Week 8 NFL picks
Since the Ravens are on a bye week, I'm on a three-day vacation and am heading to State College, Pa. to see my alma mater Penn State take on Ohio State. Therefore, I apologize for the abbreviated version of my Week 8 NFL picks.
Last week: 7-7
Overall: 42-52-9
Browns at Rams
PICK: BROWNS (-3)
Not sure how you could possibly pick St. Louis at this point, but I think there's a chance St. Louis could get its first win here. They've lost their last two home games by a combined four points. However, the game isn't sold out and will be blacked out on TV in St. Louis so not sure what kind of home-field advantage the Rams will really have.
Lions at Bears
PICK: LIONS (+5)
The likelihood of Brian Griese's last-minute drive against the Eagles saving Chicago's season? Not good. The Bears' last three games have been decided by a touchdown or less. This one will be close and ugly.
Colts at Panthers
PICK: COLTS (-7)
The Colts and Patriots are just so much better than everyone else at this point that you'd have to be crazy to pick against them. Yes, I realize this theory will need to be altered next week when they face each other.
Giants at Dolphins
PICK: GIANTS (-9.5)
I need a London correspondent to tell me if there's any buzz whatsoever on the other side of the pond about this game. Anyone? Anyone?
Raiders at Titans
PICK: RAIDERS (+7.5)
Five of Tennesse's six games have been decided by seven points or fewer. The Titans allowed 29 fourth-quarter points to the Texans last week, but should get Vince Young back on offense for this one.
Eagles at Vikings
PICK: EAGLES (+1)
It's not that I have faith in the Eagles, but not sure how you can pick the Vikings given their QB situation. It looks like Kelly Holcomb will get the start in this one. On the flip side, the last time the Eagles faced a former coach (defensive coordinator Steve Spagnolo), Osi Umenyiora was a one-man wrecking crew en route to six sacks for the Giants. Even though Brad Childress is an offensive coach, you have to think he knows Donovan McNabb's weaknesses from his days in Philly.
Steelers at Bengals
PICK: STEELERS (-3.5)
For the record, I can't pick a Bengals game right to save my life. Who saw the Chad Johnson interview on ESPN with Keyshawn Johnson last week? Very entertaining stuff.
Bills at Jets
PICK: JETS (-3)
What a difference a year makes, huh? In 2006, Eric Mangini was the darling of the NFL, leading the Jets to the playoffs and getting a cameo on The Sopranos in the offseason. Now his every move is being questioned and New York is 1-6.
Jaguars at Bucs
PICK: BUCS (-3.5)
My co-worker and Recruiting Report blogger Matt Bracken is actually starting Quinn Gray in his fantasy league this week. No joke. I told him the Jaguars' backup might give him negative points after his 9-for-24 (for 56 yards) performance filling in Monday night against the Colts.
Saints at 49ers
PICK: SAINTS (-2.5)
We do realize New Orleans is only a game and a half out of first place in the NFC South right? Incredible.
Redskins at Patriots
PICK: PATRIOTS (-16)
The Patriots cover every week. BUT if there was a week where I think the underdog has a legitimate shot to cover, it's this week. The Redskins' defense is holding opposing quarterbacks to a league-low 67.7 quarterback rating, and Washington has allowed an NFC-low five passing touchdowns on the season. Yes, I'm aware Tom Brady threw for six TDs last week.
Note: The Monday night game will be picked Monday.
Comments
9-5 last week, should have been 11-3, but that's the breaks. The Ravens are off this week and for some reason they are the only team I can't seem to pick accurately. Perhaps I am looking through the Purple haze, but I still see a Superbowl contender licking their wounds. They finish strong, and so do I picking games. The 70% goal is still in reach. Overall record so far 62-42.
Indy 28 @ Car 14 mismatch even though The Panthers are playing much better recently.
Det 28 @ Chi 21 Tommie Harris is a huge difference maker, but I don't think they can stop Detroit even with him healthy.
Pit 28 @ Bungles 31 I can't believe I am picking the Bungles again this week, but the season is on the line and I like the healthy O line vs a beat up Steeler front.
NYG 28 Mia 7 @ London. The Phins have nothing left with Brown out. The Brits are going to see a beat down.
Phi 17 @ Min 21 I like the offensive and defensive lines of the Vikes, and Philly keeps finding ways to get beat.
Cle 35 @ Stl 21 Road Dawgs chew up the Lambs.
Oak 17 @ Tenn 21 I had no idea the Titans were by far #1 vs the run. They shut you down and are almost unstoppable with a healthy running QB or veteran back up.
Buff 21 @ NYJ 24 I like Buffalo better, but won't trust the rookies on the road.
Hou 21 @ SD 28 Houston is so good with Andre Johnson, but I doubt they win until they get him back.
Jac 14 @ TB 21 Quinn Who? Medicine Woman?
Was 21 @ NE 31 The Skins have a pretty good defense and running game. They are pretty good at holding on to the ball, so they should be able to cover the 16.5 points at least. They may even win if Sean Taylor gets a clean (or dirty) shot on Brady or Moss.
NO 21 @ SF 24 Eh, home team by 3 when in doubt. I like the 49er defense.
GB 21 @ Den 28 They have been playing some ball at Mile High since the Jags came in and embarrassed them early on.
Couple road wins early, but I expect this to be a good week for most of the home teams.
Posted by: jeremiah w | October 26, 2007 12:17 PM
In my defense, it's a 2 QB league and my admittedly terrible regular starters (Huard, McNair) have byes. If Testaverde clears waivers, then I'll be in business this week. Yes, I'm actually hoping to start Quinn Gray and Vinny Testeverde at QB.
Posted by: Matt Bracken | October 26, 2007 5:12 PM
Holy God Jeremiah. If you still see the Ravens as a super bowl contender, it's a miracle you didn't pick even more games wrong this week. Nice job for the season so far, but take off the rose colored glasses if you hope to hit 70% my friend. Also, props to Sheil on a very solid week.
Posted by: Alex | October 28, 2007 11:41 PM