National Football League

NFL Week 8: Picks and predictions

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Dec 27, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) celebrates with wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) after a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Jaguars 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

In his Week 8 NFL picks, our insider Matt Verderame tries to keep his momentum going. I wouldn’t use these to make bets, though.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans (-3.5)

And the NFL wonders why ratings are down more than 10 percent. Who the hell wants to watch Jacksonville (2-4) and Tennessee (3-4) do anything but sign contraction papers?

Pick: Tennessee 31, Jacksonville 23

Washington Redskins at Cincinnati Bengals (-3)

The third and final installment of the NFL ruining the sport of football for England. Cincinnati (3-4) is more talented, but Washington (4-3) has played better this year. On neutral ground, I’ll take talent.

Pick: Cincinnati 27, Washington 23

Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5) at Indianapolis Colts

It’s hard to see Indianapolis (3-4) beating a good team. Since Kansas City (4-2) qualifies as exactly that, the Colts are getting the loss despite being at home.

Pick: Kansas City 28, Indianapolis 20

Oakland Raiders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1.5)

Give credit to Oakland (5-2) for being undefeated on the road this season. However, that streak comes to an end here thanks to consecutive cross-country trips. Tampa Bay (3-3) is just good enough to earn the win.

Pick: Tampa Bay 30, Oakland 26

Oct 2, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrates his fourth quarter interception with teammate Richard Sherman (25) during the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks (-3) at New Orleans Saints

New Orleans (2-4) is always a decent home team, but that offense isn’t built to deal with Seattle (4-1-1) and it’s Legion of Boom. The Seahawks don’t have a great attack, but Russell Wilson will do enough here.

Pick: Seattle 27, New Orleans 19

Detroit Lions at Houston Texans (-2.5)

This is an odd game. Detroit (4-3) is quietly looking to make a move in the NFC playoff picture. Houston (4-3) is a mediocre team in a rancid division. Toughest call of the week.

Pick: Houston 20, Detroit 17

New York Jets (-2.5) at Cleveland Browns

This is easy. Cleveland (0-7) doesn’t deserved to be picked until it finally wins one game. New York (2-5) is bad, but much better than the Browns.

Pick: New York 24, Cleveland 13

New England Patriots (-6) at Buffalo Bills

After talking all that smack after his Week 4 win over the Patriots, Rex Ryan and Buffalo (4-3) get to incur the wrath of Bill Belichick. New England (6-1) is going to smash the Bills.

Pick: New England 31, Buffalo 17

Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers (-2.5)

What once looked like a great game is now a battle to stay afloat. Arizona (3-3-1) is better and has a substantially superior defense. Carolina (1-5) simply has nothing right now except for fresh legs following the bye.

Pick: Arizona 35, Carolina 24

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) talks to Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos (-6)

Denver (5-2) lost to San Diego (3-4) two weeks ago on Thursday Night Football. It’s tough seeing the Broncos losing twice to the same opponent in three weeks.

Pick: Denver 24, San Diego 13

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons (-2.5)

Atlanta (4-3) was rolling to the NFC South title but has hit a snag over the past two games. Green Bay (4-2) was also expected to be a dominant force in the NFC, but Aaron Rodgers has been middling at best. In a battle between two teams finding themselves, take the home favorite.

Pick: Atlanta 30, Green Bay 27

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (-4.5)

Dak Prescott vs. Carson Wentz. This is going to be fun. Dallas (5-1) looks like the real deal while Philadelphia (4-2) got a huge win last week over the Vikings. The difference? The offensive line in white.

Pick: Dallas 27, Philadelphia 24

Minnesota Vikings (-5) at Chicago Bears

Minnesota (5-1) is simply a much better team. John Fox would be smart to begin laying money on himself as the first coach fired this season. Chicago (1-6) is horrendous. Could be close between Fox and Gus Bradley, though.

Pick: Minnesota 22, Chicago 6

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