Week 8 NFL Picks: Challenge Athlon Sports Experts!
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Here are this week’s picks from Athlon Sports senior editor John Gworek:
Thursday’s Game
Miami at New England
The Dolphins have been a different team since Dan Campbell took over as coach, but this is the first proven quarterback they have faced all season.
Gworek's Pick: New England, 30–17.
Sunday’s Games
Detroit vs. Kansas City (London)
The Lions fired their offensive coordinator and line coach before heading to London. Now, about that defense that ranks 27th overall …
Gworek's Pick: Kansas City, 23–16.
Tampa Bay at Atlanta
The Falcons return home after an unimpressive 1–1 road trip. The Bucs somehow rank sixth in yards allowed but 31st in scoring defense.
Gworek's Pick: Atlanta, 33-28.
Arizona at Cleveland
Arizona has 15 takeaways in its five wins. Cleveland has turned it over 15 times in its five losses. Browns must hold on to the ball.
Gworek's Pick: Arizona, 31–21.
San Francisco at St. Louis
Don’t expect many points. The Rams rank 31st in yards and scoring, and the 49ers are the only team worse in both categories.
Gworek's Pick: St. Louis, 16–9.
Minnesota at Chicago
The Vikings played their best game of the season in Detroit for their first road win, but they haven’t won in Chicago since 2007.
Gworek's Pick: Vikings, 21–17.
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N.Y. Giants at New Orleans
The Saints have fought back into the NFC Wild Card race. The Giants have given up yards (29th overall) but rank fourth in takeaways.
Gworek's Pick: N.Y. Giants, 30–27.
San Diego at Baltimore
The Chargers have the league’s top offense, but turnovers have been a problem. Baltimore hasn’t forced a turnover since Week 3.
Gworek's Pick: San Diego, 28-23.
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
The Bengals were rolling at 6–0 but had last week off. The Steelers are 8–2 in their last 10 vs. Cincinnati and should get Ben Roethlisberger back.
Gworek's Pick: Pittsburgh, 27–26.
Tennessee at Houston
Tennessee may be happy to be back on the road after losing four in a row at home. The Texans gave up 503 yards last week to Miami.
Gworek's Pick: Houston, 20–16.
N.Y. Jets at Oakland
This one is strength vs. strength: The Jets are unbeaten when they rush for at least 100 yards; Oakland has the NFL’s No. 3 run defense.
Gworek's Pick: N.Y. Jets, 23–17.
Seattle at Dallas
Two teams that like to run the ball, but also two top-10 run defenses. So if comes down to Russell Wilson vs. Matt Cassel …
Gworek's Pick: Seattle, 24–16.
Green Bay at Denver
Green Bay has feasted on a favorable schedule (4–0 at home already). Denver’s offense has to get going eventually, right?
Gworek's Pick: Denver, 24–23.
Monday’s Game
Indianapolis at Carolina
The Colts are still looking for their first win outside of the AFC South and rank last in total defense. Carolina leads the NFL in rushing.
Gworek's Pick: Carolina, 28–20.
Week 7 Record: 9–5
Overall Record: 65–40
