Week 7 NFL Picks: It's Tebow Time

It took awhile–-five weeks to be exact, but it seems like longer. At 1-4, the Broncos have finally pulled Kyle Orton and turned to Tim Tebow. All season long I've been making my case as to why Tebow should start, and that time is finally here.

How will he do?

This is the kind of player you don't want to doubt, because he will prove you wrong. He's got that ability to "just, win baby." Broncos fans have got their wish, and now it's time for Tebow to deliver. 

Weeks Top Performers

Top Quarterback: Drew Brees - 26-33, 387 yards, 3 TDs

Top Running Back: Ray Rice - 184 total yards, TD

Top Wide Receiver: Greg Jennings - 9 catches, 187 yards TD

Top Kicker: Dan Bailey

Top Defense: Dallas Cowboys

Washington Redskins at Carolina Panthers

Folks, we'd like to introduce you to the real Rex Grossman, who finally showed up last week in a 20-13 loss to the Eagles. After guaranteeing the Redskins would win the NFC East this season, that's going to have to be done with Rex on the sidelines, who was benched after 9-22, 45 yard, four interception performance against the Eagles. We all knew that was coming at some point, right?

There was no Mike Shanahan saying, "Rex is our quarterback," like Lovie Smith either. Shanahan has turned to John Beck, and he launches his career in Washington in Carolina this weekend. 

At 1-5, the Panthers have been in every game, but can't seem to pull it out. That will change this week, though.

Last week, in Atlanta, Cam Newton struggled, throwing three interceptions and no touchdowns. After an incredible start, the No. 1 pick seems to be coming back to Earth. That's not to say he isn't playing well, but you get my point.

So far this season, Newton has more interceptions (nine), than touchdowns (seven), and that's not surprising for a rookie. Where Newton is different though is with his ability to rush, as he has six touchdowns on the season. 

On Sunday, expect the Panthers to take care of the ball, and get the win against the John Beck led Redskins. This is a game the Panthers should have.

Fearless Forecast: Panthers 26, Redskins 20. 

Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns

I've been saying it for weeks now, but I'm going to repeat myself. Colt McCoy is throwing the ball way too many times a game this season.

In five games, McCoy is averaging 43.4 pass attempts per game, while the Browns have swayed away from the ground attack of Peyton Hillis.

Maybe it's Hillis' contract situation, maybe it's his hamstring, but whatever it is, McCoy can't be throwing the ball that many times and expect the Browns to be successful. It's not happening.

On the other hand, the Seahawks, before their bye week, shocked the Giants 36-25 in New York. Considering their struggles on the road and the East coast, I think it's a safe bet to say nobody saw that one coming.

Tavaris Jackson has been better than people have expected this season, and so have the Seahawks. The only problem is in that division with the emergence of the 49ers, the Seahawks' chances have become pretty slim. 

In this game, I'm picking the Browns. I expect them to run the ball more here, and Seahawks will be starting Charlie Whitehurst with Tavaris Jackson still nursing an injury. 

Fearless Forecast: Browns 20, Seahawks 13. 

Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions

One man who wasn't happy with that loss to the 49ers last week was Lions head coach, Jim Schwartz.

As you know, after the game, Schwartz and 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh got in a heated discussion that had to be broken up by both the 49ers and the Lions. Now it's time for the Lions to move on, and focus their attention on a Falcons team eager to turn their season around.

At 3-3, the Falcons have been up and down this season. Their defense has struggled, and they just haven't been able to win games like they were doing last season. It seems like they still haven't gotten over that 48-21 loss against the Packers in the playoffs last season.

Playing the Panthers a week ago, the Falcons avoided a trap game, and held on 31-17. The defense picked up Cam Newton three times, and the Falcons showed signs of their 2010 team.

Can a win like that turn their season around? I can tell you for sure that a win this week in Detroit certainly will. 

