NFL Week 8 Picks: Breaking Down Prime-Time Clashes

In Week 7's prime-time matchups, we saw the San Francisco 49ers hold off the Seattle Seahawks, the Pittsburgh Steelers edge the Cincinnati Bengals and the Chicago Bears stifle the Detroit Lions.

This week in the NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take a trip to Minnesota, Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos host Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, and the San Francisco 49ers try to take down another divisional opponent in the Arizona Cardinals.

Here's a breakdown of each matchup in Week 8 of the 2012-2013 NFL season, complete with predictions.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings

What I like about this matchup for the Buccaneers is that they are much better against the run than the pass. They've allowed 3.1 yards per carry this season (the best mark in the NFL).

Why is this important?

Because I'd rather test second-year quarterback Christian Ponder than Adrian Peterson. While Ponder has averaged 6.57 yards per pass attempt this season (28th among qualifying quarterbacks), Peterson has rushed for 652 yards (tied for third in the NFL) on 4.8 yards per carry.

Also, Tampa Bay's offense has picked up in the last two games behind quarterback Josh Freeman, scoring a combined 66 points.

I'm thinking upset in this one, regardless of each team's record.

Prediction: Buccaneers 23, Vikings 20

New Orleans Saints at Denver Broncos

Yes, we all know what Peyton Manning did against the San Diego Chargers last week, but this game comes down to defense for me.

While the Broncos' defense hasn't exactly been stellar (allowing 23.0 points per game, tied for 17th in the NFL), the Saints have allowed 30.3 points per game, 29th in the league. That includes giving up 28 points to Tampa Bay last week.

Denver is coming off a big defensive performance against Philip Rivers and the Chargers and should take this one at home.

Prediction: Broncos 35, Saints 31

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals

Last but not least, we have Monday night's game between the 49ers and the Cardinals.

The Cardinals have lost their last three games since a 4-0 start. They have scored a combined 33 points in these losses. I'm sure they will score a lot against the 49ers behind John Skelton's high-powered offensive attack (insert sarcasm here).

On the other end, the 49ers haven't exactly scored a lot of points themselves the past two weeks, posting a combined 16 points against the New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks.

Still, I don't see what Arizona has that Seattle doesn't and the 49ers were able to squeak past Seattle last week.

Plus, Adrian Peterson steamrolled over Arizona in Week 7 and that should bode well for Frank Gore and Co.

Prediction: 49ers 20, Cardinals 10