NFL Picks & Pans: Week 8

The Baltimore Ravens may have a week off with this being their bye, but most of the rest of the league continues on, including their opponent for next week. With a third straight great week picking winners at over an average of 70% clip, let's see if I can keep this streak running starting with tonight's Thursday Night Football game.

Vikings over Buccaneers (Thursday Night Football): Minnesota is beginning to make people think they are for real. With a true Superman at RB in Adrian Peterson, it makes any QB's life a lot easier and while Tampa Bay has shown flashes of solid play, they are not much of a threat as a road team.

Chargers over Browns: Cleveland will not be a happy team when the Ravens come to town next week because San Diego is there this week and should be able to outscore the Browns.

Steelers over Redskins: When these two teams meet, Ravens fans either prefer one of three things to happen. Washington wins, tie game, or the field collapses into a bottomless crevice. Most likely, none of these things will happen as Pittsburgh is still a tough team to beat at home and while I'd love to see RG# run all over them, the Washington defense will most likely let his performance go to waste.

Jets over Dolphins: I so wanted to go with Miami, which has been looking good, but for some strange reason, I can see New York getting better and protecting their home turf, because if this game were down south, I'd go with the Dolphins.

Bears over Panthers: Carolina QB Cam Newton is the classic definition of the sophomore slump while Chicago is proving it has one of the more complete teams on both sides of the ball in the league. This one should not be close.

Lions over Seahawks: Detroit looked pretty lame in last week's loss but are now home and should improve under their dome and while Seattle is playing well, especially on defense, I can't take them on the road.

Packers over Jaguars: Green Bay appears to be hitting stride at the wrong time for Jacksonville, who has an injured RB in MJD and a less than healthy QB in Blaine Gabbert, who wasn't much even when healthy. This could get ugly.

Falcons over Eagles: At first I was tempted to go with Philadelphia, but remembering how many times they turn the ball over and how opportunistic Atlanta has been, I have to go with "Matty Ice" over Michael Vick. Surprisingly, according to the odds-makers, this game actually qualifies as an "Upset Special Pick of the Week."

Patriots over Rams: St. Louis has already won more games this year than last, but they won't add to that total even with home field advantage over New England, who will throw the ball all over the place and win.

Titans over Colts: In an AFC South battle for second place behind the Houston Texans, the home team should win, as Tennessee impressed last week and while so did Indianapolis, that was at home and this will be the difference.

Chiefs over Raiders: A close game in a battle to see who stays in the basement of the AFC West, I like the home team here again. Both Oakland and Kansas City have their share of problems so in such a close game the safe bet is the one not traveling.

Giants over Cowboys: It seems this rivalry will be a split this season, with each team winning on the road. Dallas went to New York Jersey and won on opening night and now New York gets to return the favor. Eli Manning vs. Tony Romo? Easy choice this time around.

Saints over Broncos (Sunday Night Football): A tough one to pick, but I like New Orleans as another "Upset Special Pick of the Week." Denver is beginning to round into shape but Drew Brees is a better QB than Peyton Manning right now and putting up insane numbers every week. I should know, he was my first pick on my fantasy team.

49ers over Cardinals (Monday Night Football): I usually go with the home team on national TV, but Arizona's offensive line is so bad and facing a top defense such as San Francisco's has to sway my choice.

Last Week: 10-3

Season Record: 68-37