NFL 2021 Week 8 Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again. The week that could be offers us perhaps some good games and possibly more blowouts like last weeks. I'll be keeping an eye on the Packers-Cardinals, Steelers-Browns, and Cowboys-Vikings games this week. In this post I'll do a preview of the week ahead and my picks for the contests. Let's get to work!

Week 8 Preview

The NFL's eight week of the regular season will start in Glendale, Arizona and finishes in Kansas City, Missouri. Week 8 will have a 15-game slate where 30 teams will play in. Only the Baltimore Ravens and the Las Vegas Raiders have a bye this week. The week features a Thursday night game, eight early games, four late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. FOX will have the doubleheader this week and CBS will have the single, regional game. Let's get to the picks!

Week 8 Picks

Note: TW is me and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate. All game times are in US Eastern.

Green Bay (6-1) @ Arizona (7-0) (FOX/NFL Network/Amazon; 8:20 pm): TW: Cardinals; CV: Cardinals
Both teams won last week as the Packers beat the Football Team and the Cardinals beat the Texans. The week starts off with one of the better contests that look to be an offensive shootout. Green Bay's defense really made some great turnovers against Taylor Heinicke and Washington. They have the offense that can keep Arizona's own offense on the sideline. Arizona's one flaw is perhaps their rush defense as they currently give up 115.7 yards/game. I still think the Cardinals will win based on their offense and well put defense. That and I'm currently down a few games to Cardinal Viking, I can't give more ground to him than I need to. 

Carolina (3-4) @ Atlanta (3-3) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Falcons; CV: Falcons
The Panthers lost to the Giants and the Falcons beat the Dolphins last week. Carolina really has fallen off the cliff a game after Christian McCaffrey was out with injury. The star runningback will likely be out for this game as far as I've seen. That will likely mean that Chuba Hubbard will see most of the rushing carries again this week. He has done well in his McCaffrey's place. Atlanta has done better getting victories over the Jets and Dolphins. They have certainly come close to losing such games but they can't certainly lose to a team lead by Sam Darnold. Right?

Cincinnati (5-2) @ NY Jets (1-5) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Bengals; CV: Bengals
Last week the Bengals beat the Ravens and the Jets lost to the Patriots. The Bungles haven't done a whole lot of bungling this year and it is an improvement on both their offense and defensive games. That and keeping Joe Burrow upright. They seem to be a contender for the division this year and they can easily take care of the New York Jets. New York won't have rookie quarterback Zach Wilson for this one as he will be out for 2-4 weeks with an injury. The Jets are a pretty bad team and I think the Bengals will take care of business. 

LA Rams (6-1) @ Houston (1-6) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Rams; CV: Rams 
The Rams beat the Lions and the Texans lost to the Cardinals last week. Houston's only saving grace is the Astros and that's saying a lot. Their Texans are certainly in the full rebuild and won't likely make noise in January. Their offense is pitiful and their rush defense is a carpet. They do have an average pass defense. Los Angeles is the complete 360 as they have a great team with great play on both sides of the ball. Matthew Stafford will likely torch the Texans defense. Just hope that the Astros will keep you relevant Houston, the Rockets could have a rough season as well. 

Miami (1-6) @ Buffalo (4-2) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Bills; CV: Bills
The Dolphins lost to the Falcons and the Bills were on a bye last week. Miami hung around and almost won against the Falcons. Granted the Falcons and blowing leads is a perfect marriage. Miami's defense got back to better play but they're going up against a buzzsaw in the Bills. Buffalo is better rested they have arguably the best defense in the NFL and they have a stellar quarterback in Josh Allen. I'll take the Bills.

Philadelphia (2-5) @ Detroit (0-7) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles
The Eagles lost to the Raiders and the Lions lost to the Rams last week. Philly got clobbered against the Raiders last week and their defense was exposed a bit in the passing game. Detroit isn't Las Vegas but I do like the Eagles chances to get their 3rd win. Detroit played gutsy football with some of the playcalling in the first half against the Rams. Will Detroit try something crazy this week? I won't rule it out but it feels like a tough task to stop Jalen Hurts. 

