NFL Week 7: Brett Favre at the Green Bay Packers and Other Picks

I feel like an opponent of Manny Pacquiao's. I keep getting hit with the fastest sledgehammer you have ever seen (or never seen, actually), but I still keep getting up for more.

An abysmal 3-11 two weeks ago and 4-10 last week (although by reaching the four-win plateau I was able to avoid a full season of "Jersey Shore") has not deterred me from getting up from yet another sledgehammer.

However, at this rate I expect a message in my inbox any day now from the Bleacher Report powers-that-be: "Please stop publishing your weekly picks. If you want to continue making your picks for your own amusement, feel free to do so. However, please refrain from publishing them. Thank You, Bleacher Report."

But since I have not received that message yet, here are my Week 7 picks:

Cincinnat Bengals at Atlanta Falcons

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CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 10: Chad Ochocinco #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals makes a reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Paul Brown Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

I have read numerous articles anointing the Atlanta Falcons as one of the best teams in the NFC. I have one message for those writers: Put the Kool-Aid down and step away. Their schedule has been very friendly in the early weeks and, while they did take advantage of it, they are not the team you believe them to be.

Cincinnati, on the other hand—well, I am still waiting for them to realize their potential. This offense has not done what many (including myself) thought it would do this year.

This week, I think the Bengal offense escapes from its cocoon and gives Atlanta all kinds of fits. I believe the defense sacks Matt Ryan at least five times.

I'll take the Bengals.

Washington Redskins at Chicago Bears

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - OCTOBER 17: Julius Peppers #90 of the Chicago Bears participates in warm-ups before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field on October 17, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Seahawks defeated the Bears 23-20. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/G

Both teams are coming off tough losses (by the way, guys, thanks, I picked both of you last week). I am still trying to figure out if this Washington team is a playoff team or not.

I stated earlier in the year how I thought the Bears were not a playoff team despite their fast start. I still hold that belief, especially if Minnesota defeats Green Bay Sunday night.

The North will not get three teams in the playoffs, and with said Sunday night win, the Vikings will be back in the hunt. Chicago has also had a hard time keeping Jay Cutler upright.

My gut says the 'Skins, but I will take the Bears at home.

St. Louis Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 17: Running back Carnell Williams #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

The Bucs are still stinging from the whooping the Saints laid on them last week—at home, no less. Tampa Bay did absolutely nothing right last week in making the New Orleans look like the defending Super Bowl champs that they are. But they are back home this week and losing two in a row at home would be devastating to a team wanting to surprise the entire league by making the playoffs.

The Rams, on the other hand, defeated a Chargers team last week that many people had picked to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. While the jury is still out on the Chargers, the verdict is in on Sam Bradford: He is pretty good. Six weeks into the season, his surgically repaired shoulder seems to be holding up. He and his teammates are putting numbers into the W column.

This week, however, proves tougher for the Rams. Not because I believe the Bucs are a better team, but because they are a wounded animal whose pride was wrecked last week.

In a season such as this, with so much parity in the league, it is hard to pick against an angry team at home.

I'll take the Bucs, but in a close one.

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 17: Takeo Spikes #51 of the San Francisco 49ers is congratulated by teammates after he made an interception during their game against the Oakland Raiders at Candlestick Park on October 17, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Phot

The Niners got their first win last week at the expense of the Raiders.

Carolina is still seeking its first win, and I do not see it coming anytime soon. This team is in disarray and going nowhere soon.

I will take San Francisco to make it two in a row.

Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 17: Coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens shouts instructions in the second half in a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

John Harbaugh and his men are angry. You will not like them when they are angry. No, they will not be turning green and growing to three times their body size; but they will be looking to inflict some pain this week. And I believe there will be plenty of it for the Buffalo Bills.

The Bills are still looking for their first win this season. That search will continue after this week. Buffalo has about as much chance of winning this game as I have of being selected by ESPN to pick games for Sunday Countdown. Not gonna happen.

Baltimore could actually put up video game stats this week. If you like slaughters (with Halloween just a week away, this is the season for it), then you will love this one. Well, you will love it if you are a Ravens fan.

I'll take the Ravens.

