A few intriguing matchups make Week 8 one of the toughest sets of games to predict during the 2014 NFL season.

Although there is obviously a lot of football left in the season, a few divisional and conference battles could have a major impact on the postseason picture. This is certain to create a lot of uncertainty heading into the week, as you can expect each squad to give its best effort to earn a win.

While that makes it difficult to project winners, especially against the spread, here is a look at complete picks with a breakdown of the hardest calls in Week 8.

Toughest Calls

Denver Broncos (-8) vs. San Diego Chargers

After the San Diego Chargers had a disappointing home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, it might be easy to think this game will be a blowout. However, the Chargers have the ability to keep it closer than many think.

These teams played three times last season, with San Diego surprisingly winning the one on the road. The Denver Broncos only averaged 24 points in these contests, well below their season average. This was accomplished while the Chargers had the No. 29 pass defense in the NFL. This year, the unit is No. 3 in the league.

Obviously, the Broncos should be nervous about facing a squad that clearly knows what it takes to slow down Peyton Manning.

However, a big key to last year’s success was the ability to control possession of the clock. Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton does not believe this will happen this time around, via Ben Swanson of DenverBroncos.com:

I know we had a totally different defense. And last year has passed us. They did try to come in and run the ball; they were successful doing it, and that’s why it was so hard to stop them passing the ball. They were able to do what they want. We couldn’t get off the field on third down.

It’s a whole different mentality this year on defense, a whole different defense, different guys. 

With the Chargers banged up at running back, the team now ranks 29th in the league in rushing yards per game. Moving the ball will be difficult against an improved Broncos defense.

As a result, Manning and the Broncos offense will have more opportunities to move the ball and should be able to keep scoring as well as they have recently (38 points per game in the last three weeks). While the spread is big, no line is big enough for the Broncos with the way they can score.

If you believe Denver is going to win, the eight-point spread should not be a problem.

Arizona Cardinals (-2.5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Few thought this game would be a potential NFC Championship preview when the schedules came out, but these teams are both looking good with a 5-1 start to the season.

The Arizona Cardinals have been especially impressive, surviving three games without starting quarterback Carson Palmer and posting a 2-1 record. The team continues to survive with a strong defense, offensive playmakers and the ability to finish close games, as noted by Scott Kacsmar of Football Outsiders:

Cardinals are 5-0 at upholding one-score leads in 4Q this season. Saints are 0-3.

— Scott Kacsmar (@FO_ScottKacsmar) October 20, 2014

As Palmer continues to get healthier, he should be able to lead a dynamic offense in this game, especially against a defense that ranks in the bottom 10 in the NFL in both rushing yards and passing yards allowed per game.

Meanwhile, LeSean McCoy finally pleased his fantasy owners with a breakout performance against the New York Giants, totaling 149 rushing yards in the win. Unfortunately, he will now go against the No. 1 rush defense in the league, which could slow down the elite running back.

This will put even more pressure on Nick Foles to make plays through the air, something that often leads to mistakes.

While the game will be close, the Cardinals are well-built to win this game and keep their undefeated home record in 2014.

Baltimore Ravens (+1) at Cincinnati Bengals

After a 3-0 start, the Cincinnati Bengals were considered by some to be the best team in the NFL. Unfortunately, things have gone south since, with two losses and a tie in the last three games.

Defense was the glaring problem at the start of the stretch, allowing a combined 80 points to the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers. However, the offense was just as bad in the 27-0 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.  

Bleacher Report’s Andrea Hangst broke down the details:

The Browns’ loss was bad. But the Bengals loss was BAD-BAD.

— Andrea Hangst (@FBALL_Andrea) October 19, 2014

How bad you ask? Bengals had 8 1st downs in the game and 2 were from penalties. 1-13 on 3rd. 135 yards of offense. Just 20:17 TOP.

— Andrea Hangst (@FBALL_Andrea) October 19, 2014

On the plus side, the Bengals still have not lost at home in 12 regular-season games. However, we have seen little in the past three games to indicate this streak will continue.

The Baltimore Ravens have faced weaker competition lately, but they beat the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a combined 53 points and are playing as well as anyone in the league. 

With an offense that finally found some balance and a defense currently ranked first in the NFL in points allowed per game, the Ravens will look to take control of the AFC North with a win here.

The Bengals will fight hard to keep it a close game, but the Ravens should be able to pull out a win on the road.

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