Week 8 NFL Picks

 A couple bad beats thwarted what could’ve been the second consecutive double-digit win week.

Last Week: 8-7
Season: 50-54-3

On to Week 8…

Vikings at Rams (+2.5)

After being out since Week 2, Cooper Kupp is finally back from a sprained ankle and will suit up for what will likely be his last game in a Rams uniform before the team trades him. Cold game. Los Angeles already shipped off LB Ernest Jones and QB Matthew Stafford was briefly the subject of trade rumors, which suggests the Rams are already throwing in the towel on this season.

Even if the Rams weren’t waving the white flag, they would be hard-pressed to upset a Vikings team that’s a late-game field goal away from still being undefeated.

Pick: Vikings

Titans at Lions (-12.5)

The Lions are playing for the top seed in the NFC. The Titans are playing for the first pick in the draft. It’s a big spread but this Tennessee team is somehow even worse without Will Levis.

Pick: Lions

Cardinals at Dolphins (-4.5)

Tua’s back and, if Miami can keep him conscious, the Dolphins’ dynamic offense will run wild on a bad Cardinals defense.

Pick: Dolphins

Eagles at Bengals (-2.5)

The Bengals are better than their 3-4 record but a run defense that’s been getting gashed all season isn’t going to be able to slow down a hot Saquon Barkley.

Pick: Eagles

Ravens at Browns (+7.5)

Baltimore shouldn’t have much trouble with Cleveland but the Ravens’ secondary is beat up and it wouldn’t surprise me if Jameis Winston puts up enough garbage time numbers to keep it within a touchdown.

Pick: Browns

Jets at Patriots (+7)

The Patriots are ready to turn on head coach Jerod Mayo, who made headlines after calling his team “soft”, and the Jets desperately need a win.

Pick: Jets

Falcons at Bucs (+1.5)

The Baker Mayfield Show was fun while it lasted but with Chris Godwin donezo for the year and Mike Evans sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Bucs aren’t going to be able to keep up with the Falcons.

Pick: Falcons

Colts at Texans (-5)

I have a hard time trusting this Texans offense until Nico Collins returns and the Colts get DeForest Buckner back to strengthen the middle of their defense. Texans win but this ends up closer than it should be.

Pick: Colts

Packers at Jaguars (+3.5)

Despite missing two games, Jordan Love leads the league with 15 touchdown passes. He also leads the league in interceptions. He shouldn’t have much trouble against a toothless Jaguars defense though.

Pick: Packers

Saints at Chargers (-7)

The Saints’ season is pretty much over as injuries have decimated an already thin roster. Chargers roll here.

Pick: Chargers

Bills at Seahawks (+3)

I’d feel better about the Seahawks’ chances if DK Metcalf was playing. Meanwhile, Amari Cooper is adjusting seamlessly to life in Buffalo. Bills win a potential shootout.

Pick: Bills

Panthers at Broncos (-11)

A stellar Broncos defense at home against Bryce Young missing his top two receivers? Sign me up.

Pick: Broncos

Chiefs at Raiders (+8.5)

             

DeAndre Hopkins makes his debut for the Chiefs, who seemingly lose someone on offense every week. Hopkins’ best days are behind him but there’s enough left in the tank to have a day against the Raiders.

Pick: Chiefs

Cowboys at Niners (-5.5)

I don’t have much faith in the Cowboys, but with the Niners potentially down their top three receivers and CMC still out, this feels like a field goal fest.

Pick: Cowboys

Giants at Steelers (-6)

The Giants continuing to score primetime games despite having one of the worst rosters in football needs to be studied. Russell Wilson completes his dominance of NY by rolling over Big Blue.

Pick: Steelers

Week 8 Picks

In Week 7, Dave distanced himself even further in the season series. If you're taking my picks to your bookie, I'm terribly sorry. Pay no mind to the muscles in the Armani suit knocking on your door right now. Remember, these picks are for entertainment purposes only.

I'm going to say that this is just me setting up my epic late season comeback. In an effort to facilitate said comeback, this week I abandoned hunches and feelings and actually looked at some stats and trends and injuries when making my picks.

Last week, I took Oakland over Kansas City, an embarrassing choice amplified by the fact that I took them in one of my Eliminator challenges. That being said, I correctly picked New Orleans to beat Indianapolis, which they did by a nail biting 55 points. Captain Capicola can't say the same thing.

On to week 8!

