Expert NFL Predictions from The Duke’s Staff: Week 8

Courtesy of JuJu Smith-Schuster
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster poses alongside his bicycle in a Twitter photo he posted after news broke that the bike was stolen on Oct. 24.

Tom Brady threw for 249 yards and two touchdowns as the New England Patriots downed the Atlanta Falcons 23-7 in a Super Bowl rematch on Oct. 22. Patriots running back Dion Lewis was the top rusher on the day with 76 rushing yards, while Atlanta wide receiver Julio Jones was the top receiver with 99 yards and one touchdown.

With the New England victory, news editor Raymond Arke keeps his lead with a 5-1 record, but three editors — Shivani Gosai, Kailey Love and Bryanna McDermott — are close behind at 4-2.

Next up, our hometown Pittsburgh Steelers are taking on the Detroit Lions for Sunday Night Football. Check below for the staff’s expert — and not-so-expert — predictions for the game.

The competition is tight. How will the Duke staff fare after Week 8 of NFL play?

Don’t forget to check in each week to see how the editors are faring in this football-prediction frenzy.

 

Week 7: Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2-0) vs. Detroit Lions (3-3-0)

Raymond Arke 5-1  (News Editor): Steelers

“JuJu is going to ride his bike all over Detroit’s defense.”

Leah Devorak 1-5 (Editor-In-Chief): Steelers

“I feel like I have to.”

Shivani Gosai 4-2 (Opinions Editor): Steelers

“I feel like I have an obligation to my city.”

Zach Landau 2-4 (A&E Editor): Steelers

“Steelers because … I mean … yeah … “

Ollie Gratzinger 2-4 (Features Editor): Steelers

“If I don’t pick Steelers, my father will disown me.”

Hallie Lauer 1-5 (Layout Editor): Steelers

“I’m from here. I feel like you get shunned if you don’t root for the Steelers.”

Adam Lindner 3-3 (Sports Editor): Steelers

“I’m sure Martavis Bryant’s unrelenting enthusiasm from the bench will propel the Steelers to victory.”

Kailey Love 4-2 (Photo Editor): Steelers

“I feel like there’s so many bad things that could happen if you don’t root for the Steelers in Pittsburgh. It’s like a cult here.”

Bryanna McDermott 4-2 (Asst. Photo Editor): Steelers

“JuJu found his bike, so the team will use that momentum to get the win.”