Weekly NFL Picks: Week Eight

The first half of the 2008 NFL season comes to a close Monday night in Nashville—Week Nine marks the midpoint of the schedule—meaning the pretenders and contenders will become clear as the weeks pass by.

Surprises are everywhere in the standings. Tennessee (6-0), Buffalo (5-1), and Arizona (4-2) lead their respective divisions. Seattle (1-5), San Diego (3-4), and Indianapolis (3-3) are unexpectedly struggling as Halloween approaches.

And despite my preseason pick of the Washington Redskins as my NFC dark horse, I still can't figure them out.

I give up. Let's get to the picks.

Tampa Bay (5-2) over Dallas (4-3)

I figured Dallas was overdue for a slump-busting win. After all, the skid can't keep going forever...But it will continue this weekend. The Buccaneers have the No. 5 offense in the NFL, and the Cowboys are playing without Tony Romo again.

Brad Johnson may have led the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory, but he won't be leading the Cowboys to a win Sunday.

Washington (5-2) over Detroit (0-6) 

As I type this, I have a sinking feeling the Lions will overcome the odds—the Lions are 8.5-point dogs at home—and stun the Redskins. But despite back-to-back performances of a lesser quality, Washington should have its way with the league's worst defense.

Buffalo (5-1) over Miami (2-4) 

The Bills looked phenomenal in last week's 23-14 victory over the Chargers. Miami looked sloppy in their 27-13 loss to Baltimore last Sunday. Buffalo is confident and looking to (finally) start their division schedule off on the right foot. They'll do so in Miami on Sunday afternoon.

New England (4-2) over St. Louis (2-4)

This would be my upset special if St. Louis had a healthy Steven Jackson. The Rams' star running back said he would sit out Sunday's tilt at Gillette Stadium if it would be better in the long run. With the most important piece of the offensive puzzle possibly spending the day on the sideline, the Rams won't leave Foxborough with a victory.

New Orleans (3-4) over San Diego (3-4)

San Diego's defense can't stop anyone, especially in the passing game. The Bolts rank dead last in the league in pass defense, while the Saints rank first in passing offense. Antonio Cromartie, Quentin Jammer, and company are in for a long day at Wembley Stadium in London.

New York Jets (3-3) over Kansas City (1-5)

The John Madden Game of the Week should get the old coach smiling again. After Madden's favorite living person, Brett Favre, and the Jets fell in overtime last week in Oakland, their fortunes should change against another AFC West opponent. The Chiefs are just plain awful and won't see things get any better at the Meadowlands.

Philadelphia (3-3) over Atlanta (4-2) 

Brian Westbrook returns to the lineup Sunday, as the surprising Falcons look to keep pace with NFC South co-leaders Tampa Bay and Carolina. Matt Ryan, who played high-school football in Philly, won't find much luck against Jim Johnson's blitz-happy defense. The Eagles get an important win at home to stay in the NFC East race.

Arizona (4-2) over Carolina (5-2) 

The most surprising stat of the week comes from the Arizona Cardinals, who's defensive unit has allowed the ninth-fewest yards in the NFL this season. These aren't your father's Cardinals—after all, your father's Cardinals wouldn't beat a tough opponent like Carolina on the road.

Baltimore (3-3) over Oakland (2-4) 

The Raiders give teams problems when they're playing at home—ask the Jets and Chargers. But despite giving the Bills a scare in Buffalo last month, the Raiders were dismantled by the Saints two weeks ago in New Orleans. With a cross-country trip and the No. 2 defense in the league waiting, the return flight to Oakland will be a long one.

Houston (2-4) over Cincinnati (0-7)

If any team threatens 0-16 this year, it will be the Cincinnati Bengals. The news only got worse for Cincy, as Carson Palmer will likely miss the rest of the season with a bum elbow. The Texans are starting to put the pieces together, but will it be too late for a playoff push in the AFC?

Jacksonville (3-3) over Cleveland (2-4) 

My predicted Super Bowl champs really aren't looking good, which is making me all kinds of nervous. Cleveland actually allows less yards per contest but the Browns' offense hasn't produced regularly all year. The home field gives the Jaguars the ever-so-slight edge and will earn them a narrow victory.

New York Giants (5-1) over Pittsburgh (5-1) 

The Steelers haven't been tested all season, but the task awaiting them Sunday afternoon is a big one. The Giants are one of the most complete teams in the NFL and will give the Steelers problems across the board. Expect this game to be close, but the defending Super Bowl champs will head back to the Big Apple with the victory.

San Francisco (2-5) over Seattle (1-5) 

Without Matt Hasselbeck under center, the Seahawks have managed a measly 156 passing yards and have been outscored by 20 points. Neither of their previous two opponents had a running back of Frank Gore's quality. 2008 can't end soon enough for Mike Holmgren and the Seahawks.

Tennessee (6-0) over Indianapolis (3-3)

The Colts just aren't the Colts this year. Peyton Manning's crew ranks 20th in yards per game, out-gaining this week's opponents by three-tenths of a yard per game. Tennessee's defense only trails Pittsburgh and Baltimore in yards allowed per game and will shut down Manning and the Colts to remain undefeated.

Last week: 10-4
Overall record: 64-38