NFL Week 7 Picks

I've filled with a sense of renewed confidence after winning the office pick 'em pool for the first time in like two years last week. Of course that probably means I'm due for a Week 5-esque 7-6 performance, but the Bills and 49ers aren't playing so I can avoid my two automatic losses. Or not. Here's my Week 7 picks:


Chargers (4-1) at Jets (3-3)


Yes, Philip Rivers is my fantasy quarterback. And yes, Antonio Gates is supposedly going to play this week for the first time since Week 2. But this is essentially a must-win game for the Jets and I see them coming out strong at home and gaining some of their swagger back. Pick: New York


Bears (3-3) at Bucs (4-2) from London


The Bears played their best game of the season last week against Minnesota, but the Bucs are coming off a huge win of their own at home against New Orleans. In Tampa, I think the Buccaneers get an edge, but that homefield advantage isn't going to translate across the pond. Look for a big game from Matt Forte. Pick: Chicago


Redskins (3-2) at Panthers (1-5)

Washington makes a quarterback change as Rex Grossman is out after throwing 4 picks last week and former Dolphin John Beck is in. Beck has only thrown 1 career touchdown pass in 122 attempts, but he did drive the Skins 80 yards on 10 plays in the 4th quarter last week capping it off with a 2 yard rushing touchdown. Cam Newton is still putting up big numbers, but it hasn't translated into wins. Pick: Washington


Falcons (3-3) at Lions (5-1)

The Falcons have already lost the same number of games that they lost all of last season. Going on the road against a tough Lions team is not going to help that. The Falcons O-Line is going to have their work cut out for them as the Lions put a ton of pressure on the quarterback. No Jahvid Best for Detroit today, but I don't think it matters. Pick: Detroit


Seahawks (2-3) at Browns (2-3)

It's sounding like Charlie Whitehurst is going to be quarterbacking the Seahawks today. I know Seattle has a couple of wins this year including a big one on the road against the Giants, but I'm just not impressed by them. The Browns meanwhile might not have Peyton Hillis who is hampered by a bum hamstring, but I think Colt McCoy has a big game today. Pick: Cleveland


Broncos (1-4) at Dolphins (0-5)

This is probably the most hyped game between two last place teams ever. Tim Tebow makes his first start of 2011 in place of Kyle Orton and I think it results in a win. Without Chad Henne, Miami's offense has struggled and like him or hate him, Tebow is a winner. Pick: Denver


Texans (3-3) at Titans (3-2)

I know that all year long I've been saying this is Houston's year to take the AFC South, but I'm going with my Titans this week. Yeah, this is a bit of a homer pick, but Houston will once again be without Andre Johnson and they haven't won a game yet that he hasn't started dropping back-to-back contests against Oakland and Baltimore. Look for Tennessee to make it three in a row. Pick: Tennessee


Chiefs (2-3) at Raiders (4-2)

Kyle Boller gets the call in Oakland despite the acquisition of Carson Palmer and the activation of Terrelle Pryor, but Oakland's offense is about running the football. Darren McFadden leads the NFL in rushing and the Chiefs are 21st in the league in running defense so the Raiders could run Jamarcus Russell out there and probably be all right today. Pick: Oakland


Steelers (4-2) at Cardinals (1-4)

Kevin Kolb and the Cardinals have struggled this year and it doesn't get any easier this week as they host Pittsburgh. These two teams are headed in opposite directions as Pittsburgh's coming off of back-to-back wins while Arizona has dropped four straight. Look for these trends to continue. Pick: Pittsburgh


Packers (6-0) at Vikings (1-5)

Christian Ponder makes his first NFL start today and I don't think he does anything to worry Packer fans. Look for the Pack to improve to 7-0. Pick: Green Bay


Rams (0-5) at Cowboys (2-3)

No Sam Bradford for the Rams today as their disappointing season continues. Instead, it will be A.J. Feeley under center and that bodes well for the Cowboys who look to bounce back from a tough loss in New England last week. Pick: Dallas


Colts (0-6) at Saints (4-2)

No way the Saints lose at home to a team quarterbacked by Curtis Painter. Pick: New Orleans


Ravens (4-1) at Jaguars (1-5)

The Jags have dropped 5 in a row including 4 straight with Blaine Gabbert at quarterback. The Ravens defense has allowed just 71 points this year, the fewest in the league while the Rams are the only team to score fewer points than Jacksonville's 72. This one is going to be ugly. Pick: Baltimore





Last Week: 11-2
Season: 64-26



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