NFL Week 8 Picks: Dallas Cowboys and More Underdogs That Will Cover Spread

When making NFL picks, it's often a good idea to capitalize on an early line if you have a strong feeling about a game. The spread frequently changes throughout the week for a variety of reasons, so don't risk losing out if your gut tells you to capitalize on it.

Here are three road underdogs that will cover the spread and should be locked in right now for Week 8. All lines courtesy of Bodog.

Washington Redskins (+6) at Buffalo Bills

John Beck looked like a serviceable quarterback against the Carolina Panthers and that's more than you can say for Rex Grossman. The Redskins defense is allowing less than one touchdown pass per game and will cause problems for Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Buffalo's passing game has slowed down after a red-hot start as Fitzpatrick has just three touchdowns in as many games. That means it will be up to Fred Jackson to expose the Redskins' run defense, which has been up and down this season.

The game is being played in Toronto, the Bills' alternative home. They haven't won a regular season game there in three tries, so the Redskins could pull off the upset and should definitely keep it within six.

Minnesota Vikings (+3.5) at Carolina Panthers

Even though the Green Bay Packers pass defense is nothing to write home about, Christian Ponder looked impressive in his first career start last week. The Vikings were keeping games close even with Donovan McNabb struggling, so they will surprise some people in Ponder continues to progress.

Cam Newton has quickly developed into one of the league's most electrifying players and those pre-draft character concerns haven't surfaced. Carolina's running game has been much less effective than predicted, though, which means Newton has been a one-man band so far.

Two rookie quarterbacks on teams with otherwise questionable personnel should equal a close game. Jared Allen should make life tough for Newton and should help keep Minnesota close in the process.

Dallas Cowboys (+3.5) at Philadelphia Eagles

The Cowboys got back into the thick of the NFC East race by destroying the hapless St. Louis Rams and will look to push the Eagles further into the cellar on Sunday. If DeMarco Murray can be a consistent threat in the running game, the Cowboys offense will become a very scary unit for opposing defenses.

This game might represent the Dream Team's final stand. Falling further behind three teams in the division, not to mention all of the wild card teams, could be a death blow to a season that had so much promise during the summer. Michael Vick needs to take over the game like he did against Washington last season.

It's hard to imagine this game being anything other than a close battle that isn't decided until late in the fourth quarter. In those situations, take the points.