Zac's Backs: 2009 NFL Week 8 Picks

Welcome back to the only NFL picks here on Associated Content that watch one football game on TV and listen to another on radio, all while working on a seating chart for the upcoming wedding. That loud yell you will all hear in about a week and a half will be me celebrating for joy at the conclusion of this planning process. This is the NFL week 8 edition of Zac's Backs.

A comment from one of my friends after going 7-6 in my week 7 NFL picks: "Dude, you're obviously not feeling it with the wedding coming up. Stop now and make your comeback after the honeymoon."

I see that as a challenge if there ever was one! My NFL picks have been called out and I must redeem my honor. Here are my picks for week 8 of the 2009 NFL season.

Houston at Buffalo

Those who've been following my NFL picks know that I have not been convinced of the greatness of the Houston Texans. I'm still not thoroughly convinced but I am getting there. Anytime I want to pick the Bills, I just remember that they lost to the Cleveland Browns. In Buffalo.

Winner: Houston

Cleveland at Chicago

In my NFL picks last week, I had the Bears over the Bengals in a close contest. I don't think anybody saw the Bengals destroying Chicago by 35. Fortunately for the Bears, they get the (maybe) UFL worthy Browns at home. Can somebody please tell me why I wasted five hours of my life on Sunday listening to the Browns game as well as the pre and post game coverage on WTAM? Please, if you have any clues, leave me a message.

Winner: Chicago

Seattle at Dallas

At the beginning of the 2009 NFL season, I suggested that the Dallas Cowboys were the most underrated football team in the NFC. After six weeks, it looks like I could have been correct. I expect the Cowboys to move to 5-2 facing the Seahawks in Dallas.

Winner: Dallas

St. Louis at Detroit

Nobody cares. Truly. Nobody in St. Louis or Detroit cares. I've been slowly convincing friends of mine that the 2009 Rams are actually worse than the '08 Lions. Prove me right this Sunday, Detroit. My NFL picks depend on you.

Winner: Detroit

San Francisco at Indianapolis

The 49ers have really let me down when it comes to my NFL picks. My man crush, Peyton Manning, will make San Fran pay in Indy. Is there anything about the 49ers defense that makes you believe that unit is keeping Manning from throwing at least three TDs?

Winner: Indianapolis

Miami at New York Jets

Boy, did the Dolphins blow it last Sunday against the Saints. I blame the Miami fans that jobbed me about my power rankings as they obviously jinxed the Fish. The Jets will be looking for revenge at home and Mark Sanchez won't throw three interceptions this Sunday.

I hope.

Winner: New York Jets

Denver at Baltimore

Here's the deal, readers. Since week two, my NFL picks and power rankings have been scrutinized by many for giving so much credit to the Denver Broncos. Lo and behold, the Broncos are now 6-0. The Ravens, meanwhile, have lost three straight.

Both teams had an extra week to think about this upcoming game. For only the second time in my 2009 NFL picks, I'm going against the Broncos and picking Baltimore. If the Ravens are going to do anything this football season, they need to stay above .500 and win a big game. Baltimore can do both this weekend.

Kickoff for this football game is 1:00 pm, meaning the Broncos must travel east and play a 1 pm game. Sorry, Denver fans. Just can't pick your boys here.

Winner: Baltimore

Jacksonville at Tennessee

Dear Tennessee: Please trade a draft pick to the Browns for either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson. Please. I beg you.

Winner: Jacksonville

Oakland at San Diego

Remember when the Raiders beat the Eagles a couple of weeks ago? The Jets showed just how much a fluke that win was. I don't know if I'll pick the Raiders again this NFL season.

Winner: San Diego

Carolina at Arizona

The Cardinals turned their season around with a huge win against the Giants at the Meadowlands Sunday night. Now, Arizona gets to face a pass defense with a secondary even weaker than New York's.

Winner: Arizona

Minnesota at Green Bay

The game of the week. Hollywood Brett Favre returns to Green Bay for the first time. Speaking of Brett Favre returning, Jets fan and Zac's Backs contributor West Side Eric had this to say about Favre as soon as he saw me Sunday evening.

"I've been waiting to see the Jets' Favre since September. Welcome back, Brett!"

In my week 7 NFL picks, I went with Hollywood Favre and his Vikes to pick up the big win in Pittsburgh. Watching Favre embarrass himself in Green Bay would bring me oh, so much joy. I don't see it happening, though. Too bad.

Winner: Minnesota

Atlanta at New Orleans

Did the Falcons put some doubt in your minds after that horrible performance in Dallas? Are the Saints nothing more than the best team in a terrible conference? These are two big discussion points that have arisen after week 7 of the NFL.

I've had the Saints at the top of my NFL power rankings for several weeks in a row. After watching their comeback in Miami, I'm convinced that the Saints just aren't going to lose.

OK, that's not true, but the Falcons will need to earn back my trust. A win in New Orleans would do the trick. We'll see if the Falcons can prove me wrong.

Winner: New Orleans

Two quick notes. As always, my Giants pick will be coming later in the week when I publish my preview. Also, don't forget that there is no Sunday night game this weekend due to the World Series.

And with that, my NFL picks for this week are over. Thanks for reading. You've been great as always. Enjoy the 2009 World Series. Go Yankees.

For more info: Check out my week 7 NFL picks and NFL power rankings. You can also follow me on Twitter.