My game picks for Sunday's slate of NFL games here in week eight:
Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions: After today, one of these terms may emerge on a track to the playoffs. Both teams have surprised this year, but I like the Cowboys in this one. The Pick: Cowboys 27 Lions 24
San Francisco 49ers at Jacksonville Jaguars: The 49ers are starting to come into form. This one won't be close. The Pick: 49ers 38 Jaguars 6
Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs: The Browns might be able to do enough to make this one close, but the 7-0 Chiefs won't be falling at Arrowhead. The Pick: Chiefs 20 Browns 13
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots: This is arguably a make or break game for both teams. I'm feeling tentative about it, but I'm going to take the Patriots in a close one. The Pick: Patriots 24 Dolphins 23
Buffalo Bills at New Orleans Saints: The Bills picked up a huge win last week against the Dolphins without quarterback E.J. Manuel. Thad Lewis has been solid, but the Saints are hungry coming off a bye and the last-second loss to the Patriots. The Pick: Saints 31 Bills 16
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles: The Giants got their win, but they're still pretty bad. The Pick: Eagles 27 Giants 17
New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals finally appear to be emerging as the class of the NFC North. In the clash of the two teams that have beaten the Patriots, I'm going with the Jets in the upset. The Pick: Jets 19 Bengals 16
Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders: Just two weeks after the Steelers had been written off by most, they have a chance to get back into the thick of things against a bad Raiders team. The Pick: Steelers 24 Raiders 9
Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals: The Falcons aren't out of things yet. If they can pick up a win against the offensively struggling Arizona team today, they'll be at 3-4. The Pick: Falcons 28 Cardinals 14
Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos: While AFC contenders will be hoping for another upset of Denver, it's not going to happen at home against the overrated Redskins. The Pick: Broncos 34 Redskins 20
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings: The Packers are quietly continuing their winning ways, while the Vikings are slowly closing the book on their 2013 season. The Pick: Packers 30 Vikings 17