At 5-1, the Lions led one slip away last week hosting the 49ers. Instead of them making a comeback, they blew a lead, and it cost them. It was also the first game of the season that Calvin Johnson didn't score a touchdown, and that should tell you something about how well the 49ers played him on defense.

How will they respond this week?

I expect a lot of offense in this game, and it's a game the Falcons need to have. I think they get it here as the Lions drop their second-straight game.

Fearless Forecast: Falcons 34, Lions 30. 

Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins

The Kyle Orton era is finished in Denver folks, and a new era is beginning. Tim Tebow is finally upon us, and Broncos fans couldn't be me overjoyed. I'm not a Broncos fan and I couldn't be more overjoyed.

There's just something about this guy, you either love him, or hate him. I hear NFL analysts and people all over saying Tebow's unconventional approach will not fare him well at the next level. They say he's not a quarterback and will fail. 

I beg to differ.

Tebow is a flat out winner, who will do anything, and everything to win. He is the kind of player you want leading your team. He will push every guy in the locker room, and get in the heads of his opponents.

And the people saying he can't play? Did you see him two weeks ago?

With the Broncos trailing 26-10, John Fox decided to pull Kyle Orton, and bring Tebow in. Tebow nearly brought them all the way back, on a hail mary that fell just short as they lost 29-24. He energized the team, and brought them new life. That's what he does.

His first start of this season comes in a state he is a little familiar playing in. The Dolphins come into this game winless, and no team seems as all in on 'Suck of Luck' than the Dolphins.

They haven't had stability at quarterback since Dan Marino. This team needs Luck. With another loss this week, Tony Sparano may be fired, and I suspect that will happen here.

The Broncos win as Tebow shines.

Fearless Forecast: Broncos 23, Dolphins 17.   

San Diego Chargers at New York Jets

The last time these two teams met was in 2009, when the Jets shocked the Chargers in the divisional playoffs. That was the last game Ladainian Tomlinson played in a San Diego Charger uniform, before going to New York.

Two years later, this will be his first game against his former team. Tomlinson, being an emotional guy, you can imagine this will be special for him. He wants this game. 

At 3-3, the Jets have been inconsistent so far this season. After Rex Ryan guaranteed yet another Super Bowl, the Jets aren't even playing like a playoff team. Ryan's Super Bowl guarantees are getting old at this point, especially if they aren't winning any. Mark Sanchez doesn't look much improved at all, and the Jets are struggling to stop the run. Get it fixed, Rex.

The Chargers, at 4-1, haven't looked extraordinary either, but the important thing is they are winning games. In a bad AFC West, the Chargers should be the team to win it, but then again, that's what we said last year.

Any Norv Turner coached team loves to underachieve, and the Chargers have done that in full effect with Norv. If he can't get the job done this season than a change needs to be made.

On Sunday, expect a battle. It's going to be war out there. Tomlinson wants to win this one bad, but that doesn't mean he will get it. I think Phillip Rivers will win this one for the Chargers in the fourth quarter as the Jets fall to 3-4.

Fearless Forecast: Chargers 27, Jets 23.  

Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (London)

Can the Buccaneers beat out the Saints for the NFC South crown? After getting romped by the 49ers 48-3 in week five, the Bucs rebounded beautifully, taking down the first place Saints 26-20.

That win let the Saints know that Raheem Morris' young team is for real and they are here to stay. Josh Freeman has that clutch gene about him and that will go a long way. Now, at 4-2, the Bucs are sitting at first place in the NFC South, at least for the time being. 

As for the Bears, and their hopes for a repeat in the NFC North? Yeah, it's not looking likely. In a division that includes the 6-0 Packers, and the 5-1 Lions, the Bears may be the odd team out.

With a shaky offensive line, and not many weapons on offense, the Bears playoff hopes are looking cloudy. That wasn't the case last week however, when they beat the Vikings 39-10.

In the game, all the offensive line troubles were magically gone, and Devin Hester emerged, taking a kick return back and catching five balls for 91 yards and a touchdown. It's hard to imagine that this will continue though. 

