outstanding campaign will roll along, and Cooper Kupp will continue to benefit from the upgrade under center. Los Angeles tears it up in the first half and then cruises through the second half as they look to chew the clock.

The Texans make a late push, which makes the game appear closer than it actually was. The Rams slip up a bit in the final quarter and have to get their act together in the final minutes to avoid a meltdown against an inferior opponent.

Prediction: Rams win 31-27 | Spread: Rams (-14.5)