Last week:

Dave: 8-5

Gabe: 4-9

Season:

Dave: 51-45-7

Gabe: 37-59-7

Indianapolis (+9) at Tennessee

Dave: Tennessee - The "Should The Colts Take Andrew Luck?" debate is actually quite interesting. Say Peyton Manning recovers remarkably from neck surgery and it adds another five years to his career. The Colts draft Luck, the best QB prospect in decades, and he sits the bench forever while the Colts just used the highest pick they've had in years to draft an heir apparent for a man who's not going anywhere. Could we be looking at another Favre-Rodgers scenario? Should we start buying out Peyton Manning Titans jerseys now? As for the game, Matt Hasselbeck being slightly less than 100% is the only thing keeping this from being a romp, but I still like Titans by 10. Also, President Obama is currently working on bringing in Navy Seal Six to locate the body of Chris Johnson, believed to be missing since January.

Gabe: Tennessee - The Colts are next to last in the league in opposing rushing yards. The Titans have a running back of whom you may have heard. I’m usually not right when I say this, but, I think CJ2K loses his mind. The Titans get in the end zone all day on the ground and shorten the game. Tennessee by at least 14.

New Orleans (-13.5) at St. Louis

Dave: New Orleans - Given how up and down the Saints have been, wouldn't this be the perfect let down game for New Orleans? After putting up Oklahoma-Mount Union numbers on the Colts last week, couldn't you see the Saints struggle a little with no Mark Ingram against a hungry Rams team? No? Me neither. It has to suck to be a Rams fan right now, because you're in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes and don't need Andrew Luck. Saints by 17.

Gabe: New Orleans - Here is a stat for you: the Rams have scored 56 points this season…the Saints scored 62 last week. The Rams will most likely be without starting QB Sam Bradford again. I don’t see them being able to keep up. I see New Orleans going up 3 or 4 TD’s before halftime and then coasting. Saints by at least 20.

Arizona (+12.5) at Baltimore

Dave: Arizona - Remember when I said in this very space last week that, as a Packers fan, the Ravens are the only team that scares me? I withdraw that statement. The Ravens right now look as scary as a Disney movie. I'm more terrified of a Sally Jessie Raphael sex tape. Seriously though, why the hell would I pick Baltimore after they shit the bed last week? Oh, because they are angry after looking abysmal against Jacksonville on national TV and they are going to take it out on the Cardinals? Please. Joe Flacco looked like Giovanni Carmazzi last week and I'm not putting my stamp on a Ravens rebound until I see it. The Ravens will win here but I think it's going to be another ugly game. Ravens by 10.

Gabe: Baltimore - I kind of feel bad for Arizona. The Ravens are angry after what happened Monday night. The Cards have to travel across the country for this game. The Ravens are clearly the more talented team. Can they rally and rise up for this game? I think so. Ravens win big.

Miami (+10) at NY Giants

Dave: New York - There is really no reason for Miami to put up a fight here. Chad Henne's out. Daniel Thomas is out. Vontae Davis is out. You can smell the Vidal Sassoon oozing from Andrew Luck's hair in South Beach right now. The # 1 pick is in your grasps, Miami. Don't blow it like Seattle did by putting up a fight against Gabe's timid Little Giants. Let Eli Manning roast you for 300 and four scores so New Yorkers can get their Karl Kani jeans in a bunch and fist pump until their arms fall off. Lick the stamp and mail this bitch in, Sparano. You're done for anyway. Giants by 14.

Gabe: New York - Man, I love Big Blue in this spot. Coming off of a bye, against a really shitty Miami team? How can you not like them to win big? There are a few concerns….the Giants give up lots of rushing yards, so Reggie Bush and co. could have a decent day. Most worrying is that the G-Men have a showdown in Foxboro next weekend. This could be a textbook trap game. That being said, I think my boys take care of business and win by 13.

Minnesota (+3.5) at Carolina

Dave: Carolina - Coming from a guy who watched his Scarlet Knights blow a 10-point lead to end a 16-game losing streak to West Virginia, I can tell you that past history is important. Gabe's quoted stats all day. Here's my shot: Dating back to 2001, the Vikings have beaten the Panthers twice in six tries(a 20-10 win in 2008 and a 16-13 eeking out in 2006). Christian Ponder might be a poor man's Aaron Rodgers, but Cam Newton is a rich man's Cam Newton. This secondary isn't going to stop Cam-Cam with time to throw after he spins Jared Allen around the field all day. I like the Panthers here by 6.

Gabe: Minnesota - Don’t let Cam Newton fool you, Carolina is a mess. Newton’s eye-popping yardage numbers are covering a lot of mistakes. The Vikings have a decent team around Christian Ponder. I feel now that they have a QB who can actually sling the ball, they will be a lot better. I’m not sure they can beat Carolina, but I think this game is going to be close…a field goal either way.

