NFL Week 7 Picks: Still No Light at the End of the Tunnel

About 15 minutes before I began typing this article I took my first look at the slate of games this weekend, as well as the lines. And for a large chunk of these games, I honestly had no idea. And these weren't just games matching up teams with 4-2 and/or 3-3 records. The Cowboys are 1-4 and are hosting the 4-2 NY Giants on Monday night. The Cowboys are 3.5 point favorites.

The point is the NFL seems to have it's wish. Parity. It seems every week a new favorite rises, especially in the NFC. The Giants seemed destined to miss the playoffs now they may win the East.

The Falcons fell last week to the Eagles, the Saints haven't shown much yet, Green Bay can't stay healthy. At least in the AFC, it currently seems like only three teams have a real shot at making the Super Bowl. The Steelers, Jets, and yes, the Patriots. For now...

Last Week: 8-6

Season: 47-43

As always, all games are picked using the spread:

Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta Falcons (-3.5)

Last week, I felt like the Falcons were on the path to the Super Bowl. Then the Eagles mopped the field with them. Now they get the Bengals at home and as I did with many games this week I didn't overthink this one. A quick gut pick, give me the home team.

Pick: Falcons

Washington Redskins at Chicago Bears (-2.5)

This one feels like a shootout, sort of. Both teams will probably come out throwing, mainly because neither team can run the ball. The Redskins are 25th in rushing, the Bears 26th. Mike Martz will have one or two tricks up his sleeve for this one.

Pick: Bears

Philadelphia Eagles at Tennessee Titans (-3.5)

The Eagles are a mystery. I have no idea how they will play week in and week out and now we all have no idea who will be under center. I bet Andy Reid will just go with the hot and healthy hand each week which would make Kolb the man in Tennessee. Reid should also try and fix his 22nd ranked run defense before he watches Chris Johnson run all over his defense.

Pick: Titans

Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs (-5.5)

Here's two more mystery teams. With an awfully high line. I will say this, the Chiefs defense will rule the day.

Pick: Chiefs

Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins (+3.5)

Oh my poor Dolphins. On the day of each home game the Dolphins visiting opponents were a combined 7-3 (including this weeks game against Pittsburgh). Pittsburgh looks  early Super Bowl favorite. Look for my Dolphins to fall to 0-3 at home.

Pick: Steelers

Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints (-13.5)

Honestly this spread feels high with how inconsistent the Saints have been this season. But then you remember it's the Browns and the game is in the dome.

Pick: Saints

St. Louis Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5)

I like the Rams. They play feisty and Sam Bradford looks legit. I like the Rams to win the NFC West and to pull off a nice road win in Tampa this weekend. The Bucs have some talent but their record feels a little more fluky so far than the Rams' does.

Pick: Rams

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers (+3.5)

The 49ers finally got on the board last week with a win over Oakland. It's safe to say they'll make it two in a row against Carolina. The bigger question: who's worse, Carolina or Buffalo?

Pick:  49ers

Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens (-13.5)

This line isn't too high. It might be too low. I'd be surprised if the Bills can even make it into the end zone this weekend. I'd throw some stats into this game but they aren't needed.

Pick: Ravens

Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks (-5.5)

Can someone please tell me how how the Cardinals won three games so far. Seriously, they are almost as bad on paper and statically as the Panthers and Bills. They are 30th in passing yards, 29th in rushing yards, 26th in pass defense and 29th in run defense. And somehow they've got three wins. Somehow.

Pick: Seahawks

New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers (-2.5)

I did a little research cause to me it seemed like the Pats always knocked the Chargers around. But to my surprise New England is just 4-3 (including the playoffs) against San Diego since 2001. There goes that stat idea for backing my pick.

Pick: Patriots

Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos (-6.5)

Ah, this week's game I don't care about and refuse to do any research on. I'll just say that this line seems way too high.

Pick: Raiders

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (-2.5)

The Vikings got a huge win last weekend and are looking to turn this season around. Green Bay on the other hand just lost at home to Miami and now has Farve coming into Lambeau. I can't see Green Bay dropping two in a row at home.

Pick: Packers

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-3.5)

So the Giants are 4-2 and the Cowboys are 1-4. So logically Vegas makes the Cowboys favorites at home. Is there a good chance to 'Boys wake up and win this Monday Night match up. Sure. I just wouldn't bet on it.

Pick: Giants

Current Super Bowl Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Giants (wow, I'm really picking the Giants).