Week 8 NFL picks against the spread: London calling

As you know already, the Detroit Lions will be playing in London next season against the Atlanta Falcons. I'm sure I'll come around to it, because I guess it's pretty cool, but as an Atlanta-based Lions fan, it's heartbreaking that the one game I was for sure going to be able to attend has now been pushed overseas. One might say it's a clash of emotions for me. Oh yeah.

But seriously, good for all the fans abroad who might get to see one of their favorite teams play in person or simply get to see American football played in their backyard, so to speak.

Picks are calling now:

Panthers (-6) over BUCCANEERS

The Bucs are starting a running back who used to be a guard for the Detroit Pistons? No, they just have the same name, but that'd be a cool story.

49ers (-16.5) over JAGUARS

The Jaguars are going to London next year, too, to play the Cowboys. Is Jacksonville worried they might stay?

LIONS (-3) over Cowboys

Hopefully Jim Schwartz signals incomplete more times than not. Roll or get rolled on.

Giants (+6) over EAGLES

Chip Kelly's offense didn't score a touchdown last week. That can't be stressed enough. Brandon Jacobs received death threats over fantasy football. Neither of which is apropos to this game.

CHIEFS (-7) over Browns

I'm actually worried Jason Campbell will be better than Brandon Weeden, but the Chiefs should improve to 8-0. (Wow.)

Bills (+12) over SAINTS

Marques Colston in six games this season has only 6 fewer targets than Kris Durham has in his last three games. There's something wrong with that, Mr. Brees.

Dolphins (+6.5) over PATRIOTS

The Patriots have won only one game by more than seven points this season, and that was against the sorry Bucs. In their other four wins, their average margin of victory is 3.75, and two of those wins came in the final 10 seconds.

BENGALS (-6.5) over Jets

The Bengals have not beaten the Jets since Rex Ryan took over as head coach. In 2007, the last time the Bengals won, the final score was 38-31. I'm expecting a seven-point Bengals win here, but lower scoring.

Steelers (-2.5) over RAIDERS

I nearly left the Steelers game off the slate again. Steelers are a pretty forgettable team this season. I'm almost inclined to ask oracle to gif me some vomit.

BRONCOS (-13) over Redskins

Broncos score 44 and miss the extra point on purpose so as to avoid hitting 45 points and being reminded of their painful loss to the Colts the week before. The Redskins only score in the 20s.

Falcons (+2.5) over CARDINALS

Steven Jackson expects to return, which should last about a quarter and a half. But it'll be a really good quarter and a half. And then there's Jacquizz. I enjoy saying his name.

VIKINGS (+9.5) over Packers

I think the Packers still win, but how about Brett Favre being asked to come out of retirement at age 44 to quarterback for the Rams, eh?

Seahawks (-10.5) over RAMS

What a boost of confidence the handful of quarterbacks the Rams did sign this week must've gotten from the Favre news. Is Dennis Quaid in playing shape?

And how are we all doing this fine season?

Me Season (last week): 48-52-6 (7-7)
HireMattMillen: 45-36-5 (8-6)
Elfuego51: 46-38-5 (9-5)
KDawg: 44-56-6 (6-8)
Northern Lite: 41-43-5 (4-10)
cram9030: 37-42-5 (7-7)
Big.Al: 33-35-5 (8-6)
lions fan displaced in las vegas: 29-37-5 (4-9)
Reno09: 22-33-5 (5-9)
JT072589: 17-9-3 (9-5)
Hendo44: 10-18 (4-10)
Bighaircut: 7-6 (7-6)
gibbsericj: 7-7 (7-7)
ncbur10: 3-9-3 
Jeremy Reisman's locks of the week: 1-2 (1-2)

*denotes teaser (+14) (season: 24-4)

More from Pride Of Detroit:

• Thursday night open thread: Panthers at Buccaneers
• Lions quotes: Thursday's comments from Jim Schwartz, Scott Linehan
• Sit/start fantasy football advice: Which Lions to play in Week 8
• Lions injury report: Only Corey Hilliard, Nate Burleson miss practice
• Cowboys player to watch against Lions: Dez Bryant