NFL Week 7 Roundup

Jacksonville	20
Kansas City	42

This game showed just how good the Chiefs’ ground game really is. The tandem of Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles, who contributed 196 of the Chiefs’ 236 rushing yards, is one of the best in the league. Dwayne Bowe is starting to make some big catches now too. He made one of the best touchdown receptions we have seen all season in this one as he barely got both feet down while falling to the ground. There are many reasons to believe in this Chiefs team.

Cincinnati	32
Atlanta	39

Roddy White is absolutely amazing. He is definitely an MVP candidate with the season he is having and this game just backed up that statement. Double-digit receptions and over 200 yards, he is insane. We can’t forget Michael Turner’s 121 yards and 2 TD’s either. Carson Palmer had his best game of the season and kept it close. Three Bengals’ receivers had 88 yards or more and each of them had a touchdown. If the Bengals can get things together on defense, they can be a very scary team.

Washington	17
Chicago	14

Jay Cutler found his new favorite target this week. Unfortunately for him, this was the only time he will see him this season. DeAngelo Hall tied an NFL record with 4 interceptions in this game, returning one for a touchdown. I have never been a believer in Cutler and did not think he was even close to the value of what he was traded for. He’s probably the most inconsistent quarterback in the league right now. This game was lost by whichever quarterback played worse, and clearly that was Cutler, although Donovan McNabb wasn’t any bit impressive either. Ryan Torain had another impressive game, although he fumbled the ball twice, one of which was lost deep into Chicago territory when Washington was trying to put the game away. Both of these teams are 4-3 now and both have seen better days than this.

Philadelphia	19
Tennessee	37

Only one name needs to be mentioned to describe this game, Kenny Britt. Britt did not start after getting in a bar fight last weekend, and somehow managed to receive for 225 yards and 3 touchdowns. For a few weeks now, it seemed that Britt and quarterback Vince Young were meshing very well together, but with Young out for this game, who knew how Kerry Collins would spread the ball. Apparently he likes Britt better than Young. The Titans scored 27 points in the 4^th quarter to give them the big comeback victory. The Titans have a very threatening offense and defense this season. I would not be surprised if they are in the mix to win the AFC South at the end of this season.

Pittsburgh	23
Miami	22

ESPN.com Play-By-Play: “(Shotgun) B.Roethlisberger up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Miami challenged the touchback ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) B.Roethlisberger up the middle to MIA 1 for 1 yard (C.Clemons). FUMBLES (C.Clemons), declared dead at MIA 1. 2nd part of review was not able to determine who recovered the ball.” This ruling left Pittsburgh with the ball on the Dolphin’s 1-yard line and led to their game winning field goal. The Steelers are a very good team, but apparently they can be very lucky as well. Big Ben had another big game, but his 3 fumbles (1 lost) show that he needs to be more secure with the ball, especially since his fumble almost cost them the game. Either way, the Steelers are a force to be reckoned with right now.

Cleveland	30
New Orleans	17

Surprise? I think not. Cleveland has now managed to beat the reigning Super Bowl champions each of the last three seasons (Steelers in ’09, Giants in ’08). Cleveland’s defense has been very impressive this season, but has no help from the offense. Their most impressive offensive stat in this game is punter Reggie Hodges’ 1 carry for 68 yards. Their 4 interceptions, 2 for scores, are what won this game for them. Drew Brees was shockingly ineffective as his team failed yet again to put up points. They have only scored 30 or more points once this season, a feat that they accomplished 5 times at this point last season. This is not the same team that won the Super Bowl.

St. Louis	17
Tampa Bay	18

Josh Freeman has become a very clutch quarterback this season. Freeman led the Bucs to a game-winning touchdown with 10 ticks left in the game. 3 of the Bucs’ 4 wins this season have been by 3 points or less. Otherwise, this game was relatively boring. The majority of the scoring occurred in the 2^nd quarter, with no more than 6 points scored in any other quarter. This Tampa Bay team is pretty decent, but definitely not the “best team in the league” like head coach Raheem Morris claims they are.

