NFL Week 8

Happy Halloween everyone!

We are coming up on a pivotal week of football. Must win games for the Chargers, Ravens, and Bears. Each team sits at 3-3, each has shown signs of promise, as well as inconsistency. If these teams have hopes of contention, they need to get it going this week. 8-8 is not going to win a division this year (not even the NFC West). Any team who lingers under .500 at this point in the season can pretty much be written off. So a loss this week for any of those 3 teams, could spell disaster.

That being said, here are my selections for week 8:

BALTIMORE (-3.5) over Denver
Must win #1. This is where the miraculous Broncos run ends. The Ravens are too good of a team to lose 4 straight games, especially at home. Ray Rice has been one of the pleasant surprises of the season, and the Ravens offense might be able to figure out the Broncos defense, which has given opposing offenses fits so far. The Ravens cannot (and will not) slide to 3-4.

CHICAGO (-13.5) over Cleveland
Must win #2. There were some people who were very high on the Bears before the season. I was not one of them, but still, they have been somewhat of a disappointment. They should come out in this game and crush the Browns. Good news for Matt Forte fantasy owners, I think this is the game where he finally breaks out, goes for at least 2 TDs. He, as well as the offensive line, has done very little thus far, maybe the Browns defense is just what they need.

Houston (-3.5) over BUFFALO
What can I say, I like the Texans. Get used to it. I don't think the Bills are any good. Who did they beat? The winless Buccaneers, the hapless Panthers, and Mark Sanchez (a rookie qb) in bad weather. I don't believe, sorry Buffalo. Texans win easily.

GREEN BAY (-3) over Minnesota
Gooooood game. The Vikings were brought back down to Earth last week, when Brett Favre completely blew the game in Pittsburgh. On the other hand, the Packers have come on strong following a lackluster first few games. The Vikings were unable to get the running game going last time these 2 played, and that could be a major problem in cold weather at Lambeau field (what with Favre's 59-year old arm). The Vikings D is number 1 in number of sacks, but when they don't get that pressure, they are vulnerable to the big play. Think Rodgers to Jennings for 65 yards.

INDIANAPOLIS (-12.5) over San Francisco
Why would you pick against Peyton Manning? At this point, it's just foolish.

Miami (+3) over NEW YORK JETS
I didn't think I would be saying this anytime this season, but I like the Dolphins offense. The Wildcat seems to be working nicely (although I doubt whether the formation is the real reason for success, I would contribute it more to talented RBs and good blocking) and Chad Henne has been just fine in the starting role. He is not going to continually make big plays for you, but that offense isn't asking him to. I only worry about the Dolphins falling behind early, they are not a team that plays well from behind. But they did already beat the Jets this year and Mark Sanchez has not impressed me much since the Patriots game (the Raiders defense doesn't count). Ballsy Pick of the Week - Dolphins win 31-24.

DETROIT (-4) over St. Louis
Uggh, the worst team last year vs. the worst team this year. Gee thanks NFL! Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are both questionable and the Lions need at least one of them to play. They are not going to beat many teams with Daunte "remember me?" Culpepper and Dennis "heard of me?" Northcutt. Still, I'm going to take the Lions because I think the Rams have already decided to go after Sam Bradford.

Seattle (+9.5) over DALLAS
2 reasons for this pick. First, I don't think Miles Austin can carry the entire Cowboys team for 3 straight games. And second, I am forced to start Hasselbeck because Tom Brady has a stupid bye, and I really need him to do well. I think the Seahawks can keep it within 10.

SAN DIEGO (-16.5) over Oakland
Must win #3. Largest spread I have seen so far this season. I can see this game going one of 2 ways. 1) We see a repeat of week 1, where it's a one possession game in the 4th quarter, but the Chargers ultimately pull out the win because they are the better team and we cannot afford a home loss to Oakland. Or 2) the Chargers win 52-6. I think it's about 50/50 one way or the other. And based on what I saw from the Raiders last week, I'm gonna say we win by 46.

Jacksonville (+3) over TENNESSEE
The 2 RBs in this game are the only reasons to watch. The Titans are hoping that Vince Young will provide a spark to the offense that was so explosive last season (especially in the running game). The Jaguars are most likely looking to give MJD the ball 70 times and just letting him have at the Titans depleted defense. Not a high-scoring affair in this one. I'll take the points.

ARIZONA (-10) over Carolina
Two words: Jake and Delhomme... I'm adding two more: is and awful. You do the math.

New York Giants (Pick) over PHILADELPHIA
So I'm supposed to believe everything is fine in Philadelphia because they beat the Redskins by 10? Not buying it. I need to see a signature win before I forgive them for losing to Oakland. Perhaps a win over the Giants? Too bad it's not going to happen. The Giants have lost to 2 very good offenses the past 2 weeks, and I don't see the Eagles as a great offense. You take away DeSean Jackson and you should be fine.

Atlanta (+10) over NEW ORLEANS
Going with the Falcons again. This pick is very simple. I think the game is going to be closer than 10 points. That's it. I'm thinking 38-31 Saints.

Fantasy time. I am being hit hard by injuries at the wide receiver position so these rosters are subject to change if certain players are pulled late.

WeLikeSportz - Matt Hasselbeck, Steven Jackson, Steve Slaton, Calvin Johnson, Vincent Jackson, Hakeem Nicks, Todd Heap, David Akers, Vikings D

League of Imported Spirits - Peyton Manning, Michael Turner, Pierre Thomas, Andre Johnson, Hakeem Nicks, Johnny Knox, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Owen Daniels, Kris Brown, Ravens D