Last weekend’s games produced my first sub-.500 record of the year as I picked 6 winners and 7 losers. Still, the overall season record stands at a respectable 70 correct and 33 wrong. Here are the picks for week eight:
Washington at Buffalo – this game is being played in Toronto as a “home” game for the Bills. They have actually never won at Toronto in a regular season game since this series began, but that will change this week. The Bills will continue to push the ‘Skins on their downward slide.
Arizona at Baltimore – it’s hard to believe the Ravens lost to Jacksonville on Monday night, and I can’t see them losing at home to another lowly opponent. Baltimore’s defense shuts down the Cards and the Ravens win.
Minnesota at Carolina – Christian Ponder had to battle against Aaron Rodgers in his starting debut last week, and this week he faces Cam Newton, who will lead the up-and-coming Panthers to another win at home.
Jacksonville at Houston – the Jaguars’ win on Monday night was a fluke. Houston wins this game at home to stay atop the AFC South.
Miami at New York Giants – people are beginning to question whether the Dolphins are tanking their season on purpose in order to draft Andrew Luck. Well, they DID just sign J.P. Losman as their backup QB. The Giants win this game easily at home.
New Orleans at St. Louis – every week the poor Rams face another tough opponent. Sam Bradford is going to be a successful NFL quarterback and the Rams will eventually turn it around. It’s just not going to be this year. The Saints win big on the road.
Indianapolis at Tennessee – at some point the Colts have to start playing with some pride. I expect them to keep this game close but also expect the Titans to win.
Detroit at Denver – after a 5-0 start the Lions have lost 2 straight and now try to stop the Tim Tebow “magic”. It is impressive how Tebow pulls out wins without playing like a conventional NFL quarterback, but I just think the Lions have too much talent to blow this one. Detroit fights through injury problems and finds a way to win.
New England at Pittsburgh – neither of these teams is as good as their hype would indicate, but both are still title contenders in a year with no clear-cut AFC favorite. Tom Brady guides the Pats to another of his patented surgeon-like wins on the road.
Cincinnati at Seattle – the Bengals are playing good football but also benefitting from a relatively soft schedule. I expect them to win a close game over the inconsistent Hawks.
Cleveland at San Francisco – I really think Colt McCoy is a better QB than Alex Smith, but Smith plays on a better team in the 49ers. Jim Harbaugh’s club wins to move a step closer to an NFC West title, with the post-game handshake getting more coverage on the highlight shows than the game.
Dallas at Philadelphia – the Cowboys are a good team but their QB, Tony Romo, is not a finisher. The Eagles are over their early season troubles and win this game to position themselves for a run at the playoffs despite the 1-4 start.
San Diego at Kansas City – the Chiefs were left for dead early in the year after suffering embarrassing losses and crushing injuries, but have righted the ship and gotten back into the AFC West race. Still, I see the Chargers winning here.