NFL 2006: Week 7!
Internet has been spotty lately, so picks that were made prior to the games are going up now.
NOTE: Scores added, records compiled.
Byes: Chicago, Tennessee, St. Louis, New Orleans, San Francisco, Baltimore
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons
Big Ben is back, after putting up big numbers against KC. Vick and the Falcons are coming off a tough loss to the Giants, and the Steelers should be able to capitalize on them and win again, provided they can remain consistent with their own play.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers
Final Score: Falcons 41, Steelers 38
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
I'm not sold on New England's chances at going far in the Playoffs. In fact, I'm not even sold on their being a lock to win the AFC East, with the Jets playing the way they are. Losing the players they have over the past few years has diminished their aura, even if they still make the Playoffs. I do, however, still believe they can take both games of their season series against Buffalo. And Miami, for that matter. We'll see about their second game against the Jets. That will be quite a game.
Prediction: New England Patriots [Suicide Pick*]
Final Score: Patriots 28, Bills 6
Carolina Panthers at Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati must bounce back this week, or else there will be a serious question as to whether or not they are so good as people thought entering the season. Carolina's got less pressure on them, but a win in Cincy would go a long way towards helping them jump right back into the Playoff discussion. For Carolina, it seems Wide Receiver Steve Smith controls their flow. When he's healthy, as he is right now, they play significantly better. But it's gut check time for Carson and the Bengals.
Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals
Final Score: Bengals 17, Panthers 14
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are reeling after getting destroyed by Pittsburgh last week. San Diego is riding the offense, with Quarterback Philip Rivers, Tight End Antonio Gates, Wide Receiver Santonio Holmes, and Running Back LaDanian 'Eyeshield' Tomlinson. That pretty much says what needs to be said.
Prediction: San Diego Chargers
Final Score: Chiefs 30, Chargers 27
Green Bay Packers at Miami Dolphins
Wow, what a bad game. If Miami doesn't win this, I think it's safe to say their season will be lost. Green Bay's season is already lost, though, so I guess it may be a question of pride, here.
Prediction: Miami Dolphins
Final Score: Packers 34, Dolphins 24
Detroit Lions at New York Jets
J-E-T-S says it all. The Jets are really playing well, even when they lose. It's been a pleasant surprise for Gang Green fans, and should continue this week. Dare I say... Playoffs? We'll see about that, but not just yet. I want to see a couple more solid wins before I'll go that far. For Jets fans, it's nice to dream, but you can't forget about that game in Jacksonville. That was the caliber of team they'd be up against in the Playoffs, anyway. And for now, in Week 7, that's too far down the line to speculate with any accuracy, for Jets fans. They should just enjoy what they're witnessing out of this team.
Prediction: NY Jets
Final Score: Jets 31, Lions 24
Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Okay, so I did say Tampa QB Gradkowski has shown me something recently. But he'll probably be showing his best 'take a sack' impression this week. Philly's currently leading NFC East, and they can go off on an offensive explosion any game, so long as a healthy Donovan McNabb is at Quarterback. And this is Tampa Bay, who isn't exactly making waves right now.
Prediction: Philly
Final Score: Bucs 23, Eagles 21
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
Houston could have a shot in this game. I'm liking what I see out of QB David Carr and WR Andre Johnson. They've got a good rapport, similar to Chad Pennington and Laveurneas Coles, or Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith. But if the Jaguars come out with the fire they did against the Jets, it's going to be another blowout of monstrous proportions. And the Jets are playing better than Houston this season.
Prediction: JAX
Final Score: Texans 27, Jaguars 7
Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns
I don't like what I see of Denver. They win, but they're not showing very much. I think a team like Cleveland can pull an upset on Denver. And if that happens, the fragile Broncos psyche may collapse. Who knows. I also think Cleveland QB Frye is one to look out for. He's developing as a Quarterback, despite not having much to work with on that team.
Prediction: Cleveland Browns
Final Score: Broncos 17, Browns 7
Washington Redskins at Indianapolis Colts
The Redskins may already be out of contention for good, but if they lose this one it'll just cement that. I just don't see Indianapolis dropping this game. It's odd to see Head Coach Joe Gibbs doing so poorly in Washington, but this is a different game than it was when he last coached. Maybe that talk will once again rise up. Peyton Manning is a great player to watch. He runs the Colts offense so well, and has mastered the no-huddle style. WR Marvin Harrison is still one of the best receivers in the NFL, if not the best, and Reggie Wayne is another solid receiver. It all adds up in the Colts favor. But they always play great in the regular season, don't they?
