Week 7 Picks

It seemed that everyone had a so-so week. As long as it wasn't a losing one, I have no real problem. I was resigned to a 7-6 till the Cardinals became the folding Cards. Yikes, Blowing a 23-3 lead and not giving up an offensive touchdown is criminal. This is the second week that six teams are on a bye and there is no chance for you to sing along the Sunday Night Football theme with Pink as the NFL steps aside for game 2 of the World Series. Submitted for your review and approval are this weeks picks. Note: Baltimore (4-2); Chicago (6-0); New Orleans (5-1); San Francisco (2-4); St. Louis (4-2); Tennessee (1-5) have a bye this week.

NFL SCHEDULE – WEEK 7
Sunday, October 22

Panthers (4-2) @ Bengals (3-2)
Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati-1:00 (FOX)
Favorite-Bengals by 3.5
It's a Fact-The Panthers are the only NFL team that the Bengals have never beaten (0-2) The Bengals are stll reeling after their tough last minute loss to the Bucs. The problem is the degree of difficulty gets steeper as the Panthers have a veteran QB in Jake Delhomme and a bruising runner to match in DeShaun Foster. Oh, did I mention that defense. Mr. Lewis, Mr. Palmer et al you have a problem.
Pick-Carolina

Lions (1-5) @ Jets (3-3)
The Meadowlands; East Rutherford, NJ-1:00 (FOX)
Favorite Jets by 3.5
Its A Fact-The Lions have lost their last three road games by an average of 14.3 points
Both teams are feeling good about themselves after identical 20-17 wins. The Jets have a lot more going for them offensively. The Lions are suspect everytime that they take the field. I think that the karma of Jim Leyland and the Tigers rubbed off on the Motor City Kitties last week, too bad that won't be the case this week.
Pick-NY Jets

Packers (1-4) @ Dolphins (1-5)
Dolphins Stadium, Miami 1 (Fox)
Favorite-Miami by 3.5
It's A Fact-The Packers have won only 1 time in Miami and they didn't beat the Dolphins, they beat the Raiders 33-14 in Super Bowl 2 at the Orange Bowl in Jan 1968
These once proud franchises have fallen into a sorry state. Brett Favre looks like he is more and more ready to call it quits and the Dolphins find a way to self-destruct every week. The question here is who will implode first. My guess is that the Packers will melt in the still potent South Florida heat and that Chris Chambers will feast on a weak Pack secondary. I don't think that even Joey Harrington could mess this one up.
Pick-Miami

Jaguars (3-2) @ Texans (1-4)
Reliant Stadium, Houston-1:00 (CBS)
Favorite-Jaguars by 9.5
Its A Fact-The Texans have lost their last 7 divisional games
The Jags are well rested after their bye and the Texans have TO's treadmarks all over them still. Matt Jones may not have that type of game, but look for Byron Leftwich to try to get him the ball often. If the Texans can utilize their running game against a depleted Jags LB corps they might keep it close but the Jags are simply better and will wear the Texans down.
Pick-Jacksonville (Lock of The Week)

Patriots (4-1) @ Bills (2-4)
Ralph Wilson Stadium; Orchard Park, NY-1:00 (CBS)
Favorite-Patriots by 5.5
Its A Fact-The Pats bave beaten the Bills in their last 5 meetings by an average of 20.2 points The Pats demise has seem to be untimely indeed. They don't win flashy and are starting to look vanilla, but Tom Brady's methodical approach is getting it done. The Bills are an enigma, not knowing which way is up. If the Pats D can get to JP Losman, this will get ugly fast.
Pick-New England

Eagles (4-2) @ Buccaneers (1-4)
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa-1:00 FOX
Favorite-Eagles by 4
Fast Fact-These teams have split their past four meetings in Tampa
The Bucs are riding high after a last min win versus Cincy while the Eagles are coming off a tough loss in New Orleans. The key to the Eagles success is their ability to contain Simeon Rice. If McNabb, currently the NFL's top rated passer, can sit back in the pocket comfortably, he'll pick on the Bucs small secondary at will. If the Bucs make McNabb hurry, they'll keep it close. Pick-Philadelphia

