Week 7 Picks/Spread

@Cleveland (-3) over Seattle
- The Browns may be without Peyton Hillis in this one, but I like Cleveland playing at home against a poor Seattle team. There are definitely arguments to be made in Seattle's favor here: they're coming off their bye week, which followed their road win over the NY Giants. I see the McCoy-to-Greg Little relationship continuing to develop this week for the Browns; Cleveland wins by a TD.

@Detroit (-3.5) over Atlanta
- Jim Schwartz, while he may or may not have acted like a child last week, usually has his guys pretty fired up. Coming off a tough home loss to San Fran, the Lions will be hungry in this one. I could definitely see the Falcons winning this game, these teams are relatively evenly matched... I just trust Detroit to play more consistent football, whereas Atlanta has been hit-or-miss this year. Stafford 4 TD, Johnson 2 TD - Lions win by TD.

Houston over @Tennessee (-3)
(Straight up: Houston) - Without Andre Johnson on the field, it's no secret that the Texans lose a lot. The Titans are quietly putting themselves in prime position to push for the AFC South title; they suffered a tough loss when Kenny Britt was lost for the year to injury, but the Defense has been among the league's best. I think the Texans still have enough on offense to outscore the Titans. I think this will be one of the best games played on Sunday - I like Houston in a real close one.

Denver over @Miami (-2)
(Straight up: Denver) - Tim Tebow has been consistent when he's gotten the chance to start in the NFL; he beats bad teams. He finds a way to win ugly football games against weak competition; the Dolphins are struggling in many different areas, and Denver will get a little spark from Reverend Tim Tebow. I'm counting on Daniel Thomas to have a big game for Miami, but I don't think it's enough. Tebow comes from behind, and he finds a way to win this one 24-23.

San Diego (-2) over @NY Jets
- I want to pick the Jets really bad. The Chargers are traveling from the West Coast to the East Coast and playing the early game on Sunday...? At first glance, it looks like a sure win for the Jets. However, the Jets Defense simply hasn't been what it has been in recent years. Ryan Mathews should have a huge game in this one, as the Jets haven't been able to stop many teams from running the ball. Chargers win this one; it's close, but the Jets just can't quite match points with San Diego.

Chicago (-1) over Tampa Bay
- I feel like this is going to be kind of an ugly, back-and-forth game. Though I'm a Josh Freeman guy, I think Chicago's Defense will really frustrate him this week. If Freeman doesn't turn the ball over, I think Tampa wins; but, ultimately I feel like Chicago will force Freeman into a couple costly mistakes. I like both RBs (Matt Forte and Earnest Graham) in this one, but Chicago wins this game 20-16.

Washington over @Carolina (-2.5)
(Straight up: Washington) - This is a very winnable game for Carolina, but Washington is a better overall team. The Redskins had every opportunity in the world to win their game last week against Philly, but Rex Grossman was Rex Grossman. Four costly interceptions later, the Redskins suffered the loss. I think John Beck has a decent game here; something like 250 yards and 2 TD. Washington holds Cam to an average game; WSH wins 27-24

@Oakland (-4.5) over Kansas City
- The Raiders, Carson Palmer or not, are a much better team than the Chiefs. Darren McFadden will run all over this Defense no matter who is handing him the ball. It will be interesting to see how Palmer performs if he's given the opportunity to start or play. The Chiefs are in the midst of what's sure to be a very long year. Raiders win by 10.

@Arizona over Pittsburgh (-3.5)
(Straight up: Arizona) - Jerry Rice picked the Steelers over Cardinals as his "lock" for the week. I really don't see this at all. The Steelers are susceptible to spread air attacks. I'm not a huge believer in Kevin Kolb, but I think Arizona will play well coming off their Bye Week. The Steelers have won the games they've needed to win so far, but they were unimpressive in a win over Jacksonville last week. I'm going with the Cardinals in this one, they win a close game.

@Dallas (-13) over St. Louis
- If A.J. Feeley starts for the Rams, I think this will turn into an absolute blowout for the Cowboys. If Sam Bradford is able to start, it may stay close for a while depending on turnovers. If the ball would have taken a couple different bounces, Dallas might be undefeated at this point. DeMarco Murray steps right into Felix Jones's spot and plays well; I really like everyone on the Dallas Offense in this game - Cowboys win easily.

Green Bay (-9) over @Minnesota
- Antoine Winfield was listed as Doubtful on the injury report on Friday. This is very bad news for the Vikings with Aaron Rodgers & Co. coming to town. Rodgers should go for about 350 and 3 in this game. Backup LT Marshall Newhouse has a big test this week in the form of Jared Allen. As long as Rodgers can continue to get the ball out quick, and the O-Line can give him time, it should be a long day for Minnesota's secondary. Packers 31, Vikings 17.

Indianapolis over @New Orleans (-14)
(Straight up: New Orleans) - I'm picking the Colts against the spread; I just think Indy's pass rush is good enough to give the Saints some problems on Offense. New Orleans should win this game pretty easily without question, but this is the NFL and a 14 point spread is a pretty wide margin to have between any two teams. The Saints' Defense hasn't been very good all year; I think Indianapolis will manage to put enough points on the board to cover. Saints 30, Colts 17.


Monday Night (6-1) :
Baltimore (-8) over @Jacksonville
- Plain and simple: the Ravens are a much better team than the Jaguars. Baltimore should be able to move the ball in the air or on the ground against Jacksonville; they're simply a more talented team. I like Flacco, I like Rice, I like pretty much anyone involved in the Ravens' Offense for Fantasy this week. Not much to say, Ravens win this one 27-13.