NFL Week 8 Picks: Philadelphia Eagles and More Teams That Will Keep Hopes Alive

At this point of the season, we need to start taking a serious look at the playoff picture. Yes, anything can still happen. We still have a lot of football to play. But the playoff races are starting to take their shape.

These teams all sit on the edge of contention. The Bengals are a little better than just on the edge, but are still going to have a tough road to go to the postseason.

I don't know about any of their chances this season. But for this week, the hope will be alive in these locker rooms.

Cincinnati Bengals

I know they haven't played the Ravens or Steelers yet, but it is simply amazing to me that the Bengals are this deep into the season and still in reasonable playoff contention. They are a half game behind the Steelers and tied with the Ravens, which is amazing.

Ultimately, I will say that the two games against the Steelers, and two games against the Ravens will do the Bengals in. But this week in Seattle will be good for the young Bengals team.

Even if they experience a bad second-half collapse, the Bengals have a lot to look forward to. This week will give us a glimpse as to why.

Tennessee Titans

Right now, the Titans are close in the standings. They are just not a team that will ultimately hang with the Texans in the long run. We saw this last week, as the Texans had their way with the Titans in Tennessee.

But the standings are all that really matter here, at least right now. The Titans get a home game against a winless Indianapolis team that's coming off of one of the worst losses in NFL history.

I am not predicting a great game here, but I am predicting an easy Titans win.

Philadelphia Eagles

This is a really intriguing game. The Cowboys and the Eagles are both high-profile franchises, but neither have delivered this year on a consistent basis.

If this game were in Dallas, I would go with the Cowboys. But at this point, I like Philadelphia's chances. Coming off of a bye, at home, this is a game that really sets up well for them.

They need this game a lot more than the Cowboys do, and they will come through with a nice win. Like the other two teams, I have my doubts that anything will come from it, but it will give them a week of hope.