NFL Week 8 Picks: Which Teams Will Eek Out Close Ones?

Winning doesn't care how you make it happen. Whether it's a blowout, close call, ugly, or a defensive battle, winning cures everything in pro football.

That said, here are three teams that eek out close wins in Week 8, but also gain a big edge in the playoff hunt.

Houston Texans (vs Jacksonville)

This is one of the more interesting games because Jacksonville is coming off a big win over the Ravens. As for Houston, they just dominated AFC South rival Tennessee, in Tennessee, so that sets this game up nicely.

With rookie QB Blaine Gabbert playing with a little more confidence now, the Jags' will be a tough opponent, but Houston's defense is still a lot better than given credit for. RB Maurice Jones-Drew plays well once again, but the Texans have a much better QB than Baltimore and are playing with much more confidence.

Texans 17, Jaguars 13

Dallas Cowboys (at Philadelphia)

For both teams, this game is the deal-breaker. Neither have a winning record, but both are gradually gaining confidence.

However, the Cowboys clearly have the better team and win thanks to a much better defense. Dallas shuts down the Eagles ground game with their No. 1 rush defense and forces Mike Vick to throw on a more consistent basis. Advantage Dallas.

And when Romo and the 'Boys have the rock, expect RB DeMarco Murray to roll once again, but this time over the No. 23 ranked rush defense of Philadelphia. Not to mention Dallas' WRs are even more healthy as well.

Cowboys 23, Eagles 16

New England Patriots (at Pittsburgh)

Arguably the game of the week, the Pats' come into Pittsburgh off a bye-week whereas the Steelers have yet to beat a team with any chance of making the postseason.

That said, this is a rivalry as both teams have legitimately competed for the AFC titles since 2004. New England however, has an unstoppable offense that not even Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau can shut-down, while the Steelers have big play-makers who can slash Bill Belichick's weak pass defense.

New England though, gets the win as the Steelers aren't able to keep pace with Tom Brady. The Pats' rushing offense really keeps the Blitzburgh defense honest, and it forces Mike Tomlin to become one-dimensional. That Pats' are more dynamic and squeak out another road win in Pittsburgh.

Patriots 31, Steelers 27

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