Detroit (-3) at Denver

Dave: Detroit - Let me first say I'm glad Tim Tebow is getting his shot. It's rare that you see a QB with such a profound college resume get any kind of hype from the national media. ESPN doesn't spend nearly enough time focusing on today's signal callers. If only the Worldwide Leader could spend just a little more time slurping Timmy Touchdown and less time on the World Series of Poker or Spelling Bees, I feel like people will finally get to know the REAL Tim Tebow. He's such a diamond in the rough. Sarcasm aside, Tebow is going to get the holy hell beat out of him(see what I did there?) by Ndomukong Suh and company. I'd like to root for Tim 3:16 because "Tebowing" is fun to do these days, but Denver's pass D is atrocious and they are playing a team whose only play is "Stafford chucks it deep to Calvin Johnson". Advantage: Motown. Lions by 14.

Gabe: Detroit - If he knows what’s good for him, Tim Tebow has been praying for some pass protection when he hits his stupid sideline pose because Mark Schlerth ain’t walking through that door. Tebow is big and strong, but Ndamukong Suh is bigger, stronger, and somewhat lacking in restraint. Oh, and let’s not forget that the Lions have a receiver that only Iron Man could cover. I think the Broncos are in for a long afternoon. Detroit wins easily.

New England (-2.5) at Pittsburgh

Dave: Pittsburgh - I'm going opposite here just for the sake of going opposite. Brady is 6-1 against the Steelers in his career, including the playoffs. He owns Big Ben like Gabe owns all of Black Thought's underground mixtapes. All of these experts picking Pittsburgh is only going to fuel Tom Brady to treat Roethlisberger like he treats groupies in a closed-off bathroom stall. So why am I taking Pittsburgh? Because this season is freaky enough that the experts(like myself) could be right about this one. The Patriots defense is terrible and, while the sudden jump from everyone back onto the Steeler bandwagon is foolish and ill-advised, I'm going with my gut on this one.

Gabe: New England - (Editorial note: Tom Brady is the starting QB for the West Virginia Stun Guns, my fantasy team.) It’s been said all week…Tom Brady carves the Steelers. New England knows how to pass on the Steelers. Spread the Steelers pass defense out and you can throw on them. I’m drinking the Kool-Aid. No one is better at spreading a defense out than Tom Brady. I bet he has one of those complete-a-pass-to-nine-different-receivers type of games that gets you a medal on Madden. Pats by a touchdown.

Jacksonville (+9.5) at Houston

Dave: Jacksonville - I'm not sure if Jacksonville is sneaky decent or Baltimore and Pittsburgh just took them lightly but they managed to beat the Ravens and keep things close against the Steelers. Why should I not believe they can't at least keep things within a touchdown against a choke-job champion like Houston missing their best receiver and best defender? Blaine Gabbert has excellent hair and, as someone with no hair, I can appreciate someone with sweet flowing locks. Jags shove Mo-Jo down Houston's throat and keep this one tighter than a 12-year old. Texans by 7.

Gabe: Houston - The Texans got on track last week against the Titans, even without All-World WR Andre Johnson. This week the toothless Jags come to town. I don’t think this game will be close. Houston needs to assert some dominance in this game, against a division foe, if they want to prove they are serious about winning the South. Houston by at least two touchdowns.

Cincinnati (-1) at Seattle

Dave: Cincinnati - I'd rather watch the entire series of "Homeboys In Outer Space" than a second of this game. Still, if forced to choose between ho-hum QB's, I'm going with the Ginger(because, no straight man should ever refer to another man as "The Red Rocket" as Andy Dalton has been called). Bengals are sneaky enough to pull this one out, so I'll say Orange Kitties by 7.

Gabe: Seattle - My irrational hatred of the Seahawks is well documented. That being said, Seattle has one of the loudest stadiums in all of the NFL. I don’t think the Bengals are up for the challenge. Seattle’s twelfth man is the difference. Seattle gets the outright win in a minor upset.

Washington (+4) at Buffalo (in Toronto)

Dave: Buffalo - The Redskins are out to prove they can suck in TWO countries. Later this year, they will campaign to play the Texans in Mexico City and the Giants in London so that their horrendous play can reach worldwide notoriety. Glad that John Beck move is working out for you, Shanny. Don't worry, Jason Campbell is available this summer. I'm sure Skins fans would love to have him back. Meanwhile, if you had Ryan Fitzpatrick in your "Obscure QB's who will get a lucrative extension" pool, it's time to collect. Bills by 10.

