NFL Week Eight Predictions: New England Patriots Win Their Fourth In A Row

Oct 16, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback

(12) throws a pass against the New York Jets during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Here are my week eight NFL predictions:

Patriots 31 Bears 16

The Pats are heading into arguably the toughest six-game stretch they have ever encountered in the Tom Brady-era, but luckily, they get a reeling Chicago Bears team to kick it off.

I am not taking the Bears lightly. They are a quality football team, and this won’t be an easy win for New England. But compared to the following five teams, this is definitely the easiest matchup. The Patriots should be able to handle Chicago’s outside receivers with their cornerbacks, but the Bears will have an edge with Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett over the middle. The struggling Patriots’ linebackers must play one hell of a game to keep up with two of the most talented offensive players in the game.

On the other side of the ball, it is simple: If the Patriots protect Tom Brady, he will have a huge day. The Pats have plenty of mismatches to exploit against a weak Chicago secondary, so if this improved Pats’ offensive line gives him time to throw, they will have a fairly easy day against the Bears.

Turnovers will be the difference in this one, and I trust Tom Brady a hell of a lot more than Jay Cutler.

Lions 27 Falcons 17

It sounds like Detroit will be without Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush in this one, but that shouldn’t prevent them from getting the win across the pond. Despite a mediocre secondary, the Lions currently have the best defense in the league. Their offense has struggled with Johnson and Bush sidelined with injuries, but the Falcons just can’t keep up with this squad.

Chiefs 31 Rams 20

St. Louis will come out with a hangover from upsetting the Seahawks last week, and Jamaal Charles and company will take advantage. Austin Davis has surprised the league with his solid play thus far, but he is far from becoming the next Tom Brady, and the Rams don’t have the offensive talent to compete with Kansas City.

Texans 20 Titans 16

This one is going to be a sloppy contest, and between J.J. Watt and Zach Mettenberger, I’m taking Watt every single time. Arian Foster will carry Houston for the majority of the game, and they survive a late Ryan Fitzpatrick interception to hang on and get the victory.

Vikings 23 Buccaneers 20

After getting embarrassed against the Ravens two weeks ago, the Bucs didn’t get a chance to go out and redeem themselves. Instead, they went home and were forced to stew on that loss for an extra week due to their bye week. Because of that, I think Mike Glennon and company will come out inspired, but Minnesota pulls out a late win.

Seahawks 27 Panthers 24

Even the great Seattle Seahawks can’t escape the curse of the Super Bowl hangover. They are a measly 3-3, and actually face a must-win game this week, as losing three in a row at this stage will not help their confidence. Their struggling defense will step up late and come up with a big Cam Newton turnover as the Panthers are driving to tie the game.