Smitty's Week 8 Picks

Back again, sorry about last week my Mom was getting married so we'll call it a bye week.

Here we go.

Indianapolis Colts (6-0) vs Carolina Panthers (4-2)
- The Colts are coming off an impressive Monday Night thrashing of the Jags and seem to be as good, or better, than they were last year when they won the Super Bowl. The Panthers are a surprising 4-2, but with turnover-prone David Carr at the helm things could get dicey. Carolina must come out with a lot of energy and hope Indy is looking ahead to Week 9. I don't think that'll happen.
Pick: Colts 24-13

Detroit Lions (4-2) vs Chicago Bears (3-4)
-Tommie Harris thinks the Bears will win, but he could be mistaken. The Bears have gone down once already to the Honolulu Blue and if they don't get a big game from Brian Griese they could be in trouble. Look for Kevin Jones to play a major role, regardless of the outcome. Whoever wins takes a big step in the NFC north.
Pick: Lions 31-30

Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) vs Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
-The Steelers suffered a heartbreaking loss last week as they were Jason Elam's 3rd victim so far this season. Cincy is coming off a very close win over the Jets. Whichever team comes out with more heart should win this one. Could be a very high scorer if the Steelers play defense like they did last week.
Pick: Steelers 31-28

New York "Football" Giants (5-2) vs Miami Dolphins (0-7) Wimbley Stadium, London
-The first ever NFL game overseas probably won't be the best of match-ups. Miami is 0-7 and looking worse and worse every week. The Giants have won 5 straight and look to be a serious contender in the NFC. Cam Cameron could be on the hot seat halfway through his first season, yikes.
Pick: Giants 34-13

Philadelphia Eagles (2-4) vs Minnesota Vikings (2-4)
- This game is a must-win for both clubs. For the Eagles, they can't afford to fall any further behind any of the 3 teams ahead of them in the NFC East, and for the Vikes it's time to see some progress from Tarvaris Jackson, or the Andre Woodson/Brian Brohm/Matt Ryan Era could begin in the land of 1000 lakes in 2008.
Pick: Eagles 17-10

Cleveland Browns (3-3) vs St. Louis Rams (0-7)
-It pains me to watch these Rams. Even with Steven Jackson back in the lineup, this one will be ugly. Derek Anderson runs an efficient ship and this week will be no different.
Pick: Browns 34-16

Oakland Raiders (2-4) vs Tennessee Titans (4-2)
- The Raiders can't score. The Titans get Vince Young back. You could see JaMarcus Russell in this one before its all said and done.
Pick: Titans 13-6

Buffalo Bills (2-4) vs New York Jets (1-6)
-This is an ugly one and if it gets too ugly for the Jets it could mean the end of the Chad Pennington in the Big Apple. Buffalo should be able to run the ball effectively and get Marshawn Lynch his first 100 yard game of his career. Pnding a Trent Edwards meltdown the Bills should take this one, but it'll be close.
Pick: Bills 14-13

Houston Texans (3-4) vs San Diego Chargers (3-3)
-The Bolts seem to have found their stride and the Texans seem to have lost theirs. Sage Rosenfels had a great game last weekend but it doesn't translate into wins, especially against a very stout San Diego D. LT should have a monster game, again.
Pick: Bolts 31-24

Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) vs Tampa bay Buccaneers (4-3)
-Both teams are coming off bad losses but the Bucs only lost the game, the Jags lost their Quarterback. Quinn Gray will make his first NFL start and judging by the way he played against the Colts in the second half monday night he is far from ready. If Tampa can limit their turnovers then they should win this one close.
Pick: Bucs 14-10

Washington Redskins (4-2) vs New England Patriots (7-0)
-Joe Gibbs called his team "the biggest underdog in the history of sports" it may be exaggeration but not by much. Belichick won't let his team look ahead to a Week 9 showdown of unbeatens, rather he will run up the score on Washington simply to shut the media up. Skins D could cause problems with their versatility, but Brady is so good right now none of that will matter.
Pick: Pats 38-17

New Orleans Saints (2-4) vs San Francisco 49ers (2-4)
-A matchup of two very disappointing teams in this one. Although the Saints seem to have turned it around, the Niners have looked particularly pathetic these last two weeks. Alex Smith is back so that should help, but Reggie Bush (4 total TD's last time these two met) will give this defense fits. NO continues their run back to respectability.
Pick: 'Aints 31-17

Monday Night Game
Green Bay Packers (5-1) vs Denver Broncos (3-4)
-The Broncos won yet another nail biter last week against the Steelers but they'll have to be more prepared this week when Favre and the Pack come calling. Favre is having a very effective season throwing the ball and the Bronco's heralded pass D has severely underachieved. Denver can't stop the run, but the Pack aren;t the best running team. Whoever wins the battle through the air should win this one.
Pick: Pack 31-28

Smitty's Record: 7-6