Gabe: Buffalo - This game is being played in America’s attic, but I would imagine it’s going to feel like a home game for the Bills. I don’t know though. What NFL team do Argonauts fans root for? Who cares. John Beck is going to have to show me something before I put any faith in the Skins. I think the Bills come away with a 7 point victory in the land of loonies, toonies, Alex Trebek, and caribou.

Cleveland (+9.5) at San Francisco

Dave: Niners - MADDEN CURSE NEVER FAILS! Niners by 13.

Gabe: San Fran - The Niners have had a bye week in between their Head Coach’s hand shaking incident. How will that affect them on the field? If nothing else that locker room is his now. As the cliché goes, those players will run through walls for him now. QB Alex Smith is showing signs of life, while his counter-part, Colt McCoy…ain’t. I’ll take a motivated Niners squad to win by two TD’s or more.

Dallas (+3) at Philadelphia

Dave: Philadelphia - Come on, son! Tony Romo on national television? When does that EVER work out for the Cowboys? Bree Olsen doesn't screw as many men on camera as Romo does when he has to lead his boys in front of a national audience. The Eagles are desperate. A loss here, combined with an inevitable Giants win, puts them three back in the East going into November. If there's one saving grace for Dallas, it's that DeMarco Murray will be following up his 253 yard performance from last week against an Eagles defense that can't stop a nose from running(Man, I am amazingly sharp when I get my eight hours of sleep). Eagles win in a back-and-forth as both teams try to give this one away. Eagles by 6.

Gabe: Dallas - Conventional wisdom says if you get to Mike Vick and punish him physically, he’ll play poorly. The same can be said about Tony Romo. This game comes down to race to the opposing QB, and I think the Cowboys will win that battle. If Dallas can get to Vick and score some points they can take that intense Philly crowd out of the game. Upset special? Sure why not. Although anything can happen in the NFC East. I’ll take Dallas to get the straight up win, by 6.

San Diego (-3) at Kansas City

Dave: Kansas City - We all remember the last time the Chargers played the Chiefs on Monday Night in Kansas City, don't we? Chiefs winning a wild one in a monsoon in Week 1 of last year en route to winning the West title(as I projected and Gabe scoffed at, mind you). Remember also that the Chiefs 3-game win streak came after they nearly beat San Diego on their home turf a month ago. The Chargers are playing like their typical underwhelming selves and KC can smell first place with a win here. I'm calling for another upset here and, on top of that, Jackie Battle goes for a buck and a score and Brandon Flowers takes one to the house. LOCK IT UP!

Gabe: San Diego - The Chiefs have cobbled together a decent record, but their wins have come against some pretty bad teams. The problem with San Diego is they have all the talent in the world but don’t use it. You know never know if they are going to live up to their potential in any given game. That’s probably because they have the NFL equivalent of Charlie Brown for a head coach in Norv Turner. I don’t think KC has enough to be SD, so I’ll take the Chargers to barely cover and win by 4.

Week 8 Picks

Due to technical difficulties beyond our control, Gabe missed out on Week 7 last week. It was a shame, too, as The Big Caprese posted his best week so far this season. In the interest of fairness, we'll let Week 7 go as a bye and my big week last week will not be added to the overall score.

Anyway, Captain Adobo vs. Young Tony Soprano.....Round 8.....let's get to it.

Last Week: (Dave: 9-5, Gabe: n/a)

Season: (Dave: 37-46-3, Gabe: 41-42-3)

Broncos (+1) at Niners (from London)

Dave: Broncos - Tough call. In one corner, you have a team that just got absolutely housed by Oakland, allowing the Raiders to drop a point shy of a 60-burger. In the other corner, there's San Fran, who got beat by previously winless Carolina and had to eek out its only win the week before against the Raiders. The Niners have been the season's biggest disappointment and I think Denver's better than the team that got taken to the shed last week. Broncos by 6 in another ugly one across the pond.

Gabe: Broncos - When in doubt this year, take the AFC over the NFC. I think both of these teams aren't good. Like Dave says, this game will be ugly. Broncos win.

Jags (+6.5) at Cowboys

Dave: Cowboys - The nail was put in the coffin for both the Cowboys and my keeper league big money team when Tony Romo's clavicle snapped like a twig at the hands of Marc Anthony Jr's Giants. The Jags have the league's worst defense and, while I think we'll see Stephen McGee(the new backup, from Texas A & M) at some point this season, Jon Kitna is serviceable enough to whoop on Jacksonville at home. Cowboys are in desperation mode as they get ready to do the world a favor and get Jon Gruden out of the booth and onto the sidelines. Cowboys by 13.