San Francisco	20
Carolina	23

I no longer consider the 49ers the best 1-5 team ever, and not just because they are 1-6 now. This team went from potential favorites in the NFC West, to a joke. The Panthers have struggled to do anything offensively this entire season, and yet Matt Moore was able to get his first 300-yard game on Sunday. DeAngelo Williams continues to be a huge disappointment this season, only rushing for 44 yards on 19 carries. I’m wondering if Jonathan Stewart will be taking over as starter soon.

Buffalo	34
Baltimore	37

The most undeserved win this weekend. I am really questioning Baltimore Head Coach, John Harbaugh’s plan for this game. Buffalo is the worst defense against the run in the league, and the Ravens have two very good halfbacks, especially Ray Rice. The Ravens only carried the ball 29 times and passed it 31 times. I feel that this is the only reason that this game was close. Even the Patriots, who are always a pass first team, ran 38 times on the Bills. We can’t forget Ryan Fitzpatrick’s game though. He threw for close to 400 yards and 4 TDs, 3 to Lee Evans. He is now the second highest rated quarterback in the NFL (102.0). Although they are 0-6, Fitzpatrick will lead the Bills to that first win sometime soon.

Arizona	10
Seattle	22

In such a weak division, I have felt all season long that the Seahawks would not only be able to make the playoffs, but win the division as well. Mike Williams had another very good game. He has really started to make himself look like the player he was once meant to be. Marshawn Lynch is starting to get more accustomed to this offense and is beginning to produce more. The Cardinals are really missing Kurt Warner right now, as they have not found an answer at quarterback yet. I wonder if Matt Leinart would have been a better starter for these guys than Anderson or Hall has been.

Oakland	59
Denver	14

Wow. Just wow. Is the story how good Darren McFadden is or how bad the Broncos are? Kyle Orton’s completion percentage was under 50% for the second straight week, and the running game never got going while playing from behind the entire game. Darren McFadden is having an outstanding year. He’s been one of the best halfbacks in the NFL this season and is receiving extremely well out of the backfield. The Raiders are slowly starting to look like a team that can win again.

New England	23
San Diego	20

I am still in shock that this game was so close. Philip Rivers found a way to keep the Chargers in this one and led them to the chance for a game tying field goal in the closing seconds, only to have replacement kicker Kris Brown hit the right post from 50 yards. The Patriots just won’t go away and are not sitting back and letting the Jets run away with the division. This one is going to be tight all season. The Chargers, on the other hand, have fallen well behind the Chiefs and even behind the Raiders. We are probably going to see a flip in the standings from last year in the AFC West.

Minnesota	24
Green Bay	28

We must always remember remember, Brett Favre is Brett Favre. The old man managed to throw 3 picks in this game, including one returned for 6. The Packers played like they wanted this game more, and definitely deserved it. Aaron Rodgers started off a little shaky but came back strong to help the Packers take the lead for good in the 4^th quarter. I have no doubt that the Packers will end up winning the NFC North because the Bears are not as good as their record and the Vikings have fallen too far behind under an injured Brett Favre’s leadership.

NY Giants	41
Dallas	35

It’s pretty safe to say that the Cowboys’ season is done. Not only are they 1-5, Tony Romo is now out for 6-8 weeks with a broken collarbone. I know he threw 4 touchdowns and I know the Giants won the game, but Eli Manning is starting to remind me of Brett Favre. He makes some pretty bad decisions and bad throws, and sometimes seems like he has no idea what the situation is. Feel free to disagree, but I feel like having the leagues leading rusher in Ahmad Bradshaw and 3 good receivers should make him look better than he does. Hakeem Nicks caught another 2 touchdown passes, but he also caused another interception for Manning when a pass hit off his chest and was picked out of the air by Dallas. I may be wrong but I am pretty sure that Manning now has about 4 picks off drops by Nicks. Can’t really question his ability when he already has 8 touchdowns though.

My Week 7 NFL Picks

My picks for this week (with the spreads from ESPN.com’s Pigskin Pick ’em):

(2-3) Cincinnati Bengals** at

(4-2) Atlanta Falcons -3.5

As shaky as Carson Palmer can be, I think the Cincinnati passing game can take advantage of a weak Atlanta secondary (especially without Dunta Robinson).

(3-3) Washington Redskins** at

(4-2) Chicago Bears -2.5

I see this being a low scoring game. I don’t see many yards being given up on either side of the ball either, but Washington will pull it out late.

