The NFL regular season is nearing it's halfway point. The Rams and Chiefs are pacing the league and continuing to excite week in and week out. The Patriots, Chargers, Panthers, Saints and Vikings have also formed winning habits through Week 7. Besides that? Most teams are vulnerable enough to be beaten by anyone on any given Sunday.
I'm on a hot streak making picks after a slow start to the season. Week 5 brought me a 9-6 record, Week 6 was my strongest with 11 wins and 4 losses, and in Week 7 I stayed positive with a (9-4 before MNF)
The highlights of Week 8 include the London game between the Eagles and Jaguars, the Rams getting a potential test from the Packers, and an NFC playoff rematch between the Saints and Vikings.
Thursday Night
Miami Dolphins (4-3) at Houston Texans (4-3)
Before DeShaun Watson tore his ACL last October, he was taking the league by storm. The Texans got off to a rocky 0-3 start, but are now one of the hottest teams in the league with four straight wins. The offensive trio of Watson, DeAndre Hopkins, and Lamar Miller has produced for Houston this year.
After a flowery start, the Dolphins have settled into a more natural position of an up and down team. Brock Osweiler starts for the third straight game, (he's 1-1 this season) against one of his former teams.
The Texans are peaking, and may be the new AFC South favorites. On Thursday Night, they get it done at home, even if it's no walk in the park.
After a flowery start, the Dolphins have settled into a more natural position of an up and down team. Brock Osweiler starts for the third straight game, (he's 1-1 this season) against one of his former teams.
The Texans are peaking, and may be the new AFC South favorites. On Thursday Night, they get it done at home, even if it's no walk in the park.
Texans win 27-24 in overtime
Sunday
Philadelphia Eagles (3-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4)
*Game played in Wembley Stadium, London at 9:30 AM ET/6:30 AM PT
Nine months ago, if a couple plays in the AFC Championship played out differently, this easily could have been the Super Bowl matchup. Fast forward to Week 8 of the 2018-19 NFL season, and neither team has a positive record or a secure playoff standing.
The Eagles have been up and down, and have fallen short results-wise. Much of the Super Bowl talent is still there. The Jaguars also retained a good portion of last year's roster: yet their team has felt broken in recent weeks. Bortles, benched in the last game and now reportedly on a "short leash," has been inefficient. The offensive woes have tricked down and allowed the defense to be exposed for some big games by opposing offenses.
Wentz has been solid in his return to the field this season with nearly 300 passing yards per game. While the Jaguars still have some elite defensive personnel, the Eagles offense will get many shots to score some points. Philly wins in London.
The Eagles have been up and down, and have fallen short results-wise. Much of the Super Bowl talent is still there. The Jaguars also retained a good portion of last year's roster: yet their team has felt broken in recent weeks. Bortles, benched in the last game and now reportedly on a "short leash," has been inefficient. The offensive woes have tricked down and allowed the defense to be exposed for some big games by opposing offenses.
Wentz has been solid in his return to the field this season with nearly 300 passing yards per game. While the Jaguars still have some elite defensive personnel, the Eagles offense will get many shots to score some points. Philly wins in London.
Eagles win 24-13
New York Jets (3-4) at Chicago Bears (3-3)
The Jets are coming off a 2-1 home stand that showed they can prey on weaker teams, while stronger teams pose too much of a challenge. The Bears balled out last week in New England, and could have won if not for: two Patriots special teams, and Trubisky's Hail Mary attempt being completed but only to the one yard line.
I wasn't a believer in the Bears, but their 3-3 is a hard fought 3-3. At home, their defense should be able to take care of Darnold and the Jets.
I wasn't a believer in the Bears, but their 3-3 is a hard fought 3-3. At home, their defense should be able to take care of Darnold and the Jets.
Bears win 27-17
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-3)
Tampa Bay is coming off its first win since Week 2: a 26-23 victory at home over the Cleveland Browns. Jameis Winston is settling back into his starting role. Cincinnati had a strong 4-1 start, before being outdueled by the Steelers and blown out by the Chiefs.
