In my predictions for week seven in the NFL, I had 9 correct and 5 wrong again, leaving the overall count at 60 right and 43 wrong for the season. Here are my week eight choices:
Buffalo at Kansas City – the Chiefs are looking more and more like the surprise team of 2010 that will win its’ division and get into the playoffs, while the Bills are still finding their way, trudging through an 0-6 season so far. Kansas City is usually tough to beat at home also. I think they will, by season’s end, finish first in the AFC West but the Bills will pull an upset and win their first game of the season this week.
Denver vs. San Francisco (in London) – this is technically a home game for the Niners, and after the pathetic showing by Denver last week at home, I have to believe there are issues in the Broncos’ locker room that have found their way to the field. San Francisco wins a sloppy game, and the Tim Tebow watch begins in Denver.
Jacksonville at Dallas – the underachieving Cowboys now have to regroup behind Jon Kitna at QB, and I believe they will. On paper, they are miles ahead of the Jaguars talentwise, and that talent will translate to the field for once this week and the ‘Boys will pull out a win.
Miami at Cincinnati – the Dolphins have reeled off a couple of impressive road wins this season, and I believe they are a tougher team, mentally and physically, than the Bengals. Miami’s defense shuts down the Cincinnati attack enough to get another road win.
Washington at Detroit – Mike Shanahan has done a great job of returning the Redskins to respectability this year, but I still don’t completely believe in them yet. The young Lions are starting to feel it and they’ll win with another impressive home field performance this week, behind their young returning QB, Matthew Stafford and a young, improving defense.
Carolina at St. Louis – the young Rams, predictably, have been inconsistent this season. This should be one of their “up” weeks, and they’ll beat the Panthers at home.
Green Bay at New York Jets – the AFC East, other than Buffalo, is the best division in the NFL this year, and the brash Jets may be the division’s best team. The Pack is banged up and put a lot of effort into beating Brett Favre and the Vikings on Sunday night, so I see the Jets winning this game rather handily.
Tennessee at San Diego – it’s more than just the usual slow start with the Chargers this season – this team just doesn’t appear to have the talent they’ve had in the past. I don’t believe either of these teams is a serious contender, but the Titans play tougher defense and can run the ball with Chris Johnson, so they’ll pull out a win on the road here.
Minnesota at New England – the Patriots win this game big no matter who is at QB for the Vikings, since Brett Favre seems lost and disinterested anyway. New England is re-tooling on the fly this season, and continuing to win, and this game will be no exception. Don’t be surprised if Deion Branch has a big role in the game plan, just to send Randy Moss a message.
Tampa Bay at Arizona – these teams appear to be going in opposite directions. Josh Freeman has been impressive guiding the young Bucs, while the Cardinals play musical quarterbacks. Tampa is the better of these 2 teams at this point, but I see them getting tripped up on the road in this game in a mild surprise.
Seattle at Oakland – the Seahawks are probably going to win the NFC West, but they’re due for a down week in their inconsistent season, and the Raiders are flying high after demolishing Denver. I like Oakland to win at home. The Raiders have to feel they are legitimate contenders to win their division, and unlike some perceived “better” teams like Dallas and San Diego, they are competitive in every game.
Pittsburgh at New Orleans – the Steelers may be the best team in the NFL right now. New Orleans has struggled, but with Reggie Bush due back from injury and the Saints needing this game to keep pace with Atlanta, I believe New Orleans will win at home. The quality of their opponent this week, and the prime time atmosphere of a Sunday night game, will awaken the Saints from their Super Bowl hangover and keep them playing at the top of their game.
Houston at Indianapolis – the Colts, like a lot of other teams in 2010, have struggled to maintain their past success rate this season. The loss of Dallas Clark for the season will slow the Colts’ offense, at least temporarily until Peyton Manning figures out how to adjust to it. I’m picking Houston to win a game that will be one of the franchise’s biggest victories in their short history.