2012 NFL Predictions: Week Eight

Washington Redskins @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Robert Griffin III continues to lead the high-octane Washington offense, as the team ranks among the top five in scoring offense, total offense and rushing yards. The sledding doesn't get any easier for offense though, as tight end Fred Davis is out for the season after tearing his ACL in their loss to the Giants. The offense will need to improve on third down (30.6%), and will also need to cut down on penalties (55 for 497 yards). The defense has recorded 10 interceptions this season (t-3rd), but have also surrendered league-highs in passing yards (328.4) and passing touchdowns (16).
The Steelers were able to overcome a scrappy Bengals team thanks to the emergence of running back Jonathan Dwyer, who ran for 122 yards on 17 carries. With Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman nursing injuries, the emergence of Dwyer is key to the effectiveness of their play-action passes, which open up the deep ball for Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown, and also keep opposing defenses from pinning their ears back on the pass rush. The defense hasn't made a lot of plays this season, but they also play with solid gap discipline, and rank near the top of the league in total defense and passing defense.
The Redskins have yet to play a defense as strong as in all phases as Pittsburgh, and a porous secondary will be their undoing in this one.
Prediction: Steelers 27, Redskins 20.

Carolina Panthers @ Chicago Bears
Cam Newton and the rest of the Panthers offense has yet to duplicate the success it had in 2011, as the team is only averaging 335.5 yards and 17.7 points on the season. Head coach Ron Rivera has stated that the team needs to find "one guy" at running back, and indications are that they will go with Jonathan Stewart as the feature back in hopes of finding rhythm. The defense ranks in the middle of the pack in the league in most categories, but will need to force more turnovers in order to offset the offensive struggles.
The Bears offense is still a work in progress, but the passing game is gaining steam as Brandon Marshall is once again among the league's receiving leaders with 577 yards and 4 touchdowns. The running game has also been strong, as Matt Forte and Michael Bush have combined for 608 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns on the ground. Defensively, Chicago has the league's best run defense, scoring defense and have also recorded a league-high 15 interceptions. The team has also recorded five defensive touchdowns, and are one of the few teams that play disciplined enough to properly execute their "Tampa 2" defense.
Barring a Jay Cutler turnover-fest (which is always a possibility with his sometimes questionable decision-making), the Bears should be able to keep the Carolina offense in check, along with solid production on offense for a relatively easy win.
Prediction: Bears 24, Panthers 13.