Philadelphia Eagles at Tennessee Titans

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 18: Head coach Jeff Fisher of the Tennessee Titans directs his team along the sideline against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at EverBank Field on October 18, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty I

Here are two teams I have yet to figure out this year. Will Vick play? Will Vince Young play? I have heard yes and no to both this week, so I guess we will have to wait until game time to know for sure.

One thing is sure: This should be an entertaining game. Both teams look playoff bound (at least right now) and, at times, look almost unbeatable.

This one is a tough call, but I think home field plays a part.

I will take the Titans.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs

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HOUSTON - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws down field as Antonio Smith #94 of the Houston Texans looks to apply pressure> at Reliant Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Kansas City let one slip away last week. They will be yet another angry team (I'm noticing a theme here) looking for retribution.

Jacksonville is still a mess and is coming off a 27-point drubbing at the hands of Tennessee. Things do not get any better for them this week. I do not foresee a blowout (Kansas City's offense is still weak), but I do see a victory for the Chiefs.

I'll take Kansas City.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 17: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks for running room while playing the Cleveland Browns on October 17, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won the game 28-10. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/G

Ben Roethlisberger got an easy one for his first game back from suspension. This week, however, will not prove so easy. Miami is one of those teams that could go either way this season, and that makes them unpredictable.

Playing at home, I am tempted to take the Dolphins. But I cannot get that Steelers defense out of my head. I think Miami will have the same problem.

I'll take Pittsburgh.

Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints

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TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 17: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints looks up at the scoreboard against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

New Orleans finally looked like the defending Super Bowl champions last week (playing Tampa Bay will do that for you).

Cleveland made Pittsburgh look like a Super Bowl contender last week (which they are). This is an easy one.

I'll take the Saints.

Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - OCTOBER 17: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks runs against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 17, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Seahawks defeated the Bears 23-20. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

As much as it pains me to say, the Seahawks are not as bad as expected. Plus, they are at home this week. If they can hold serve at home the entire season, they have a shot to win the West. After all, that division winner will probably get by at 9-7.

Arizona is another of those teams that has been hard to figure out. One week they look good, the next—well, let's just say it has not been pretty.

But when all is said and done, I do not believe they will be the winners of the West. But, then again, what do I know? I was happy to win four of 14 last week just to keep from having to watch a full season of "Jersey Shore."

Since this is a divisional game, it will be close.

But I will take the Seahawks at home.

New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 17: Head Coach Norv Turner of the San Diego Chargers looks on from the sideline against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 17, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Chargers 20-17. (Photo by Dilip Vishwan

San Diego has allowed their September Slumber to carry over into October. Luckily for them, they play in one of the weaker divisions in the league. If they can put together a few wins, they can get right back into the West.

If New England fans knew I even existed, they would have flooded my inbox this week after I picked the Ravens last week. Luckily for me, they do not have a clue as to who I am. However, they will get another chance this week should their team win on the road.

I will take the Chargers.  

Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos

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DENVER - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos runs for a touchdown against the New York Jets at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

A divisional clash at home for the Broncos. Jason Campbell is back this week for the Raiders. There is not much to say about this one. I think Denver's offense will be the difference.

I will take the Broncos.

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 17: Aaron Rogers #12 of the Green Bay Packers runs for a touchdown to tie the game against the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field on October 17, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Dolphins defeated the Packers 23-20 in overtime. (Photo

Green Bay was one of many teams to absorb a tough loss last week (at home, no less). The Vikings are still alive by virtue of their victory over Dallas last week.

Brett Favre seems to have reverted back to his old ways at times this year, but he does play well against his old team.

The Packers are looking to get a leg up in the division while the Vikings are looking to just stay alive. This game does not hold the same desperation for both teams as last week's Vikings-Cowboys tilt, but it does have implications. Minnesota has the most to lose here.

I will take the Vikings.

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 17: Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants against the Detroit Lions at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Once written off and their coach already fired by many, the Giants are back. Their defense is alive and Eli has eliminated the mistakes (for now, anyway).

And what can we say about the Cowboys? As I stated in another article, they have to win 10 of their last eleven to make the playoffs. A record of 9-7 or 10-6 will not get them in as they have already lost three games in the NFC. Tiebreakers will come back to haunt them. They have to be 11-5 or 12-4. I see neither one happening. I do not care who they are going to give the ball to after touchdowns this week, it will not matter.

I am taking the Giants.