NFL Week 8: Picks, predictions and more

Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals (-12)

Instead of playing a game, the Bengals (2-4) and Colts (2-5) should each fire their head coaches at the 50-yard line. It would be an ovation heard across the country.

Pick: Cincinnati 30, Indianapolis 17

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1)

The Buccaneers (2-4) are playing for their season, and while James Winston scares me with reckless throws, I trust him more than Cam Newton. The Panthers (4-3) seem to be reeling offensively.

Pick: Tampa Bay 20, Carolina 16

Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints (-10)

The Bears (3-4) are hanging tough and the defense is legitimate, but the Saints (4-2) are playing great football. Winners of four straight, New Orleans will be home at the rabid Superdome and prove too tough for the youngsters from the Midway.

Pick: New Orleans 31, Chicago 16

Atlanta Falcons (-4.5) at New York Jets

The Falcons (3-3) have to prove they plan on making a playoff run. A loss to the Jets (3-4) would truly derail any notion of that in the tough NFC. Can Matt Ryan and Julio Jones finally get going? I’ll say they do just enough.

Pick: Atlanta 24, New York 20

Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots (-8.5)

This is going to be the most entertaining game of the weekend. The Patriots (5-2) still don’t look right, and the Chargers (3-4) are white hot. Look for Philip Rivers to throw for 400 yards, only to be bested by a Stephen Gostkowski field goal at the gun.

Pick: New England 33, Los Angeles 31