WEEK 8: ELITE TEAM PICKS OF THE WEEK

Six teams are on bye this week as the NFL communes for Week 8. The Rams, Dolphins, Giants, Steelers, 49ers, and Ravens sit out. With multiple divisional games on tap, this week of football will be full of excitement and hostility.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-4) at Tennessee Titans (3-4)

The Jaguars offense remained particularly stagnant once again this week. Allen Robinson failed to post double-digit receiving yards and Bortles wasn’t able to produce in the red zone. The Titans banked on the rushing game of DeMarco Murray, and will likely rely on his legs again this week. The Titans should get the job done at home.

Tennessee Titans 23 Jacksonville Jaguars 17

Washington Redskins (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)

The Redskins lost a tight one last week dropping their game versus Detroit by three after a come from behind win from the Lions. The Bengals, meanwhile, got a great offensive performance by Dalton and A.J. Green. I don’t expect the Redskins to be able to keep up with the high flying offensive attack.

Cincinnati Bengals 28 Washington Redskins 20

Kansas City Chiefs (4-2) at Indianapolis Colts (3-4)

The Chiefs were outgunned last week at home against the Saints. It will not be a close game this week if Kansas City puts up a similar defensive performance against the Colts. Indy dominated on the road in Nashville, as Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton paired up to soar past the Titans. At home, I expect the Colts to even up their record.

Indianapolis Colts 24 Kansas City Chiefs 21

Oakland Raiders (5-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3)

Oakland has been on an absolute tear recently, and we saw that a healthy Latavius Murray can work wonders for this franchise. The Buccaneers offense also performed well last week, and veteran Jacquizz Rodgers looks like an energize rookie out there. Buccaneers take it at home.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30 Oakland Raiders 17

Seattle Seahawks (4-1-1) at New Orleans Saints (2-4)

The Seahawks put up a dud last week, as they failed to take advantage of a game-winning field goal opportunity and ended up tying the redbirds in the desert. A similar defensive performance would bode great results in the Superdome this week, as Drew Brees dominated Kansas City last week. I think an upset may be in order this week.

New Orleans Saints 24 Seattle Seahawks 14

Detroit Lions (4-3) at Houston Texans (4-3)

The Lions come from behind victory last week was quite impressive, to say the least, as they were able to score with 19 seconds left. Brock Osweiler looks rattled behind center in Houston, and his offense didn’t muster a touchdown on Monday Night Football last week in Denver. I think the Lions should be able to pull off this victory on the road.

Detroit Lions 13 Houston Texans 10

New York Jets (2-5) at Cleveland Browns (0-7)

The Jets defense suffocated the Ravens last week in an eight-point win. With Geno Smith out for the year with a torn ACL, New York must turn to Fitzpatrick once again, who has thrown shade at the organization. Luckily for them, they will be facing a Browns team that can’t even pick up a W in a world dominated by Cleveland sports.

New York Jets 23 Cleveland Browns 13

New England Patriots (6-1) at Buffalo Bills (4-3)

The Patriots cannot be stopped so far as Brady’s return has sparked a fire under this squad. Blount was the real champion last week in Pittsburgh. Buffalo lost by a field goal last week in Miami in a disappointing outing by the Bills. While the Bills were able to shut out the Pats earlier in the season, I expect #12 to be the difference maker here.

New England Patriots 27 Buffalo Bills 23

Arizona Cardinals (3-3-1) at Carolina Panthers (1-5)

The Cardinals also had a chance to win last week’s Sunday Night Football game, but had to settle for a tie at home versus division rival Seattle. The Panthers come into this game after a week of rest, and I predict that it shows in a dominating win by Cam Newton and Co.

Carolina Panthers 33 Arizona Cardinals 16

San Diego Chargers (3-4) at Denver Broncos (5-2)

The Chargers head on the road after an amazing win in Atlanta, after they needed overtime to knock a field goal in. Rivers and Gordon form a dynamic duo in the backfield. They meet a Broncos defense that shut down the Texans last week. What gives? The Chargers won earlier this season, and I think they pull off the W once again this week.

San Diego Chargers 24 Denver Broncos 21

Green Bay Packers (4-2) at Atlanta Falcons (4-3)

The Packers showed some offensive firepower last week, as Rodgers connected on three touchdowns and threw for 326 yards. The Falcons were able to garner a similar offensive output, but were not able to get the win. I just don’t believe the Falcons defense will be able to hold off Rodgers.

Green Bay Packers 34 Atlanta Falcons 26

Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) at Dallas Cowboys (5-1)

The Sunday night showdown this week will be between division rivals who are both playing at high levels. While the Cowboys were able to take a week off, the Eagles showed off with a solid victory over the previously unbeaten Vikings. The Cowboys attack may be too dominant to stop, however, especially after a week’s rest.

Dallas Cowboys 28 Philadelphia Eagles 17

Minnesota Vikings (5-1) at Chicago Bears (1-6)

The Vikings picked up their first loss last week. I wouldn’t worry if I was a Minnesota fan, however, as the Bears have shown to be an easy team to defeat. Jay Cutler is back, and that means elevated stats for guys like Alshon Jeffery, but that’s about it.

Minnesota Vikings 23 Chicago Bears 19