NFL Picks Week 7: Arizona Cardinals and Preseason Favorites That Have No Chance

As is so often the case, some preseason expectations aren't quite living up to what we expected, although some are.

It's not terribly surprising the Green Bay Packers and New York Patriots have one combined loss. That's a very possible Super Bowl preview, and it's very hard to suggest otherwise.

However, some teams are surprising. Some surprises are good (San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills), while others aren't. Right now, we're going to look at the negative surprises and the teams that have no chance of righting the ship this week.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons had the best record in the NFC last season. This year, they have struggled to keep their heads above water.

At 3-3, they are taking a trip up north to take on the Detroit Lions, who have to be really upset after losing the way they did Sunday.

I just don't think the Falcons match up very well to the Lions. They are 3-3. If they fall to 3-4 and either the Saints or Buccaneers win (both should), then the Falcons are fighting a very tough battle.

Arizona Cardinals

The acquisition of Kevin Kolb made the Cardinals a trendy pick in the NFC West this year. So far, they are much closer to the No. 1 pick in the draft than first place in the NFC West.

The 49ers are off to a red-hot start, and the Cardinals haven't won since pulling out a victory against the Panthers in Week 1.

I don't know what the cure for their problem is, but it's not a date with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

St. Louis Rams

If the trendy NFC West pick wasn't the Cardinals, then it was the Rams. However, facts are facts. The Rams haven't won a single game this year, and are now going on the road to take on a Cowboys team that needs a win.

The Rams secondary is going to have a hard time staying close against the Cowboys receivers. Don't expect this one to be a close game, even if the Rams score some points.

With the 49ers 5-1 and even the Seahawks 2-3, the Rams' chances are slim to none at this point.