Through seven weeks of the NFL, a lot has changed. First, the two teams who I had originally picked in the Super Bowl before one actual regular season snap really have all but an outside shot to make it. The Cowboys are plagued with injuries and alcohol troubles, and the Colts are as inconsistent as the nacho cheese at GLAR. Instead other teams have arisen that many people did not give a chance this season. The Titans, Bills, and the Giants are atop their conferences, and looking strong. Even though I am not sold on the Giants, other teams I am sold on. Here’s my picks:
NY Jets 13 Buffalo 27 – This game will be pretty intense from the beginning. On one end there’s Brett Favre, decorated veteran, Canton-bound. Then there’s Trent Edwards, a quarterback who is really coming into his own this season, and is one of the big reasons this team is 5-1 through week seven. This is a great NF match-up and depending on the games that are provided to us in Westminster, it should be a definite must watch. Look for the young gun’s squad to take the Jets.
Baltimore 10 at Cleveland 17 – The AFC North?what else can you say other than a crapshoot. Each team in the conference are inconsistent each Sunday. Maybe it’s the coverage on CBS, but the games are also boring to watch. HOWEVER, this game will not be boring. Do not let the score fool you, each team is capable of beating the best team in the NFL, and one of the two has already done so. Even though my head is telling me to take the rock-hard Raven’s defense against a shaky Brown’s offense, my gut tells me to pick the Browns.
Green Bay 24 at Tennessee 20 – One thing that is certain in Wisconsin this season is that Brett Favre is gone, and his replacement is a worthy filler. The Packers have relied solely on the passing game, with Ryan Grant doing little to earn his recent bonus and contract. There are also reports surfacing that Brett Favre tried to help the Lions earlier this season. Either way, this game will be full of fireworks. I will take the cheese over the Titans.
Dallas 16 at NY Giants 28 – The NFC East is the toughest conference in the NFL, hands down. Each team has a chance to beat anyone in the NFL, and the level of competition is sky-high as well. This year however, the Cowboys have dropped off thanks to the suspension of Jones and the lack of toughness in Romo. They have added weapons on offense, but with Brad Johnson? I don’t think it will work. Unless something drastic happens, Wade Phillips is out and Jason Garrett is in. The Giants have some questions, but they should not have a problem with this game. Take the G.
New England 20 at Indianapolis 23 – This was the great rivalry in the NFL. However, this year the rivalry is there, but it is a shadow of its former self. Tom Brady was caught clutching his knee in week one, and Peyton Manning is off and throwing behind an offensive line that is stuck on the injury reserve. Even with the blow out game on MNF against the Broncos, you have to take in consideration the Pats defense on the Colts’ offense. Peyton Manning against a Pats defense without Harrison? Sound like some points are going up in this one. Based on the ability of these teams, it should be close. Dungy will edge out the “Hooded Crook.”
Pittsburgh 14 at Washington 16 – The Redskins got back on track after a loss to the Rams earlier this year. The team is sound, but continues to make games interesting by dropping off in the fourth quarter. This game is an interesting match-up. Will the consistent Big Ben show up, or the Big Ben who collapses to injury easily? Jason Campbell is still without an interception through seven weeks, and looks strong. However, the pass game needs to catch up to the running game with Portis and the newly acquired Alexander. This will be a close game, and I will lean towards the Redskins.