Pittsburgh (3-3) @ Cleveland (4-3) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Steelers; CV: Browns
The Steelers were on a bye and the Browns beat the Broncos last week. Pittsburgh has managed to get back to a winning formula after starting 1-3. Injuries have plagued them. What could be the difference maker for them is the offensive line vs the Browns defensive line. Cleveland has had issues with injuries as well and Baker Mayfield could be playing in this one. I'd not feel good with him starting and I'd start Case Keenum. Cleveland could likely get Nick Chubb back and that could be a factor as well. It feels like a toss-up but I'll take the Steelers with the upset. 

San Francisco (2-4) @ Chicago (3-4) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers
The 49ers lost to the Colts and the Bears lost to the Buccaneers last week. San Francisco played a close game with the Colts in spite of the rain and miscues. Jimmy Garoppolo can play as long as he stays healthy which can be a tough task at times. The 49ers pass defense can shut down Justin Fields and the Bears offense. Justin Fields really shouldn't be out there if he's going to be taking that many hits. Chicago's offense is abysmal. Their defense is a saving grace. I still don't think it'll be enough for them to get a win against the 49ers. 

Tennessee (5-2) @ Indianapolis (3-4) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Colts; CV: Colts
The Titans beat the Chiefs and the Colts beat the 49ers last week. The rematch of a Week 3 game that the Titans won 25-16. The Colts are a different team than that game last week. The biggest difference is that Carson Wentz has been healthy and playing better football. In that Week 3 game the Colts gave up 113 yards to Derrick Henry. What they'll need to do is to hold him to under that 100 yard mark. If the Colts can take advantage and convert turnovers into points they have a shot to win. Tennessee is still the class of the division. I think it'll be a toss-up but I'll take the Colts. 

Jacksonville (1-5) @ Seattle (2-5) (CBS; 4:05 pm): TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks
The Jaguars were on a bye and the Seahawks lost to the Saints last week. Jacksonville had a bye week and they're certainly the well-rested team. I'm not sure they're the better team on paper.  Jacksonville's rush offense is fairly good when they know how to use James Robinson. They have a terrible defense and Seattle's is just as awful. It'll come down to who can ultimately stop each other. Geno Smith will start again. This game just seems like a bad one but I'll take the home team in this one. 

New England (3-4) @ LA Chargers (4-2) (CBS; 4:05 pm): TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers
The Patriots beat the Jets and the Chargers had a bye last week. Mac Jones had a breakthrough game against the Jets. Granted this was against the Jets which are awful. Having to go across the country and take on a Chargers team that got roughed up against the Ravens. Hopefully the rested Chargers can bounce back against a Patriots team that is still trying to figure itself out. I think it will depend on how well the Chargers offense responds. I'll take the Chargers.

Tampa Bay (6-1) @ New Orleans (4-2) (FOX; 4:25 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
Both teams won last week as the Buccaneers beat the Bears and the Saints beat the Seahawks. Tampa played perfect football against Chicago last week. Nearly every facet of the game is in favor for the Buccaneers. New Orleans barely beat the Seahawks last week. They have been very good at times and very bad at times as well. I think it factors into the quarterback position as Jameis Winston isn't Drew Brees. It doesn't seem likely that the Saints will win. 

Washington (2-5) @ Denver (3-4) (FOX; 4:25 pm): TW: Football Team; CV: Broncos
Both teams lost as the Football Team lost to the Packers and the Broncos lost to the Browns. Washington's defense seems to be the healthier of the two. Taylor Heinicke has played alright at times while not having his best game last week against the Packers. Teddy Bridgewater seems to be the safer pick at quarterback between him and Heinicke. Denver has a banged up defense once again and they're 3-0 start seems like a long time ago. I'll go with Washington by a squeaker. 

Dallas (5-1) @ Minnesota (3-3) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
The Cowboys and Vikings were on a bye last week. Dallas has gotten off to a great start to the year with somewhat soft schedule. Dak Prescott is somewhat questionable to play but he feels confident that he will start. Ezekiel Elliot has been the x-factor in the Cowboys resurgence as the last few seasons he has had diminished production. Minnesota has had some close calls when it comes to losses. The Vikings offense has been the better side of the ball for Minnesota and they'll have a tough task to beat out the Cowboys defense. I'll take the upset. 

