“Ya Pays Yer Money And Ya Take Yer Chances…”

Week 7 Preview

Let’s forget about last week’s disaster and just have some fun with the games. Outside of New England, Indianapolis and Dallas, there is a whole lot of mediocrity that makes guesstimating the outcomes a dicey proposition at best. So what? Let’s go.

This week’s Bye goes to Carolina, Cleveland, Green Bay and San Diego.

At Washington -6.5 Arizona 36

The Cards are down to a third stringer at quarterback this week, so one should not expect an offensive explosion from the visitors. The ‘Skins played Green Bay tough last week, and this time if they play just as well, they’ll be on the plus side of the ledger.

Projected Final Score: Washington 23, Arizona 10.

At New Orleans -8.5 Atlanta 43

Simply because the ‘Aints finally got a win, does this necessarily imply they’re 8 ½ better than the woeful Falcons? Byron Leftwich makes his first start for Atlanta, and he’ll more likely than not be an improvement over Harrington.

Projected Final Score: New Orleans 23, Atlanta 21.

Baltimore -2.5 At Buffalo 35

The Ravens have to feel like Rodney Dangerfield here. 2 ½? Sure, they’re banged up going in, but the Bills aren’t exactly the picture of perfect health. All the defense needs to do is what they pretty much bring to the table each week. All the offense needs to do is…

Projected Final Score: Baltimore 17, Buffalo 13.

At Dallas -9.5 Minnesota 46

The bloom is off the rose down in Big D after last week’s thumping by New England. The Vikes come into this one with Adrian Peterson, a wing and a prayer. You have to believe that the boys in purple are also going to be black and blue after this one. Look for Romo and TO to have big afternoons.

Projected Final Score: Dallas 27, Minnesota 17.

New England -16.5 At Miami 51.5

When 6-0 meets 0-6 it must equal 16.5 according to the Vegas Boys. So far, the Patriots have practically flattened anything standing in their way while the once-mighty Dolphins are playing like the Patriots of old. New England is perfect against the spread this year but they enter this game without Sammy Morris and Maroney’s status remains a closely guarded secret. Miami has Ronnie Brown who can eat a lot of clock time if he’s used efficiently. The big elephant on the field is a certain record owned by the home team that dates back 35 years, and everybody sees the elephant’s shadow…

Projected Final Score: New England 31, Miami 20.

At NY Giants -9 San Francisco 39.5

The G-Men are on fire these days, which is always great for the NFL. The 49’ers offense has been brutal even when Alex Smith has been in the lineup. What is sad is that I couldn’t tell you who his backup is without having to look it up. The Giants keep rolling.

Projected Final Score: NY Giants 24, San Francisco 13.

At Detroit -1.5 Tampa Bay 44.5

If the Rainmaker has a big day throwing the ball, Detroit should win. The problem is that no one can accurately predict how effective he will be. Jeff Garcia is having another great season, given the lack of weapons currently at his disposal. On balance, Tampa Bay is a better team than Detroit.

Projected Final Score: Tampa Bay 24, Detroit 23.

Tennessee -1.5 At Houston 38.5

If Vince Young can’t go on Sunday, this is an eminently winnable game for Houston. They have to be hoping for a Kerry Collins sighting with baited breath.

Projected Final Score: Houston 23, Tennessee 16.

At Oakland -3 Kansas City 37.5

Over the past couple of weeks, the Chiefs have showed some signs of life while Oakland has begun to revert to form. It doesn’t matter, though. This is an AFL West showdown. Too bad Curt Gowdy’s not around for the call.

Projected Final Score: Oakland 24, Kansas City 20.

At Cincinnati -5.5 NY Jets 47

What if they played a game and nobody showed up? Does anyone really care about these two teams any more?

Projected Final Score: Cincinnati 27, NY Jets 21.

At Philadelphia -4.5 Chicago 41.5

Barring an unforeseen miracle, the Bears will play out the schedule and retool for ’08. Meanwhile, the Eagles find themselves back in the hunt after Dallas lost last week. There’s more in it for Philly, at home against an opponent they can beat.

Projected Final Score: Philadelphia 24, Chicago 17.

At Seattle -8.5 St. Louis 39

Shouldn’t there be a mercy rule in effect? Maybe next week the Rams can fit Notre Dame into the schedule. Seattle’s no bargain, either.

Projected Final Score: Seattle 24, St. Louis 14.

Pittsburgh -3.5 At Denver 39

Not even the Mile High Advantage will help Denver this week, as they stink and could very easily be winless on the year. The Steelers are a very, very good team, just a notch below the two AFC powerhouses. They ought to see this game as an opportunity to create some room in the AFC North.

Projected Final Score: Pittsburgh 27, Denver 16.