NFL PICKS (Week 8)

Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens (-3): This game matches the surprise of the league, Denver, against a tough Baltimore team that is reeling and needs a win this week. The Ravens are only 3-3 and their once inpenetrable defense looks rather pourous this year, giving up 100 yard rushers in 2 of their last 3 games. The real interesting point of comparison is that Denver's virtually anonymous (beyond Champ Bailey) defense is statistically superior to Baltimore's superstar-led defense. Should be fun to watch Joe Flacco (the #7 rated fantasy quarterback) test his mettle against Denver. Bottom line: The Ravens need this game more than the Broncos. This will be the Broncos first real road test. My pick: Ravens (-3).

Cleveland Browns @ Chicago Bears (-14): Blech. What a terrible game. The Browns look terrible, can anyone believe that their coach used to be called "Mangenious"? I prefer the nickname Eric ManGenieInABottle because he will need at least 3 wishes to salvage this season, and perhaps this job. Chicago looked absolutely dreadful last week against Green Bay. Cutler needs to show up (especially at home, double especially with Orton still undefeated) or the Chicago faithful might start to turn on the guy with a stronger arm than John Elway. I expect Chicago to win this game going away, but 14 points is just too many to cover. My pick: Browns (+14).

Houston Texans (-3.5) @ Buffalo Bills: Lock of the Week. Houston's got an offense that just won't quit. Buffalo's offense needs a new alternator, fuel injector and hell, that stuff ain't cheap. The line is only 3.5 points and I expect Houston will win by more than 14. I'm that high on Schaub, Slaton and Johnson. Missing person update: Police have left the endzone, concluding that Owens was never there. Additionally, someone spotted a man resembling Terrell Owens at a Buffalo-area grocery store. He was buying some Orville Redenbacher's and was heard mumbling something about getting his popcorn ready. My pick: Texans (-3.5).

San Francisco 49ers @ Indiannapolis Colts (-13): The Texans put 21 up on San Fran before they even knew the game started last week. If it wasn't for a miraculous, career-saving comeback by Alex Smith, that game would have stayed out of hand. Now that the Colts are expecting Smith to be starting, look for a return to the old Smith (you know, the guy who threw 2 touchdowns in 2 years after being drafted #1 overall). Colts roll at home, Manning throws for 3 TDs. My pick: Colts (-13).

Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets (-3.5): Isn't it amazing what playing the Raiders will do to your perceived effectiveness? This is the same Jets team that looked disgustingly inept against Buffalo. The same team that got taken apart in the fourth quarter, by this same Dolphins team. I think the Dolphins have a better quarterback (Henne over Sanchez) and I think they have a better defense. I think both teams have good running attacks, but If I were Jets fans, I'd be worried about losing this one. My pick: Dolphins (+3.5).

Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas Cowboys (-10): I feel like Dallas is starting to roll. The emergence of Miles Austin is important, as defenses will now need to focus at least some attention on #19. This will create more opportunities for Roy Williams, Jason Witten, Patrick Crayton and the Barbarion. Playing at home under the giant scoreboard (how does God watch Cowboys games now??) should give the Cowboys confidence and the Seahawks a taste of their own medicine (a loud opposing crowd that messes up your signal calls). I'd like to take the points and the Seahawks in this one, but I just cannot pull the trigger. My pick: Cowboys (-10).

New York Giants @ Philladelphia Eagles (+1): I always hate to pass up a home favorite, but the Eagles are Fool's Gold. I mean, c'mon, this team lost to the RAIDERS... The Giants are still road warriors and they will need a win following their first two defeats of the season. I think that the Giants defense will force more than 2 turnovers, Eli will capitalize in the RZ and Manningham and Smith will return to early season form. Giants roll in this one. My pick: Giants (-1).

Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers (-17): Laying 17 points. In an NFL game. Jesus Oakland, am I going to have to pick you?? The Chargers need to get LT going in this game or you can write him off for the rest of the season (and maybe the end of his career... Shaun Alexander anyone?). Rivers and Co. playing at home against a division foe simply cannot be expected to win by 17. I can't believe I'm doing this... My pick: Oakland (+17).

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans (-3): Have you ever seen a winless team favored this late into the season? Go with the Jags in this one. MJD will have a big game. Vince Young is starting for the Titans so you know their offense is going to struggle. My pick: Jags (+3).

Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals (-10.5): I've got a feeling that Fitzgerald will go OFF this week. I think the Panthers are really, really bad. Those two factors combined with the fact that the Panthers have to travel across the country to Arizona to play Kurt Warner in a safe atmosphere lead me to believe that the Cardinals have this, despite the double digit spread. My pick: Cardinals (-10.5).

Minnessota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers (-3): This game is tough to pick. I think the Packers fans will be going absolutely crazy. I think the Packers are a little underrated and the Vikings a little overrated. The Packers defense has played well this season, giving up only 98 points all season (6 games, 98 points= 16 points per game). Look for the home-field to vault the Packers to an outright win, but by less than 3 points. My pick: Vikings (+3).