Critic Al’s Football Week 7 Pick ‘Em
Game of the Week: Falcons at Cowboys (-4)
When Tony Romo looks at Matt Ryan, I wonder if he sees a little of himself.
Falcons vs. Cowboys
Ryan’s an up-and-coming quarterback who leads a potent offense that relies on a hugely-productive tight end, a big-play receiver and a tough-as-nails running back. That might as well describe the 2007 Cowboys for all Romo cares, but you can’t say the same applies to this year’s version.
In fact, the Cowboys probably don’t even know who they are this year. They’ve beaten the Panthers but lost to the Giants, edged by the Chiefs and dropped a tight game to the Broncos. All the while, whatever golden boy aura that was left on Romo is pretty much gone, and Wade Phillips has had to answer for his job once again.
This game is key for Dallas because it could spell the difference between a playoff spot and another year of just .500 football. My problem with Dallas is more the fact DeMarcus Ware and the rest of the team’s defense has been largely toothless. How does Ware go from 22 sacks a year ago to just a couple after five games? The Falcons aren’t great on defense either, but I like Atlanta in this one.
With that, let’s get to the picks.
Chargers (-5) at Chiefs
San Diego stumbled on Monday Night football, but they can easily make up for it this week. I like that Kansas City finally showed some fight, but they’re not ready to run with the big boys, even if LaDainian Tomlinson may not qualify as one anymore.
Colts (-13) at Rams
Here’s a question: Does Peyton Manning even have letdown games anymore? He used to have his annual disaster against the Patriots, but even that’s gone away. Peyton could throw the ball left handed and the Colts would still beat St. Louis.
Bears at Bengals (-1.5)
This will be an interesting one, if for no other reason than because Chicago castoffs Cedric Benson and Tank Johnson are now wearing Bengal stripes. It’s intriguing because Chicago seems a lot like Dallas: capable of winning every game but also able to blow it too. Meanwhile, Cincinnati is hoping to stay on the rise, so this game will certainly help them gain legitimacy. I think the Bengals get that done on Sunday.
Packers (-7) at Browns
I have to wonder whether the Packers are already looking a week ahead to the Brett Favre return game. And while a good opponent could take advantage of that, I’m not so sure the Browns can. Cleveland might sack Aaron Rodgers seven times in the game, but the Pack will win it.
Bills at Panthers
The Bills have played in some tight games. If they win, then they usually win in pretty ugly fashion. And while the Panthers are not exactly rolling like last year, I think they can out-last the Bills, even if it does get ugly.
Vikings at Steelers (-4)
Now here’s a match-up worth watching. You’ve got the best running back in the league versus the best run defense. A Hall of Fame quarterback against the league’s best safety. I’d almost give Minnesota the edge if this was being played at the Metrodome, but I like the Steelers here, for the sole fact they tend to protect Heinz Field like their wives and children are at stake. And this is Pittsburgh, so they just might be.
Patriots (-14.5) at Tampa Bay
Boy, considering the Patriots beat the Titans by almost 60 points, it’d be hard to take any team over New England right now. And since they’re playing a JV team in Tampa Bay, the Pats might just ring up 75 points in this one.
49ers at Texans (-3)
This could be a good one. Both teams have three wins and are fighting to stay in the playoff hunt. I don’t know if Michael Crabtree will have much of an effect on this game, but it looks like Frank Gore is coming back. That spells trouble for Houston, because the 49ers will come out ahead in this one.
Jets (-6) at Raiders
Let’s see, the Raiders beat the Eagles and the Jets are reeling from Mark Sanchez’s first terrible game. Can these trends continue? All I know is, another ugly loss from the Jets and they’ll be hitting the panic button. And you know what, I’ll give JaMarcus Russell one more shot, Raiders win.
Saints (-6.5) at Dolphins
Talk about easy picking. The way New Orleans is putting up points, I’m not so sure they wouldn’t beat the 1972 Dolphins too.
Cardinals at Giants (-7)
Looks like a meeting of the two most recent NFC Super Bowl teams. But which one looks on the rise? That’s easy … it’s the Giants, even if they did get demolished by the Saints, Anquan Boldin might be out in this one. And even if he’s in, I think the Giants will get to Kurt Warner. G-men take it.
Eagles (-7) at Redskins
The Eagles aren’t suffering from the same coaching turmoil that the Redskins are, but Philly didn’t win last week. In fact, they gave up a loss to the lowly Raiders. A win here might help get the critics off of Jim Zorn’s back, but I don’t see that happening. Eagles win.
Week 6 results: 10-4
Season: 56-34 (.622)
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Past Predictions: Week 2 / Week 3 / Week 4 / Week 5 / Week 6
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