I like what the Bucs are doing this year, and how they grind out every win. Last week was a turning point for them to rebound after that loss in San Francisco to beat the Saints. They will continue their winning ways here.

Fearless Forecast: Buccaneers 21, Bears 17. 

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans

Is this 2011 Houston Texans team really different than years past? Will they actually win the division? In a down year for the AFC South where the Colts are without Peyton Manning, the time is now or never for the Texans.

At 3-3, they have been inconsistent yet again, and can take control of the division with a win in Tennessee over the 3-2 Titans. Yes, they are without Mario Williams for the season, and Andre Johnson for at least a few more weeks, and Texans fans can use that as an excuse. But I'm not buying it. This team is too talented to be underachieving yet again.  

For the Titans, if they want to take off this season, they need elevated play from Chris Johnson. It's that simple.

After a contract dispute all season long, Johnson has failed to show up for the 2011 NFL season. He's averaging just three yards a carry, has eclipsed the century mark just once and scored just one touchdown. The offense centers around him.

Luckily for the Titans however, Matt Hasselbeck has been one of the most underrated signings of the offseason. Hasselbeck, who has flown under the radar for his entire career is doing it yet again in Tennessee.

He had nine touchdowns and four interceptions in five games this season and has the Titans in the race for the AFC South. So far, he is the reason for their surprising 3-2 start, and not Chris Johnson. 

With Andre Johnson out of the lineup, the Texans offense has struggled, specifically Matt Schaub, who's thrown just three touchdowns in two games. He needs his number one weapon back on offense. The Texans will be riding Arian Foster in this game, who has returned to his 2010 form since he's been healthy. 

I want to believe that this Texans team is different than years past, but they haven't proved they are yet. Sunday will be one of the many steps in that direction as they try to seize control of the AFC South.

Fearless Forecast: Texans 30, Titans 20. 

Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals

Ah, I wish we could return to the Super Bowl in 2009 when the Steelers and Cardinals played for the Lombardi Trophy. The stakes a little different this time around, and the Cardinals are a completely different team, most notably at the quarterback position.

Since Kurt Warner retired, they have seen the likes of Derek Anderson, Max Hall, John Skelton, and now have finally settled on Kevin Kolb.

So far, the Kolb experiment has gotten off to a rough start, as they are 1-4, and he has failed in late game situations. He has a tough job ahead of him following the Cardinals' bye week with the Steelers coming to town.

At 4-2, it hasn't always been pretty for the Steelers this season, but they are getting wins which is all that matters.

Ben Roethlisberger isn't 100 percent, but when is he ever? The guy is a warrior, and as long as he's playing he will give the Steelers a great chance to win. Expect him to play well against the 20th ranked pass defense, the Cardinals. 

I expect the Cardinals to play better this week considering they are coming off of their bye week, but it won't be enough. They won't be able to do enough against that Steeler defense. You better come to play, Kevin Kolb.

Fearless Forecast: Steelers 31, Cardinals 17. 

Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders

After losing Jason Campbell for the season with a broken collarbone, the Raiders needed an answer at the quarterback position. Left with just Kyle Boller and Terrelle Pryor, the Raiders traded for former Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, news that dominated the NFL this past week.

Here is the only problem with that though; Palmer won't be starting his first game in the Silver and Black. Kyle Boller will. 

Why is that exactly? Don't ask me. 

Can Boller do enough to beat a 2-3 Chiefs team? After a nightmarish start for the Chiefs, they have won their last two games, and look like an NFL team again. Having lost Eric Berry and Jamaal Charles to torn ACL's each, the Chiefs have had bad luck this season.

However, amazingly, with a win this week in Oakland, the Chiefs can get back to .500 and back in the running for the AFC West. Give Todd Haley credit for getting it back together.

On Sunday, expect the Raiders to pound the ball with Darren McFadden. He will be an absolute work horse as they don't want to let Kyle Boller throw the ball too much. I like what Hue Jackson is doing with the Raiders this season and think he rallies them on Sunday.

