2013 NFL picks against the spread, Week 8: Broncos recover; Giants, Jets are upset picks

Week 8 means a lot of byes. Six teams will be taking the week off. After a Thursday Night Football blowout, that leaves 12 games to wager on. I personally picked the Buccaneers to cover, so I already started off the week wrong.

Here is where I would put my money if I actually wagered it.

Cowboys at Lions (-3): This should be the most entertaining game of the week. Both teams can put up points and both don't stop the pass well. Who do I like more -- Matthew Stafford or Tony Romo? I like Romo. Pick: Cowboys +3

Browns at Chiefs (-7.5): Jason Campbell gets his shot now for the Browns, not that it matters. KC is scary good on defense. Alex Smith doesn't mess things up, either. Good mix going in against a bad team. Pick: Chiefs -7.5.

Dolphins at Patriots (-6.5): While the Pats have struggled a bit and tom Brady has not been putting up numbers, he does have Rob Gronkowski back. I still don't like betting against Brady. Pick: Pats to cover.

Bills at Saints (-11): So...Thad Lewis in the Superdome, where he plays Drew Brees. i don't need to explain any more than that. Pick: Saints, -11.

Giants at Eagles (-5.5): Michael Vick returns. Eli Manning didn't throw any interceptions last game. Something tells me the Giants, who have had a knack for playing better later in the season, will start to get back on track. Philly still can't stop anyone in the passing game. Pick: Giants, +5.5.

49ers (-16.5) at Jaguars: Now, a 28-point spread I didn't bite on, but 16.5 when it is a very physical team like the 49ers? I'll take it. Pick: 49ers, -16.5.

Jets at Bengals (-6.5): Both teams are over .500. However, at 5-2, Cincy only has a +13 point differential. The Jets likes to play games close, too. I won't say that the Jets will win, but i like them to cover.

Steelers (-2.5) at Raiders: After an 0-4 start, the Steelers have won two straight. It looks like they have come out of an early funk. I like Pittsburgh in this game.

Redskins at Broncos (-12.5): Poor, poor Washington. They happen to be the team to play Peyton Manning after a loss. This will not bode well for them. Pick: Broncos, -12.5.

Falcons at Cardinals (-2.5): This is the first game all season that Arizona is favored. They are at home and playing a team that has no pass rush at all. That will be great for the Cardinals offense. It is a good matchup. I like the Cardinals in this game, but that might be my heart talking. Cards, -2.5.

Packers (-9) at Vikings: The Vikes are back to Christian Ponder. It won't matter. Pick: Packers, -9.

Seahawks (-11) at Rams: The Seahawks have obliterated the other two teams in the division. The Rams will start Kellen Clemons. Easy pick -- Seahawks to cover.