NFL Picks Week 8: Chargers vs. Chiefs and Closest Games

There's nothing like a close game to whet football fans' appetites every Sunday and Monday night.

Most of the close games in Week 7 were deplorable (ahem, Ravens vs. Jaguars, ahem, Dolphins vs. Broncos), but the Chargers and Jets gave us a good one, as well as the Packers and Vikings.

In Week 8, there are some matchups that are bound to be close-knit affairs.

And, no, I won't use "knit" and "football" in the same breath ever again.

Here are three games that figure to be the closest in Week 8.

3. Washington Redskins at Buffalo Bills

The Redskins have fallen after realizing they had Rex Grossman and John Beck as their quarterbacks, but I still have faith that this team will fight for head coach Mike Shanahan and win some more games.

The Bills have fallen a bit themselves after winning their first three games then losing two of their last three contests.

The Bills' defense is still bad and the Redskins should be able to put up some points, but I expect quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and Co. to ultimately outscore the Redskins and come away with the victory.

Don't make Mike Shanahan red-faced. You wouldn't like him when he's red-faced.

2. New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have rebounded at just the right time, winners of their last three games.

Their rush defense is still struggling, but the have the No. 1 pass defense in the NFL right now and, despite a problematic offensive line, face a Patriots team in Week 8 that has just 10 sacks on the season.

I still expect the Steelers to lose and get outscored by Tom Brady and the Patriots, but it should be a back-and-forth, physical matchup at Heinz Field.

1. San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs

The Chargers defeated the Chiefs in Week 3, 20-17, but the Chiefs were in disarray at that point.

Since then, the Chiefs have won their last three games, rebounding to 3-3 on the season and they just blew out the Oakland Raiders in the Black Hole, 28-0.

The Chiefs are much better than they were in Week 3, even with the loss of star running back Jamaal Charles, and quarterback Matt Cassel is beginning to find No. 2 receiver Steve Breaston more.

Remember, the Chargers' pass defense was supposed to take care of reeling Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets in Week 7, but ended up losing, 27-21.

Arrowhead Stadium is well-known as a tough place to play and the Chargers lost there last season. This game could go down to the wire, but I expect Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers to finally rebound and lead his team to victory. He's simply too talented to struggle for much longer.