NFL Week 8 Picks: Predictions for Every Primetime Game

The NFL's Week 8 schedule is mostly dry in the early games, as no matchup features two teams with winning records. Jacksonville vs. Houston and Carolina vs. Minnesota aren't exactly scintillating, must-see TV.

The same goes for the afternoon games until Steelers vs. Pats starts at 4:15 ET. Both the Sunday and Monday night games are better matchups, too.

Let's breakdown the prime time games: 

New England Patriots (5-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)

Tom Brady is 5-1 in his career against the Steelers, and that's something that most will focus on in the week leading up this game. Brady has displayed statistical dominance over Dick Lebeau's talented defenses. Is there anything that suggests that would change on Sunday? Brady is having another fantastic season, and Wes Welker is playing at a level right now that trumps any receiver in the NFL. The Steelers will be without both James Harrison and Aaron Smith on defense, and Casey Hampton is still questionable despite saying he plans to play. We'll take the Patriots by a touchdown on the road.  

Dallas Cowboys (3-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)

This Sunday night matchup is critical for both teams, as neither the Eagles nor the Cowboys can afford to fall any further behind the NFC East leading Giants. Losing a fifth game for the Eagles would put their playoff chances in serious danger. The Cowboys, on the other hand, could very easily be 6-0 had it not been for a couple of big mistakes from Tony Romo and one Tom Brady-led touchdown drive. You are what your record says you are, but the Cowboys can't afford to lose anymore games that they should win. The Eagles offensive line is going to be the X-factor, and I fully expect Rob Ryan's defense to expose them again this week. DeMarcus Ware will be seeing plenty of Michael Vick in the Eagles backfield. Cowboys win on the road. 

San Diego Chargers (4-2) Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)

Jason La Canfora brought up the health of Philip Rivers arm/shoulder after the Chargers loss to the Jets. Could there be something to this? Rivers has never had elite arm strength or mechanics, but both look down from where he's historically been at. While Rivers has continued to struggle in 2011,the Chiefs have finally gotten their season back on track. They've won three in a row since looking disastrous to start the year. If they beat the Chargers on Monday night, they could be looking at first place in the AFC West. Who would have guessed that after three weeks? Chiefs got the job done at home and knock off the Chargers.