The Kid, The ‘Cane, and The Old Timer Pick Week 7

Ok, so we missed posting the picks last week, but never fear loyal readers, picks were made. The good news is for some of us, the quality of the picks are getting better. Unfortunately for yours truly, I haven’t broken .500 in the past two weeks. Let’s recap quickly. In Week 5, The ‘Cane and The Old Timer led the way, with Scott (The ‘Cane) winning the week going 8-4-2, while Donn “The Old Timer” was right on his heels going 7-5-2. No need to dwell on the fact that I was 5-7-2. That really got the standings close. Last week, the O.T. got his picks in to me, but the ‘Cane was really late and declared “just give me the opposite of Dad.” Basically calling the ability of his dear old dad to pick games less than steady. Well, the Old Timer put together another good week, going 8-6 which means the Hurricane went 6-8. The Kid kept it steady, splitting his competition going 7-7. So, going into Week 7 here are the standings for the season:

The Old Timer: 35-34-3
The Hurricane: 34-35-3
The Kid: 33-36-3

So the competition is hot and heavy. Every game is important as we are getting closer to the halfway point. Below are the picks for Week 7 for the Kid, the ‘Cane, and the Old Timer. May the best man win, or at least the youngest.

NEW YORK GIANTS -10.5 vs. San Francisco 49ers
The O.T. says: 49ers + 10.5 Another Chance For The GIANTS To Play Down To Their Competition
The ‘Cane says: SF-Giants have played seriously soft schedule up until this point. Frisco is no powerhouse, but after having weaknesses exposed by the Browns, G-men shouldn’t be giving anyone double-digits.
The Kid says: Niners. I hate to pick this game because I expect my team to get the taste slapped out of their mouths as the Giants want to make up for that embarrassing loss on Monday night. But I think it is my fandom that makes me think they can keep it within 10 points.

New York Jets -3 at OAKLAND RAIDERS
The O.T. says: OAK + 3
The ‘Cane says: Jets-Favre (who is already publicly mulling his retirement for next year) is doing enough to get it done for the Jets against weak teams. This is a weak opponent, Jets cover.
The Kid says: Jets. Raiders offense has struggled, and it looks like Brett is getting some chemistry with his wideouts. As much as I hate to say it, the Jets’ offense should improve with each passing week.

Tennessee Titans -8 at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The O.T. says: CHIEFS + 8 Even A Blind Squirrel Trips Over An Acorn Every Now & Then
The ‘Cane says: Chiefs-KC won’t take down the last undefeated, but they should play good enough at home to cover a spread over a touchdown.  My pick of the week!
The Kid says: Titans. I’ve picked the Titans every week this year and haven’t been disappointed yet. Look for rookie Chris Johnson to run wild over the Chiefs who will have NO offense without Larry Johnson.

BUFFALO BILLS E vs. San Diego Chargers
The O.T. says: SAN DIEGO Even Over the BILLS Chargers Finally Rolling
The ‘Cane says: Chargers-Reality is starting to set in now. Bills are not quite as good as we thought they were a couple weeks ago, and Chargers are not nearly as bad.
The Kid says: Buffalo. Coming off the bye week, I like the Bills. The Chargers have had a real Jeykll and Hyde thing going this year. Which team will show up this week? Your guess is as good as mine, but the Bills are a tough team at home.

Pittsburgh Steelers -9.5 at CINCINNATI BENGALS
The O.T. says: CINCI + 9.5
The ‘Cane says: Pittsburgh-Bengals are horrible at full strength. Without Palmer, and Housh hobbled, they get worse.
The Kid says: Steelers. Can’t pick the Bengals with Harvard product Ryan Fitzpatrick behind center. Ivy league students are supposed to be analyzing football stats, not quarterbacking a football team. The Steelers have a chance of shutting the Bengals out here.