These losses are concerning for the Bengals eventual playoff chances. I see Cincy making the postseason with 10-11 wins, but Dalton and Marvin Lewis won't be able to overcome the likes of Pittsburgh, New England, and Kansas City.
Luckily the Buccaneers are not as formidable an opponent.
These losses are concerning for the Bengals eventual playoff chances. I see Cincy making the postseason with 10-11 wins, but Dalton and Marvin Lewis won't be able to overcome the likes of Pittsburgh, New England, and Kansas City.
Luckily the Buccaneers are not as formidable an opponent.
Bengals win 24-16
Seattle Seahawks (3-3) at Detroit Lions (3-3)
The Seahawks are playing away from Seattle for the 5th time this season already (last week's win over the Raiders was at Wembley Stadium in London.) The Seahawks are 2-2 away from home, and this time travel to Detroit.
The Lions have won three of four games, and besides their Week 1 MNF loss to the Jets, they've won or lost by a single possession in every game since. Detroit committed to winning earlier this week by trading for Giants DT Damon Harrison.
I like Seattle's football team more, but the trends seem to be favoring Detroit at home, as they try to propel themselves into the NFC playoff race.
The Lions have won three of four games, and besides their Week 1 MNF loss to the Jets, they've won or lost by a single possession in every game since. Detroit committed to winning earlier this week by trading for Giants DT Damon Harrison.
I like Seattle's football team more, but the trends seem to be favoring Detroit at home, as they try to propel themselves into the NFC playoff race.
Lions win 23-17
Denver Broncos (3-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-1)
The 6-1 Chiefs have only played three games at Arrowhead Stadium so far: where they are undefeated. Besides their loss to the Patriots, Kansas City's closest game this season was a 27-23 win in Denver. The Broncos even slowed down the Rams offense (or maybe it was the snow.) Basically, the Broncos are no easy out.
But Denver's most impressive games have come at home. Though KC is a similar mid-west environment, the Chiefs home-field is powerful. Mahommes and the Chiefs improve to 7-1 at the halfway mark of their season.
But Denver's most impressive games have come at home. Though KC is a similar mid-west environment, the Chiefs home-field is powerful. Mahommes and the Chiefs improve to 7-1 at the halfway mark of their season.
Chiefs win 30-17
Washington Redskins (4-2) at New York Giants (1-6)
The Giants have played some close games, but their win in Houston has remained the only bright spot in their disaster season. Over the past week, New York officially threw in the towel, trading defensive starters Eli Apple and Damon Harrison.
But let's hold up before we give this game to the Redskins. Washington has scored 126 points this season, the least in the NFC East. They're being outscored 49-43 on the road this season. Upset special: I think the trades actually light a fire in the Giants players, and they win in MetLife Stadium for the first time this season.
But let's hold up before we give this game to the Redskins. Washington has scored 126 points this season, the least in the NFC East. They're being outscored 49-43 on the road this season. Upset special: I think the trades actually light a fire in the Giants players, and they win in MetLife Stadium for the first time this season.
Giants win 24-17
Cleveland Browns (2-4-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2-1)
The Browns have had quite the interesting season. Setting aside a 38-14 loss to the Chargers, Cleveland's remaining six games have all been decided by a touchdown or less. Both the wins and losses (and ties) have been close.
That tie was against the Steelers, in Week 1. Pittsburgh has made strides since that game, and while the Browns have faced challenges of their own, they may still fall short to their AFC North big brother.
That tie was against the Steelers, in Week 1. Pittsburgh has made strides since that game, and while the Browns have faced challenges of their own, they may still fall short to their AFC North big brother.
Steelers win 27-22
Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Carolina Panthers (4-2)
An important interconference matchup, as the Ravens and Panthers search for playoff footing in the season's second half. Carolina has been most affected by location this season (3-0 at home vs. 1-2 on the road,) so they're happy to host the Ravens (2-2 away, 2-1 at home).
I'm having trouble rating the overall ability of either team. The Panthers have wins against the Bengals and Eagles, but losses to the Redskins and Falcons. Baltimore has beaten the Broncos, Steelers, and Titans, but fallen to the Browns, Saints, and Bengals.
In true toss-up fashion, I'll take the home team.
