2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 8

Las Vegas Raiders (2-4) at New Orleans Saints (2-5)

Sunday, October 30, 1:00 PM ET

Who would have thought just a handful of weeks ago that Josh Jacobs would be instrumental in keeping the Raiders’ 2022 season hopes alive?

After a win against the Denver Broncos, the Raiders took the Kansas City Chiefs down to the wire heading into their bye week. Raider Nation probably didn’t care to hear it at the time, but even at 1-4, it didn’t feel like things were over for this Las Vegas team. Coming out of the bye week, the Raiders proved those who still believe in them right, as Josh Jacobs ran all over the Houston Texans to the tune of three touchdowns.

The Broncos game really was a get-right game for Jacobs. At that point in the season, the Raiders were 32nd in the NFL in rushing attempts. Now, Jacobs is clearly a key piece of this team offensively and perhaps even earning himself another contract with the Raiders in 2023. We’ve seen him come a long way recently from playing in the Hall of Fame Game, haven’t we?

The Raiders are traveling to New Orleans to take on the Saints, who are coming off of an ugly Thursday night loss against the Arizona Cardinals. This Saints team just simply cannot stop other teams from scoring at the moment. Although two scores against Arizona were of the defensive variety, the Saints have allowed 28 or more points in each of their last four games.

Even though they have the NFL’s 7th-ranked scoring offense, that has been insurmountable for them. For NFL picks purposes, that doesn’t necessarily matter this week.

Playing at home always gives New Orleans a good chance but I think the Raiders are hitting a groove right now offensively (3rd in the league in scoring) and I trust Derek Carr more than either quarterback the Saints have right now. This could be a fun, high-scoring affair.

Prediction: Raiders win 33-30