(4-2) Philadelphia Eagles** at

(4-2) Tennessee Titans -3.5

Kevin Kolb looked very good last week. The Titans are also without Vince Young and Kenny Britt will not start.

(3-3) Jacksonville Jaguars at

(3-2) Kansas City Chiefs** -5.5

Kansas City’s chance to get back on the right track. Jacksonville has not been impressive and Todd Bouman will be starting today.

(4-1) Pittsburgh Steelers** at

(3-2) Miami Dolphins +3.5

Pittsburgh’s defense continues to look impressive and Big Ben will have a full game under his belt. Expect big things from them.

(1-5) Cleveland Browns** at

(4-2) New Orleans Saints -13.5

I fully expect the Saints to win this game, but I think the Browns’ running game with Peyton Hillis is strong enough to keep it close.

(3-3) St. Louis Rams** at

(3-2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -2.5

Sam Bradford should have a good game today. If not, Stephen Jackson is more than capable of carrying the load. This Rams team has impressed me thus far and I still think they can win the NFC West.

(1-5) San Francisco 49ers** at

(0-5) Carolina Panthers +3.5

Much better than their 1-5 record, the 49ers shouldn’t make this close at all against a Carolina team that is very deserving of their 0-5.

(0-5) Buffalo Bills at

(4-2) Baltimore Ravens** -13.5

I don’t feel like I even need to explain this one. The Bills just don’t have much going for them, and the Ravens have an excellent ground game.

(3-2) Arizona Cardinals** at

(3-2) Seattle Seahawks -5.5

This is going to be a very good game. Both teams fighting for first place. I like what I have seen out of Max Hall thus far after having low expectations. I think the Cardinals pull out a close game.

(4-1) New England Patriots** at

(2-4) San Diego Chargers -2.5

The stats are lying to us. The Chargers are in the top of the league in offense and defense, but have not played anyone impressive. The Pats are putting up lots of points every week. San Diego is also without Malcom Floyd, Legedu Naanee, and Gates is playing while knowing he should not be. San Diego just doesn’t have enough.

(2-4) Oakland Raiders at

(2-4) Denver Broncos** -6.5

This one actually could be close. I think if a gutsy Kyle Orton keeps the ball away from Asomugha (remember, he tested Revis a lot last week), he should have a big game.

(2-3) Minnesota Vikings** at

(3-3) Green Bay Packers -2.5

I do expect this one to be very tight. The only reason I pick the Vikings in a close game is because the Packers are 1-11 in games decided by 4 points or less. If the Packers come out strong in the first half, then they have a much better chance of winning this game. Randy Moss has also played exceptionally well in Lambeau throughout his career (7 games: 31 receptions for 588 yards and 7 TDs).

(4-2) New York Giants at

(1-4) Dallas Cowboys** -3.5

I truly think the Giants are the best team in the NFC right now, but games between these two teams are always good, especially primetime games. I think the Cowboys realize their desperation and finally come out with a good game.

Fantasy Files - Week 7

Welcome to my first weekly fantasy file. I’m here to offer my advice to the struggling fantasy owner, or to one who cannot decide to start or sit someone. Whether you choose to take my advice or not, I hope you continue to come back and read my posts.

QUARTERBACKS:

Matt Cassel KC – Start

Coming off a solid week against a bad Houston secondary, Cassel gets to play the 28^th ranked pass defense of Jacksonville this week at home. Expect a good game.

Kevin Kolb PHI – Start

Finally looks like he is coming into his own this season. Likely won’t have DeSean Jackson this week, but Maclin had a big game last week and I can definitely see it happening again.

Matt Hasselbeck SEA – Start

Has been a consistent solid start all but one week this season. An unspectacular Arizona pass defense will allow him to make some big plays

Joe Flacco BAL – Sit

Tough call, but I'd advise you to sit him. There is nothing to fear in the Buffalo defense, but with a very bad rush defense, expect Baltimore to run all day on the Bills especially with two strong running backs.

Donovan McNabb WAS – Sit

Chicago’s pass defense has only given up 3 touchdowns all season. McNabb has been putting up big yards all season, and I wouldn’t doubt he does it again, but don’t expect him to score.

WIDE RECEIVERS:

Mike Wallace PIT – Start

Wallace is always a big play threat. With Big Ben back and with a full game under his belt, expect him to be able to hit Wallace down field a few times this week.

