NFL Week 8 Picks: Which NFC Teams Are Stone Cold Locks?

When picking games this week, there are definitely some that are tough to decipher. Then there are also the games that are supposed to be lopsided, but turn out to be barn-burners.

Well, here are three picks you need not worry about in Week 8 as these NFC contenders are stone cold locks.

San Francisco 49ers (vs Cleveland)

Despite coming into the Bay Area with some confidence, the Cleveland Browns will fall to San Fran because of their inability to play well inside the trenches.

As for the 49ers, they rank No. 6 in rushing offense and No. 2 against the rush. Cleveland does have a great pass defense, but they allow an average of almost 120 rush yards per game. Sure they'll stack the box to stop RB Frank Gore, but it won't be enough as Cleveland's offense will have too many struggles.

San Francisco's defense may be weak in the secondary, but Cleveland's pass offense isn't going to burn up a scoreboard. In addition, the 49ers have a solid pass rush and their LBs are very good in coverage, even if the secondary lacks. It's not a blowout by any means, but Frisco controls the tempo throughout.

49ers over Browns

Detroit Lions (at Denver)

Broncos' QB Tim Tebow had a good first start in 2011 with the road win in Miami. However, the Detroit Lions are a different monster and are hungry for a win after two straight losses.

If Denver has any success, it will be on the ground; regardless, it won't be enough to keep pace with Detroit's explosive offense. For one, the Broncos don't have the offensive firepower to slice through the Lions' No. 9 ranked pass defense.

Denver's defense, although improved, is still a few steps back of establishing themselves as The Orange Crush. Rookie Von Miller is a beast, but no one else is playing up to his level and that's a cause for concern when going against WR Calvin Johnson and QB Matthew Stafford.

Lions over Broncos

New Orleans Saints (at St. Louis)

This game will be the blowout of the week. The Rams defensively rank No. 32 and No. 13 against the rush and pass, respectively. However, that pass defense rank is in the top half of the league only because there's no reason to throw the ball against a team that allows 183 rushing yards per game.

But, that all changes this week as the Saints visit St. Louis. New Orleans has a Top 5 pass offense as well as a Top 10 rush offense. Not only are they going to tear up the Rams defense, but St. Louie is also without QB Sam Bradford.

Although New Orleans' defense isn't nearly as solid as their offense, they're still good enough to blank a very weak Rams attack that will be missing arguably their best player. Enjoy the World Series appearance St. Louis because football season is only halfway done.

Saints over Rams

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.