NFL Predictions Week 7: How Tim Tebow, Christian Ponder and New QBs Will Fare

There will be six NFL teams that line up with fresh faces under center in Week 7. Whether it be due to ineffectiveness or injury, the Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams and Washington Redskins and are all expected to be utilizing their backup plans on Sunday.

How will they fare? Let's take a look.

Charlie Whitehurst

Tarvaris Jackson wasn't able to overcome a strained pectoral during Seattle's bye week and that means “Clipboard Jesus” will draw the start. He's played in just nine games since being drafted in 2006 and was less than impressive in six appearances for the Seahawks last season.

Whitehurst will have to go against a Cleveland Browns defense that is giving up less than 200 yards per game through the air and won't have a strong running game to support him.

Prediction: 190 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions

John Beck

Beck will replace Rex Grossman, whose mouth was writing checks his football skills didn't have the ability to cash in Washington. Beck had a short, unsuccessful stint in Miami before finding his way to the Redskins.

The former second-round pick was average in relief duty last week, but the Carolina Panthers are allowing opposing QBs to complete 64 percent of their passes. He might be able to surprise some people this week.

Prediction: 225 yards, two touchdowns, one interception

Kyle Boller

Although it hasn't been confirmed by Raiders head coach Hue Jackson yet, the general consensus is that Boller will start for Oakland on Sunday (via Steve Wyche). That would give new acquisition Carson Palmer an extra week to get up to speed.

Boller had flashes of being a capable NFL signal caller during his time in Baltimore, but they were overshadowed by questionable decision-making skills. The Chiefs have allowed a league-high 12 touchdown passes, so Boller should be serviceable and keep Oakland afloat for one week.

Prediction: 230 yards, one touchdown, one interception

A.J. Feeley

Franchise quarterback Sam Bradford has been ruled out with a high ankle sprain, leaving the offense in the hands of Feeley. The long-time backup hasn't started a game since 2007 with the Philadelphia Eagles when he threw eight interceptions in three games.

That's bad news against a Dallas Cowboys defense that is averaging more than a pick per game. Even with Brandon Loyd available, it's hard to imagine Feeley having much success.

Prediction: 205 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions

Christian Ponder

The Donovan McNabb era came to a close rather quickly in Minnesota with Ponder set to start this week. The Florida State product was drafted in the first round and should be the starter until season's end barring injury.

The Green Bay Packers secondary has been allowing a lot of yards, but has intercepted 11 passes in six games, which make them dangerous against a rookie making his first start. Playing from behind should mean a solid yardage total for Ponder, though.

Prediction: 240 yards, one touchdown, three interceptions

Tim Tebow

Tebow has probably been the most hyped backup in football history these past two seasons. If he sneezed, the national media would spend an hour trying to figure out who gave him the flu. Now he'll get an extended opportunity to prove his worth.

His dual-threat ability definitely makes it more difficult to game plan for Denver than when Orton was under center, but his throwing motion still makes it tough to believe he'll succeed over the long haul. That said, he should have a good week against Miami with what should be a supportive crowd.

Prediction: 190 yards passing, 40 yards rushing, two touchdowns, one interception