Quick Picks; Week Eight
Every week throughout the season, we make our Quick Picks (in bold) on the upcoming slate of games, focusing on the key points for each match-up. After a close-fought week, a few teams are starting to emerge as front-running contenders. Here are Week Eight’s picks.
Miami Dolphins @ Baltimore Ravens (TNF)
With Jay Cutler injured, Miami could be better offensively with Matt Moore at quarterback. The Ravens have struggled for consistency on both sides of the ball. Jay Ajayi could have a strong game while Miami’s defense has been playing well.
Minnesota Vikings @ Cleveland Browns (London)
This year’s final International Series game sees DeShone Kizer get the start once again for the Browns. But he will be facing a Super Bowl-calibre defense and will likely get pulled again. Case Keenum has been a good game manager in recent weeks and Stefon Diggs should be healthy and poised for a huge game.
Oakland Raiders @ Buffalo Bills
Oakland’s offense woke up in a crazy upset of the Chiefs and need to start stacking wins to get back into contention. But Buffalo is a tough place for a road win with Sean McDermott’s defense playing well. But with Derek Carr set to return to MVP form at last, the Raiders should win it.
Indianapolis Colts @ Cincinnati Bengals
Despite being shut out by Jacksonville, the Colts have been competitive with Jacoby Brissett. But with rookie safety Malik Hooker done for the year and T.Y. Hilton set to disappear again on the road, Indy will have a tough time upsetting the Bengals. With Hooker out, A.J. Green should carve up Indianapolis’ secondary.
Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots
Both teams have figured things out after slow starts. Can the Patriots protect Tom Brady from the attentions of Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram? New England’s defense still haemorrhages yards but has become stingy with points, although they do still struggle against the run which means Melvin Gordon could have a big day as the Chargers pull off a huge upset.
Chicago Bears @ New Orleans Saints
The Saints are on a roll and now host a Bears team that barely uses its offense to win games. As good as Chicago’s defense has been, the Saints should easily overpower them in the Superdome. And while the Bears will likely score more points this week, New Orleans’ defense is playing well enough to keep them in check.
Atlanta Falcons @ New York Jets
After failing to exorcise their Super Bowl demons against New England, Atlanta could be in danger of going 0–4 against the AFC East. The Jets have lost two straight but have played hard and this could be a trap game for a Falcons team struggling to find its rhythm.
San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles
Philly looks like the best team in the NFC thanks to Carson Wentz’s MVP form. But with left tackle Jason Peters done for the year, can Wentz weather San Francisco’s pass rush? Probably, if this play is anything to go by. San Francisco has too many holes in the secondary for the Eagles to exploit in pursuit of 7–1.
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This year’s preseason darling, the Bucs have rapidly sunk to 2–4 and look like one of the worst teams in the league. The Panthers have blown hot and cold, and now injuries on the offensive line could mean that their run game stays stuck in the backfield. But Carolina can draw on some good passing performances by Cam Newton this season to keep themselves in the NFC South mix.
Houston Texans @ Seattle Seahawks
Houston is coming off a bye, but now exciting rookie Deshaun Watson must face Seattle’s defense. The Seahawks didn’t really dominate a morose Giants team, so could have trouble with Houston’s balanced attack. Watson has a penchant for turnovers though, and should give up a few on the road in Seattle. But if he can rise above them, the Texans should get a statement win.
Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins
Dallas dominated San Francisco, but now faces a more competitive team in Washington. This is a must-win for either team if they want to hang onto the Eagles’ tail feathers in the NFC East. Ezekiel Elliott is cleared to play, while Washington needs to step up around Kirk Cousins, who has been playing well.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Detroit Lions (SNF)
Pittsburgh have looked like the class of the AFC in recent weeks and are beginning to stack wins. Detroit are coming off a bye and could make this a shootout, but they need Matthew Stafford and Golden Tate to be healthy. However, Pittsburgh’s young, fast defense could shut down Detroit en route to a road win.
Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs (MNF)
Denver’s defense can only do so much, and their offense is holding them back. The Chiefs are reeling from two straight losses but can bounce back against the Broncos, even if Denver’s defense plays well. Kansas City’s defense is a solid unit that should keep Trevor Siemian and Co. in check.
