NFL Picks Week 8: The True Tests of Dominance
By Joe Wedra
What’s up everyone? Welcome back to my NFL picks column, where I’ll be dishing out predictions for every game this weekend, looking to continue to improve my season record. I’ve picked double-digit wins in four of the last five weeks, including a 11-3 slate of games last weekend
You’ll be getting an abbreviated version of my picks column today, as I’ve been crunched with time after dishing out power rankings on Monday.
You can find those here.
Today, just a quick explanation for each game — we’ll get back to the full column next week.
Dolphins vs. Patriots
Pick: Patriots win, 27-20.
I like what Dan Campbell is doing thus far in Miami. Ultimately, there’s no shame in losing a tough game in Foxboro against the World Champs. Tom Brady won’t let this one be the first ‘L’ of the season.
Lions vs. Chiefs
Pick: Lions win, 24-19.
Not much to talk about here. Two very underwhelming teams battling it out to stay relevant and out of the NFL’s cellar. Detroit claws into the game late and capitalizes on a KC mistake.
Bucs vs. Falcons
Pick: Falcons win, 30-20.
Atlanta isn’t going to drop a divisional clash here. They’re still a very good football team despite underwhelming through the past three weeks. This is a nice spot to get back on track and prove they still can keep pace with the pesky Panthers.
Cardinals vs. Browns
Pick: Cardinals win, 24-21.
Cleveland is in disarray at the quarterback spot while Arizona is still firing on all cylinders. It’ll be close, but the more talented team prevails in the end, even against the Manziel mania.
49ers vs. Rams
Pick: Rams win, 28-24.
I won’t waste your time here — the only exciting aspect to watch here is Todd Gurley’s reign atop the NFL rookie rankings. He should have a decent game, putting St. Louis on top for a tight win at home.
Giants vs. Saints
Pick: Giants win, 33-28.
The NFC East is rough, leaving the Giants with a golden opportunity to jump ahead of the rest with a road win, something very doable against the average Saints team we all anticipated we would get in 2015. They just aren’t exciting and struggle to close late. Even if they get the lead, I’ll trust NYG to pull out a giant victory on Sunday (pun intended … I’m on five hours of sleep and a whole lot of coffee.)
Vikings vs. Bears
Pick: Vikings win, 27-17.
These Bears would be a treat to watch with the receiving corps ready to roll. But alas, the injury bug won’t stay away. Minnesota is the better team with legitimate playoff hopes. There’s no way they will let this one slip away.
Chargers vs. Ravens
Pick: Ravens win, 27-26.
Who are these guys? Two AFC wild card contenders to start the year, both teams have seriously underperformed and underwhelmed. It won’t be pretty, but I give the win to a Baltimore team who suffered yet another crushing loss last Monday night.
Bengals vs. Steelers
Pick: Bengals win, 30-28.
The return of Ben Roethlisberger makes this game must-watch TV. It’s a shame it isn’t being played in a 4:25 national spot. A lot of points will be scored. In the end, give me the more complete Cincinnati team to prevail and keep the undefeated streak alive. Watch out for Roethlisberger to Antonio Brown all game long, however. You’d better believe he’s ready to go off.
Titans vs. Texans
Pick: Titans win, 19-16.
The score says it all. It’ll be interesting to see the ratings on this one. The NFL schedule should say: “nap time”.
Seahawks vs. Cowboys
Pick: Seahawks win, 23-20.
A worth-watching game considering the circumstances. Both have flaws that probably are big enough to prove to be roadblocks in reaching the NFC title game. Just clinging onto postseason hope, Seattle pulls off a win, grateful to get Dallas on the road sans Tony Romo.
Jets vs. Raiders
Pick: Jets win, 23-19.
Who would have thought we’d all be excited about a Week 8 game between these two guys? With the AFC Wild Card race wide open, both have a shot to be the sleeper contender. Winning here is imperative — give me the more complete squad in NYJ.
Packers vs. Broncos
Pick: Packers win, 30-25.
They’re the better team and Aaron Rodgers is the better quarterback. Peyton keeps it close with a late touchdown, but nobody is touching Green Bay this season. It wouldn’t be shocking to see them win all 16 if they can get past the next two weeks (Panthers, Nov. 8th).
Colts vs. Panthers
Pick: Panthers win, 26-17.
Carolina continues their dominance and caps off a week in which four of the five un-beatens stay that way. What’s happened in Indianapolis? I bought the hype in the preseason … boy, was that a mistake. Two teams, two different tracks. I’ll take the cinderella in Charlotte.