NFL Week 8 opening line report, odds, spreads: Sam Darnold will start for Panthers vs. Falcons … unless Carolina trades for Deshaun Watson

Maybe it wasn't the fault of former New York Jets coach Adam Gase after all that Sam Darnold never became an excellent NFL quarterback with Gang Green. Maybe Darnold, the third overall pick in the 2018 draft, simply isn't very good. The Carolina Panthers are learning that fact as Darnold was benched in Sunday's ugly 25-3 loss at the New York Giants for PJ Walker, but Coach Matt Rhule says Darnold remains his Week 8 starter at the Falcons. That said, don't be shocked if the Panthers acquire Deshaun Watson from Houston this week. Whether he would be ready to play immediately is another question.

While the Texans were blown out Sunday at unbeaten Arizona, it was a good day all around for them because the two teams after Watson the most, the Panthers and Miami Dolphins, both lost in part because of poor QB play. Last week, Rhule said he had "bought in'' on Darnold as his QB when asked about the possibilities of Carolina pursuing a trade for Watson.

Yet Rhule benched Darnold in the fourth quarter of the 25-3 loss to the Giants. Darnold was 16-for-25 for just 111 yards with a pick – his fourth straight game with an interception and it came near the Giants' goal line. He also had an intentional grounding penalty from the end zone in the first half that resulted in a safety. Walker was no better, going 3-for-14 for 33 yards.

"Just felt like we needed somewhat of a spark,'' Rhule said of the quarterback change. "Sam will be our quarterback next week. He will be our quarterback moving forward.''

Carolina has lost four straight – all without star running back Christian McCaffrey, who is on the injured reserve and won't play vs. the Falcons, either. Atlanta has won three of four following 30-28 victory in Miami on Sunday. Younghoe Koo made a 36-yard field goal with three seconds left.

It was Miami's sixth consecutive loss and the second in a row coming on a final-play kick. Tua Tagovailoa threw for 291 yards and a career-high four touchdowns but also two red zone interceptions, both of which led to Falcons scores.

Like Rhule did with Darnold, Fins coach Brian Flores publicly endorsed Tua last week amidst Watson trade rumors: "I don't really get into rumors -- Tua is our quarterback. We're happy with the quarterback, our quarterback situation. I'll leave it at that, which I've said multiple times."

There are multiple reports that Watson could be traded this week and that it will be to either Miami or Carolina. Pro Football Talk reported that one team has made the Texans an offer that they likely would take if it's where Watson decides he wants to go. That club is believed to be the Panthers. CBS Sports NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported earlier in October that the Panthers were mulling a potential trade for Watson, who is from South Carolina and of course starred at Clemson. 

The NFL Trade Deadline is Nov. 2. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports there's a "good chance" Watson is traded by then.

Miami is at Buffalo this week and a sizable underdog. The two teams on the bye in Week 8 are the Las Vegas and Baltimore.

NFL Week 8 Opening Odds

• Thursday: Packers at Cardinals (-3.5, 53.5)
• Dolphins at Bills (-13.5, 49.5)
• Panthers at Falcons (-2.5, 47)
• Eagles at Lions (+3, 48)
• Titans at Colts (-2.5, 49)
• Rams at Texans (-14.5, 46)
• Bengals at Jets (+9.5, 43.5)
• Steelers at Browns (-3, 43.5)
• Patriots at Chargers (-5.5, 48)
• 49ers at Bears (+3.5, 43)
• Jaguars at Seahawks (-3.5, 44)
• Washington at Broncos (-3.5, 43.5)
• Bucs at Saints (+4.5, 50.5)
• Sunday night: Cowboys at Vikings (+1.5, 53.5)
• Monday: Giants at Chiefs (-9.5, 52)

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