NFL Picks Week 8: New Orleans Saints and 4 Favorites You Can Count On

After last week's Monday Night Football debacle that featured the Baltimore Ravens losing in a shocking upset to the Jacksonville Jaguars, I feel somewhat timid telling you that there are any favorites in the NFL that you can count on.

That being said, I firmly believe that the Ravens' collapse was more a product of the "Any Given Sunday" theory, and the percentages of it happening again this week are small.

That's why we must all brush ourselves off and get back to the basics.

For instance, I am comfortable telling you that I feel good about the Saints beating the Rams, even after watching last weekends big upset.

The Saints aren't the only favorite I like this week though, and perhaps the Ravens will redeem themselves.

Check it out:

All Betting Information Courtesy of Bodog.com

4. Baltimore Ravens -13

You may think I'm stupid to go back to the Ravens' well after last week's loss, but if I know Ray Lewis and that defense, they are going to be using it as a motivator to destroy the Arizona Cardinals.

The Ravens will be at home and cannot afford to lose this game. 

The offense will get back on track, and the defense is going to be determined.

3. New England Patriots -3

I expect the Patriots are going to beat the Steelers on the road, thus they will cover the spread.

The Patriots have put up almost 100 more yards of total offense a game this year, but the Steelers offense is undoubtedly good.

I think it comes down to the bye week being the difference. A rested Tom Brady and friends should be able to get the job done.

2. Buffalo Bills -6

The Bills have quite a home-field advantage going for them up in Buffalo, and the Redskins are having all kinds of injury problems.

The 'Skins' already-struggling offense doesn't have running back Tim Hightower, tight end Chris Cooley or wide receiver Santa Moss at their disposal.

All these factors equal an easy cover for the Bills.

1. New Orleans Saints -14

The Saints have the good fortune of having two easy-as-pie games in a row.

They beat up on the lowly Indianapolis Colts last week, and now this week, they get to go against a winless and potentially Sam Bradford-less Rams team.

If the Saints can't cover it will be embarrassing.