Gabe: Cowboys - Here's the deal...if the Cowboys can't get up and win this game, at home, after being pounded by my Giants, against a terrible Jags team, then they need pull a Gabe Week 7 and not show up for the rest of the year. The Cowboys will win easily, and give their fans more meaningless hope and fill them with even more meaningless bluster. Boys by 13.

Redskins (+2.5) at Lions

Dave: Redskins - Matt Stafford's back and just in time to get his bell rung by the The Orak Attack(Brian Orakpo). The Lions' calling card this week is finding ways to lose and Stafford's going to need a half to shake the rust off before he starts launching bombs to "Megatron". Redskins are always due for a letdown, as we saw with the loss to St. Louis, but I like them to pull off the W here. Redskins by 6.

Gabe: Lions - As I said when the Skins played the Rams, this exactly the kind of game the Redskins always lose. Matthew Stafford will not employ the Jay Cutler chuck and duck that made DeAngelo Hall look like a superstar last week. I think the Skins do have a letdown and the Lions win by a touchdown.

Packers (+6) at Jets

Dave: Jets - This one was a bit difficult, too. The Jets are going to win this game, but can they beat a Packers team, that has lost all three of its games by a combined nine points, by more than a field goal? New York gets Revis Island back and healthy and that takes away the one thing Green Bay does well, which is pass. I see L.T. and Shonn Greene go for 100 a piece, Rex Ryan going for a goddamn snack at halftime, and Mike McCarthy feeling the temperature under his caboose heat up after this one's over. Jets by 10.

Gabe: Jets - The Packers always seem to play in close games. They never seem to have a runaway, either direction. The problem is they are playing the Jets who have a great defense and an efficient offense. They thrive on the close game. Jets by a touchdown.

Panthers (+3) at Rams

Dave: Rams - Much like Matt Ryan did a couple years ago, Sam Bradford has made me put my foot in my mouth after doubting him in April. He's putting up numbers with wideouts pulled straight off of XFL rosters and Steven Jackson, while beat up, is still a force. On defense, Gabe's former mancrush Coach Spags has finally brought a pass rush to Nellyville. James Hall has been getting to the quarterback, as has former Wahoo Chris Long. None of this bodes well for Matt Moore and the Panthers, who are riding high after notching their first W but may be in over their heads against a surprisingly decent Rams squad. Rams by 6.

Gabe: Rams - Are the Rams for real? Maybe so. They play good defense, especially rushing the passer, so whoever is under center for the Panthers is going to have a long day. I think the Panthers will be frustrated on offense and Steve Smith starts punching people by halftime. Rams by 7.

Dolphins (+2) at Bengals

Dave: Dolphins - I know they're at home, but how can you favor the Bengals against any halfway decent team with how up-and-down they've been all year? Carson Palmer has regressed into USC sophomore Carson Palmer, Cedric Benson is back to 2008 Cedric Benson, Ochocinco has disappeared and this Bengals D? Yikes. Who would have thought T.O. would be Cincy's lone bright spot? As for Miami, Brandon Marshall's presence has made Davonne Bess a household name and, against a Bengals D with no pass rush, Chad Henne should be able to spread it around. Phins by 7.

Gabe: Dolphins - Carson Palmer only plays well when his team is down four touchdowns and the opposing defense goes into base defense. That's when the blinders come off and all of sudden and can see the T.Ocho show on the field. (An aside; the T.Ocho show is real, it's on Versus.) So, either this game is not a runaway and Palmer plays like shit, or it is a runaway and the Bengals are losing but playing inspired football. Either way, they lose.

Bills (+7.5) at Chiefs

Dave: Bills - It's crazy. First time I pick against my wife's Chiefs this season and it's against....Buffalo....AT Arrowhead? I know. I'm asking for trouble. Still, Buffalo may have found something in Ryan Fitzpatrick, who slung it pretty well against a much tougher Ravens D last week. I see the Chiefs winning this one, but I can see Buffalo hanging with KC enough to lose by less than a touchdown. Chiefs by 6.

Gabe: Chiefs - I think the Bills offensive emergence will be short lived. If there is one thing KC can do it's stop the pass. The Bills may have snuck up on the Ravens, but they won't do that to the Chiefs. Professor Fitzpatrick and rest of the Bills' O comes back down to earth and the Chiefs win by 10.