NY Giants (2-5) @ Kansas City (3-4) (ESPN; 8:15 pm): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
The Giants beat the Panthers and the Chiefs lost to the Titans. New York had its best win of the season against a fairly decent but on the decline team in the Carolina Panthers. They had some great performances in that game but they're going up against another down but not necessarily out team in the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City hasn't had the best start to its year and its defense has been atrocious. Not to say that the offense has had its moments of struggles. If they want to have a rebound game, this game has it written all over. I think the Chiefs will take it. Or maybe not. Any given Sunday right? 

Early & Late Game TV Pairings (courtesy of 506sports.com):

Note: Games in bold are being shown in my area

CBS Single

Pittsburgh @ Cleveland
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

Cincinnati @ NY Jets
Kevin Harlan, Trent Green

Miami @ Buffalo
Andrew Catalon, James Lofton

Tennessee @ Indianapolis
Spero Dedes, Jay Feely

New England @ LA Chargers (LATE)
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis

Jacksonville @ Seattle (LATE)
Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta

FOX Early

San Francisco @ Chicago
Adam Amin, Greg Olson

Philadelphia @ Detroit
Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

Carolina @ Atlanta
Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez

LA Rams @ Houston
Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston

FOX Late

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans
Joe Davis, Troy Aikman

Washington @ Denver
Brandon Gaudin, Mark Schlereth

For more information on which game is being shown in your area, check out: NFL 2021: Week 8 Maps. Check local listings. 

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3
Week 7: 10-3

Total: 69-38

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2
Week 7: 10-3

Total: 73-34

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

NFL 2019 Week 8 Picks

Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us! The week that was last week was an average week ending at 7-7, slightly better than what I thought but at one point I was 6-0 in picks last week. Hopefully this week gets better. The post will include a mind blowing NFL 100 spotlight and my picks to the week 8 games. Let's get to work!

NFL 100: A Spotlight

On Sunday, the Browns visit Foxboro to take on the Patriots. What if I told you that Bill Belichek, Vinny Testaverde, Bill Parcells, Willie McGinest, and Drew Bledsoe had one thing in common. They were in a playoff game with the same two teams. I'll explain.

On January 1st, 1995, the 10-6 New England Patriots visited the 11-5 Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. The Patriots are entering their first playoff game since 1986. The Browns are returning to the playoffs since 1989. Little did both teams know that the aftermath of the game would set things in motion that still echo to this day.

The Patriots head coach, Bill Parcells, was entering his 2nd season at the helm of the Patriots. Just two years earlier, the team contemplated moving to St. Louis. Ultimately the team was bought by local businessman Robert Kraft in 1993. Parcells was lured out of a cushy TV job at NBC to coach the team. In the 1993 draft, the Patriots drafted Drew Bledsoe and Troy Brown. In the 1994 draft, Parcells selected Willie McGinest and with that the foundation of the Patriots success for the next decade was set.

The Browns hired Bill Belichek after the 1990 season. He set about rebuilding the defense and keeping Bernie Kosar as quarterback. While the Browns had three losing seasons, Belichek would let Kosar go as a free agent. Kosar would eventually help Dallas to win Super Bowls. Vinny Testaverde would start the playoff game against the Patriots.

Cleveland Municipal Stadium, which was opened on 1931, was crumbling. Hopes that Browns owner, Art Modell, would get a new stadium deal was crumbling as well. After the 1993 season, the Cleveland Indians would move into Jacobs Field to start play in the 1994 season. The new ballpark was designated as a baseball-only park.

The game itself was a competitive one as Browns kicker Matt Stover hit a field goal to give the Browns a 3-0 lead. The lead wouldn't last long as Drew Bledsoe found Leroy Thompson for a touchdown, 7-3 Patriots. Cleveland answered back with Vinny Testaverde would hit Mark Carner for a 5-yard touchdown, 10-7 Browns. Patriots kicker Matt Bahr would hit a field goal before halftime to tie the game 10-10. Leroy Hoard would run it in for a touchdown to start scoring after halftime, 17-10 Browns. Matt Stover would hit a field goal to give the Browns a 20-10 cushion. Matt Bahr would give the Patriots some more points with a field goal with a 20-13 game. Ultimately the score would end with a 20-13 Browns win.

