NFL Week 7 Picks: 10 Favorites Who Will Sweat Right Up To Final Minute
It's NFL Week 7 picks time again.
Last week, I went 9-5 on my selections, but I lucked out on some and just missed out on a few of others.
Picking these games can always be frustrating for me, but it's even more disappointing for the guys on the field who make me look bad. I'm talking to you, San Diego.
Anyway, the 2010 season has seen plenty of upsets and even more exciting games, but we won't get to watch some fun teams--the Colts, Jets, Texans and Lions--this week.
But I'm here to pick the winners for all 14 games again, and rank which teams will have to sweat out a close victory in Week 7.
Buffalo Bills @ Baltimore Ravens
1 of 14
Bills head coach Chan Gailey said the Bills wouldn't be rebuilt overnight, but a win is the only way to restart the rebuilding process.
The Bills will head to Baltimore to face the Ravens, who are coming off a tough overtime loss against the Patriots.
Why the Bills Will Win: Nothing really leads me to believe the Bills have a shot at pulling the upset, but I suppose a bye week has helped the team better prepare for the Ravens.
Why the Ravens Will Win: Buffalo gives up more rushing yards and more points than any team in the league. Ray Rice will have a field day.
Why It Will Be Close: Maybe Bills rookie C.J. Spiller makes a few big plays, or Joe Flacco throws four interceptions like he did against the Bengals.
Prediction: Ravens 34, Bills 13
Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos
2 of 14
In Week 7, the Broncos fell victim to the most ridiculous call in football: the spot of the foul pass interference rule.
But Denver gets to take on a the Raiders at home this week.
Why the Raiders Will Win: If the Raiders 10th-ranked rushing offense can run the football effectively, they'll keep Kyle Orton and the high octane Broncos offense off the field.
Why the Broncos Will Win: See above. If Oakland can't run the ball, that puts General Orton--who is still boggling my mind--on the field.
Why It Will Be Close: The Raiders actually have the league's No. 8 pass defense, and the Broncos can't rely on the run.
Prediction: Broncos 31, Raiders 17
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Kansas City Chiefs
3 of 14
The Jacksonville Jaguars come into the game unsure about who will start at quarterback while Kansas City is looking to rebound after two straight close losses.
Why the Jaguars Will Win: With uncertainty at the quarterback position, the Jags will rely completely on Maurice Jones-Drew, who has to have a big day for his team to win.
Why the Chiefs Will Win: The Chiefs showed last week against a bad Colts defense that they can throw the ball too. Matt Cassel will have a chance to do it again against Jacksonville's 28th-ranked pass defense.
Why It Will Be Close: Two teams, three very good running backs. If Cassel struggles in the passing game, this could come down to who plays better: Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones or Jones-Drew.
Prediction: Chiefs 27, Jaguars 13
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Cleveland Browns @ New Orleans Saints
4 of 14
Fresh off their most complete win of the season, the Saints play host to the Browns, who might have a quarterback controversy on their hands after an impressive performance for rookie Colt McCoy in his NFL debut against the Steelers.
Why the Browns Will Win: The Saints have played down to their competition a couple times this season--at Arizona and against Carolina--which could bode well for the Browns.
Why the Saints Will Win: Drew Brees and the Saints offense seems to have gotten back on track, and running back Chris Ivory gave the Saints their first 100-yard performance on the season in Week 6.
Why It Will Be Close: With the emergence of Ivory for the Saints and Peyton Hillis in the backfield for the Browns, we could see a game that comes down to what team runs the ball more effectively.
Prediction: Saints 31, Browns 20
10. Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks
5 of 14
The Seahawks and Cardinals battle in a game that will determine which mediocre team will lead the most mediocre division in football.
Why the Cardinals Will Win: They're starting a rookie quarterback in Max Hall, but he does still have Larry Fitzgerald, and Seattle ranks 30th in passing yards allowed.
Why the Seahawks Will Win: Max Hall is making his first start against Seattle's "12th Man." He's not ready for that.
Why It Will Be Close: Because it's the NFC West, and the entire division is incredibly unpredictable.
Prediction: Seahawks 28, Cardinals 20
9. Pittsburgh Steelers @ Miami Dolphins
6 of 14
That Ben Roethlisberger guy has finally returned to the Steelers, who face Miami on the road in Week 7.
The Dolphins are coming off a huge overtime win against the Packers on the road.
Why the Steelers Will Win: Pittsburgh's defense ranks first in points and rushing yards allowed. They'll stifle Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown all day.
Why the Dolphins Will Win: The Steelers defense hasn't been very good against the pass all season, so Chad Henne will have his chances to air it out.
Why It Will Be Close: Aside from the New England game, Miami has played tight contests all season, even when the Dolphins win.
Prediction: Steelers 28, Dolphins 20
8. Cincinnati Bengals @ Atlanta Falcons
7 of 14
The Bengals have struggled recently, with two straight losses against the Browns and Buccaneers, while the Falcons were blown out on the road by Philadelphia in Week 6.
Why the Bengals Will Win: Kevin Kolb threw for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns against the Falcons last week, so Carson Palmer could have a good time throwing to Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco.
Why the Falcons Will Win: Atlanta will revert back to the way they know how to win, by pounding the ball with Michael Turner and Jason Snelling.