Prediction: Indy
Final Score: Colts 36, Redskins 22
Arizona Cardinals at Oakland Raiders
If Arizona loses this game, Head Coach Dennis Green should be let go at the end of the season. It's not like there isn't talent on this Arizona team, so maybe he just isn't utilizing it as Head Coach. Anyway, Oakland is a mess. I don't even know when they'll be winning a game this season.
Prediction: Arizona Cardinals
Final Score: Raiders 22, Cardinals 9
Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks
Still no sign of Running Back Shaun Alexander in Seattle's backfield, but I'm confident enough in QB Matt Hasselbeck. And holy crap, how about Kicker Josh Brown last week? What a huge game-ending Field Goal that was.
Prediction: Seattle Seahawks
Final Score: Vikings 31, Seahawks 13
[No Sunday Night Football due to World Series, Game 2]
Monday, October 23, 2006
*Monday Night Football*
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
The Giants have shown some consistency the past couple of weeks. It hasn't necessarily been real pretty, but it's worked. I still feel Head Coach Tom Coughlin is not the right coach for this team. He looks like the Art Howe of football, which is to say, a cadaver coach. Whether the team wins or loses, he sounds like he's either unexcited or too tired to really do a postgame press conference. I don't know who the Giants could bring in to coach the team if Coughlin wasn't there. Maybe take a page from the Jets and hire a young lion? In any case, Coughlin won't be going if the Giants keep winning, so I'll have to endure it. And they should win this game. Monday Night Football featuring Giants versus Cowboys is almost always classic. But the Giants need to keep their focus. They can get back to serious contention for the NFC East division title with a win. Also, of the NFC East teams, their record against division opponents in the best. So a win will add to that sub-record, and help with any potential tiebreakers at the end of the season. Important game for Big Blue and Dallas on Monday Night.
Prediction: NY Giants
Final Score: Giants 36, Cowboys 22
Week 7 Record: 5-8
2006 Season Record [through Week 7]: 61-39
Suicide Pick Record: 7-0
-Teams Used [through Week 6]: Philadelphia, New Orleans, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Chicago, Denver
*The suicide pick means I am picking the selected team as my lock to win for the week. I can't choose any team twice over the course of one season. I'll keep a separate record of these picks, but each one will also be counted in the overall record for the week, and season.
NOTE: Scores added, records compiled.
Byes: Chicago, Tennessee, St. Louis, New Orleans, San Francisco, Baltimore
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons
Big Ben is back, after putting up big numbers against KC. Vick and the Falcons are coming off a tough loss to the Giants, and the Steelers should be able to capitalize on them and win again, provided they can remain consistent with their own play.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers
Final Score: Falcons 41, Steelers 38
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
I'm not sold on New England's chances at going far in the Playoffs. In fact, I'm not even sold on their being a lock to win the AFC East, with the Jets playing the way they are. Losing the players they have over the past few years has diminished their aura, even if they still make the Playoffs. I do, however, still believe they can take both games of their season series against Buffalo. And Miami, for that matter. We'll see about their second game against the Jets. That will be quite a game.
Prediction: New England Patriots [Suicide Pick*]
Final Score: Patriots 28, Bills 6
Carolina Panthers at Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati must bounce back this week, or else there will be a serious question as to whether or not they are so good as people thought entering the season. Carolina's got less pressure on them, but a win in Cincy would go a long way towards helping them jump right back into the Playoff discussion. For Carolina, it seems Wide Receiver Steve Smith controls their flow. When he's healthy, as he is right now, they play significantly better. But it's gut check time for Carson and the Bengals.
Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals
Final Score: Bengals 17, Panthers 14
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are reeling after getting destroyed by Pittsburgh last week. San Diego is riding the offense, with Quarterback Philip Rivers, Tight End Antonio Gates, Wide Receiver Santonio Holmes, and Running Back LaDanian 'Eyeshield' Tomlinson. That pretty much says what needs to be said.
Prediction: San Diego Chargers
Final Score: Chiefs 30, Chargers 27
Green Bay Packers at Miami Dolphins
Wow, what a bad game. If Miami doesn't win this, I think it's safe to say their season will be lost. Green Bay's season is already lost, though, so I guess it may be a question of pride, here.