For the Browns, it would be their last playoff win (as of the 2018 NFL regular season) and it would be Bill Belichek's first playoff win as a head coach, besting his mentor Bill Parcells. A year after the playoff game, the Browns would move to Baltimore to become the Ravens after negotiations between the city and Art Modell fell through. Vinny Testaverde would play for Bill Parcells as the Jets starter in the 1998 AFC Championship game. He would join Parcells in Dallas in 2005, his backup was Tony Romo. Bill Belichek would return to the assistant coaching ranks with Parcells in 1996 and moved with him to the Jets. When Parcells announced his resignation, Belicheck at first took the coaching job but would ultimately decline, becoming the Patriots head coach. The rest, as they say is history.

For the Patriots, they would post a 6-10 record in 1995 but would make their 2nd Super Bowl appearance in 1996. Bill Parcells would leave the job after Super Bowl XXXI to coach the Jets. In 2005, he became the head coach of the Cowboys. His quarterbacks were Vinny Testaverde, Drew Bledsoe, and Tony Romo. Drew Bledsoe remained a Patriot until the 2001 season when he became injured in a game against the New York Jets. His backup was Tom Brady. Brady along with McGinest, and Troy Brown would win three Super Bowls in four years. Bledsoe was dealt to the Buffalo Bills and then joined the Cowboys where another injury would put his backup into action, Tony Romo.

Essentially NFL history was made in this AFC Wild Card game in 1995. Both teams had no idea what kind of rammifications would happen years later. Such rammifications like Tom Brady or Tony Romo ultimately becoming starting quarterbacks. Talk about mind-blowing, eh?

Week 8 Picks!

Week 8 of the National Football League regular season starts in Minneapolis, Minnesota and ends in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There are 15 games on the week slate. The Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys are on bye this week. FOX will have the single, regional game and CBS will have the double-header. There will be a Thursday night game, nine early games, three late games, a Sunday night game, and a Monday night game. Let's get to the picks!

Washington (1-6) @ Minnesota (5-2) (FOX/NFL Network): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings

The Redskins lost to the 49ers and the Vikings beat the Lions last week. The week kicks off with a weak game as the Redskins aren't that good on either side of the ball. Unless Kirk Cousins shits the bed, I think the Vikings will take a win.

NY Jets (1-5) @ Jacksonville (3-4) (CBS): TW: Jaguars; CV: Jaguars

The Jets lost to the Patriots and the Jaguars beat the Bengals last week. The matchup seems a bit more in favor to the Jaguars as they do have a better offense. Defense seems a bit more leaning towards the Jaguars but I can't sleep on the Jets defense either. I think Leonard Fournette will have a good game which means bad news for the Jets defense trying to get stops.

NY Giants (2-5) @ Detroit (2-3-1) (FOX): TW: Lions; CV: Lions

Both teams lost last week as the Giants lost to the Cardinals and the Lions lost to the Vikings. Saquon Barkley is questionable for this game and Kerryon Johnson is questionable to start as well. I feel the Lions will win based on their better defense than the Giants. Please Detroit, don't fuck this up.

Philadelphia (3-4) @ Buffalo (5-1) (FOX): TW: Eagles; CV: Bills

The Eagles lost to the Cowboys and the Bills beat the Dolphins. Philadelphia looked awful last week and they need a win in hostile environment. Carson Wentz has a tough challenge and his receivers and defense needs to play better, and limit the turnovers. Tough sledding for Philly but I'll take them.

Seattle (5-2) @ Atlanta (1-6) (FOX): TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks

Both teams lost last week as the Seahawks lost to the Ravens and the Falcons lost to the Rams. Matt Schaub will start for Atlanta and I don't trust him to overcome this good Seahawks team. Russell Wilson had an off day but should get back to normal against an awful Falcons defense.

Tampa Bay (2-4) @ Tennessee (3-4) (FOX): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers

The Buccaneers were on a bye and the Titans beat the Chargers last week. Ryan Tannehill played well in his first start of the season. Tampa has the #1 ranked rush defense and the gameplan should center on trying to make Ryan Tannehill beat you with a one-dimensional offense. I could be off as Jameis Winston could throw six interceptions in the game but I like the rested Bucs in this one.

LA Chargers (2-5) @ Chicago (3-3) (FOX): TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers

Both teams lost last week as the Chargers lost to the Titans and the Bears lost to the Saints. Chicago played awful last week against the Saints. The Bears offense in particular was not that good and while they do play against an average Chargers defense. I trust Philip Rivers to get back on track and get a win but if Rivers gets sacked a lot, I might regret taking the Chargers in this one. Let's just hope not.

