NFL Week 8 Picks: Cardinals vs. Ravens and Games That Are Locks to Go Over

Scoring is as prevalent as ever in the NFL, so betting the over is becoming more and more popular. It obviously isn't foolproof, as there are plenty of games that still go under for whatever reason, but the over often seems like the safer play.

There are certainly some games with high-scoring potential in Week 8, but it comes down to which have the fairest over/under lines. Here are three games that are locks to beat the over this weekend.

Washington Redskins vs. Buffalo Bills (46)

While it has come from out of left field to some degree, the Buffalo Bills are one of the NFL's highest scoring teams this season. When you combine that with their abysmal defense, you get a bettor's dream in terms of betting the over.

The Bills have beaten the over in all six of their games this season, and I wouldn't expect Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins to be any different. Washington doesn't have a great offense in its own right, especially with running back Tim Hightower and wide receiver Santana Moss out, but virtually any team can at least move the ball on Buffalo.

Washington's defense has been fairly stout this season, but linebacker London Fletcher could very well miss Sunday's game. That would be excellent news for Bills running back Fred Jackson, and it would also benefit quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and Buffalo's short passing game. This one shouldn't have much trouble reaching 46 points.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Carolina Panthers (47)

A game between a 1-6 team and a 2-5 team may not seem like a great candidate for a shootout, but there will be plenty of scoring potential when the Minnesota Vikings meet the Carolina Panthers this weekend.

The Panthers have been much improved on offense this season thanks to rookie quarterback Cam Newton. Few players have changed the identity of a team like Newton has in such a short time. Not only does he continue to cause problems for opposing defenses with his legs, but he is also among the league leaders in passing yardage.

Minnesota has been hit and miss in terms of scoring this year, but rookie quarterback Christian Ponder provided a nice spark last week. Also, all-world running back Adrian Peterson is on the top of his game. Seeing as the Panthers have one of the league's worst run defenses, that should lead to plenty of points for the Vikes as well.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Baltimore Ravens (43.5)

After the Baltimore Ravens' embarrassing offensive display in a 12-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, it is understandable that some might be gun shy in terms of picking the over in one of their games. If Baltimore's offense is going to bounce back, though, the Arizona Cardinals are the perfect opponent.

The Cards have been a mess on defense, and I expect the Ravens to to come out with something to prove on Sunday. Quarterback Joe Flacco will utilize his full complement of weapons, and running back Ray Rice will almost certainly be miles better than he was last week.

I think the Ravens will hold up their end of the bargain, which leaves the Cardinals. The Ravens aren't usually going to give up many points, but I think Baltimore will score over 30 points in its own right. Because of that, Arizona needs only to score a couple times to push this game over.