NFL Week 8 Picks: Which Teams Will Win Key Divisional Games?

Anytime a team can get a win within the division, those wins are the most important. That in mind, there are three really big divisional games taking place in Week 8.

The winners immediately take a leap toward the division leader, or become the leader. In any event, this week in pro football is extremely important to the following divisional games.

Kansas City Chiefs (vs San Diego)

The Chiefs enter at 3-3, but began 0-3, so riding a three game win streak into a game they won last season in the same type of atmosphere gives them plenty of confidence.

As for San Diego, they are 4-2 but none of their wins have been impressive by any means, and both losses have come on the road against formidable opponents (Jets, Pats').

And K.C. gets the W on Monday night thanks to a rushing offense that controls the game tempo, while they're defense causes multiple turnovers as the Chargers' offensive woes continue.

Last week San Diego was shutout in the second half by the Jets and that carries over into a slow start this week. The Chiefs also have the better special teams with Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas leading the way.

Chiefs over Chargers

Houston Texans (vs Jacksonville)

Believe it or not, but the Jacksonville Jaguars will move just one game back of the Houston Texans with a win on Sunday.

Currently, Houston is 4-3 while the Jags' are 2-5, and both are coming off big wins in Week 7. Unfortunately for Jacksonville however, Houston is just as good, if not better, defensively, and they're offense is rolling without Andre Johnson.

Jacksonville is relying on rookie QB Blaine Gabbert in a big divisional road game, so the advantage goes to the No. 8 ranked pass defense over the No. 32 ranked passing offense.

Texans over Jaguars

Dallas Cowboys (at Philadelphia)

Arguably the biggest divisional game of the week, America's Team visits the paper champions in a game of underachievers-at least thus far in 2011.

The winner immediately becomes enthralled into a race with the Giants for the NFC East title, while the loser only makes the odds of a late-season comeback more difficult.

And although both are coming in off much needed wins, neither was all that impressive. However, the Cowboys get the road win thanks to having a much better rush defense and pass rush, while the Eagles struggle to slow down the Dallas rushing attack.

Also, with the pass rush, Mike Vick is under pressure much more than Tony Romo all game long, and now that Big D is healthier on offense, Philly has a tough time slowing down their passing game.

Cowboys over Eagles

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.