NFL Predictions Week 8: Early Looks at Most Exciting Games of the Week

Just when you think you have a grip of the NFL season, you realize you have no idea.

Some teams, like the New York Jets and Washington Redskins, looked impressive in defeats in Week 7. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens were embarrassed by the Houston Texans and no longer look like contenders in the AFC.

Week 8 features some chances for middling teams to change their perception with big wins.

These are the most interesting games of the week with early predictions.

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys started the NFL season with a road win over the New York Giants. Since then, however, these teams have moved in opposite directions.

Tony Romo's turnovers have led Dallas to a 3-3 record and a 1.5-game deficit in the NFC East.

Eli Manning makes turnovers also, but he often makes a funny face like he missed the bus and moves on. He then usually makes up for it with a big play or two in the fourth quarter. That is just the way things have gone for the Giants.

With New York finally starting to get healthy, they look like one of the best teams in the NFC and will likely go deep into the playoffs once again. 

Prediction: Giants 27, Cowboys 24

Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles

Both teams are coming off a bye, so both sides should be very well prepared coming into this important battle.

For the Eagles, the week off came at a perfect time, as the defense makes adjustments under a new coordinator, and the offense tries to fix its turnover problems. Only the Kansas City Chiefs have a worse turnover differential than Philadelphia at minus-nine for the year.

Atlanta is the last undefeated team in the NFL and are trying to remain that way after this tough road game. The last three wins have been close calls, but the Falcons are a solid team on both sides of the football.

Once this team gets running back Michael Turner back on track, the offense will be very difficult to stop.

Prediction: Falcons 20, Eagles 14

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have lost a little bit of luster after losing three straight games, but this is still the only game of the week between two teams with winning records.

While Arizona's loss to the Buffalo Bills was nearly inexcusable, St. Louis and Minnesota are both very tough places to play and losses should be expected. This season is far from over, especially with John Skelton slowly improving.

San Francisco has a long rest after beating the Seattle Seahawks last Thursday, and the game is followed by a bye. However, that might lead to a trap if the players are not focused on the opponent.

Much of the game depends on the health of Frank Gore. If he cannot play, the 49ers lose the focal point of their offense and will struggle to throw the ball against the Cardinals' solid defensive unit.

Prediction: Cardinals 16, 49ers 13

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