Happy Week 8. Hard to believe we’re approaching the halfway point of the regular season. I’m always a sucker for a helmet logo that isn’t an official team logo. And the Vikings and Rams offer two of the best examples in NFL history.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Horned Helm Bowl!

A quick note on methodology.

As always, I’m analyzing every NFL uniform matchup and picking a winner against the spread based on which team dresses best. And just because a team is ranked higher in the Uniform Wardrobe Power Rankings doesn’t mean it will automatically win the uniform matchup. It’s what you wear in the instant matchup that counts.

Looking back at Week 7.

Started out hot but fell apart in the late slate through the Monday Night Football doubleheader. Can’t quit dancing on the edge of the .500 knife. 7-8 on the week. 51-55-1 on the year.

Thursday Night Football Uniform Matchup.

As noted above, the Vikings and Rams have historically offered up some of the best - and most unique - helmet logos in the history of the game. And that’s absolutely the case in this one as well. While I have my nitpicks about the Vikings wardrobe, none of them come to mind when staring down the bone unitard* of the Rams. Minnesota is the pick.

The Vikings are coming off their first loss of the season. But there’s no shame in losing to that Lions team.** Meanwhile, the Rams have been banged up all year, and rumors are swirling that they could be sellers at the trade deadline. Not ready to write the Rams off just yet in a wide open NFC West but it sure seems like the Vikings are a tier (or two) above. I like Brian Flores and his defense to feast against the Rams offensive line on short rest.

*I can tolerate the look with blue pants. But bone jersey and pants is a bridge too far. Plus I’ll never understand a gray jersey instead of white in football.

**If anything, Minnesota’s performance against Detroit shows they can hang with anyone in the league.

The Pick: Vikings -2.5

NOTE - the Vikings have yet to reveal their choice of pants.

Club SDR - Week 8 Player Props.

1-2 on the week. 10-11 on the year. An all-White Bengal lineup has delivered a 3-0 week before. Turning to our old Siberian friends to right the ship.

Joe Burrow - Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns

Ja’Marr Chase - Over 5.5 Receptions

Tee Higgins - Over 70.5 Receiving Yards

Joe Burrow and the boys have come through for us before. Need more of the same against the Birds - who happen to be Bottom 12 in EPA per pass. Despite a bumpy start to the season in terms of wins and losses, Burrow has been lights out - Top 5 in QBR, success rate, and total EPA. Plus he’s averaging two passing touchdowns per game,* which is the name of the game for our purposes.

In three career White Bengal games, Ja’Marr is averaging 9 catches and 124 yards. In four career games, Higgins is averaging 5 catches and 82 yards. Time for history to repeat. White Bengal forever.

*Also averaging two passing touchdowns per game in three career White Bengal games.

The Gridiron Uniform Database.

Uniform graphics seen here are courtesy of The Gridiron Uniform Database. If you’ve never paid their site a visit, stop what you’re doing right now and check it out. Best site on the Internet and an invaluable resource to uniform nerds and casuals alike.

Coming Attractions.

You know the drill. Full Week 8 Slate drops Sunday morning.

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