Last week we all picked the the Steelers and Bears while Nick was the only one that went down with Atlanta in big D, while he and Tony correctly picked an upset(ARI). The Steelers forced Favre into a few turnovers that went back for scores, ultimately doing in Minnesota. The Cowboys put a hurt on Matt Ryan and look to be righting the ship while things are going the opposite way for the Bears, who ended up playing their worst overall game (yes, it was worse than the opener in GB) in Cincy.
The schedule looks a bit more balanced this week with big divisional games, highly anticipated conference math ups and even a battle of have-nots (who’s not psyched for STL @ DET?). Here are your wise picks for week 8…
Giants @ Eagles
Pat McGuire- The damn Cowboys benefit from this game, so I vote that both teams win and keep the ‘boys from moving up in their division. I like the Eagles in this match-up. Not impressed with the Giants the last few weeks. I like what the Eagles are brewing up and it’s only going to get better.
Nick Gustafson- Giants should rebound this week over the weaker Philly team. The Eagles just don’t look to have what it takes this year.
Dudley French- I like the Eagles in this one even without Westbrook. Look for McNabb/Jackson and Co. to have a big game through the air against the hobbled Giants pass defense.
Tony Bozma- You can put any spin you want on this game, but the bottom line is the Giants need this game more than the Eagles. The Giants have lost two-in-a-row and won’t make it three. Besides, the Eagles lost to the Raiders. New York wins by 7.
Wes French- The Eagles tailspin begins this week with a close loss to their hated rivals from New York. The Eagles looked lazy against the lowly Redskins on Monday and will suffer from the short week of prep and the probable loss of Westbrook. Giants by 4.
Broncos @ Ravens – Game of the Week (F you Brett Favre)
PM-You may not agree with the call of the game of the week, as some of you Favre lovers may go with the MIN and GB game. Hog wash. Baltimore at home in this one against Denver. Baltimore took Minnesota to the wire and will fight and claw with the Broncos to the end this week, however, fate plays in the hands of the Ravens. 34-31
NG- Denver is facing a tough match up this week, but I like them to keep it rolling. They have never beaten the Ravens at home, but I think that changes this weekend.
DF- Both of these teams are capable of winning, but Denver’s luck is about to run out. I like the Ravens only because they’re at home.
TB- I haven’t completely lost faith in the Ravens, but their defense is looking older than it ever has. Unfortunately for them, Denver is playing better than anyone ever expected. Denver wins by 13.
WF- I see this as a bit of a trap game for the Broncos. Each team comes in off of a bye, but Denver has a huge game with Pittsburgh looming next Monday. I like the Ravens to get back on track and knock off Denver in come from behind fashion at home.
Vikings @ Packers
PM- Minnesota won the first match-up and Favre played well, Minnesota will win the second match-up and Favre will win at Lambeau. I think the Vikings are hungry and pissed after the loss last week and I have a feeling when AP is angry, there’s not a good chance for the opposing defense.
NG- Old Man Farve is dying to stick it to Green Bay and he is going to do just that this weekend. Expect the entire Viking team to show up big for this one.
DF- This will be a good game, but I see Favre taking advantage of the crowd and beating GB again with a good dose of Peterson. Favre sweeps the Packers and his nemesis Ted Thompson.
TB- Can’t remember what the big story line of this game is, but I do know Minnesota will win by 4… wait, I mean 10.
WF- Favre owns Lambeau. Adrian Peterson owns crappy run defenses. The Vikings will destroy the Pack in front of Ted Thompson and Favre will run the score up as much as he can.
Falcons @ Saints – MNF
PM- NO Contest! New Orleans is playing in the same elite league of football as Tiger Woods is in golf. Don’t know what to do to calm that fierceness of that offense. I claim that New Orleans wins by 3 touchdowns in a boring game that Atlanta never shows up for. Btw, who is excited for the Rams vs. Lions?
NG- Atlanta is hot one week and cold the next, Drew Brees and the Saints have been nothing but hot and I like them to stay unbeaten this week.
DF- Everybody knows I like the Falcons (or you do now) and I think they will stop Brees and score just enough points to win. This will be a much closer game than people might think.
TB- Sorry, but the Falcons don’t have what it takes to hang with the Saints. I don’t think any team does at this point of the season. New Orleans wins this game by 17.
WF- I’m with Pat, Nick and Tony. N.O. because they can’t be stopped, ask Miami and they’re 21 point lead. Go Lions, Titans and Bears!
LOCKS
PM – Ravens over Broncos
NG – Cardinals over Panthers
DF – Chargers over Raiders
TB – Broncos over Ravens
WF – Bears over Browns
UPSET – # of correct in ()
PM – Browns over Bears
NG(1)/WF – Titans over Jags
DF/TB – 49ers over Colts
