Packers vs. Rams Week 8 predictions, picks for every NFL game

Predictions for every Week 8 game, including the Green Bay Packers’ meeting with the Los Angeles Rams.

The Green Bay Packers couldn’t have asked for a tougher opponent to return from their bye week against.

Green Bay enters a tough five-week stretch, starting with a road game against the undefeated LA Rams. It doesn’t get much easier next week, either, with a game at New England.

I’ve picked the Packers to win a lot this season. But not this week.

Green Bay (3-2-1) at LA Rams (7-0)

It’s going to take a perfect game by the Packers to get a win here.

If the first six games before the bye are anything to go by, the Packers will start slow, fall behind and be forced to play catchup in the second half. The trouble is, the LA Rams won’t give Green Bay an opportunity to get back into the game.

It’s going to be interesting to see what adjustments Mike McCarthy has made during the bye week.

Many analysts and fans will predict the Rams to win big in this one. And that’s understandable. But McCarthy’s Packers tend to play well (and then lose) in games like this.

Remember the game at Pittsburgh last year? Even with Brett Hundley in at quarterback, the Packers lost to a walk-off field goal and played well.

Against Los Angeles, the Packers will put together a decent performance on offense, but that won’t be enough.

Pick: LA Rams

Miami (4-3) at Houston (4-3)

All of a sudden the Texans have won four in a row and are in first place of the AFC South. Now they get to host a Thursday night game, which gives them the advantage. With Brock Osweiler set to start for Miami, Houston wins again.

Pick: Houston

Philadelphia (3-4) at Jacksonville (3-4) – London

This game looked great on paper just a few weeks ago, but both the Super Bowl champions and AFC South champions enter Week 8 in a bit of trouble. Both teams need the win in London. Jacksonville has experience playing in the UK and has won their last three games at Wembley.

Pick: Jacksonville

Denver (3-4) at Kansas City (6-1)

Can anybody stop the Kansas City Chiefs offense? Denver’s defense ranks 22nd in total yards allowed, giving up 378 per game. This could be a long afternoon for the Broncos.

Pick: Kansas City

Cleveland (2-4-1) at Pittsburgh (3-2-1)

The Browns have been to overtime four times this season, including the Week 1 tie against Pittsburgh. These two teams go to overtime again, but this time the Steelers get the victory.

Pick: Pittsburgh

Washington (4-2) at NY Giants (1-6)

It’s been a disappointing season for the Giants, and with their seventh loss this week, they can start to look ahead to next year’s draft.

Pick: Washington

Seattle (3-3) at Detroit (3-3)

This is a tough game to call. The Lions have won two straight either side of the bye, but the Seahawks have played surprisingly well despite losing so much talent in the offseason. The Lions are at home, but the Seahawks have had an extra week to prepare. Because of that, I’m picking Seattle to win on the road.

Pick: Seattle

Tampa Bay (3-3) at Cincinnati (4-3)

The Bengals were embarrassed by the Chiefs last week, but that will happen to a lot of teams. They should have no trouble scoring against a Buccaneers defense allowing 417.5 yards per game, fourth most in the NFL.

Pick: Cincinnati

NY Jets (3-4) at Chicago (3-3)

The Bears have lost two straight, but they should get back on track against the inconsistent Jets at Soldier Field.

Pick: Chicago

Baltimore (4-3) at Carolina (4-2)

This could be the game of the week. The Panthers have been tough to beat at home, and they win a close one against the Ravens.

Pick: Carolina

Indianapolis (2-5) at Oakland (1-5)

Well, it’s fair to say the Raiders are looking beyond 2018 after trading away Amari Cooper. Oakland’s defense is allowing 29.3 points per game, fourth most in the NFL. The Colts need to win this one, and Andrew Luck will throw four touchdowns to help his team win again.

Pick: Indianapolis

San Francisco (1-6) at Arizona (1-6)

Despite losing so many players to injury and only winning one game, the 49ers haven’t played too badly. They deserved a win two weeks ago at Lambeau, and they get one at Arizona.

Pick: San Francisco

New Orleans (5-1) at Minnesota (4-2-1)

Minnesota has now won three straight and is the team to beat in the NFC North. The divisional round rematch should be an entertaining game, but the Vikings will get the win at home.

Pick: Minnesota

New England (5-2) at Buffalo (2-5)

The Patriots have put a slow start behind them to win four in a row. They will make it five on Monday night.

Pick: New England

Last week: 9-5

Season: 62-45