Quick NFL Predictions: Oakland Raiders Break Through
By Erik Lambert
Oct 19, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts after running back Darren McFadden (not pictured) rushed for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Week 8 sits near the halfway point in the season. Several teams are getting desperate. It should make for some interesting NFL predictions.
Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons
This is not in the Georgia Dome. The Atlanta Falcons must host the Detroit Lions on a neutral field in London. Matt Ryan must face the best defense in the league with little protection and no defense of his own to counter. Not a good matchup.
Pick: DET 24, ATL 12
Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers
It was a defensive slugfest the last time the Seattle Seahawks visited the Carolina Panthers. Based on recent events, this one could just as easily be a shootout. Cam Newton and Russell Wilson are playing lights out. Home field is crucial here.
Pick: SEA 27, CAR 20
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals
Two AFC North teams going in opposite directions. The Cincinnati Bengals defense is suddenly toothless and A.J. Green is still out on offense. Meanwhile Joe Flacco is on a tear for the Baltimore Ravens, as is their defense.
Pick: BAL 34, CIN 17
Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars
After snagging big wins in Week 7, the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars look for Florida bragging rights. Ryan Tannehill has played very well of late while the Jags seem to have finally found their running game. Turnovers tell the story.
Pick: MIA 21, JAX 17
St. Louis Rams at Kansas City Chiefs
Their bold and gritty victory over the Seahawks has given the St. Louis Rams hope, but it will be murder trying to keep it going against the Kansas City Chiefs. They too are riding high off a big division win and seem to have their identity established.
Pick: STL 16, K.C. 23
Chicago Bears at New England Patriots
One team is 3-1 on the road. The other is 3-0 at home. One of those records is going to take a hit as the desperate Chicago Bears take aim at the hot but increasingly injured New England Patriots. Expect pass rush to dictate the tempo for either team.
Pick: CHI 21, NE 24
Buffalo Bills at New York jets
What will the Percy Harvin trade do for the New York Jets? The hope is rescue a sinking season, but don’t expect the feisty Buffalo Bills to be accommodating. They too are fighting to stay alive in the AFC East.
Pick: BUF 20, NYJ 19
Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The 2014 NFL season has been a constant struggle for both the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, particularly with finding stability at quarterback. In this instance, expect the better defense to have a profound impact.
Pick: MIN 17, TB 13
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans
Jadeveon Clowney may finally be back for the Houston Texans, and he’ll have a rookie quarterback to help J.J. Watt feast on in Zach Mettenberger of the Tennessee Titans. His lack of mobility could play a huge role in the outcome.
Pick: HOU 21, TEN 10
Philadelphia Eagles at Arizona Cardinals
Fresh off their bye week, the Philadelphia Eagles are looking to keep pace with Dallas in the NFC East, but their momentum will be challenged by the Arizona Cardinals who have emerged as one of the hottest, most consistent teams in the NFL.
Pick: PHI 28, ARI 25
Oakland Raiders at Cleveland Browns
It hasn’t been for lack of trying, but the Oakland Raiders are still searching for their first win. They may have a big opportunity to finally get it against the Cleveland Browns, who are reeling from losing to the formerly winless Jaguars a week ago.
Pick: OAK 27, CLE 17
Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers
Their win on Monday Night saved their season for another week, but the Pittsburgh Steelers will have it much tougher against Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts, who are steamrolling through their schedule.
Pick: IND 35, PIT 24
Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints
Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees always put on fireworks when the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints get together. The Saints are really tough to beat at home, but the Packers haven’t lost a game in almost a month.
Pick: GB 38, NO 41
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
At 6-1 and with home field on their side, it’s hard to see the Dallas Cowboys letting this game slip away, but strange things always happen when they play the Washington Redskins. Will Colt McCoy have better success than Kirk Cousins?
Pick: WSH 20, DAL 30