NFL Picks Week 8: Monsters of the Midway Point

This Halloween weekend, the New Orleans Saints face one of their most hated non-divisional opponents of the past decade, in the Chicago Bears. The Saints and Bears have faced each other 6 times during the Drew Brees/Sean Payton era, splitting the series 3-3 so far. Thankfully, the Saints have won the last three matchups.

The Saints finally get to avoid having to travel to Soldier Field, where a majority of the recent games against Chicago have taken place, and will face the Bears in the Superdome instead. The Bears had been a frightening matchup for Who Dat Nation early on, but recent success has taken the scare of of the “Monsters of the Midway”. Let's take a look at this, and all of the matchups in our midway point of the season, Week 8.

Last week I went 10-5

I told you so: Jaguars over Colts!

What do I know: Cardinals over Rams?

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WEEK 8

Thursday, October 26th - Thursday Night Football

Dolphins(4-2) at Ravens(3-4)

The NFL’s two lowest ranked offenses face-off in this matchup. Miami’s defense will lead the way in this game, shutting down Baltimore’s rushing attack. Miami wins 24-21.

Pick: Dolphins

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Sunday, October 29th - Very Early Game

Vikings(5-2) at* Browns(0-7) - Twickenham Stadium - London, England

You may be thinking this is the easiest game to pick this week. A top-two team in the NFC facing the AFC’s worst team, move on, nothing to see here. Call me crazy, and you will, but leaving American soil may be just what the Browns need to pick up a huge victory against an opponent that may be overconfident and out of their element. Cleveland’s defense will be the story of the game in this one. Cleveland will make a long game-winning kick as time winds down, stunning Minnesota across the pond. Cleveland wins 17-14.

Pick: Browns

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Sunday, October 29th - Early Games

Falcons(3-3) at Jets(3-4)

The Jets will control this game on the ground, therefore controlling the clock, allowing them to grind Atlanta into the MetLife Stadium turf. Jets win 20-19.

Pick: Jets

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Panthers(4-3) at Buccaneers(2-4)

A late field goal will be the difference in a huge Tampa home win over Carolina. Tampa wins 17-15.

Pick: Buccaneers

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49ers(0-7) at Eagles(6-1)

Philly’s defense will face little trouble against San Francisco in this one. Philadelphia wins 26-13.

Pick: Eagles

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Chargers(3-4) at Patriots(5-2)

There will be a lot of passing yards accumulated in this showdown between Tom Brady and Phillip Rivers. New England’s offense will be the ones picking up points though. New England wins 35-20.

Pick: Patriots

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Raiders(3-4) at Bills(4-2)

Derek Carr and the Oakland passing game will be the difference in this interesting matchup in Buffalo. Oakland wins 32-24.

Pick: Raiders

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Colts(2-5) at Bengals(2-4)

Cincy’s defense will be the only saving grace in this unfortunate matchup. There won't be much excitement here. Cincinnati wins 10-9.

Pick: Bengals

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Bears(3-4) at Saints(4-2)

The top priority for the Saints is to shut down Chicago’s rushing game, forcing the Bears to rest their offensive hopes squarely on the shoulders of rookie quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky. He, of 4 for 7 and 107 yards passing last week, fame. Now, in the past, Saints defenses have made rookies like this turn in Brady-like performances, but those defenses were manned by the likes of Corey White and Brandon Browner. That’s truly frightening. This time around, the Saints have the treat of fielding upgraded talent like Marshon Lattimore and Alex Okafor. The defensive upgrades will continue to reap the benefits from inexperienced quarterback play on the opposite side, much like last week. Drew Brees and the Saints offense usually grab the headlines, but the defense will make the big plays in this one. Saints win 28-17.

Pick: Saints

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Sunday, October 30th - Late Games

Texans(3-3) at Seahawks(4-2) - Game of the Week

Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson will put on a show for NFL fans this week. It will ultimately come down to a lucky bounce and homefield advantage to secure victory for Seattle. Seattle wins 24-21.

Pick: Seahawks

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Cowboys(3-3) at Redskins(3-3)

Kirk Cousins will keep Washington in a close game through the air, but Dallas will ultimately win through their running game. Dallas wins 29-24.

Pick: Cowboys

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Sunday Night Football

Steelers(5-2) at Lions(3-3)

This one will seem well in hand for Pittsburgh until Detroit comes roaring back late in the game, falling just short at the goal line in the closing seconds. Pittsburgh wins 31-27.

Pick: Steelers

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Monday, October 30th - Monday Night Football

Broncos(3-3) at Chiefs(5-2)

Denver’s defense will strain under the weight of carrying the team, much like they’ve done the past few weeks. Kansas City’s deadly offensive balance will be too much for Denver to handle at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City wins 31-19.

Pick: Chiefs

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That's how I see Week 8 playing out, let's see if the Saints will win their fifth consecutive game, making it a Happy Halloween for us all. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below.