Why It Will Be Close: Despite poor showings recently, these teams are average or better in most phases of the game. Atlanta has the league's third ranked scoring defense, and Cincinnati's last two losses are by a combined six points.
Prediction: Falcons 30, Bengals 23
7. San Francisco 49ers @ Carolina Panthers
8 of 14
It's a preview of this year's Super Bowl! Just kidding.
This is a "let's see which coach's seat is hotter after the game" matchup between two teams who are a combined 1-10.
Why the 49ers Will Win: Frank Gore finally had a breakout performance last week, with 149 yards rushing on 25 carries. He could go off on the 28th-ranked run defense of Carolina.
Why the Panthers Will Win: Because they're playing at home, and Steve Smith is expected to return.
Why It Will Be Close: It's a battle of two of the league's bottom three offenses, so this is a game to determine which team can break 17 points.
Prediction: 49ers 17, Panthers 10
6. New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
9 of 14
The Giants are looking to put the nail in the coffin for the Cowboys, who sit at 1-4 on the season.
And by the way, I don't believe a word Jerry Jones says about Wade Phillips.
Why the Giants Will Win: The Giants defense ranks in the top 10 in rushing, passing and total yards. It'll be hard for Dallas to move the ball.
Why the Cowboys Will Win: The Cowboys don't have a choice. They absolutely have to win this game, and they actually boast a top 10 defense as well.
Why It Will Be Close: Dallas loves a good nail biter. All but one of the Cowboys games have been decided by seven points or less.
Prediction: Cowboys 28, Giants 21
5. St. Louis Rams @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10 of 14
Hey Tampa Bay, this is Earth speaking. Welcome back.
The Buccaneers were dominated last week from start to finish by the Saints and face a Rams teams in week 7 that has surprised everybody with a 3-3 start.
Why the Rams Will Win: Tampa Bay's defense ranks dead last against the run. Steven Jackson will run wild, which will take a lot of pressure off of Sam Bradford.
Why the Bucs Will Win: Quarterback Josh Freeman has done a much better job at limiting his mistakes so far, throwing three interceptions through five games. If he can prevent turnovers and keep his defense off the field, Tampa should be in good shape.
Why It Will Be Close: Tampa Bay has been pretty unpredictable and so have the Rams, who got blownout by the Lions one week, then beat the Chargers the next.
Prediction: Rams 30, Bucs 24
4. Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers
11 of 14
This is one of two times per year when I remember that Brett Favre actually played for the Packers because it seems so long ago.
Why the Vikings Will Win: Brett Favre may act like this is just another game, but everyone knows that he'll be more motivated to win this game than any game the rest of the season.
Why the Packers Will Win: The Packers simply can't afford another loss, and they know that. Aaron Rodgers will hook up with Greg Jennings again this week after a big game in Week 6.
Why It Will Be Close: Because it's the Packers and the Vikings, and Rodgers doesn't want to lose to a grandpa.
Prediction: Vikings 30, Packers 24
3. Washington Redskins @ Chicago Bears
12 of 14
After two big wins, Washington lost a tough one against the Colts last week, but they have a tough test against Chicago on the road.
The Bears are looking to bounce back after a disappoint 20-23 loss to the Seahawks.
Why the Redskins Will Win: Ryan Torain finally gave the Redskins a boost in their running game last week, which will be needed against Chicago's No. 3 rush defense.
Why the Bears Will Win: The Redskins rank 32nd in total yards allowed and 31st in passing yards allowed. Jay Cutler is salivating.
Why It Will Be Close: Despite their defensive play, the Redskins have only had one game decided by more than six points.
Prediction: Bears 27, Redskins 23
2. New England Patriots @ San Diego Chargers
13 of 14
Tom Brady's still talking smack to the Ravens, but he better worry about his game on the road against the San Diego Chargers this week.
Why the Patriots Will Win: The Patriots will win because Tom Brady and Deion Branch apparently like to think it's 2003 again and hook up nine times for 98 yards and a touchdown.
Why the Chargers Will Win: Philip Rivers can throw the ball on anyone, especially a Patriots defense that gives up 274 passing yards per game.
Why It Will Be Close: These are two high scoring offenses. The Patriots are first in the league in scoring, and the Chargers rank sixth.
Prediction: Patriots 31, Chargers 28
1. Philadelphia Eagles @ Tennessee Titans
14 of 14
It looks like Kevin Kolb will continue to start--and for Eagles fans, hopefully continue to play well--while Michael Vick recovers from a rib injury.
The Eagles travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans, who are coming off an impressive 30-3 beatdown of the Jaguars on Monday night.
Why the Eagles Will Win: Two huge playmakers--Vick and DeSean Jackson--are likely out for the game, but Kolb and Jeremy Maclin connected for 159 yards and two touchdowns last week. And they looked very impressive doing it.
Why the Titans Will Win: Chris Johnson. When he rushes for 100 yards, the Titans win. When he doesn't they lose. Tennessee also should have Vince Young back and ready to go.
Why It Will Be Close: There's no reason to expect a blowout either way from two 4-2 teams. The Titans score 27 points per game (No. 3 in the league), and the Eagles put up 25 points per contest.
Prediction: Titans 24, Eagles 21
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