Last week’s picks: 10-3
Season total: 63-27
Teams with byes: Bills, Bengals, Patriots, Giants, Eagles, 49ers
It is week 7 of the NFL and the bye week features five teams with winning records and another team that is very talented. Any time that happens, you know the schedule will take a hit. That certainly happens this week as there are very few good games and the two prime time games are stinkers once again. This looks like it could be a bad week of football.
Sunday, October 23
San Diego Chargers (4-1) @ New York Jets (3-3) – This game features two teams that were hyped before the season started, but yet neither has looked that impressive. The Chargers have started 4-1 but have faced an easy schedule and their one loss came to a good team in the Patriots. Philip Rivers has been very average through the first five games of the season. On the flip side, the Jets three wins have come against teams that are a combined 3-13. With that said, they’re 3-0 at home. Jets win this in a close one. My pick: New York Jets
Houston Texans (3-3) @ Tennessee Titans (3-2) – With Andre Johnson still out, there will be no rematch between he and Cortland Finnegan this go around. The Texans and Titans have each only beaten one good team (Pittsburgh and Baltimore respectively) so far. I’ll take Tennessee in a 20-17 type game because Houston is missing their two best players. My pick: Tennessee Titans
Denver Broncos (1-4) @ Miami Dolphins (0-5) – It’s “Tebow Mania” in Miami as Tim Tebow takes over for the Broncos and the Miami Dolphins honor the 2008 Florida Gators. That last half just about tells you all you need to know about the Miami organization. If the Dolphins lose this one, you can most likely say goodbye to coach Tony Sparano. Tebow runs all over Miami – a team that has thrown in the towel. My pick: Denver Broncos
Chicago Bears (3-3) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) – Raise your hand if you care that this game is in London. The game is one of the better games on this week’s weak schedule so at least a handful of Brits will be excited. Neither team has a great defense so this could be a bit of a surprising shoot out. The Buccaneers don’t have enough pass rush to take advantage of Chicago’s offensive line. My pick: Chicago Bears
Atlanta Falcons (3-3) @ Detroit Lions (5-1) – Last week, the Lions lost their first game after winning nine games in a row over the last two seasons. If they’re for real, they’ll have to make sure they don’t make it a two game losing streak by losing to an average team at home. The Lions will miss having running back Jahvid Best but they’ll be able to throw all over Atlanta’s D. My pick: Detroit Lions
Seattle Seahawks (2-3) @ Cleveland Browns (2-3) – The Browns have two wins over teams without wins (Indianapolis and Miami). Seattle, meanwhile, has been competitive over their last three games, winning two. Cleveland may be without two of their better players: running back Peyton Hillis and cornerback Joe Haden. My pick: Seattle Seahawks
Washington Redskins (3-2) @ Carolina Panthers (1-5) – The Redskins turn to John Beck at quarterback – his first start in four years. They somehow managed to find someone who is probably worse than Grossman. Washington’s defense is good but this is a winnable game for Carolina. It’s time for them to break through. My pick: Carolina Panthers
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) @ Arizona Cardinals (1-4) – A Super Bowl XLIII re-match – that game was great but this one won’t be. Kevin Kolb hasn’t looked good for the Cardinals so look for Pittsburgh’s D to take advantage. My pick: Pittsburgh Steelers
Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) @ Oakland Raiders (4-2) – It looks like the newly-acquired Carson Palmer will be starting for the Raiders. The Raiders probably have enough to win this game with Kyle Boller starting anyway. My pick: Oakland Raiders
Green Bay Packers (6-0) @ Minnesota Vikings (1-5) – The Christian Ponder era begins in Minnesota. Does it really matter? Green Bay is rolling. My pick: Green Bay Packers
St. Louis Rams (0-5) @ Dallas Cowboys (2-3) – It should be interesting to see Sam Bradford play with an actual weapon now that the team has acquired Brandon Lloyd. They may put up points but this is a game that Dallas has to win. My pick: Dallas Cowboys
Indianapolis Colts (0-6) @ New Orleans Saints (4-2) – Ugh. My pick: New Orleans Saints
Monday, October 24
Baltimore Ravens (4-1) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) – Jacksonville competes and Baltimore can be weird at times so they could keep Jacksonville in the game. With that said, the Jaguars won’t win anyway. My pick: Baltimore Ravens
Thanks for reading. See you again next week.
Cheers!