Week 8 NFL Preview

The three of the four games of the week turned into games worth watching and for the most part came down to the wire. The Vikings vs the Steelers was probably the highlight matchup of the week. The Vikings entered undefeated, but left with a loss. The two teams played close and it looked like anyone's game going into the fourth quarter. The Steelers' defense, however was able to put the pressure on Brett Favre and the Vikings when it counted most and took the game over in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. This loss will be motivation for the Vikings moving forward and they will not need much with the Packers coming up. The Cowboys were able to show that when all phases of the game are clicking for them; they are a dangerous team. WR Miles Austin continued to play well and the defense with former Falcon, Keith Brooking, were all over the place. The Falcons got it close, but just couldn't close the gap enough. Those who thought the Giants' defensive woes were only against the Saints were proven wrong this week. Kurt Warner tore through the defense and made them look average at best for a second week. The Giants' offense looks to not be as good as advertised after playing mostly weak opponents to start the year. The Eagles took advantage of a poor and confused Redskins team. They got big plays, but lacked consistency. Washington needs some serious help and it might not come anytime soon. There questions that need to addressed in several areas. Maybe it should start at the top with ownership.

The Buccaneers and Rams continued to lose while the Browns, Chiefs, and Raiders continue to struggle.

All and all, I went 10-3 last week and brings my total to 77-26 after seven weeks.

Now for Week 8:

Games of the Week:

Giants at Eagles: This battle is huge for division bragging rights and for a share of first place at least. The Eagles have suffered a couple bad losses while the Giants started strong, but now look average after playing two very good opponents. These two have been the top teams in the division for the last decade. The Eagles have speed all over the place on offense and should be able to take advantage of a weak Giants' secondary. Whomever puts more pressure on the other team's QB will be in better shape. Pick: Eagles

Broncos at Ravens: The Broncos are on fire to start the year and their defense has been a big reason for that. But one must not forget that the Ravens' defense is still very good and has Ray Lewis and Ed Reed roaming around. Both quarterbacks need to play well for their team to win. QB Kyle Orton has been good enough for the Broncos while QB Joe Flacco has opened up his playcalling ability and stretched the field. If the Broncos can keep the score low, they should stay undefeated. Pick: Ravens

Vikings at Packers: Its Brett Favre vs the Packers, Part II. In the first meeting, Brett Favre handled the pressure and let the rest of the team take care of business. QB Aaron Rodgers was pressured multiple times and his offensive line has struggled this year keeping him protected. This matchup will be bigger since its in Green Bay and the Vikings are slowly starting to run away with the division. Brett Favre is still playing better than a 40 year old and should bring his A game again for a big game. Pick: Vikings

Monday Night: Falcons at Saints: The Saints are continuing to march along. They play especially well at home in the Superdome. We have seen the Saints play in all types of games and should be able to lead the game or come back if necessary. The Falcons are looking to show that they aren't just a good team, but a top team. It clearly looks like these two are the best in their division and the Falcons need a win to avoid losing the division before Thanksgiving. Pick: Saints

Rest of the pack:

Texans at Bills: The Texans seem to be closer each year to being a breakout team and possibly making the playoffs. With a win over the lowly Bills, they can have their best start. The Bills seem to show up one week and take a few weeks off. Without a starting quarterback, the offense has slowed down even more. Pick: Texans

Browns at Bears: The Bears looked really bad last week, but they will be able to right their past performance when they host the offensively-challenged Browns. If the Browns get over 100 yards offense, its a good day for them. Pick: Bears

Seahawks at Cowboys: The Seahawks' injuries will definitely hurt them this week against what looks like a Cowboys team that is coming into an offensive groove. Pick: Cowboys

Rams at Lions: The Rams are struggling to win while the Lions barely have a win themselves. I think this is the week that the Rams join the rest of the league and win a game. Not too sure if its really an upset. UPSET Pick: Rams

49ers at Colts: The 49ers are looking to prove themselves to the rest of the NFL and this is a great way to do so. A road game against an undefeated team. The Colts, however, seem to be clicking once again and Peyton Manning is still at the top of his game. Pick: Colts

Dolphins at Jets: These two had a classic back and forth battle last time they met. I expect a similar encounter with two young quarterbacks and the capability of challenging the Patriots in the division. The home team won last time and I think the Jets even the score. It won't be as easy as the Raiders though. Pick: Jets

Jaguars at Titans: The Titans are one of three teams without a win and they have an angry Jaguars team coming to town. Both have struggled and played below expectations so far. I think this as best a chance as any for the Titans to win. Pick: Titans

Raiders at Chargers: The Chargers had the Chiefs and now they get the Raiders. They should be able to bury another bad team and keep up with the Broncos. Pick: Chargers

Panthers at Cardinals: The Panthers have struggled while the Cardinals look really good at times and average at times. Kurt Warner is playing better at quarterback then Jake Delhomme and that might be the difference. Whomever has a better game, their team will probably win. Pick: Cardinals

Some big matchups again highlighted by Brett Favre's return to Green Bay. The Rams and Titans have a great chance to win while the Colts, Saints, and Broncos can leave Week 8 still without a loss.