Steelers (2-3) @ Falcons (3-2)
Georgia Dome, Atlanta-1:00 CBS
Favorite-Steelers by 1.5
Its A Fact-The Steelers and Falcons played the NFL's last tie game a 34-all contest in 2002
The sports media so desperate for the Steelers to look feared are trumpeting their 45-7 thrashing of the increasing hopeless Chiefs as the return to form.I still am not sold that the Steelers are dead, but they have a long way to go. Don't get it twisted, the Steelers have yet to beat a true playoff caliber team, and to do so on the road is a doubly tough task If Warrick Dunn can get near the 146 yards he had last week, the Falcons could make the Steelers sweat. I give a slight edge to the Falcons only because they are at home.
Pick-Atlanta

Chargers (4-1) @ Chiefs (2-3)
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City-1:00 CBS
Favorite-Chargers by 5
Its A Fact-The Chiefs have scored 20 points in one game this season, while the Chargers have yet to allow 20 points in any game this season
The Chargers are on a roll after their LT enhanced beatdown of the Niners while the Chiefs are reeling after getting the woodshed treatment by the Steelers. This is a dangerous game for the Chargers who are trying to keep pace with the Broncos. If the Chiefs can control the clock which has been their recipe for success in recent wins over the Chargers they will make it tough. But the Chargers bring a top filght run defense. If the Chargers get an early lead, look for Marty ball to take over.
Pick-San Diego

Broncos (4-1) @ Browns (1-4)
Cleveland Browns Stadium-4:05 CBS
Favorite-Broncos by 5
Its A Fact-The Browns have yet to beat the Broncos since returning to the NFL in 1999 (0-2) The Browns anemic offense (1 game over 20 points) does not need to see the miserly defense of the Broncos (37 points allowed in 5 games, 19 in the last four) Charlie Frye will have his hands full with Broncos hard charging front four and if the Jake Plummer gets the offense running it'll be a long day.
Pick-Denver

Cardinals (1-5) @ Raiders (0-5)
McAfee Coliseum, Oakland-4:15
FOX Favorite-Cardinals by 3
Its A Fact-The Raiders lead the all-time series 4-2
While it was fun to watch Dennis Green meltdown after his team did likewise against the Bears Monday. Everyone fully knows that he has put himself in a must win situation. The Raiders have that zombie look about them already, while the Cards are laughable, they are capable and should have no trouble imposing their will against this pathetic squad. Brady Quinn's Raiders destiny gets closer.
Pick-Arizona

Vikings (3-2) @ Seahawks (4-1)
Quest Field, Seattle-4:15 (FOX)
Favorite-Seahawks by 7
Its A Fact-Shaun Alexander scored 5 TDs against the Vikings the last time these teams played in Seattle in 2002
Fortunatley for the Vikes, Alexander the Great is still coming off his Madden Jinx injury. Maurice Morris has shown to be a capable backup but his fumblitis nearly cost the Seahawks the game last week. If he can get rolling the Vikes will have to respect the run and give Matt Hasselbeck time in pocket. The Vikes putrid offense has yet to generate any real threat, dont be fooled by the 26 they hung on the Lions two weeks ago. The D scored twice in that game. The Seahawks are riding a 12 game win streak. I hope I'm wrong but they have enough even without Alexander to make it a bakers dozen.
Pick-Seattle

Redskins (2-4) @ Colts (5-0)
RCA Dome,Indy-4:15 (FOX) Favorite-Colts by 9.5
Its A Fact-Indy leads the all time series 17-10 The Colts come in off the bye week and the suddenly suspect Skins are just the thing they need to get their up and down offense rolling. The Skins, humiliated by a loss to previously the previously winless Titans are a bad loss away from imploding. Peyton Manning and company are ready to light the fuse.
Pick-Indy

Monday, October 23
NY Giants (3-2) @ Cowboys(3-2)
Texas Stadium; Irving, TX-8:30 (ESPN)
Favorite-Cowboys by 3.5
Fast Fact-The Cowboys have 50+ alltime wins against each of the their NFC East foes
The Pokes are the picture of happiness after their expected dismantling of the Texans. The G-Men have rediscovered their defense in wins over the Skins and Falcons. If The G-Men can get to the immobile Drew Bledsoe via the Pokes weak o-line, he can be rushed into mistakes. If he has time, he can and will abuse a weak Giant secondary Eli Manning can count on Tiki Barber to keep the defense honest, but he has to avoid turnovers. This will be a tight game.
Pick-Dallas

Last Week:8-5
Overall 59-28