Week eight of the NFL brings more uncertainty

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Week eight of the NFL season is like the first seven weeks in that it’s hard to pick winners.  There are only a handful of games I’m picking with any certainty.  By the time this posts, the Dolphins – Texans game will have been played.  I did pick the Texans in that one.  I was just able to tweet about that before the game.  With that in mind, here is a look at the other 13 games.

Eagles @ Jaguars:  Both of these teams are underperforming.  The Eagles seem to be having a massive Super Bowl hangover.  The Jags have their own problems.  Blake Bortles has been awful at QB recently and their defense is also crumbling.  Both of these teams come in at 3-4 so this game is pivotal.  I like the Eagles, primarily because of Carson Wentz.  Pick:  Eagles

Redskins @ Giants:  The Redskins sit at 4-2 while the Giants are at 1-5.  Still, this game is surprisingly hard to pick.  While Eli Manning is no longer a good QB, the Giants have some excellent weapons in Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr., to say nothing Sterling Shephard.  The Redskins aren’t a dynamic offense but limit turnovers.  They are a +6 in that category. The Giants are a -3.  Based on that, and the shakiness of Eli Manning, I’m taking the Redskins, but not with a lot of confidence. Pick: Redskins     

Browns @ Steelers:   The Browns have come close to having a good record.  Unfortunately, this is the NFL and not horse shoes, so close doesn’t count.  After a rough start the Steelers seem to be pulling things together.  Le’Veon Bell seems to becoming an afterthought for Steelers as James Connors settles in as the team’s primary rusher.  I like the Steelers, though it wouldn’t be shocking if the Browns pulled an upset.  Pick:  Steelers

Seahawks @ Lions:  The Lions are another team that I have a hard time figuring out.  Both they and the Seahawks are at 3-3.  The Lions have been all over the board in terms of performance while the Seahawks have been a little more predictable.  Both teams have been developing a running game.  I’m going with the Seahawks in a mild upset.  I’m looking for Russell Wilson to have a big game.  Pick:  Seahawks

Broncos @ Chiefs:  When the Chiefs are involved I’m almost always going to pick the Chiefs to win.  This week is no exception.  Earlier this season the Chiefs defeated the Broncos 27-23.  I don’t think it will be that close this time.  The Chiefs offense has become a flying circus while the Broncos defense has sprung some leaks.  That combination doesn’t bode well for the Broncos.  Pick:  Chiefs

Ravens @ Panthers:  To me, these teams are somewhat similar.  Both have playoff aspirations and seem to have about a 50-50 shot at making it.  While I’m not a huge fan of Joe Flacco, I still like him slightly better than Cam Newton.  Having said that, Newton is having a pretty good year, throwing for 11 TDs against 4 interceptions.  And Newton adds the element of his running ability.  Ultimately, I’m going with the Ravens because of their defense. Pick:  Ravens

Jets @ Bears:  I’m a big believer in the Bears ability to find a way to lose a close game.  However, I don’t believe this game will be close.  The Bears offense seems to be a legitimate force, though the defense has regressed recently. The Jets are a surprising 3-3.  Jets rookie QB, Sam Darnold, has done about as well as could be expected but I don’t look for him to have a big game Sunday.  Pick:  Bears

Buccaneers @ Bengals:  The Bengals looked like they were in for a playoff run this year, but losses to the Steelers and Chiefs has thrown a wrench into those hopes.  The Buccaneers are coming off an overtime win over the Browns.  I like the combination of Andy Dalton and Joe Mixon against the Bucs in this matchup.  Winston has thrown 6 interceptions and has four fumbles in three games.  That’s the biggest issue I have with Winston as a QB.  Pick: Bengals

Colts @ Raiders:  How bad are the Raiders?  We’ll get some insight into that question this week.  At this point I think they’re pretty bad.  I also think the Colts are pretty bad, but nobody on the team has accused their QB of crying on the field.  That strikes me as a big edge for them.  It looks like not only will the Raiders have a lot of draft picks, they’ll be drafting from a really good position.  Maybe Jon Gruden really is a genius and we’re just now seeing his plan come together.  Pick:  Colts

49ers @ Cardinals:  Here’s some more bad on bad football action.  Look for the Cardinals to go with a vanilla offense for Josh Rosen and their defense to rebound after a disastrous 45-10 loss to the Broncos.  The 49ers have shown some big play ability but a porous defense.  This is like trying to decide between spinach and broccoli.  In this case, I’m going with broccoli, aka the Cardinals.  Pick:  Cardinals

Packers @ Rams:  I’m a huge believer in Aaron Rodgers ability to lead the Pack to an upset.  In this case, however, I think even Rodgers will be in over his head.  The Rams seem to have the most complete team in the NFL.  The Rams have a dynamic passing game which is augmented by an excellent ground game led by Todd Gurley.  Their defense isn’t bad either.  Pick: Rams

Saints @ Vikings:  Here’s yet another hard game to pick, with a twist.  Both of these teams are pretty good.  The Saints are coming off an impressive road win over the Ravens while the Vikings have reeled off three consecutive wins.  Kirk Cousins has been a nice fit with the Vikings.  I knew Drew Brees was having a great season but I didn’t realize he had thrown for 13 TDs with no interceptions.  For the second week in a row, I’m picking against the Saints, which is a dangerous proposition.  Pick: Vikings

Patriots @ Bills:  There are numerous games that are hard to pick this week, but this isn’t one of them.  Here’s the easiest way to sum this up:  The Patriots QB is Tom Brady while the Bills are starting Derek Anderson.  Of course if things go poorly for Derek Anderson, there’s always Nathan Peterman.  I don’t feel the need to go any further analyzing this game.  I’m sure ESPN is thrilled with this MNF matchup.