Just a thought; what if Kyle Boller plays well on Sunday? I mean, really well. What happens with Carson Palmer then?

Having said that, I'm not expecting anything extraordinary out of Boller on Sunday. Let's be serious. It is Kyle Boller.

Fearless Forecast: Raiders 17, Chiefs 13. 

St. Louis Rams at Dallas Cowboys

Last week, with the Cowboys leading the Patriots 16-13, with 3:36 left in the game, Jason Garrett displayed no trust in his quarterback, Tony Romo. The Cowboys had a chance to seal the game in New England with a first down or two, but instead of going for the win, they ran it three-straight plays.

Bad move.

After that, they gave the ball back to Tom Brady with 2:31 left, needing only a field goal. Brady wanted more, and scored the winning touchdown with 22 seconds left on a pass to Aaron Hernandez.

Another week, another disappointing loss for the Cowboys. It's almost becoming routine at this point. 

They should, and will rebound against a Rams team struggling to find an identity. At 0-5, the Rams were supposed to win the NFC West.

So far, barring a miracle, that plan has failed miserably, and Sam Bradford has taken a step backwards. He needs weapons on offense, and the Rams organization helped him out during the week by trading for Brandon Lloyd.

Unfortunately though, it looks like Sam Bradford wo'n't be able to play this week, meaning A.J Feely will draw the start. 

Things aren't promising in St. Louis.

Fearless Forecast: Cowboys 31, Rams 7. 

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings

After a failed Donovan McNabb experiment for the Vikings, the Christian Ponder era is officially due to begin this week. 

Here's the good news: It starts at home.

Here's the bad news: It's against the defending champion, 6-0 Green Bay Packers. 

This one is not going to be pretty for Ponder. I can tell you that much. 

At 6-0, the Packers look even better than last season. Aaron Rodgers has been razor sharp each and every week, he looks invincible, just as the Packers do. They look primed for a repeat, and quite frankly I would be surprised if they don't get it. Rodgers is that good. He just has it. 

This season, the Packers and Vikings game has a little different meaning than years past. The past two seasons, there has been drama with this game, with Brett Favre against Aaron Rodgers.

Now, with Favre retired, and the Vikings not even competitive, the stakes have changed, but the rivalry is still the same. These teams do not like each other. 

The Vikings are at home in this one, but it won't matter. They'll rely on Adrian Peterson on Sunday which will help take the pressure off Ponder, but Rodgers and company will be too much. Just as they've always been this season. 

Fearless Forecast: Packers 28, Vikings 16. 

Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints

On Sunday Night Football this week, we have a rematch of Super Bowl XLIV, when the Colts and Saints meet up. The only difference this time around is that Peyton Manning won't be in action.

That's a big difference. Just ask the 0-6 Colts. Is it possible for Manning to get MVP this season without even playing?

Last week, in Tampa Bay, Drew Brees made some uncharacteristic throws, tossing three interceptions in a 26-20 loss. It was their first loss since losing Week 1 in Lambeau, and now they will look to rebound against a Colts team struggling big time. 

In this game, don't think the Colts are going to come in and steal one in New Orleans, it's not happening. The Saints will be rebound after that loss in Tampa Bay. They win it easily.

Fearless Forecast: Saints 34, Colts 14. 

Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars

It's been a rough year for Monday Night Football this season. Let me refresh your memory on some of the games played this season.

Week 2: St. Louis Rams at New York Giants (28-16 Giants)

Week 4: Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (24-17 Buccaneers)

Week 6: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets (24-6 Jets)

This week? It doesn't get much better with the Ravens in Jacksonville. With Blaine Gabbert starting for the Jaguars, this will be the biggest test he has faced thus far, on Monday Night Football against that Ravens defense. 

Expect the Ravens to work it to Ray Rice, just as they've been doing all season long. The Ravens will win this one with ease.

P.S: Memo to ESPN–Bring back Hank Williams Jr.

Fearless Forecast: Ravens 27, Jaguars 6.