Week 7 Predictions: Pats Will Enjoy Week Off in London

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

For the first time this season, I am coming off a good week, posting an 11-3 record for week six. It's time to see if I can build off last week, or if it was just a fluke and I return to mediocrity. Now on to the picks.

Patriots 35 Buccaneers 14

The Patriots get a mid season vacation to London, as the Bucs have no chance in this one. The Bucs defense has been letting up a lot of big plays, and now they get to go against the Patriots coming off a 59-0 win a week ago. To make matters worse for the Bucs, this counts as one of their home games.

I tried to work a reference to "London Calling," by The Clash into this prediction, but figured anyone who will read this likely has never heard of The Clash, and I would have looked really old as a result.

Texans 31 49ers 21

Michael Crabtree finally plays this season, and Frank Gore returns from injury, but it will not be enough to help the 49ers get by the Texans. Matt Schaub will continue to impress, as he leads a potent Houston offense to victory.

Packers 38 Browns 7

The Browns have looked sick all year, and now they are literally sick, as a large part of the team apparently has the flu. Don't look for Green Bay to take it easy however, as the Pack will get an easy win in Cleveland.

Chargers 30 Chiefs 17

The Chargers have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL so far this season. No running game, and no defense, has the Chargers looking very average at best. Luckily the Chargers face the Chiefs this week, a team that is just what the doctor order for San Diego. The Chiefs have not been able to stop the run this season, and Matt Cassel hasn't exactly been on fire on offense. San Diego gets the win.

Colts 44 Rams 3

Talk about two teams headed in opposite directions. The Colts look like they could go undefeated, and the Rams look like they may not get a win this year. Remember, the Rams could not beat the Redskins. If you can't beat Washington, who can you beat? Certainly not the Colts. Peyton Manning will once again go over 300 yards as the Colts continue to look like the best team in the NFL.

Steelers 28 Vikings 24

In one of the better looking match ups this week, it will be Big Ben who gets the better of Brett Favre, handing the Vikings their first loss of the season. Its about time Favre comes back to earth, and starts doing what he does best - throwing ints.

Raiders 14 Jets 13

A few week back, the Jets looked like the real deal. Now, it looks like the Jets season could spiral out of control. Mark Sanchez struggled mightily last week, throwing 5ints. Things will not get any better this week against a solid Oakland defense. The Jets will also be without Kris Jenkins on the D-line. The Raiders will get just enough offense, and pull off another upset. Poor Rex Ryan.

Panthers 17 Bills 10

These two team are almost mirror images of each other. Both have bad quarterbacks (Jake Delhomme, Ryan Fitzpatrick) and unhappy diva receivers (TO, Steve Smith). Since this game is in Charlotte, I will pick the Panthers.

Bears 21 Bengals 17

Cedric Benson will have a solid game, but it will be Jay Cutler and the Bears getting the last laugh this week. If not for a pair of costly mistakes against the Falcons (Forte's fumble, false start penalty late in the 4th quarter) then the Bears could have beaten the Falcons a week ago. They will eliminate the mistakes this week and get the win in Cincy.

Falcons 27 Cowboys 23

This is the kind of game that Tony Romo needs to step up and win. Once again, he will fall short. The Falcons are a good club, and the Cowboys just don't measure up, especially at QB.

Saints 38 Dolphins 20

This may not be the Saints only trip to Miami this season. The offense will shine again, as New Orleans may be returning to South Florida later this season to play in the Super Bowl.

Giants 33 Cardinals 28

The Giants are poised to bounce back after a disappointing performance in New Orleans last time out. Plus factor in Arizona's struggles whenever they play on the east coast, and all signs point to a Giant victory.

Eagles 23 Redskins 6

What is Jim Zorn supposed to do now that the play calling has been taken away? Just stand there? The Eagles didn't play well last week, but its hard to imagine such a dysfunctional franchise such as Washington doing anything right.