Terrell Owens CIN – Start

Actually having a really good season so far. Atlanta’s pass defense isn’t anything special. Expect him to have plenty of targets.

Deion Branch NWE – Start

Sure, San Diego has the top ranked pass defense, but they also haven’t faced any tough teams. Deion Branch, as we saw last week, is already back in sync with Tom Brady. I’d bet on another big game from him.

Patrick Crayton SDG – Start

Had a nice game last week. Gates is hurt. Floyd is hurt. Naanee is hurt. Expect him to see most of the targets from Rivers.

Hakeem Nicks NYG – Sit

Playing against a very good Dallas secondary. He is expected to play after missing a few practices this week with a hurt hamstring. Detroit knew how to slow him down last week; Dallas should be able to do the same.

Kenny Britt TEN – Sit

Britt has been very good lately, but he’s playing a good Philadelphia secondary. He was also in a bar fight early Friday morning and it is possible that the Titans may sanction him in some way. Not worth it.

RUNNING BACKS:

Ryan Torain WAS – Start

Looks like he has some sort of knee injury. Nothing too serious and he will play, but it may have been bad enough to hold him out of the 4^th quarter of the Colts game last week. Chicago’s defense is only giving up 84 rushing yards per game, but is tied for the league worst in rushing touchdowns given up. If the Redskins are going to score, it’ll be Torain, but he may not have many yards. Not a bad flex start.

Willis McGahee BAL – Start

Another good flex start. Buffalo’s run defense is pitiful. Ray Rice will need a rest after running for so many yards on them. He’ll get some carries and probably a score.

Knowshon Moreno DEN – Start

Got himself back in the lineup last week. Not his strongest game, but I’d guess he has shaken off the rust now and facing a weak Oakland defense makes for an easy breakout game.

Danny Woodhead NWE – Start

I have always been a huge fan of Woodhead. Good to see him getting his chance, even if it is for the Patriots. Had a very good game last week and it looks like he’s going to be an essential part of this Patriots offense. He’s also eligible at wide receiver if needed.

Ronnie Brown MIA – Sit

Hasn’t been impressive this season and facing the top ranked rush defense in the league. Only play him if desperate with better backs on bye week.

Beanie Wells/Tim Hightower – Sit

Seattle has been great against the rush, and neither of these two has been spectacular this year. Even if you need them because players are on bye, there may be better options out there.

TIGHT ENDS:

Tony Moeaki KC – Start

Has been a very solid play each week and playing a Jacksonville defense that gives up a lot of receptions. If you need a tight end, he’s not a bad choice.

Kellen Winslow TB – Start

Actually available in a good amount of leagues. Has always been a great receiver and has a good matchup this week. I’d play him.

Antonio Gates SD – Iffy…

I say iffy because Gates is always a great start, but against what isn’t a terrible New England defense and missing practice all week (game time decision), may not be the safest play. If you have a good backup, give that guy a go.

DEFENSE:

San Francisco – Start

The Panthers cannot score. Doesn’t even matter how good the San Francisco defense is, they won’t be giving up many points. Matt Moore’s first start back too, I’d expect at least a couple turnovers.

New Orleans – Start

Always has the potential for big turnovers and scores. Colt McCoy making his second start with not much help around him. Threw two picks last week, will probably throw another two this week.

San Diego – Sit

New England’s high power offense will show everyone what this San Diego defense really is. They haven’t played any spectacular teams yet, but this is an offense they won’t be able to stop.

SPECIAL NOTES:

Pierre Garçon IND – Pick up ASAP

He was available in both of my leagues. Grab him if you can. No more Clark and Collie out for a few weeks. Garçon finally healthy again. Get him before someone else does.

Jabar Gaffney DEN – Pick up

Available in many leagues as well. Getting many targets and plenty of yards. Definitely solid enough for a flex play or a bench spot.

Christopher Ivory NO – Pick up

Had a big game last week. Until Pierre Thomas or Reggie Bush comes back, expect him to keep getting plenty of carries, especially this week against the Browns.

That’s about it for this week everyone. If you have anything you would like to share, any arguments, any agreements, any extra advice you would like to add, please feel free to leave some comments. I hope my advice helps some of you win your matchups this week. Best of luck to all my readers.