NFL Week 8 Picks

Loren had a 6-0 week last week but I only lost 1 game with a 5-1 record. I have a 5 game lead after 7 weeks. Records as of now? I've got a 27-15 record and Loren is on the positive side with 22-20.
 
Miami at NY Jets
Loren – NY Jets. Both the Jets and Dolphins have won games against inferior opponents and lost against better competition. Unfortunately for the Jets, they’ve seen Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Houston, and New England (and they kept in close in the latter two). I’ll take the home team and I expect to see the throw some strange offensive looks at the Dolphins to throw them off balance.
Derek – Miami. The Dolphins are playing better as of late and the Jets owe them one from their game earlier this year. The bye week will help Miami get some semblance of offense enough to pull out a squeaker.

Seattle at Detroit
Loren – Detroit. I’ll take the Lions at home in the dome. Losing Burleson is definitely a hit, but it will force the team to adjust and throw more short passes, force defenses up, and allow CJ to get some room to operate. Overall, Detroit has racked up yards offensively and shut down teams defensively. They just don’t have the wins to show for it. I think they take a step in the right direction this week.
Derek – Seattle. What is going on in Detroit. Stafford only has 4 TDs this year and not a single one of them is to Megatron. Surprising. I don’t think you turn that around playing against a Seahawk defense who’s absolutely killing the opposing QB right now.

Washington at Pittsburgh
Loren – Pittsburgh. Washington is dead last in passing yards allowed. Since Pittsburgh can’t run anyway, they’ll just air it out and play good D.
Derek – Pittsburgh. This should be a tough game both ways. I think the Steelers D will do just enough to keep in front of RGIII. Big Ben will have a big day through the air, don’t expect them to run it much, not that they ever do.

Oakland at Kansas City
Loren – Kansas City. I was halfway through writing about Oakland winning this on the road when I talked myself into KC. Yeah, they have a QB controversy, and a prima donna WR. They also have a killer ground game that gets better with Hillis coming back this week. They’re also rested after coming off a bye week, so Quinn has had extra time to prepare. Oakland remains winless on the road this year.
Derek – Oakland. Two bad teams, but at least the Raiders look like their trying. Beyond a big day from Charles what does KC have? Not much that’s right. I don’t think their D will be able to stop Run DMC and I’d expect a low scoring ground game here.

New Orleans at Denver
Loren – Denver. It just doesn’t let up for Denver. They’re treat coming off the bye week? A reinvigorated Saints team that has won two straight. Denver should be able to put pressure on Brees, but that doesn’t necessarily guarantee success. I’d be a lot more comfortable with this pick if Tracy Porter weren’t questionable. Either way, the Saints can’t play defense so how are they going to stop Manning and McGahee?
Derek – Denver. The Saints look better lately, at least their offense is scoring in bunches. But give Manning a home game against a bad D and I think he’ll put 4 good quarters together.

NY Giants at Dallas
Loren – NY Giants. Who knows what we’re going to get out of this one? Regardless, the Giants are a better team and the safer bet. Plus, it just makes your heart feel good to pick Dallas to lose.
Derek – NY Giants. I’ve watched 3 Dallas games this year. I just don’t see them beating a Giant team that seems to know how to win. On the ground or through the air. Don’t forget the Murray is most likely out for this game for Dallas menaing even more pressure on Romo.