NFL Injury Report for Week 8

Puka Nacua Sidelined with Ankle Injury

The Rams’ breakout wideout Puka Nacua has been ruled out with an ankle injury, and it changes the outlook of their entire offense. Matthew Stafford has leaned on Nacua all season as a chain-mover and deep threat. Without him, the Rams lose their most reliable option.

For NFL betting odds, this points to lower passing totals for Stafford and possible unders on full-game totals. The public will still chase Rams overs, but sharp bettors know injuries at WR1 ripple through the playbook. Props for running backs and tight ends suddenly get more appealing as Stafford shifts his target share.

Example: If Nacua’s absence drops Stafford’s passing yards line from 265.5 to 250.5, that under is live before the public adjusts.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

CeeDee Lamb Still Banged Up

CeeDee Lamb continues to battle a high ankle sprain, and his Week 8 status is in doubt. He’s already missed significant time, and the Cowboys offense has clearly slowed without him.

In NFL betting spreads, Dallas lines are inflated by reputation, not reality. Without Lamb, Prescott’s passing attack is less explosive, and that drags totals under. Team totals and player props for Dallas’ secondary receivers are also worth fading when books overcorrect.

The smarter play? Target unders on Dallas’ passing props and overs on rushing attempts. The Cowboys will lean run-heavy until Lamb is back to full speed.

Garrett Wilson Knee Injury

The Jets’ top receiver Garrett Wilson is dealing with a knee injury and is expected to miss multiple weeks. Without Wilson, New York loses its only consistent playmaker in the passing game.

For NFL betting this week, Wilson’s absence depresses Jets totals and makes the under more attractive in their matchups. Props for backup receivers might rise, but the safer angle is fading Jets passing overs.

The NFL betting public tends to overreact by dumping money against the Jets entirely. Smart bettors instead pivot into prop markets—look at rushing overs or defensive unders rather than spreads bloated by panic.

Christian Kirk Hamstring Strain

Houston wideout Christian Kirk is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Kirk has been central to the Texans’ third-down conversions and slot production. Without him, Houston’s passing efficiency drops.

Totals for Texans games could trend under, and quarterback props deserve a closer look. Unders on passing attempts and completions are worth targeting when Kirk isn’t on the field.

For NFL betting props, backup WR overs look tempting, but books will juice those numbers. Sharper plays are unders on passing volume as the Texans lean more on their run game.

Trevon Diggs Out with Concussion

Dallas also loses cornerback Trevon Diggs with a concussion, which means their secondary takes a big hit.

For NFL betting odds, this flips things for Dallas opponents. If Lamb is out and Diggs is sidelined, the Cowboys both score less and give up more through the air. Opposing WR props—yards, receptions, or anytime TDs—become valuable.

This is the kind of injury that the NFL betting public misses because they chase offensive names. But defensive absences can be just as important in point spread betting and over under markets.

Offensive Line Issues Pile Up

Injuries along the Cowboys’ offensive line (Tyler Guyton and Tyler Smith both questionable) matter as much as skill players. Without protection, Prescott is under pressure, which limits big plays and boosts sack props for opposing defenses.

NFL odds and predictions don’t always fully account for line depth. Bettors who track offensive line status can find value in defensive props (sacks, turnovers) and unders on QB totals.

Example: A Prescott passing yards under cashes not because of WR absences, but because his line can’t protect long enough for big completions.

Totals and Over Under Angles

The theme of Week 8 is injuries to pass catchers. That means unders are in play across multiple matchups.

Rams unders without Nacua. Cowboys unders without Lamb. Jets unders without Wilson. Texans unders without Kirk.

The NFL betting public loves overs, especially in marquee games. But the sharp move this week is stacking unders in parlay bets. Pair Rams under with Cowboys under for a +250 payout. Fade inflated public overs and cash the value created by injuries.

Live Betting Opportunities

Live betting is where injuries really create edges. If a star WR plays but exits early, props and live totals will overcorrect.

Example: If Wilson suits up but leaves in the first half, the Jets’ passing yards live total might still reflect his presence. That’s the moment to hammer the under before books adjust.

NFL betting today means staying locked in on live odds and scores while you watch. Injuries aren’t just pregame news—they’re in-game shifts that create betting value.

Public vs. Sharp Reactions

The NFL betting public always overreacts to big names being out. Lines shift too far, spreads inflate, and totals collapse. Sharps know when to fade that panic.

Dallas might look weaker without Lamb, but spreads that move three points or more can create value on their side. Totals that drop too far open the door to late overs. The balance is knowing when the number has moved enough.

Final Thoughts on NFL Betting Week 8 Injuries

Week 8 is loaded with injury news that directly affects betting value. Puka Nacua, CeeDee Lamb, Garrett Wilson, Christian Kirk, and Trevon Diggs are all names to watch. Each absence creates ripple effects in spreads, props, and totals.

Smart bettors will fade the NFL betting public’s overreactions, shop lines early, and target unders where stars are missing. Props become the safest angle, while parlays stacking unders offer sneaky value.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.