Denver (2-5) @ Indianapolis (4-2) (CBS): TW: Colts; CV: Colts

The Broncos lost to the Chiefs and the Colts beat the Texans last week. Indianapolis is quietly becoming a good team in a wide open AFC. Denver let Emmanuel Sanders go via trade so I don't expect the Broncos offense to get a lot going as their pass protection is not great either. I'll take Indy with their 5th win of the season.

Cincinnati (0-7) @ LA Rams (4-3) (CBS): TW: Rams; CV: Rams

The Bengals lost to the Jaguars and the Rams beat the Falcons last week. The game will be in London. Jared Goff and the Rams offense should do well in this matchup as both sides of the ball for Cincinnati is pretty much trash. Andy Dalton could have a long day.

Arizona (3-3-1) @ New Orleans (6-1) (CBS): TW: Saints; CV: Saints

Both teams got wins last week as the Cardinals beat the Giants and the Saints beat the Bears. I don't trust the Cardinals defense to keep the hot Teddy Bridgewater and the Saints offense out of their element. The SuperDome will be loud and when it comes to young quarterbacks, the noise will effect their communication. Unless the Saints defense breaks down and the Cardinals offense can get the crowd out of the game, they have a shot to win.

Carolina (4-2) @ San Francisco (6-0) (FOX): TW: 49ers; CV: Panthers

The Panthers were on a bye and the 49ers beat the Redskins last week. San Francisco got better on pass offense with the addition of Emmanuel Sanders via trade from Denver. I think the addition adds another weapon to a fairly average receiving corp. The game will be somewhat high scoring but I think the victor will be the one who can put up 30+ and can keep Christian McCaffrey out of his element.

Cleveland (2-4) @ New England (7-0) (CBS): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots

The Browns were on a bye and the Patriots beat the Jets last week. The marquee game this week. The game looked pretty nice on paper when the schedule came out but not so much now. The Browns have been somewhat of a disappointment this season (probably as to be expected) while the Patriots have been somewhat vulnerable. Perhaps the addition of Mohamed Sanu will give Tom Brady some versatility in the passing attack. I don't trust Cleveland to get a win in a hostile environment.

Oakland (3-3) @ Houston (4-3) (CBS): TW: Texans; CV: Texans

Both teams took losses last week as the Raiders lost to the Packers and the Texans lost to the Colts. I really hate myself for doing this but I'm sadly taking Houston in this game. The Texans rush defense is pretty good and the Raiders pride themselves on using Josh Jacobs to get them yardage. So please Houston, win this game so that I can keep my sanity with you.

Green Bay (6-1) @ Kansas City (5-2) (NBC): TW: Packers; CV: Chiefs

Both teams got wins last week as the Packers beat the Raiders and the Chiefs beat the Broncos. Matt Moore will start for the Chiefs most likely in this game but the Packers should be prepared to play against Patrick Mahomes. If the latter starts, this game will be a pretty good one as both teams have pretty good quarterbacks. The Chiefs have the edge in terms of wide receivers but I like the Packers defense over the Chiefs.

Miami (0-6) @ Pittsburgh (2-4) (ESPN): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers

The Dolphins lost to the Bills and the Steelers were on a bye last week. Week 8 finishes up with a doozy of a game for ESPN. I expect the Steelers to win pretty handily as the Dolphins are pretty terrible on either side of the ball. Quite honestly, Yinzer Nation will riot the streets if the Steelers lose to a hapless Dolphins team.

Local TV Schedule (courtesy of 506sports.com, subject to change):

CBS Early:
Denver @ Indianapolis
Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts

CBS Late:
Cleveland @ New England
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

FOX Single:
Philadelphia @ Buffalo
Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston

For more information on which game is being shown in your area, check out: NFL 2019: Week 8 Maps

The Records (By Week & Year):

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 11-4-1

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 10-6

Week 4: 7-8

Week 5: 9-6

Week 6: 7-7

Week 7: 10-4

Overall: 64-41-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 12-3-1

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 11-5

Week 4: 8-7

Week 5: 5-10

Week 6: 9-5

Week 7: 7-7

Overall: 62-43-1

See you guys on Monday night for the Week 8 recap post!

-Tom