NFL Picks Week 8: Picking Winners and Losers for Every Game

For NFL teams, preparation for Week 8 begins today. So, that means it's not too early to roll out some predictions.

Hopefully, we'll be treated to an extra exciting week after last week. 

It was brutal. 

(Winners in CAPS.) 

Arizona at BALTIMORE

Which Ravens team are we going to get?

The one that dominated the Steelers in Week 1 and scored 35 points, or the one that couldn't get a first down against the Jaguars?

I'm not totally sure, but I don't see them having another letdown, and despite Larry Fitzgerald, the Cardinals are bad and don't have a solid defense. 

Minnesota at CAROLINA 

I've been very open about my man crush on Cam Newton. The kid is special.

The Vikings will be able to run on the Panthers, but in this battle of rookie quarterbacks, I see Newton, who's obviously more comfortable than Christian Ponder, making more plays in the second half en route to victory. 

Indianapolis at TENNESSEE

The Colts won't be as embarrassing as they were on Sunday night in Week 7, but I don't see how they win a road game with their inept defense.

Tennessee is in desperate need of a win to keep pace in the AFC South, and the Titans' defensive line should do enough to hurry Curtis Painter into more poor decisions. 

Jacksonville at HOUSTON

The Jaguars will come into this game riding high off their win over the Ravens. But, don't forget that the Texans thrashed the Titans in Week 7, so they've got momentum as well.

Jacksonville won't be able to put up enough points to stick with a Texans team that has a much better offense than Baltimore, and they could be getting Andre Johnson back.  

Miami at NEW YORK GIANTS

The Dolphins are in utter disarray right now, and the Giants are getting healthy coming off their bye week.

There's not much else to say about this game, other than it should get ugly early.

Too much talent on offense for New York, and the Giants' defensive line should wreak havoc on whoever is throwing passes for the Dolphins. 

NEW ORLEANS at St. Louis

Another stinker.

The Rams are allowing nearly 184 yards on the ground per game, and their offense has taken a step back from last season.

Drew Brees and Co. will shred the Rams' secondary, but don't be surprised to see another big game from the Saints' running back committee.  

DETROIT at Denver

I'm a firm believer that Tim Tebow brings a spark to his team and can lift it to new heights. I really am.

I just don't think he can single-handedly win this football game against a far more talented Detroit team.

Even if Matt Stafford doesn't play, the Lions will be able to score points at will, and Denver won't be able to keep up. 

Washington at BUFFALO

No Chris Cooley, Trent Williams, Santana Moss or Tim Hightower for the Redskins. John Beck's the quarterback.

Buffalo is coming off its bye, and Chan Gailey should have a good game plan in place to score in a variety of ways.

The Bills defense isn't great, but it should be able to handle a depleted Redskins offense. 

Cincinnati at SEATTLE 

There's something about CenturyLink (formerly Qwest) Field. It doesn't matter how much talent the Seahawks roster lacks, it's never easy to win up there.

No Cedric Benson for the Bengals, and in this road game, I think we see Andy Dalton look rattled.

Tarvaris Jackson should play, and Seattle will rebound from an embarrassing loss to the Browns last week with a low-scoring win against Cincinnati.  

Cleveland at SAN FRANCISCO 

Did you watch the Browns last week? Sure, they won, but wow was it ugly.

The 49ers will clamp down defensively and run the football frequently. This looks like a 20-6 football game to me.

New England at PITTSBURGH

Tom Brady has had his way with the Steelers of late, but we've seen him look flustered recently against good defenses.

Dick LeBeau will draw up a variety of blitzes and disguise looks to confuse Brady, and I love Pittsburgh's speed at receiver. 

DALLAS at Philadelphia

This is my shootout of the week.

Yes, the Cowboys defense has been among the league's best to start the year, but the Eagles have one of the most dynamic offenses that can score in a hurry.

However, the Cowboys' defensive front will be the difference in this one. Too much physicality. 

San Diego at KANSAS CITY

I've got to hand it to the Chiefs. They've really bounced back tremendously after their 0-3 start.

KC's secondary should continue the frustration for Philip Rivers, and I think the Chiefs take advantage of turnovers to win a close one.