Prisco's Week 8 NFL Picks: Broncos nip Packers, Bengals hold off Steelers – CBSSports.com

The NFL schedule is much better this week, with a lot of big games.

It also makes it tougher to pick the games, but I still like many of my picks this week, especially the upset in Oakland where I have the Raiders beating the Jets.

I’ve been in a little slump lately after a fast start, so now it’s turnaround time with these picks.

I hope.

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Miami (3-3) at New England (6-0)
Thurs., Oct. 29, 8:25 p.m. ET, (CBS/NFL Network):

This is a huge game for the Dolphins and interim coach Dan Campbell. How does he handle the monster challenge of facing Bill Belichick? The Dolphins have played much better under Campbell, but I can’t see them, or anybody, slowing Tom Brady right now.

The Pick: Patriots 28, Dolphins 17

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Detroit (1-6) at Kansas City (2-5) in London
Sunday, Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m. ET,(FOX):

The poor folks of London get another dog of a game featuring two disappointing teams. The Lions fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi this week, so it will be interesting to see what that does for the offense. The Chiefs beat the Steelers last week, and I think they can win another.

The Pick: Chiefs 21, Lions 16

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Tampa Bay (2-4) at Atlanta (6-1)
Sunday, Nov. 1, 1 p.m. ET, (FOX):

The Bucs are playing consecutive road games, which is tough. It’s even tougher against a Falcons team that can throw the football against a bad secondary. They made Kirk Cousins look good last week. This week, Matt Ryan lights them up.

The Pick: Falcons 33, Bucs 17

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Arizona (5-2) at Cleveland (2-5)
Sunday, Nov. 1, 1 p.m. ET, (FOX):

This is a short week turnaround for the Cardinals, which can be challenging on the road. But the Browns have issues and could have Johnny Manziel at quarterback. Arizona will send a ton of looks his way, which will be tough for him to overcome. Plus, the Browns won’t stop the Arizona offense.

The Pick: Cardinals 31, Browns 20

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San Francisco (2-5) at St. Louis (3-3)
Sunday, Nov. 1, 1 p.m. ET, (FOX):

The 49ers are a mess, while the Rams seem to be getting things right. They’ve won two of three behind the defense and the running of Todd Gurley. That will continue here. The 49ers are bad on offense and even worse on defense. The Rams take it.

The Pick: Rams 21, 49ers 17

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New York Giants (4-3) at New Orleans (3-4)
Sunday, Nov. 1, 1 p.m. ET, (FOX):

The Giants won an important division game last week against the Cowboys and now must face a Saints team that is gaining confidence off two straight wins. The Saints seem to have found something, especially on defense, and I think that carries over. Saints win a shootout.

The Pick: Saints 27, Giants 24

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Minnesota (4-2) at Chicago (2-4)
Sunday, Nov. 1, 1 p.m. ET, (FOX):

The Vikings are playing consecutive road games inside the division, which is tough. The Bears are coming off a bye. That’s a big edge for the Bears. Minnesota has the look of a potential playoff team, but I think Jay Cutler and the offense get it going here. Bears take it in an upset.

The Pick: Bears 28, Vikings 27

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San Diego (2-5) at Baltimore (1-6)
Sunday, Nov. 1, 1 p.m. ET, (CBS):

This is a game of two disappointing teams. The Ravens are 1-6 and look done. They’ve played four games on the other side of the country, so now it’s get-even with San Diego coming to their place. The Chargers looked awful losing to the Raiders, while the Ravens have lost a lot of close games. They win this one with Joe Flacco having a big day.

The Pick: Ravens 29, Chargers 21

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Cincinnati (6-0) at Pittsburgh (4-3)
Sunday, Nov. 1, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

The Bengals are coming off a bye as an undefeated team. The Steelers will get back Ben Roethlisberger. If the Bengals are to stake a true claim of being a changed team, one capable of winning the big ones, this is a must-win. They will get after Roethlisberger with their rush, which will force some takeaways. Bengals take it.

The Pick: Bengals 23, Steelers 21

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Tennessee (1-5) at Houston (2-5)
Sunday, Nov. 1, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

This won’t be pretty, that’s for sure. These two teams aren’t very good. What has happened to that Texans defense? It’s horrible. The Titans expect to have Marcus Mariota back for this one, which will help. But I think the Texans will show some fight here at home.

The Pick: Texans 20, Titans 14

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New York Jets (4-2) at Oakland (3-3)
Sunday, Nov. 1, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)

This is a tough turnaround for the Jets, playing a road game against division rival New England and now facing a West Coast trip. The Raiders are also coming on with a lot of young players. Derek Carr will have some success throwing it and I think the Raiders defense will get after Ryan Fitzpatrick. Raiders go to 4-3.

The Pick: Raiders 24, Jets 23

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Seattle (3-4) at Dallas (2-4)
Sunday, Nov. 1, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)

The Cowboys are spiraling downward without Tony Romo. He won’t be back here, so that’s a problem. The Seahawks are playing consecutive road games, but they will have had 10 days off. They seemed to get right at San Francisco last week. They do so here, too. It’s a close one.

The Pick:Seahawks 21, Cowboys 14

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Green Bay (6-0) at Denver (6-0)
Sunday, Nov. 1, 8:30 p.m. ET (NBC)

This is the game of the week. Aaron Rodgers against the Broncos defense will be a treat. What about the Peyton Manning story with all those calling for a benching? I think this will come down to the Broncos pass rushers and cover people. They will prevent Rodgers from going nuts, and Manning will do enough. Broncos take it.

The Pick: Broncos 28, Packers 27

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Indianapolis (3-4) at Carolina (6-0)
Monday, Nov. 2, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

The Colts have issues and they have to turn it around, but this is a tough place to try and do so. The Panthers are playing well on defense and Cam Newton is carrying them on offense. Andrew Luck is struggling. He has to get it going. He won’t do enough in this one.

The Pick: Panthers 31, Colts 24

Don’t write off Peyton Manning just yet. (USATSI)

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