NFL Week 8 Picks: Buffalo Bills and Desperation Survivor-Pool Picks Worth Risk

While it may still seem early in the season as we enter Week 8, if you are still alive in your survivor pool, then the pickings are probably getting slim. You have most likely used teams like the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints already, and are looking far and wide for an unused team.

With good teams like the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets on their byes, that chore has only become greater. Here are three desperation picks that may not be ideal, but will ultimately pay off in the long run.

Tennessee Titans

Few teams have been a bigger tease this season than the Tennessee Titans. The Titans surprised many by jumping out to a 3-1 start, complete with an upset of the Baltimore Ravens, but they have dropped their past two games, in blow-out fashion, to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans.

If the Titans are going to seriously remain in the hunt for the AFC South crown, then a win over the aimless Indianapolis Colts is a must on Sunday. The Colts were thrashed 62-7 by the New Orleans Saints last week, and while they may be out for some revenge, the Titans have to win against an inferior opponent.

It may be a bit worrisome to lay your survivor pool life on the line with Tennessee, but if the Titans are as desperate as you are, then you should be fine. The biggest key will be whether running back Chris Johnson can get on track. Against Indy's awful run defense, I'm betting he will.

Minnesota Vikings

This pick certainly isn't for the faint of heart, as the 1-6 Minnesota Vikings will be underdogs on the road against the 2-5 Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have looked good all season and have come close against top-level teams on numerous occasions.

Carolina also has do-everything rookie quarterback Cam Newton. Minnesota, on the other hand, has struggled for much of the season and has blown multiple leads. The Vikes seemed to be revitalized with rookie signal-caller Christian Ponder under center last week, though, as they lost by just six to the undefeated Green Bay Packers.

I think the Vikings hold the advantage in this game due to the presence of running back Adrian Peterson. The Panthers' run defense has been exposed numerous times this season, and Peterson should have a field day. Even if he doesn't, the threat of him will open up passing lanes for Ponder all game long.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have been an awfully popular team to pick against in survivor pools in recent years, but, at 4-2, with signature wins over the likes of the Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles, the Bills would seem to be for real, particularly on offense.

Buffalo will face the 3-3 Washington Redskins in Toronto on Sunday, and they should have the advantage. While the Bills are dealing with injuries in their own right, the 'Skins will be without running back Tim Hightower and wide receiver Santana Moss, and possibly linebacker London Fletcher.

The absence of Fletcher would severely limit the Washington offense against Buffalo's quick-hitting offense, led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and utilitarian running back Fred Jackson. If the Bills can put points on the board, then I don't fancy the Redskins' chances with John Beck at quarterback.