MIAMI DOLPHINS -3 vs. Baltimore Ravens
The O.T. says: MIAMI - 3 Does That Say Miami MINUS 3?
The ‘Cane says: Ravens-A couple wins, albeit impressive, are not enough to convince me The Fish should be giving points to anyone.
The Kid says: Baltimore. Ray and the Boys aren’t going to be falling for this Wildcat garbage. Look for the Ravens to punch the ‘Fins in the mouth and keep them under 14 points.  Pick of the Week!

Dallas Cowboys -7 at ST. LOUIS RAMS
The O.T. says: COWBOYS - 7 Jessica Simpsons Mother Will Be In The Stands For BRAD JOHNSON
The ‘Cane says: Cowboys-Romo is a game-time decision. Even with the veteran Johnson at the helm, Dallas should be fine against St. Lou as they unveil their new Roy Williams.
The Kid says: Cowboys. Despite the media’s attempt to convince us the Cowboys are in trouble, they still should have plenty enough to beat the Rams.

CHICAGO BEARS -3 vs. Minnesota Vikings
The O.T. says: VIKES + 3
The ‘Cane says: Bears-Tough game as you are never sure which team is going to show up for Minnesota or Chicago. Take the home team and lay the points.
The Kid says: Bears. I will always bet the home teams in these tough, physical NFC North divisional games. Look for a 17-13 type of score. It will be ugly, but I think the Bears are deeper at the skill positions.

CAROLINA PANTHERS -3 vs. New Orleans Saints
The O.T. says: SAINTS + 3
The ‘Cane says: Carolina-Saints start to get more offensive weapons back, because Drew Brees wants to throw until his arm falls off. Not sold that they best Carolina in their own house.
The Kid says: Saints. Should be an explosive game, but the Saints should have their whole offensive team back, which is scary considering how good they have been with reserve players in there.

HOUSTON TEXANS -9 vs. Detroit Lions
The O.T. says: TEXANS - 9 Lions Can’t Get Out Of Their Own Way
The ‘Cane says: Detroit-Hate picking Detroit, but I think 9 is too much for Houston to lay.
The Kid says: Texans. I’ll agree that the number might be a little high, but the Lions lost their QB (Kitna on IR) and big receiver (Williams traded to Cowboys). Where is the offense going to come from? Calvin Johnson can’t throw it to himself.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS -7 vs. Cleveland Browns
The O.T. says: BROWNS + 7
The ‘Cane says: Browns-They stuck it to the G-men and ’skins are next. Cleveland played tough teams early and are coming together now.
The Kid says: Washington. I’m not ready to declare the Browns “back” after they whupped up on the Giants. Of course, I think the ‘Skins are over rated too, but I’ll bet them at home.

Indianapolis Colts -1.5 at GREEN BAY PACKERS
The O.T. says: COLTS - 1.5 I Hate To Use A Visitor For My “Pick Of The Week”, But MANNING Is Warming Up
The ‘Cane says: Colts-Indy keeps finding a way in close games this year.
The Kid says: Indy. As much as I am a fan of Aaron Rodgers and what he has done after the fiasco with Favre in training camp, I think the Colts are going to hit their groove.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS -10.5 vs. Seattle Seahawks
The O.T. says: SEAHAWKS + 10 Another Blind Squirrel Game
The ‘Cane says: Seattle-Bucs will rely on Warrick Dunn to carry the brunt of the load with Earnest Graham filling in at fullback. It’s Seneca Wallace’s time to shine.
The Kid says: Tampa. Not only do I feel the need to be different, but I have seen nothing from Seattle that makes me believe that they can hang with a halfway decent team. Stick with Tampa.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -3 vs. Denver Broncos
The O.T. says: PATS - 3
The ‘Cane says: Denver-Broncos, although banged up, should be able to go into the Pats’ house and win outright.
The Kid says: Broncs. I’m going to pick this one based on their offenses. The Pats have struggled to score points, while the Broncos and future MVP Jay Cutler put up points in bunches. Unbelievable to me that I’m picking against the Pats at home, but these aren’t your 2000s Pats.

Be sure to check back next week to see how your favorite guy here is doing.  As always, your comments and questions are welcome at [e-mail].  I guarantee a response within 18 hours.