NFL Week Seven: Five Things To Watch for

(Peyton Manning could tie a pretty cool NFL record.)

It sounds like a broken record, but every week seems to bring more exciting performances, both individual and team efforts, as well as interesting story-lines .

Whether it's Dante Wesley's hit on Clifton Smith, Brett Favre torching the Ravens, or Tom Brady and co. getting their mojo back, Week Six lived up to it's billing, and somehow surpassed all the expectations that the previous weeks had left to meet.

Look ahead to week seven in great amazement at all the possible matchups and story-lines. But to get the five that demand your attention the most, just continue reading below:

5. Will Peyton Manning Become Mr. 300?

Not yet, as the actual record of six straight 300-yard passing games can only be tied in Week Seven. However, he shouldn't have any issues stretching that possibility into Week Eight.

Manning orchestrates this offense that a preacher delivers a sermon, and you simply cannot bet against him . All Colts offensive players are a go, and if you're playing it smart, the exact opposite can be said for the Rams.

Steven Jackson, the Rams' only true offensive weapon, should have a tough time finding running room against a very solid Colts run defense.

Indianapolis 45, St. Louis 13

4. Can the Lowly Teams Gain Some Momentum?

We're talking about you Oakland. Same with you, Buffalo, Kansas City, and Carolina.

All four of these teams displayed some heart and true effort with wins in week six, while the Panthers are actually (believe it or not) riding a two-game winning streak.

Let's break it down:

New York Jets @ Oakland Raiders

Mark Sanchez simply blew it last week, giving the game to the Bills (below) with five interceptions. Still, there was good to be had in the loss, as the ground game finally got back on track, with Thomas Jones (210 yards) and Leon Washington combining for 300+ yards on the ground.

The Raiders on the other hand, renewed their fan's confidence in their sting pass defense, sacking Donovan McNabb six times and rendering him ineffective in a solid 13-9 victory.

In a game where both team's true heart will come out, you have to go with the team that runs the ball better and has a slightly less inept passer. Look for Thomas Jones to have another big day.

New York 27, Oakland 10

Buffalo Bills @ Carolina Panthers

This matchup kills two birds with one stone . Quite literally, whoever loses this game is almost completely lost in their division race and can surely kiss any playoff hopes good-bye.

Both defenses have had trouble all season long stopping the run, and both also have had huge problems at the quarterback position.

If you're picking or betting on this game, you have to go with the home team. Buffalo probably over-exerted themselves by barely sneaking by the Jets in overtime last week.

Carolina 23, Buffalo 16

San Diego Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

The Chargers got off on the wrong foot after their bye week, performing decently (but not amazingly) against a tough Denver Broncos defense.

As for the Chiefs, Larry Johnson got going enough against a solid Redskins run defense to offer optimism for the future. If LJ can continue his great efforts, there could be enough focus on him to give Matt Cassel time against a very suspect San Diego pass defense.

Kansas City 24, San Diego 21

3. Can Tom Brady Repeat Last Week's Success?

Does he have Randy Moss and Wes Welker, still? Uh, that'd be an emphatic "yes."

There's no point in analyzing the Buccaneers side of things, as they can't stop anybody, let alone an offense with the explosive potential like the Patriots, and they aren't all that great at scoring, either.

It's a rarity, but we could see Tom Brady throw six touchdowns in back-to-back games.

Josh Johnson and Tampa Bay don't figure to put up too much of a fight.

New England 55, Tampa Bay 6

2. Can Minnesota Dispose of Their Latest Test and Climb to 7-0?

Why not?

The only thing stopping them is a tough defense, and after seeing how easy it was for Brett Favre and co. against a solid Baltimore Ravens defense, there's no real reason to think they can't keep the train on the tracks.

Pittsburgh's bread and butter rests in their so-so running game, but a date with the "Williams Wall" could stop them dead in their tracks.

Look for an unlikely shoot-out where Ben Roethlisberger takes advantage of a depleted Minnesota secondary, but watch as Adrian Peterson (and not Brett Favre) saves the day.

Minnesota 34, Pittsburgh 31

For the final "thing to watch for" in week seven, head on over to TRZR .