NFL Week 7

Here we are again, heading into the weekend, trying to figure out what on earth the surprises will be in the NFL. And speaking of surprises, I've now watched the Red Wings' two home games so far against Toronto and Vancouver, and I can't figure out why Detroit isn't working harder. There's a clear talent divide between the Wings and those two teams, yet Detroit got out hustled both times and lost because of it. Last night against the Canucks, Detroit even game up two goals including the game winner by not reacting fast enough to bounces off the lively boards that they should be well and truly used to by now. It seemed to be another case of Vancouver just wanting it more and winning the little battles within the game. Of course, it wasn't hard to predict that Vancouver was going to come out jumping after their absolutely pitiful performance two nights earlier in Washington.

In any case, we'll move on now to the NFL picks for week 7. Again, I will pit my clear lack of predicting abilities against those of a coin to see if I can catch up after losing 8-6 last week. Here we go ...

Bills over Chargers - San Diego has to travel across the country after an emotion filled Sunday night win last week. Buffalo has won four years in a row coming off their bye week. Sounds to me like a Bills win.

Bears over Vikings - I'm not really sure which of these teams is worse, but at least Chicago had less trouble beating up on Detroit and it's in the Windy City. The pick has to be the Bears.

Steelers over Bengals - Cincinnati will remain winless and keep the Lions company in the cellar, especially with Pittsburgh coming off a bye.

Titans over Chiefs - On the flip side, Tennessee will remain undefeated by beating up on the lovable losers from Kansas City.

Cowboys over Rams - Romo or no, depleted secondary, trouble all over the place, and I still think Dallas will win this game on the road. They're lucky to have drawn St. Louis during this time of trouble.

Dolphins over Ravens - call me crazy, but I'm starting to believe in these Dolphins. It's not just that Wildcat offense either ... their defense has really been stepping up. They'll manage to keep Baltimore and their rookie QB in check.

Giants over 49ers - I almost feel sorry for San Francisco having to travel out to face a Giants team feeling ashamed of their last performance. They have no chance in this contest.

Saints over Panthers - I've had trouble picking NO games right this year, but I'm putting faith here in Drew Brees. His numbers don't lie and I love that Reggie is finally getting in on the action.

Texans over Lions - This was one of those games that I circled on the calendar before the start of the season thinking the Leos could get a W. Not so. There aren't any circles on that calendar anymore.

Colts over Packers - Would the real Peyton Manning please stand up? Is it the guy who lit it up last week? Or the one who stunk for the first four? With the revelation that he actually had a second knee surgery during the summer, I believe that he's finally starting to feel healthy again and what we saw last week was for real. Indy in a close one.

Jets over Raiders - Brett's only other visit to Oakland was the day after his father died and he put up almost 400 yards on the Raiders. This one will be less emotional, but this Oakland team is even less talented. Favre will win this one easily.

Redskins over Browns - I'm looking again at turnarounds. Washington played lousy last week and are going to be looking strongly to bounce back. Cleveland, however, came up big on Monday night over the G-men. With a letdown in emotion and a short week, I don't give Cleveland much of a shot on the road.

Bucs over Seahawks - Seattle is just bad. There's no sugar coating it. Now they have to travel as far as they possibly could (unless they draw the really short straw some year and get sent to Europe for a game; see: New Orleans vs San Diego next week). Tampa in a walk.

Patriots over Broncos - The Pats got embarassed last week too and are going to be looking to rebound. I think Denver will be a good team for them to let Matt Cassel open up against on Monday night. Should be a good game, anyway.

And now for the picks that you would be more wise to trust ... the coin toss! Heads for the home team, tails for the road. Results are: Chargers, Bears, Steelers, Chiefs, Cowboys, Dolphins, 49ers, Panthers, Lions, Packers, Jets, Browns, Seahawks, Broncos. I like my chances.