Week 7 Picks
San Diego @ Buffalo (NL)
Buffalo started the season hot as could be, but lately has hit the brakes a bit as far as their perceived dominance in the AFC North. Trent Edwards is coming off a concussion and the team, although 4-1, hasn’t had the look of an elite team. San Diego on the other hand has had difficulty capitalizing on games they should win, but after a strong effort against the Patriots on Sunday night, look for the Bolts to continue rolling in the AFC.
Pick: San Diego
New Orleans (+3) @ Carolina
Who is the best team in the NFC South? As much as the media likes to talk about how good the NFC East is, the South may be the most competitive division in football. Carolina has looked strong at times but has gotten lucky, and New Orleans, though just 3-3, has been on the losing end of some pretty close games. If the Saints are going to get it back on track, it starts this week.
Pick: New Orleans (+3)
Minnesota (+3) @ Chicago
Is this Minnesota team ever going to show up? If not for a boneheaded safety by Dan Orlovsky last weekend, they would have possibly lost to the lowly Lions. Kyle Orton and Matt Forte are the offensive surprises of the season, and the Bears are finally scoring points on offense instead of just defense and special teams.
Pick: Chicago (-3)
Dallas @ St. Louis (off the board)
Since my pick doesn’t really count here, I’m going to go ahead and take St. Louis. Jim Hasslett inspired his team, which is not totally void of talent, to go into Washington and win, so why not Dallas? Dallas is distracted with Pacman, Romo’s injury and the arrival of Roy Williams, so prepare for the worst, Cowgirls.
Pick: St. Louis
Detroit (+9) @ Houston
Oh the Lions. After this week’s news of Roy Williams’ departure and Kitna’s season ending injury, the only talent left to speak of on the Lions is Calvin Johnson… And a receiver never won a game by himself. Houston is back on track after a tough win against Miami.
Pick: Houston (–9)
Indianapolis (-1.5) @ Green Bay
This is probably the hardest game to pick this week. The Colts look like there ready to return to their previous form and Green Bay has been struggling, so a strong game from the Colts could really make a statement.
Pick: Indianapolis (-1.5)
Baltimore (+3) @ Miami
This one could get interesting. If there is any defense that is smart and talented enough to finally figure out Miami’s Wildcat offense, the Ravens should be up to the task. Miami, although much improved, has gotten by on trickery alone and should struggle against Ray and the Ravens D. Flacco and the Ravens offense is bad, but should be able to move the ball enough to cover.
Pick: Baltimore (+3)
San Francisco (+10.5) @ New York Giants
The Giants are coming off a surprise thrashing at the hands of the Browns, and the 49ers are coming off an equally tough loss against the Eagles. While the Giants are the superior team here, 10.5 points is too large of a spread. Eli didn’t look himself last weekend, and while the Giants will probably win, the 49ers should cover.
Pick: San Francisco (+10.5)
New York Jets (-3) @ Oakland
After Oakland’s miserable performance last week, I don’t see how you could possibly pick them, even if the spread was 10 points. Brett and the Jets are hot and the change in Oakland is just too much. Easiest pick of the week.
Pick: Jets (-3)
Pittsburgh (-9.5) @ Cincinnati
This game has a lot of interesting factors. The Steelers are hurt at almost every position, yet the Bengals, who have yet to win, are hurt at their most important position, QB. The Bengals have looked better lately but still haven’t gotten a W. Even with Ryan Fitzpatrick at QB I think the Bengals can keep it close.
Pick: Cincinnati (+9.5)
Seattle (+10.5) @ Tampa Bay
What has happened to Seattle? Obviously injuries to their WR corps hasn’t helped anything, but as a playoff team from a year ago they haven’t even put up a fight lately. Hasselback has been a non-factor, and offense isn’t moving the ball on anyone, especially the Bucs. Blowout.
Pick: Tampa Bay (-10.5)
Tennessee (-8) @ Kansas City
The Giants loss last week has left the Titans as the only remaining undefeated team, but they have been winning by some slim margins and doing it with defense. The Chiefs have talent offensively and get Brodie Croyle back this week. Look for a big day from Dwayne Bowe to keep KC in it, but Tennessee will prevail.
Pick: Kansas City (+8)
Cleveland (+7) @ Washington
Let’s face it. The Redskins are pissed they lost to the Rams. Equally, the Browns are riding high after beating the Gigantes. I doubt the Redskins will put up another lackluster performance at home, but the Skins have tended to win their games by a slim margin and late in the 4th quarter. Cleveland will put up a fight, but a late touchdown from, say, Shaun Alexander could make the difference.
Pick: Washington (-7)
Denver (+3) @ New England
How are the Broncos not favored in this game? The Patriots are not a shadow of last year’s team and the Broncos have one of the hottest offenses in the game. Cutler is due for a coming out party on national television and this may be his best opportunity yet. The Patriots defense is hurting, and with no firepower on offense, New England won’t be able to take advantage of Denver’s weak secondary.
Pick: Denver (+3)
