NFL Picks Week 8: Buffalo Bills and Teams That Will Jump Start Playoff Runs

Since we're nearly at the half way point of the NFL season, it's time to start thinking about the playoffs.

But for now, I am not worried about teams that are on cruise control to the playoffs. They can survive a loss or two.

These teams are all certainly in playoff contention, but are pretty close to falling out. With wins this week, their standing will be quite good. We'll be seeing all of these teams in the postseason.

Buffalo Bills

After a hot start, I am really not sure that the Bills will be able to catch and then hold off New England. Despite the Bills' defeat of the Patriots, they still sit a game behind the Pats and have to play them again—in New England.

The situation is there for the Bills to win a Wild Card. It will be a tough road, but I like their chances, especially with the Jets struggling to win consistently. 

This week, they host the Redskins, although the game is in Toronto. I like the Bills' chances to win this game and move to 5-2. From there, the schedule sets up well for a 10-6 season (or better). That would get the Bills in.

New York Giants

The NFC East is nowhere near as good as it was expected to be. The Giants host the Dolphins in a game that they should easily win.

That would put them at 5-2. If the Eagles beat the Cowboys in Philadelphia, the Giants would have a virtual stranglehold on the division. Even if the Cowboys win, the Giants would be in fine position.

The problem for the Giants is that their schedule is back loaded. Still, in that division, there is really no reason to think that a team at 5-2 wouldn't hold on to win. There is just not enough punch from any team that will be chasing them.

Houston Texans

Now, the Texans are favorites in the AFC South, but that's more by default than anything else. This division is just awful.

Fortunately, they will win two games this week, as the four teams are paired off against each other.

Realistically, the Titans are the only team that can challenge the Texans, and I don't like their chances.

If the Texans win this Sunday against the Jaguars (which they absolutely should), they will be in good position to cruise to the title.