NFL Week 8 Picks: San Francisco 49ers and More Favorites to Avoid

After seven weeks of the NFL regular season, it's easy to see that 2011 is one tough year to predict. Sometimes, you see a line that may look great, but the reality is that you'd be better off staying away from it. 

With so many crazy comebacks, surprise wins and great individual performances, this year is shaping up to be one of the best yet. 

Some of the games don't seem all that fascinating this weekend, but there will be some that shock you. 

Here are three favorites to avoid in Week 8. 

San Francisco Minus-9.5

The 49ers may be fresh off a bye and hosting the Cleveland Browns, but that line is just too high. The Browns are getting too many points for me to jump on this, even though they failed to score a touchdown against the lowly Seahawks last Sunday. 

The 49ers have a stout defense that should prevent the Browns from scoring much. However, Cleveland is no slouch, either. 

The Browns rank third in the league in overall defense, and are tied with the Steelers for the best pass defense in the NFL.

It's going to be a tough defensive game. You should avoid taking the 49ers to cover.

Prediction: 49ers 24, Browns 17  

Baltimore Minus-13

The Ravens will be back at home to host the struggling Arizona Cardinals, but this will not be a blowout win for Baltimore. 

The Cardinals have lost five games in a row now, but only one of those losses was by 13 or more points. The Ravens will be motivated to turn things around after their embarrassing loss to the Jaguars, but Arizona will come out strong and catch the Ravens off guard.

If Beanie Wells doesn't start, it's going to be up to Kevin Kolb to move the ball down the field. Larry Fitzgerald will make some big plays and the Cardinals defense will keep the Ravens in check, while their pass-rushers will fluster Joe Flacco all night.

The Ravens will still win, but take the Cardinals and the 13 points. Baltimore's offense won't be as high-powered as it believes it is. 

Prediction: Ravens 28, Cardinals 20

San Diego Minus-3.5

The Chargers must forget about their collapse last week and focus on their division rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Norv Turner, Philip Rivers and company really need this win, but the surging Chiefs have won three games in a row. What's more, they know they can claim the top spot in the AFC West with a win over San Diego. 

Nobody expected the Chiefs to be in contention after they opened the season with an 0-3 record. However, they have turned things around, which is absolutely great for them. 

This is a Monday night game in Kansas City, and the Chargers will fail to show up. The Chiefs will pick up their fourth win in a row and boost their confidence for the rest of the season. 

Prediction: Chiefs 26, Chargers 21