NFL Week 8 Picks: Cowboys vs. Eagles and More Games That Will Come Down to Wire

One of the best things about the NFL in the parity era is that it produces consistently good games. When the NFC was dominating the Super Bowls back in the 80's and 90's, the majority of those games weren't even close, and those were Super Bowls.

Now, just about every game is close.

Still, there are a couple likely blowouts on the NFL schedule this week. But if you're interested in watching one that will come down to the wire, keep an eye on these:

Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers

These aren't exactly the best teams in the league. But just because it's not a playoff preview doesn't mean that the game can't be exciting.

That's very much what I expect here. I like both Christian Ponder and Cam Newton to perform well in a battle of first round draft picks.

Ultimately, I like the Panthers' attack a little more than the Vikings'. It's not that Jared Allen can't be a difference maker, but the Panthers can prepare for Adrian Peterson with a heavy defensive front. If that happens, I like Ponder, but I don't like his chances at taking his team to victory.

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

Both of these teams have the ability to blowout just about every single one of their opponents. Yet, both teams have a tendency to play way too close, and that's cost them both too many games in the first half of the season.

But when they play each other, I expect the talent that both squads boast to clearly show itself. I like these two teams to put up a lot of points, but it will be a defensive play at the end to make the difference.

Since the game is in Philadelphia, I'll go with the Eagles here, but this will be a classic game.

New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers

This is kind of like the big brothers of the Cowboys and Eagles playing. Both of these teams play to the level of their opponents too often, but both of them have won most of their games this year.

This is a very likely playoff preview and it's quite possible that the winner will end up hosting that game, especially if it's New England.

These two teams have owned the AFC recently. I like Tom Brady and the Patriots to pull this one out. But whether I am right or wrong about that, we won't know who is going to win until very late.

Predictions:

Panthers 30, Vikings 24

Eagles 24, Cowboys 20

Patriots 28, Steelers 23