I'm having trouble rating the overall ability of either team. The Panthers have wins against the Bengals and Eagles, but losses to the Redskins and Falcons. Baltimore has beaten the Broncos, Steelers, and Titans, but fallen to the Browns, Saints, and Bengals.
In true toss-up fashion, I'll take the home team.
Panthers win 24-21
Indianapolis Colts (2-5) at Oakland Raiders (1-5)
The first half of the season has been brutal for the Colts: their first five opponents currently hold winning records, and also included last year's two Super Bowl teams. They caught a break last week, and blew up the Buffalo Bills by a score of 37-5. The rest of the season is much more forgiving, so Andrew Luck could string together a couple wins.
The Raiders are reeling and just traded away Amari Cooper. Since the Colts are no world beaters, you can't count Oakland out. But they've also given us no reason to pick them.
Colts win 23-16
Green Bay Packers (3-2-1) at Los Angeles Rams (7-0)
Los Angeles has the best record in the league, but that doesn't mean I have to pick them automatically. If they were in New England, or when they play the Chiefs later this year, they're far from an automatic win.
But I think the Packers have been grossly overrated this season. Rodgers had a great comeback.. against a depleted 49ers team. This isn't the Green Bay team that dominated in the middle of the decade. If nothing else, their defense won't be able to stop the Rams from putting up 30. The Rams defense holds the Packers in check. Recipe for an easy path to 8-0.
Rams win 34-23
San Francisco 49ers (1-6) at Arizona Cardinals (1-6)
Two of the worst teams in the league square-off on Sunday. I would probably consider San Francisco the cream of the one win crop: above Arizona, the Giants, and the Raiders. Even without Jimmy Garoppolo, the Niners played the Packers hard on Monday Night Football and only lost on a vintage Aaron Rodgers comeback.
Arizona's only win came against the 49ers, but I think they return the favor this week.
Arizona's only win came against the 49ers, but I think they return the favor this week.
49ers win 18-13
Sunday Night
New Orleans Saints (5-1) at Minnesota Vikings (4-2-1)
A rematch of last year's classic NFC playoff game. The Vikings have made the biggest change, swapping out Case Keenum for Kirk Cousins. The Saints offensive powerhouse has willed them to a 5-1 record, even with a suspect defense. Since starting 1-2-1, Minnesota has won three straight.
Both teams have a lot going for them, and we should be in for a thrilling Sunday Night Football game. The Vikings going toe-to-toe with the Rams on TNF comes to mind, and since the Saints defense isn't at the same level, I don't see why they can't put on a show again.
Vikings win 34-28
Monday Night
New England Patriots (5-2) at Buffalo Bills (2-5)
The oddsmakers have the Patriots as 14 point road favorites. That should tell you what you need to know about this game. The Bills can show up at home, and will have extra fire on Monday Night against Tom Brady. But as New England has regained form, they should make light work of the Bills in front of a national audience.
Patriots win 42-10
More
Teams on bye:
- Atlanta Falcons (3-4)
- The Falcons are in good position to turn things around after a shaky start. I have the two of the other three NFC South teams losing in Week 8, further helping Atlanta.
- Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
- Dallas has alternated wins and losses this season. They're due for a win next Monday Night against the Titans. Will trading for Amari Cooper give the Cowboys new life in the NFC East race?
- Los Angeles Chargers (5-2)
- Quietly, the LA Chargers are one of the best teams in the NFL. They're not the best team in the AFC West or the best team in Los Angeles though, so they continue to be slept on.
- Tennessee Titans (3-4)
- Opening game loss, three straight wins, three straight losses (two one point losses.) The Titans are a hard team to peg, as they could easily be 5-2 right now. The AFC South could be wide open, so if they take care of divisional opponents, they'll stay in the race.
NFL Week 1 Picks
Header photo: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Photo #1: Associated Press
Photo #2: Joe Mahoney/Associated Press
Photo #3: Matt Ludtke/Associated Press
Photo #4: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images
Header photo: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Photo #1: Associated Press
Photo #2: Joe Mahoney/Associated Press
Photo #3: Matt Ludtke/Associated Press
Photo #4: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images
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