Prediction: Miami Dolphins
Final Score: Packers 34, Dolphins 24
Detroit Lions at New York Jets
J-E-T-S says it all. The Jets are really playing well, even when they lose. It's been a pleasant surprise for Gang Green fans, and should continue this week. Dare I say... Playoffs? We'll see about that, but not just yet. I want to see a couple more solid wins before I'll go that far. For Jets fans, it's nice to dream, but you can't forget about that game in Jacksonville. That was the caliber of team they'd be up against in the Playoffs, anyway. And for now, in Week 7, that's too far down the line to speculate with any accuracy, for Jets fans. They should just enjoy what they're witnessing out of this team.
Prediction: NY Jets
Final Score: Jets 31, Lions 24
Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Okay, so I did say Tampa QB Gradkowski has shown me something recently. But he'll probably be showing his best 'take a sack' impression this week. Philly's currently leading NFC East, and they can go off on an offensive explosion any game, so long as a healthy Donovan McNabb is at Quarterback. And this is Tampa Bay, who isn't exactly making waves right now.
Prediction: Philly
Final Score: Bucs 23, Eagles 21
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
Houston could have a shot in this game. I'm liking what I see out of QB David Carr and WR Andre Johnson. They've got a good rapport, similar to Chad Pennington and Laveurneas Coles, or Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith. But if the Jaguars come out with the fire they did against the Jets, it's going to be another blowout of monstrous proportions. And the Jets are playing better than Houston this season.
Prediction: JAX
Final Score: Texans 27, Jaguars 7
Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns
I don't like what I see of Denver. They win, but they're not showing very much. I think a team like Cleveland can pull an upset on Denver. And if that happens, the fragile Broncos psyche may collapse. Who knows. I also think Cleveland QB Frye is one to look out for. He's developing as a Quarterback, despite not having much to work with on that team.
Prediction: Cleveland Browns
Final Score: Broncos 17, Browns 7
Washington Redskins at Indianapolis Colts
The Redskins may already be out of contention for good, but if they lose this one it'll just cement that. I just don't see Indianapolis dropping this game. It's odd to see Head Coach Joe Gibbs doing so poorly in Washington, but this is a different game than it was when he last coached. Maybe that talk will once again rise up. Peyton Manning is a great player to watch. He runs the Colts offense so well, and has mastered the no-huddle style. WR Marvin Harrison is still one of the best receivers in the NFL, if not the best, and Reggie Wayne is another solid receiver. It all adds up in the Colts favor. But they always play great in the regular season, don't they?
Prediction: Indy
Final Score: Colts 36, Redskins 22
Arizona Cardinals at Oakland Raiders
If Arizona loses this game, Head Coach Dennis Green should be let go at the end of the season. It's not like there isn't talent on this Arizona team, so maybe he just isn't utilizing it as Head Coach. Anyway, Oakland is a mess. I don't even know when they'll be winning a game this season.
Prediction: Arizona Cardinals
Final Score: Raiders 22, Cardinals 9
Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks
Still no sign of Running Back Shaun Alexander in Seattle's backfield, but I'm confident enough in QB Matt Hasselbeck. And holy crap, how about Kicker Josh Brown last week? What a huge game-ending Field Goal that was.
Prediction: Seattle Seahawks
Final Score: Vikings 31, Seahawks 13
[No Sunday Night Football due to World Series, Game 2]
Monday, October 23, 2006
*Monday Night Football*
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
The Giants have shown some consistency the past couple of weeks. It hasn't necessarily been real pretty, but it's worked. I still feel Head Coach Tom Coughlin is not the right coach for this team. He looks like the Art Howe of football, which is to say, a cadaver coach. Whether the team wins or loses, he sounds like he's either unexcited or too tired to really do a postgame press conference. I don't know who the Giants could bring in to coach the team if Coughlin wasn't there. Maybe take a page from the Jets and hire a young lion? In any case, Coughlin won't be going if the Giants keep winning, so I'll have to endure it. And they should win this game. Monday Night Football featuring Giants versus Cowboys is almost always classic. But the Giants need to keep their focus. They can get back to serious contention for the NFC East division title with a win. Also, of the NFC East teams, their record against division opponents in the best. So a win will add to that sub-record, and help with any potential tiebreakers at the end of the season. Important game for Big Blue and Dallas on Monday Night.
Prediction: NY Giants
Final Score: Giants 36, Cowboys 22
Week 7 Record: 5-8
2006 Season Record [through Week 7]: 61-39
Suicide Pick Record: 7-0
-Teams Used [through Week 6]: Philadelphia, New Orleans, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Chicago, Denver
*The suicide pick means I am picking the selected team as my lock to win for the week. I can't choose any team twice over the course of one season. I'll keep a separate record of these picks, but each one will also be counted in the overall record for the week, and season.