2011 NFL Week 8 Predictions and Picks

It's time to make my 2011 NFL week 8 predictions and picks. Let's start with the Sunday early contests on the schedule as Arizona travels to Baltimore. I can't imagine the Cardinals winning this one going away but stranger things have happened. My gut feeling is that Ray Rice runs wild and often for 135 yards and 2 scores as the Ravens roll to a 38-17 victory.

Next up on the 2011 NFL week 8 schedule-Minnesota continues the Christian Ponder era with a trip into the Cam Newton era. Which era will provide a win this early on? Newton is rolling and putting up huge stats week in and week out-still that's provided just two wins. This one could be a potential toss up with the Vikings landing a win because of Adrian Peterson-but I'm going to go with the homestanding Panthers just because of the Cam factor. Newton runs for 2 touchdowns and tosses 2 more in a 31-20 win. Peterson gets 110 yards and at least one score in the losing effort.

My 2011 NFL week 8 predictions and picks continue with Jacksonville in Houston. The Texans absolutely did a number on the Tennessee Titans during week 7 and I think that trend will continue at home when they face the Jags. Expect more high rushing totals as the Texans romp the visiting Jaguars 34-13. Arian Foster gets 2 touchdowns and 134 more yards.

Elsewhere, Miami tries to pick up that elusive win against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. I can't see it happening without some signs of an offense developing. I think the Giants romp, too this weeek in my NFL week 8 picks-New York 34 Miami 9. Eli Manning tosses two touchdown passes and the Giants running game punches in a few more. The Dolphins continue to add to their Andrew Luck lottery totals.

New Orleans is in St. Louis to face the Rams. The Saints absolutely crushed the Colts on Sunday night. Is there any chance for an upset? What are the NFL week 8 odds on this one? It won't be pretty but this is is one contest where the Rams might be capable of beating the spread-if it's over 15. But don't count on the Rams being in the vicinity in the late going. I'll take Drew Brees and company by a 37-23 final-no matter what the 2011 NFL week 8 odds say.

Indianapolis is looking for win number one against a suddenly struggling Tennessee team. Can the Colts win on the road? Probably not in Nashville. The Titans will be hungry to demolish any obstacle after not showing up against the Texans. The Colts just happen to be in the way during the 2011 NFL week 8 schedule. Titans roll 33-13 thanks to 3 rushing touchdowns from Chris Johnson.

The Detroit tries to avoid losing three straight when they travel to Denver to face Tim Tebow. Can Tebow stack up against a tough Lions defensive line? I think Tebow will perform even better in week 8 but the Lions still might win. My 2011 NFL week 8 predictions and picks for this one? Lions win 26-21. Calvin Johnson gets two more touchdowns and continues his MVP type season(although odds are he probably won't catch Aaron Rodgers in that category).

Washington tries to slow down high scoring Buffalo on the road. Can the Redskins bounce back from a tough loss to Carolina? Not against Buffalo. The Bills tally 33 points in a 33-20 win over Washington. Look for the Bills to get at least one defensive touchdown.

Cincy is in Seattle to face the Seahawks. Can the Bengals do well without Cedric Benson(who probably will be suspended?) I think this could be the upset special of the week if you can call it that. Seattle wins an absolutely ugly but close game 20-17.

Cleveland travels to red hot San Francisco to face the 49'ers during the 2011 NFL week 8 schedule. You would be hardpressed to find the odds in favor of the Browns by any oddsmaker. That's because the 49'ers are suddenly playing like an NFL elite team. Although the recent Falcons win over the Lions takes the shine off the 49'ers win on the road just a bit. Still, I think San Francisco is a great pick to win at home--and by a lot against a struggling Browns offense. San Fran wins 31-13 thanks to 145 yards and 2 scores from Frank Gore.

Perhaps the game of the week takes place when New England travels to Pittsburgh. These two are playing at an extremely high level. The Steelers are tough customers at home but can the Patriots pull out a Tom Brady miracle win? I just don't think the Patriots defense is going to be able to slow down Pittsburgh. I'll take the Steelers to win at home 31-26. Big Ben tosses 3 more touchdown passes and outshines Tom Brady who tosses 2 but gets picked twice.

The Sunday night game is Dallas at Philadelphia. Can the Cowboys beat the odds on the road and come up with back to back big wins? Dallas is starting to straighten things out but the Eagles will be tough division rivals as usual. I look for Michael Vick to shine on Sunday night with 3 touchdowns and a 27-21 win over Dallas.

The Monday Night Football game this week features Kansas City hosting San Diego. Can the Chiefs continue their momentum which included a huge win at Oakland this past week? I think the Chiefs are turning it around after looking quite miserable during week one. The Chiefs surprise the Chargers with a 27-23 victory.

That's it for my 2011 NFL week 8 picks and predictions. We'll be back in week 9 with more of the same-until then have a great week of work and enjoy the football games on Sunday!