Titans (+3) at Chargers

Dave: Titans - I don't care if it's Vince Young, Kerry Collins, Neil O'Donnell, Billy Volek, Chris Chandler or even Steve McNair's corpse at QB for Tennessee, I have no faith in the Chargers pulling out the W. Yes, this is around the time San Diego flips the switch and rights the ship, but do they have the talent to that this time around? Ryan Mathews has been a bust, Vincent Jackson's still out, Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates are banged up and, oh-by-the-way (Gruden voice) Tennessee's pretty good. Chris Johnson runs all over this toothless Chargers D and scores on the ground and through the air and the Kenny Britt touchdown streak continues one more week. Titans by 14.

Gabe: Titans - Not much disparity in my and Little Silvio Dante's picks this week. I agree, the Chargers are toothless and the Titans run all over them. Titans by 10.

Bucs (+3) at Cardinals

Dave: Bucs - Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris must have been at AT&T Park and got some free doobies after the Giants game(Google it!) when he said Tampa Bay was the best team in the NFC, but the Bucs are better than people give them credit for. Josh Freeman, as Bill Simmons is fond of saying, just wins football games. Cadillac Williams, while so washed up his fingers should wrinkle, still has some juice left(if not, LaGarrette Blount may be able to punch in a score or two.......see what I did there?......cricket...cricket.....moving on). Meanwhile, "The Scorin' Mormon" Max Hall gets Steve Breaston back but it won't be enough just yet. Freeman will make plays with his arm and legs and Tampa wins a close one but, sorry Raheem, you still aren't the team to beat in the NFC. Bucs by 3.

Gabe: Bucs - The Cardinals are terrible. The Bucs use this silly "keep the game close and then let Josh run the two minute drill" game plan, but that shit works. Bucs get the outright win in this week's installment of "Game Gabe wouldn't watch if they were played in his backyard."

Seahawks (+2.5) at Raiders

Dave: Seahawks - After scoring 59 points on division rival Denver, the Raiders may have shot their load for the next couple weeks. Lest we forget, this Oakland squad has had its issues scoring in weeks past. Seattle has a sneaky good defense, and Darren McFadden, while finally breaking away from bust status finally, will find it much more difficult to break loose against the 'Hawks. I see Jason Campbell throwing a couple picks and Seattle pulling out another ugly W.

Gabe: Raiders - Speaking of games I wouldn't watch if they were played in my backyard....I don't know how this game will shake out. The Raiders are so dysfunctional and unpredictable. Apparently Gradkowski is healthy enough to be a back-up, but not start over Campbell? It must mean he lost his leg in practice and they are hoping the prosthetic makes it to Oakland before game time, because a one-legged Gradkowski is better than a full strength Campbell. That said, I'm still not getting off of my Seattle suck bandwagon. Oakland by a touchdown.

Vikings (+5) at Patriots

Dave: Patriots - Even Marlee Matlin is tired of hearing about Brett Favre and his bum ankle and the typical "Will he or won't he play?" drama. Look, Favre's playing because Chilly knows he does more long term damage by benching Favre against his will(because he'll sulk all season or just flat out retire) than throwing him out there against New England and have him get hurt worse. Childress owes his extension to Favre. He begged Favre to come back. He can't turn his back on him now that the chips are down. Should he? Absolutely, but he won't. Like every other coach Favre has had, he will cowtow to "The Riverboat Gambler". The Favre drama has overshadowed two big stories here. One, Randy Moss returns to Beantown for the first time after being dealt almost a month ago. Second, this vaunted Vikings pass rush has apparently ducked into the hole the Chilean miners were pulled out of. "The Rhinestone Cowboy" Jared Allen? One sack. You know how you beat Bieber Brady and the Pats? You smack him in the mouth. Minnesota hasn't proven they can do that. Pats stick it to Moss, win by 10.

Gabe: Patriots - The Pats and their luck. As Bill Simmons said earlier this week, is there not a better week to be playing the Vikings? Brett Favre will probably start on one good ankle, the Minny pass rush has disappeared, Brad Childress is trying to assert control but no one's listening. This just feels like a Pats runaway. New England by 14

Steelers (PK) at Saints

Dave: Steelers - Best Sunday night game so far. Steelers are the best team in the NFL and, while the loss of DE Aaron Smith hurts them big time, this Pittsburgh D is still formidable enough to stuff the Madden-cursed Saints. Saints will struggle to stop Rashard Mendenhall. Big Ben's rust still needs to be shaken off and that will make this game closer than it should be but I like Troy Polamalu to pick off a couple Brees passes and the Steelers win this one by a field goal.

Gabe: Steelers - The Saints have learned they can't just roll the ball out and win anymore. The Steelers play mean defense. The Saints have no running game and no more magic. Pittsburgh is going to smack the Saints in the mouth and win.

