NFL Week 7: 5 Bold Predictions

The NFL season has given us plenty of surprises thus far.  

First we didn't know if we were going to have a season, but we did.  

The Lions have finally realized their potential and are playing good football.  

The 49ers have shown the difference a coach can make and they have a fighting chance (pun intended) to make some noise in the NFC come playoff time.  

The Philadelphia "Dream Team" Eagles have gotten off to an awful start.

Cam Newton came out of the gate hot, and though he had a rough game in Week 6, has certainly exceeded expectations.

With the exception of this season, Peyton Manning has succeeded in making the Colts viable for two consecutive decades.  Suck for Luck, anyone?

Here are five bold predictions for Week 7 in the NFL. 

Tim Tebow Will Win His 1st Game as a Starter

OK so maybe this first prediction isn't exactly bold, considering the Denver Broncos are playing the hapless Miami Dolphins. But with all the Tim Tebow hate around, a win is far from guaranteed.

Tebow’s first start comes, ironically, on “Gator Day” at Sun Life Stadium.  Bronco fans will be hoping that the former Gator will show them something better than Kyle Orton has shown so far this season.

His first start comes against a soft pass defense, as the Dolphins are 29^th in the league allowing 284 passing yards per game.

However, John Fox isn’t known as a risk taker, so expect him to keep his game plan extra conservative this week.  The Broncos will win by running the ball with Knowshon Moreno and adding a healthy dose of Tebow.

Score: Denver-24 Miami-21

Cam Newton's Frustration Will End This Week

The title should read: Cam Newton's frustration will end this week, temporarily.

At the end of the Carolina Panthers' game in Atlanta, Newton was showing obvious frustration with his play. So far he has been better than expected, but against the Falcons he looked like a rookie.

Newton’s frustration is understandable.  He has been a winner his entire life, with the exception of his stint in Gainesville.  He went from Heisman Trophy winner to quarterbacking a 1-5 team that can’t finish games.

That said, I expect Newton to lead the Panthers to a win Sunday at home against the Washington Redskins.

The Skins have a stout defense, but their offense is in trouble. Rex Grossman was benched and John Beck is expected to get the start this weekend, which is great news for Newton and the Panthers.

Score: Panthers-31 Redskins-24

The Green Bay Packers Will Win by 30

Anyone predicting a Packer win these days is far from bold.  In fact, the Packers are looking as though they are coasting to the top seed in the NFC.

That’s why I am predicting at least a 30-point victory on Sunday for the Pack.

Aaron Rodgers is playing like an MVP this season and the receiving corps is stacked. 

The defense is the weaker area of the team, but with Charles Woodson and Clay Matthews on the field they won’t have any problems against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings have been struggling, and now there is quarterback controversy in Minnesota. 

That’s why, even at home, I am predicting a blowout loss for the Vikings.

Score: Packers-42 Vikings-10

The Jets Will Win 2 in a Row

Rex Ryan expects his team to win the Super Bowl every year.  This year the New York Jets will be lucky to make the playoffs.

Subpar offensive displays have been salvaged by good defensive play, especially against Miami.

Mark Sanchez has done nothing to give the front office any indication that he can be their franchise quarterback.  He needs to improve his performance if the Jets are going to make a run to the playoffs.

The Jet defense will continue to play well and I expect the offense to gain confidence after a win against the Dolphins.

A win against a conference foe like the San Diego Chargers could be just what the Jets need to get rolling.

Look for a close game, with defenses dictating the play.  Playing at home will give the Jets the extra boost they need.

Score: Jets-17 Chargers-14

Charlie Whitehurst (Tarvaris Jackson) Will Get a Win

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that Tarvaris Jackson may be able to play against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. He was not originally expected to recover from a pectoral injury in time to play.

If he is not able to go, Charlie Whitehurst will get the start. Whitehurst led Seattle to a win Week 5 against the Giants.

Whitehurst hasn’t gotten many chances for the Seahawks, but has made the most of his opportunities. He started Week 17 last year and led Seattle to a win that put them in the playoffs.

Regardless of who starts the game, expect Seattle to run often on the Browns' 27^th ranked run defense. 

The Seahawks quarterback, whether it’s Jackson or Whitehurst, will do just enough to get his team the win.

Score: Seahawks-20 Browns-17