The Hail Mary - Week 8

Week 8 is filled with fantastic games but none will capture the attention of the country like Brett Favre's return to Green Bay as a Minnesota Viking. I expect the Lambeau faithful to boo Favre pretty vociferously. If he had returned to Lambeau as a Jet I think he would have been warmly received. But he is playing for one of the Packers biggest rivals, and it is a must win game for the Packers. Should be great theater.

This weekend is also Halloween weekend so I would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween!

Games That I Will Be Watching

New York Giants (5-2) at Philadelphia (4-2), Philadelphia favored by 1

Huge NFC East battle in Philadelphia. The last two weeks have exposed the Giants as complete fluke frauds as they finally had to play some good teams. Philadelphia isn't much more proven though, as they haven't beaten anyone of substance. The key to this game will be Eagles WR Desean Jackson. I think he can expose the weak Giants corners and get some big plays like he did against the Redskins.

Prediction: Philadelphia 24, New York Giants 21

Denver (6-0) at Baltimore (3-3), Baltimore favored by 3 1/2

Both these teams will be coming off bye weeks, which should lead to even more hard hitting than normal from these two teams. The Ravens have suffered three straight tough losses, while the Broncos officially announced they were for real with wins in their last three games against the Cowboys, Patriots, and Chargers. This is a really tough game to call. While I believe the Broncos are the best team in football, this brutal schedule has to win at some point. Just not this week, as I think Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal can have big days against a weak Ravens secondary.

Prediction: Denver 27, Baltimore 26

Minnesota (6-1) at Green Bay (4-2), Green Bay favored by 3

Beyond the whole Brett Favre angle, this should be a tremendous game. The Vikings dominated when they met in the Metrodome about a month ago, as they harassed and sacked Packers QB Aaron Rodgers all game. Both teams have explosive offenses, but the Vikings have a much better defense than Green Bay. Jared Allen will have another great game and while Favre won't put up the numbers he did in the first meeting, he will do enough and win in his return to Lambeau.

Prediction: Minnesota 28, Green Bay 24

Atlanta (4-2) at New Orleans (6-0), New Orleans favored by 10

The Saints looked down and out at Miami, trailing 24-3 in the second quarter. Then they did what great teams do, and found a way to win. The Saints offense apparently is unstoppable, especially at home, hence the reason they are favored by 10 in this one. The Falcons were completely disappointing in being blown out at Dallas. I thought the Falcons were for real but apparently they can only compete when playing at home. I think they give the Saints a battle and cover, but won't get the win.

Prediction: New Orleans 42, Atlanta 34

Rest of Week 8

Miami (2-4) at New York Jets (4-3), New York Jets favored by 3

For the second straight season the Dolphins have started 2-4. Last year they won 9 of their last 10 games and won the AFC East. I am not sure this team has that kind of run in them. I hope they can their minds right for this one and get over the demoralizing loss to the Saints. Last time Jets QB Mark Sansuck was at home he threw 5 interceptions. If he gets off to a slow start again the crowd will be on him. Question, why was it a big deal that Sanchez ate a hot dog on the sideline during the game? Maybe someone who played football can explain it to me. Anyways, back to this game, the Dolphins are better than the Jets, they will win.

Prediction: Miami 20, New York Jets 14

Houston (4-3) at Buffalo (3-4), Houston favored by 3 1/2

At least these two are playing each other so I can only incorrectly predict one game. These two, along with the Bengals are the hardest teams to figure out. The Bills were completely outplayed at Carolina but somehow won. Houston tried their damnedest to give away the game to the Niners but were able to hold on. The Texans could really start making a move as a playoff contender if they get the win here. Their QB Matt Schaub has been under the radar but leads the NFL with 16 TDs.

Prediction: Houston 21, Buffalo 19

Cleveland (1-6) at Chicago (3-3), Chicago favored by 13

Wow, the Bears were destroyed by Cincinnati. Cleveland is atrocious but there is no way I can take a team that just got waxed like the Bears did and expect them to cover a 13 point spread.

Prediction: Chicago 30, Cleveland 18

Seattle (2-4) at Dallas (4-2), Dallas favored by 9 1/2

The Cowboys bandwagon is getting full again after they crushed the Falcons. I don't think that performance is who the Cowboys really are. Sure they can be good but I still don't buy into them. WR Miles Austin has been amazing the last two games, he can't possibly keep up that pace for a third straight game. I think the Seahawks hang around in this one.

Prediction: Dallas 31, Seattle 24

St. Louis (0-7) at Detroit (1-5), No line

Damn, Detroit's one chance to be favored and the game doesn't have a line! Detroit just can't win, well, unless they play the Redskins, or the Rams.

Prediction: Detroit 3, St. Louis 2

San Francisco (3-3) at Indianapolis (6-0), Indianapolis favored by 12

What was once a promising season for the 49ers has started to spiral downward. Trailing 21-0 to Houston, coach Mike Singletary made the change to Alex Smith at quarterback. He definitely provided a spark and was rightfully given back the starting job he lost over a year ago. I'm not ready to believe in Alex because he played well for a half, and it will be tough to judge him on this game too. The Colts have been dominant but I think the 49ers can give Peyton Manning some trouble. I think the line for this game is absurdly high. A loss for the 49ers would be devastating as the Cardinals could be up by 2 games in the NFC West. I just can't see San Francisco winning.

Prediction: Indianapolis 27, San Francisco 20

Jacksonville (3-3) at Tennessee (0-6), Tennessee favored by 3

How bad is Jacksonville that an 0-6 Titans team, that in its last game lost 59-0, is favored against them? Overrated Titans coach Jeff Fisher continues to perplex me. What took him so long to name Vince Young the starter? What exactly do you have left to play for Jeff? Find out whether Young is worth keeping around after this season or not. You already know Kerry Collins is an old fossil.

Prediction: Jacksonville 23, Tennessee 20

Oakland (2-5) at San Diego (3-3), San Diego favored by 16 1/2

The Raiders suck, I am never picking them to cover another game again.

Prediction: San Diego 38, Oakland 10

Carolina (2-4) at Arizona (4-2), Arizona favored by 10

Is Jake Delhomme blackmailing Panthers coach John Fox? Are the Panthers backups really that bad? Fox is going to go down fighting with Delhomme apparently, and I have a feeling both will be out of jobs next season. Arizona put the rest of the league on notice with their impressive road win at New York. Its looking bad for the 49ers to make the playoffs.

Prediction: Arizona 31, Carolina 14

Last Week Against the Spread: 5-7-1
Overall Against the Spread: 56-46-1

Last Week Straight Up: 7-6
Overall Straight Up: 65-38