The Herd with Colin Cowherd

"What's Wright – NFL Week 8 Predictions: Packers-Steelers, Commanders-Chiefs, Bears-Ravens, Broncos-Cowboys & more!"
Date: October 25, 2025
Host: Nick Wright (with Damanze)
Episode: 383

Episode Overview

Nick Wright and co-host Damanze dig into their NFL Week 8 predictions with analysis and betting advice, staying true to their signature blend of opinionated, rapid-fire sports talk and self-aware takes on gambling ups-and-downs. The episode is lively, with Nick reviewing his record, debating tricky matchups, and sharing “stay away” games. He rounds out the episode with five concrete picks, a teaser, touchdown and player prop bets, and plenty of banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

State of the Season & Personal Record (02:26)

• Nick’s Season Recap: Nick discusses his 17-18 season record so far, reviewing last week’s results: two easy winners (Giants +7 at Denver, Seattle -3 at Houston), but three ugly losses (notably Titans +7 vs Patriots and Jets +1.5 vs Carolina).
• Quote:

  “I’m okay with this 2 and 3, because the losses were so ugly that I feel like I got a little lucky.”
  —Nick Wright (03:00)

Week 8 Preview and the Challenge of the Slate (03:05)

• Numerous teams on a bye and large spreads make for a tough week to find value.
• Nick notes the challenge of making five picks this week and wonders if Damanze will change his typical teaser strategy.

Stay-Away Games Breakdown

Nick and Damanze break down games they are NOT betting on, offering insight into why each is a pass:

San Francisco @ Houston (10:49)

• Both teams are unpredictable (SF banged up, Houston’s defense strong but offense “putrid”).
• “I was like, you know what...the fact that I almost picked either side, I was like I’m staying away...” —Nick Wright (11:12)

Jets @ Cincinnati (12:23)

• Bengals almost picked, but Nick fears both sides due to Jets’ instability and Bengals' past struggles.

Cleveland @ New England (13:03)

• Patriots -7 “feels like a trap," given Cleveland’s D, but offense can’t come back from behind.

Giants @ Philly (14:13)

• Nick considered Giants, but worries their collapse against Denver could signify total implosion.

Buffalo @ Carolina (15:23)

• Bills are a great post-bye team, but Carolina’s home performance is strong—too risky to lay seven points on the road.

Tennessee @ Indianapolis (15:58)

• Indy's offense has looked good, Titans look "putrid," but a 14-point line is “insane."
• “In the off season, this game was going to…would have been like Indy by two and a half...now it’s 14.”
  —Nick Wright (16:33)

Washington @ Kansas City (16:54)

• Line is too big at Chiefs -12.5, even though it's a “revenge spot” against Marcus Mariota, who last beat the Chiefs in the playoffs pre-Mahomes (18:18).

Nick’s Official Five Picks (20:33 onward)

Clear, game-by-game rationale with a blend of stats and vibes.
All lines from Hard Rock Bet.

1. Atlanta -7.5 vs Miami (20:33)

• Miami, previously competitive, just got blown out; Nick senses collapse.
• “It’s on the board that right now the Dolphins are just done...and I do know that the Miami defense can’t deal with Bijan.”
  —Nick Wright (21:50)

2. Chicago +6.5 at Baltimore (22:32)

• Ravens haven’t earned favorite status. Bears have edge in coaching, defense, and running game.
• “The Ravens defense has not earned the right to be a touchdown favorite over anyone…” —Nick Wright (22:56)

3. Tampa Bay -3.5 at New Orleans (23:43)

• Nick reluctantly goes against some of his principles, swayed by Baker Mayfield’s animosity towards New Orleans.
• “That Baker press conference, I was like, nope, I’m taking Tampa.” —Nick Wright (24:22)

4. Dallas +3.5 at Denver (24:39)

• Dallas’ strong offense vs Denver’s inability to score outside of rare explosions.
• Nick speculates kicker Brandon Aubrey could break field goal records due to Denver's altitude.
• “I am here to tell you Aubrey could hit the longest field goal in NFL history this weekend.” —Nick Wright (26:12)

5. Green Bay -3 at Pittsburgh (26:44)

• Green Bay due for a “statement game”; Nick downplays Rodgers’ big-game performance, backs Packers' defense to disrupt Pittsburgh.

Teaser of the Week (Three-Team, Eight-Point, +100) (33:02)

By Damanze:

• Chicago up to +14.5 vs Baltimore

• Indy down to -6 vs Tennessee

• Dallas up to +11.5 at Denver

• “I think you…I like it…It would be a little bittersweet if your Ravens look unbelievable and just blow out Chicago and that costs you your teaser.”
  —Nick Wright (33:28)

Touchdown & Player Prop Specials (34:18)

• Anytime Touchdown:
  • Travis Kelce (+120) on Monday night, with Nick predicting focus will be on Rice so Chiefs get Kelce in the end zone.
• Player Prop:
  • Bijan Robinson OVER 125.5 rushing + receiving yards vs Miami (35:05)
  • “That’s a big part of my Atlanta -7.5 pick, I think Bijan’s gonna have a monster game.”
    —Nick Wright (35:25)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Miami's Collapse:
  “I mean, Tua is just doing these self roasts…it’s gotten to a point to where I do think something’s wrong” —Damanze & Nick (22:03)
• On Betting Challenges:
  “I'm okay with it. I don't think I deserve to be better than 17 and 18.” —Nick Wright (03:00)
• Historic Chiefs Playoff Loss:
  “Marcus Mariota threw a touchdown pass to himself to beat the Chiefs and start the Mahomes era...” —Nick Wright (18:18)
• On Denver's Kicking Potential:
  “Aubrey could hit the longest field goal in NFL history this weekend. It’s on the board.” —Nick Wright (26:12)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [02:26] Nick’s Season Recap & Betting Show Format
• [03:00] Review of Last Week’s Results
• [10:34] Explanation of Team Byes & This Week’s “Stay Aways”
• [20:33] Nick’s Five Official Picks Begin
• [33:02] Damanze’s Teaser of the Week
• [34:18] Touchdown Genie & Bijan Prop
• [35:32] Episode Wrap

Style & Tone Highlights

• Conversational, irreverent, analytical yet self-aware.
• Nick and Damanze riff off one another, blending sharp takes with playful banter and occasional self-deprecation.
• Betting advice is given with confidence but acknowledges luck and uncertainty.

Summary Takeaways

Nick Wright’s Week 8 predictions focus keenly on team trends, injury impacts, and market psychology. He remains disciplined with “stay aways” but unapologetically backs his instincts—and gives listeners a trove of actionable picks, props, and logical reasoning for each. The episode balances real gambling insight with the show’s trademark humor and energy, making it both useful for bettors and enjoyable for fans.