Texans (+5.5) at Colts

Dave: Colts - I've said this many times on this very website.....YOU DO NOT PICK AGAINST PEYTON MANNING AT NIGHT! Yes, Dallas Clark is out. So is Austin Collie. So is Joesph Addai. Yes, Houston waxed Indy in Week 1. I know that. You know that. Most importantly, Peyton knows that. Another factor that doesn't get talked about enough: Peyton's little brother Eli is starting to get MVP buzz. You think Peyton isn't going to want to both stick it to a division rival that upset them in the opener as well as show up his emerging younger brother? I see a Manning putting on a show on a Monday night for the second straight week. Colts shut down Arian Foster and Indy wins by a touchdown in a shootout.

Gabe: Colts - This is simple...no way the Texans sweep the Colts. Not this year, not next year, not any year in which Peyton Manning is still wearing the blue and white no. 18. And this game is on Monday Night. Nuff said. Colts by 1o.

Week 8 Picks

Good week for both of us, with Gabe edging me by going 9-4 to my 8-5. I still lead the season by 2(Dave: 64-39, Gabe: 62-41).



Here's our week 8 picks, using Danny Sheridan's spreads in the USA Today



Broncos(+3) at Ravens



Dave: Broncos - I really don't understand why Vegas doesn't show more love to Broncos. I mean, they're undefeated and they have way more impressive quality wins than Minnesota and New England. I know they're on the road against a solid Ravens team, but the Ravens have lost 2 in a row and they aren't the team we thought they were earlier in the year. I'll take the Broncos for straight up W.

Gabe: Broncos - At some point you stop being lucky and are just good. I'm picking up what the Broncos are putting down. They will be tested b by the hostile environment in Baltimore, but the Ravens are getting old on defense. I'll take the Broncos for the outright win in a game that I can't believe they aren't favored to win.


Browns(+13) at Bears



Dave: Bears - Good trap game here. Browns are barely an NFL franchise and the Bears have looked horrible even in the games they win. I think Jay Cutler takes his frustration out here on a hapless team tanking for Colt McCoy. I like the Bears by 14, but I can totally see Chicago playing down to the competition and making it too close.

Gabe: Browns - The Bears are going to come out snorting and looking for a win. I think Chicago will play down to the competition, so 13 points is too many. Chicago will win, but the Browns will cover.


Texans(-3) at Bills



Dave: Texans - Swirling Buffalo winds will make this a battle of running games. Texans have a top flight run defense and, while I don't like Matt Schaub's arm throwing into the wind, I think he goes for a score or two here as a side dish to a heavy serving of Steve Slaton. Texans by 10.


Gabe: Texans - This game comes down to the running games. Slaton will earn his money today. The Texans run defense has been tremendous for the last three weeks. Houston runs all over the Bills and wins big.


Vikings(+3) at Packers

Dave: Packers - I've come full circle on this one. I liked the Packers early on, then somehow talked myself into Minnesota, and now I'm back to backing my boys. Look, the Vikings should be 4-3 right now, and I'm glad their luck ran out last week against Pittsburgh. The fans are going to charged up and I don't think the Packers let Benedict Favre come into his old stomping ground and embarrass him. Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are supposed to be back for this one and we'll see if that leads to an improvement over the last time we saw these two collide(Vikes sacked Aaron Rodgers 8 times). Another advantage for Green Bay is Viking corner Antione Winfield will be sitting out on this one, which might be more costly if A-Rod gets time to throw. I like the Pack by 7.

Gabe: Packers - This game, to me, is not about X's and O's. This game is all about the intangibles. The crowd is going to be vicious. Green Bay is going to be more motivated that they have been in years. There is no way they are going to let Favre come in and win at Lambeau. Packers run away and win outright.


49ers(+13) at Colts



Dave: Colts - The miraculous return of Alex Smith that got everyone's heart racing last week as he nearly led a 21 point comeback against Houston ends here. The Colts are in rare form and, even without Donald Brown and possibly Reggie Wayne, I still like Peyton to light up The Gold Rush at home. Colts by 17.

Gabe: 49ers - It is going to take more than the 49er's have to beat Peyton Manning at home. That being said, without Donald Brown and with a limited Reggie Wayne, I think San Fran can keep it close. I like the Colts to win by 10.




Dolphins(+3) at Jets



Dave: Dolphins- The Jets struggled with Miami on Monday night a few weeks ago and now come into the rematch down Kris Jenkins and Leon Washington. Plus, the Karma Gods have to strike down Mark Sanchez for the overblown "Hot Dog on the Sidelines" brouhaha, right? Dolphins by 6 and the world gets acquainted with rookie wideout Brian Hartline, who will probably fill in for stone-handed Ted Ginn Jr.

