NFL Week 8 Picks: The Panel's Picks For Thursday Night Football - Vikings @ Rams

Week 8 in the NFL gets under way with the Vikings' trip to Los Angeles to face the Rams. At this stage of the season, we're finding out which teams are contenders and who are pretenders.

The best betting sites have Thursday night's game covered and we are confident of more thrilling action on the gridiron.

Vikings Vs. Rams Pick: Vikings To Cover Themselves In Glory

The Vikings are coming off a loss while the Rams are coming off a win but these teams are still heading in opposite directions. 

Minnesota are 5-1 and contending for an NFC North crown with the Los Angeles Rams 2-4 and pondering potential trades of two top offensive players. 

Puka Nacua will eventually be back after a Week 1 injury, but even that matters little now and with the November 5 trade deadline looming, Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp are rumoured to be on the move.  

The Rams will look to keep things close but Sam Darnold is familiar with playing in Southern California. 

He shone at USC and with a healthy Aaron James, Minnesota should be able to regain its balance against the 25th-ranked defense in the NFL. 

If Darnold and Minnesota avoid miscues and get over last week’s tough loss to Detroit, a cover would not be a surprise. 

The Panel Pick 1: Minnesota -3 Points @ Evens With Bet365

Thursday Night Football Predictions:

• Minnesota Vikings -3 Points @ Evens With Bet365
• Vikings & Rams Under 48 Total Points @ 10/11 With BoyleSports
• Justin Jefferson 84.5+ Receiving Yards @ 10/11 With Betfred

Vikings Vs. Rams Prediction: Keeping Things Under

The Rams scored 20 points last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, despite only amassing 259 yards. 

What's more, they benefitted from a season-high four turnovers caused by the defense. Even with the short fields, the offense did not inspire that much confidence. 

Minnesota can score plenty of points and that is a concern. They rank sixth in points scored and their scoring defense is also ranked sixth in the league. 

The Vikings' mere 17.8 points per game suggest they will get back in form defensively this week.

The Panel Pick 2: Vikings & Rams Under 48 Total Points @ 10/11 With BoyleSports

Vikings Vs Rams Preview: Justin Jefferson For A Century

The Minnesota Vikings have enjoyed the Sam Darnold to Justin Jefferson combination this season. Expect that to continue on Thursday night as the Los Angeles Rams’ secondary does not have a guy to match up with the standout wide receiver.

Jefferson loves the national stage and wants the ball and my feeling is that this week, he will get his wish. 

Expect more than the usual six to eight targets thrown his way and an anytime touchdown (8/11) is a possibility with the Rams 26th in passing touchdowns allowed. 

However, The Panel pick is to take the plunge with Jefferson piling up the yards on Thursday night in Southern California.

The Panel Pick 3: Justin Jefferson 84.5+ Receiving Yards @ 10/11 With Betfred