NFL Week 8 picks

Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears:  The Bears offense is suffering, but so is the Browns.  Despite injuries, the Bears defense is better than the Browns, which should be all the difference.  BEARS, 24-9

Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens:  Is this the time that Broncos' Cinderella ride turns into a pumpkin?  The Ravens defense is stifling, and the offense is working, too.  Kyle Orton is fitting into the Broncos' offensive scheme, so he'll keep Denver moving, but I think Baltimore hands them their first loss.  RAVENS, 27-23

Houston Texans at Buffalo Bills:  The Texans tend to play their tougher opponents harder and slack off against the weaker.  That might give Buffalo an advantage, but I think the Texans will respect the "new look" Bills enough to play them tough.  TEXANS, 23-17

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets:  Miami gave New Orleans a run for their money, but they petered out.  The Dolphins defense might frsutrate Sanchez early, but the Jets will hang in, and pull this one out in the fourth quarter.  JETS, 24-21

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles:  The Giants have lost two in a row, but it's been years since they lost three in a row.  Against a divisional opponent, they will bear down and pull out this victory.  The Eagles may end up with more yards, but the Giants defense will cause a couple of turnovers.  GIANTS, 27-23

San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts:  The 49ers defense is starting to fracture.  Alex Smith had one good week, but Peyton Manning has had five of them this season.  COLTS, 27-13

Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys:  The Cowboys are silencing their early critics with some strong victories.  They'll add this one to that list.  COWBOYS, 30-17

St Louis Rams at Detroit Lions:  Can the Rams gain their first win against last season's winless team?  I actually think not.  Despite NONE of the Lions' three quarterbacks doing well, they are doing better than the hapless Rams.  With the Rams defense still a wreck, the Lions will win again.  LIONS, 28-20

Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals:  The Cardinals are looking good.  Kurt Warner and company are wiping out the history of losing in the Cardinals organization.  CARDS, 27-13

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans:  I think this is the week Denver loses, and I also think this is the week that the Titans win.  Switching the quarterback will confuse the Jaguars defense.  As good as Jack Del Rio is, it's been nearly two years since Vince Young played, and that leaves plenty of question marks.  The Jags don't adjust really well, which could give the Titans the edge in what will likely be a defensive battle.  TITANS, 16-13

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers:  Brett Favre returns to Green Bay, this time as part of a visiting team.  It's a switch for him, but will the switch include the result?  Green Bay has looked strong the past couple of weeks, while the Vikings must recover from their first loss against that tough Steelers defense.  The Packers defense isn't as tough, so the Vikings have a good chance.  Aaron Rogers will be too excited to prove himself better than Favre - he did that in their earlier game this season and it cost them.  I think it will again.  VIKINGS, 31-24

Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers:  Oakland is still struggling, as JaMarcus Russell's status as starter is in doubt.  CHARGERS, 27-16

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints:  The Saints showed weaknesses last week, but they poured it on in the fourth quarter to win.  Atlanta's offense is better, but the Saints won't take them for granted so much.  I like the Saints' chances, although they should be prepared for an upset.  SAINTS, 27-24