NFL Week 8 Picks
The Vikings suffered their first loss of the season last week at the hands of the Eagles. Up until that point, the Vikings had looked like Super Bowl contenders, the best team in the NFC, with the league’s best defense and a resurgent Sam Bradford at quarterback. But then last week happened, and Bradford looked like the Bradford of old. However, Vikings fans can’t panic; the defense gave up just one touchdown and forced four turnovers. From here, it’s all about how the Vikings respond. If they work on what they did wrong without letting it affect their mindset, they’ll still be contenders. If they let one poor performance get to their head, they won’t be the same. We’ll see where they are as a team on Monday night against the Bears. Now on to the picks.
Detroit over HOUSTON (-2.5), 1:00 ET, 10/30.
Matthew Stafford is playing at a MVP-caliber level now that Jim Bob Cooter has implemented his playbook of shorter, more efficient throws. Marvin Jones has played like a star and Golden Tate is getting in on the act. The Texans had a short week to prepare after a dismal performance against Denver on Monday night, so I like Detroit.
Detroit 24, Houston 21
Seattle (-2.5) over NEW ORLEANS, 1:00 ET, 10/30.
Seattle just keeps chugging along. Every time you think they’re fading, they come right back with an impressive game. Following that harrowing tie with the Cardinals on Sunday night, I see Seattle bouncing back with a huge game against the Saints.
Seattle 28, New Orleans 24
New England (-6.5) over BUFFALO, 1:00 ET, 10/30.
Buffalo shut New England out in Foxboro a few weeks ago, but that was without Tom Brady or a healthy Rob Gronkowski. Brady has been absolutely tearing up the league since returning from his suspension, and you have to think that Bill Belichick will throw the kitchen sink at the Bills to avoid getting swept by a division rival.
New England 27, Buffalo 20
NY JETS (-2.5) over Cleveland, 1:00 ET, 10/30.
There’s a real chance that Cleveland goes 0–16. This is a good opportunity for them against a lackluster Jets squad, but I actually see New York pulling this one out. You see, Cleveland doesn’t force the type of pressure that forces Ryan Fitzpatrick into stupid mistakes. When he stays upright, Fitzy is definitely good enough to rip up Cleveland’s secondary.
New York 27, Cleveland 21
Oakland (PK) over TAMPA BAY, 1:00 ET, 10/30.
Oakland’s defense is improving, and the offense is still explosive, if inconsistent. I just think that the Raiders’ defense is more capable of stopping Jameis Winston and Co. than the Tampa defense is of stopping Derek Carr and Co. I see a lot of scoring here, with the Raiders making more big stops than Tampa.
Oakland 35, Tampa Bay 31
Kansas City (-3) over INDIANAPOLIS, 1:00 ET, 10/30.
Yes, Andrew Luck has been the Andrew Luck of old, carrying a roster of depleted talent to the brink of adequacy. However, their three wins came against the Chargers, Bears, and Titans. Not exactly a murderer’s row. Kansas City should be able to handle Indy fairly easily.
Kansas City 28, Indianapolis 20
Arizona over CAROLINA (-3), 1:00 ET, 10/30.
For the life of me, I can’t understand why the Panthers are favored, even at home. They’re 1–5 and on a four game losing streak. They have by far the worst secondary in the league. If Carson Palmer can’t light it up with the talented receivers he’s got against that defense, we’ll know the Cardinals need to look at another quarterback.
Arizona 27, Carolina 23
DENVER (-4) over San Diego, 4:05 ET, 10/30.
San Diego isn’t quite as bad as I thought, and they always play well in Denver (could Philip Rivers teach Tom Brady how to do that please?). Rookie Joey Bosa has been a force for the Chargers off the edge, but I think the overall talent disparity is too great for the Chargers to pull it out. Denver just has more good players, plain and simple.
Denver 24, San Diego 21
Green Bay over ATLANTA (-3), 4:25 ET, 10/30.
Green Bay has no way of covering Julio Jones, but San Diego couldn’t stop him and they still beat Atlanta last week. With Tevin Coleman out, Green Bay can focus the brunt of their incredible run defense on Devont’a Freeman and dare the Falcons’ secondary receivers to help Jones beat them. My guess is that they can’t, and Aaron Rodgers will score enough points to win.
Green Bay 27, Atlanta 24
DALLAS (-4.5) over Philadelphia, 8:30 ET, 10/30.
Dallas’ rookie quarterback and effective defense have been a revelation behind an unsurprisingly strong run game. They’re a very good team, and I don’t see Philadelphia’s defense being able to stop Ezekiel Elliott or their offense outscoring the Cowboys. Philly needs a great, well-rounded team performance, and I’m not sure they have what it takes.
Dallas 28, Philadelphia 23
MONDAY NIGHT
Minnesota (-4.5) over CHICAGO, 8:30 ET, 10/31.
Minnesota should be hungry coming off their first loss of the season, and there’s no reason they should lose to the Bears under any circumstances anyway. The Bears can’t bring the pressure it takes to make Sam Bradford screw up like he did in Philly, so the Vikings should waltz out of Soldier Field with a Halloween victory.
Minnesota 24, Chicago 14
Last Week: 7–6–1 (Seattle-Arizona tie)
Season: 57–41–1