Gabe: Dolphins - This game will be about adjustments. The Jets got torched by the Dolphins a few weeks ago. Like Dave said, today the Jets will be minus Jenkins and Washington. I don't think the Jets will be able to make the adjustments necessary and will lose outright.




Rams(+4) at Lions



Dave: Rams - Both of these teams suck out loud, but the Lions give up a ton of passing touchdowns and will probably be without Calvin Johnson again this week. Matt Stafford is expected to come back but it won't matter with nobody to throw to. Forced to pick someone here, so I'll take the points.

Gabe: Lions - Both teams suck. The Lions are at home and don't quit. They'll win by a touchdown.


Seahawks(+9.5) at Cowboys



Dave: Cowboys - Cowboys stuck it to a game Falcons team, much to my surprise. The Seahawks are beat up and looking to next year and not even the return of Marcus Trufant changes that. I like Tony Romo to continue his beatdown of inferior teams in low pressure situations. Cowboys by 14. (P.S. I would tell you to check my preview on sportstalkbuzz.com, but I'm already promoting one website that isn't paying me: THIS ONE.)

Gabe: Cowboys - Earlier this week the Seahawks called me and asked if I wanted to play left tackle. I declined. They called later in the week and asked if I wanted to play middle linebacker. We couldn't come to terms financially, so I passed. The Cowboys are rolling and will win big.




Raiders(+16.5) at Chargers



Dave: Raiders - Only because the Chargers can't run the ball and I think they have a little bit of trouble throwing on Nnamdi Asomugha. I still think Oakland will epically suck, but they'll only lose by 14.


Gabe: Raiders - This is just way too many points. The Chargers are not that good. Oakland puts it together every now and then. The Chargers will win by 10.


Jaguars(+3) at Titans



Dave: Jaguars - Part of me believes The Karma Gods lead Vince Young to Tennessee's first W of the season here against a terrible Jaguars team, but it's hard to have in a quarterback that begrudgingly got the starting nod because the owner put a gun to the coach's head. I'll believe VY can lead to this team to victory when it happens. 'Til then, Jags by 6.

Gabe: Jaguars - Vincent Young is starting because the owner forced Jeff Fisher into it. Young has a fragile psyche. Jags by a touchdown.


Panthers(+10) at Cardinals



Dave: Cardinals- A team that can only move the ball on the ground facing the best run D in the NFL at home? You could triple the spread and it wouldn't be big enough! Look, every game John Fox foolishly trots Jake Delhomme out as his QB is a big "Fuck You" to the fans and I don't think you can be competitive if every waking second you're on the field, you find new ways to irritate your fans. Don't worry, Panthers fans. Jake Delhomme and John Fox will be on a CBS set next year, Steve Smith will be in Miami, Julius Peppers will be in Oakland and Bill Cowher is coming to town. Cardinals by 21.

Gabe: Cardinals - The Panthers can't throw the ball. The Cardinals are good at stopping the run. That's it, that's the list. Cardinals huge.


Giants(-1) at Eagles


Dave: Giants - A battle between two bad good teams. Giants have looked pedestrian for the last eight quarters of football. Eagles struggled to put away a Redskins team that has clearly given up all hope and was giving them every chance they can to make it a 35-point drubbing. I like the Giants here because I think McNabb gets intimidated by a Giants' pass rush that brutalized him not too long ago and because their best weapon, Brian Westbrook, is a bit iffy. Giants by 3 here.

Gabe: Giants - My heart really wants the Giants to win this game, especially because it is against my least favorite team. My head says there is no way the Giants lose three games in a row. The Giants will be motivated. The Eagles offense is a one dimensional passing game. The Giants strength is stopping the pass. Giants by a touchdown.


Falcons(+11) at Saints



Dave: Saints - Bad 8 days of scheduling for the Falcons. First they get anger-banged by Dallas and then have to travel to N'Awlins to take on a Saints team that came back from down 21 at halftime to make it a laugher against Miami. I want to think Reggie Bush's "undefeated" prediction comes back to haunt him, but the Saints are just too good to not dominate here. Plus, Bush only feels the need to be a halfway competent back when it's Monday Night Football. Saints by 14.

Gabe: Saints - I am going to ride the Saints and Drew Breeeeees until they don't beat a team by 12 or more. Done and done.

Redskins (+7) at the Bye Week

Gabe: The Bye - The Redskins are really bad. I don't think the Bye will have any problem beating this number. The Bye wins by at least 10.