NFL Week 8 Picks: Adrian Peterson and Stars That Must Shine in Order To Win

The elite players of the league are heavily counted on by their teams, and in those games that they don't deliver, the result is usually a loss. 

They get paid the big bucks to perform well, but sometimes they fall flat on their face. It's unfortunate, but it happens from time to time. 

Nobody likes to lose, especially these players. When you get the taste of victory, it's something you wish to keep having, and the best of the best are well aware of how hard it is to get there. 

Here are three players that must dominate on Sunday in order for their team to pick up a win in Week 8. 

Adrian Peterson 

The Minnesota Vikings hit the road to take on Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers Sunday afternoon. If the the Vikings wish to walk away victorious, it's up to Peterson to run wild. He definitely will, but none of it will matter if he doesn't score touchdowns. 

The Panthers rank 29th in the league against the run, which means Peterson is in for a big day. Should he flop though, the Vikings don't stand much of a chance. 

Minnesota has to establish a run game if it wants to open up the pass for rookie QB Christian Ponder. He can make plays with his feet as well, but if Peterson isn't running well, it will put too much pressure on the young QB. 

In the end, the Vikings defense will fail them, but as long as Peterson's around, they will be in this game. 

Prediction: Panthers 30, Vikings 21

Michael Vick 

The Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, and for the Eagles to start a win streak, it's up to Michael Vick to perform well in the clutch. 

This NFC East battle will be close throughout, which makes it one of the best games to watch this weekend. Plus the fact that it's in primetime on Sunday night. 

Both teams are in desperate need of a win, but the Eagles are hungrier, and Vick will come through. If he doesn't and the Eagles lose, it's going to be extremely difficult for Philadelphia to make it to the postseason. 

The Eagles will capitalize on Tony Romo's mistakes, and Vick will make the big plays in order to secure a victory for Philadelphia. 

Prediction: Eagles 27, Cowboys 23

Philip Rivers 

The San Diego Chargers hit the road to take on the Kansas City Chiefs, and the winner of this game will claim the outright lead in the AFC West. 

Rivers hasn't been as great as expected this season, and while injuries to key players have been a let down, he still isn't playing up to his full potential. For a guy viewed as one of the elite QBs in the league, being 20th in QB rating and 21st in touchdowns is unacceptable. 

The Chargers are in dire need of a division win on Monday night, and Rivers has to be the guy that is on fire. 

At home and after a fantastic win to make it three in a row, the Chiefs will keep their momentum going and frustrate Rivers to no ends. Once again, Rivers falls flat on his face in a meaningful game. 

Prediction: Chiefs 26, Chargers 21