NFL Week 8 Picks: Minnesota Vikings and Road Underdogs Who'll Win Outright

The Minnesota Vikings have just one win, and they are going on the road and starting a rookie quarterback. Though the odds are stacked against them and the Panthers are favored, the Vikings aren't just going to cover, they are going to win outright.

They aren't the only underdog who will shock the opposition on the road either. Here are three road underdogs who will win outright.

Dallas Cowboys

The Eagles have locker room problems that will once again keep them from victory. Even during a bye week, they managed to make headlines. Asante Samuel accused the front office of playing fantasy football, pointing to the strain that still exists within the building.

The Cowboys torched the Rams last week behind DeMarco Murray's 253 yards, but nobody is overly impressed by the Cowboys' ability to take down the winless Rams. Fair enough.

The fact that the Eagles haven't won a single home game this season and that their signature win came against the Redskins is alarming. The Cowboys have the No. 1 run defense in the league, and the Eagles give up 123.8 YPG on the ground. The Cowboys also have a top-five passing attack. Rob Ryan will ensure Michael Vick's legs don't become a factor in this game. Surprisingly easy win for Dallas.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are struggling, but with Christian Ponder under center, as long as the team feeds Adrian Peterson the ball 25 times, they will have no problem taking down the Panthers.

The Vikings held their own against the Packers last week, losing by less than a score. The Panthers allow 133.4 rushing YPG, and the Vikings happen to have the best running back in the NFL.

The Panthers were able to take down the Redskins last week, but Cam Newton is going to be under fire. Jared Allen already has 11.5 sacks this season. Though Ponder is clearly outmatched, the Vikings are a more complete football team.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are completely one dimensional, but as we saw in their game against the Ravens, they can be lethally effective when everything comes together.

Maurice Jones-Drew and Arian Foster are two of the best backs in the game. The difference is that MoJo has rushed for over 80 yards in every game this season, while a banged up Foster has been up and down all year.

Both teams put forth top-10 defenses. This is going to be a defensive struggle, and the Jaguars' sixth-ranked pass defense will keep the Texans from launching an aerial assault. In the battle between Drew and Foster, the safe money is on Drew.