The Hail Mary - Week 7

So what's a bingo board doing as the picture for an NFL column? Don't ask me, ask the Washington Redskins! There are a lot better games this weekend than the Monday Nighter between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Redskins, but none will be as fascinating. Sherm Lewis, out of the league for 5 years, will make his triumphant return from bingo duty and serve as the Redskins Offensive Coordinator. Sure he doesn't know all of the players names, and QB Jason Campbell has admitted to probably having to improvise, but that just makes it more fun to watch!

Games That I Will Be Watching

Minnesota (6-0) at Pittsburgh (4-2), Pittsburgh favored by 4

The Vikings face their first true road test of the season as they take on the Steelers. The Vikings had another nail biting finish last weekend against Baltimore and I would not be surprised to see more Brett Favre heroics needed in this one. The Vikings defensive line can exploit a weak Steelers offensive line, but I have a bad feeling about this game. I feel like the conditions will work in the Steelers favor and I also think Favre is going to be hit like he hasn't been hit all season. Vikings suffer their first loss.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 24, Minnesota 17

New England (4-2) at Tampa Bay (0-6), New England favored by 14 1/2

This will be the third straight year a game has been played in London. Last year, the Brits were treated to a great game between the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints. This game figures to not be so good. New England is coming off a 59-0 drubbing of the Tennessee Titans, while Tampa is still searching for their first victory. This will be an ugly, ugly game.

Prediction: New England 38, Tampa Bay 17

Atlanta (4-1) at Dallas (3-2), Dallas favored by 3 1/2

This should be a very close, tight game. The Cowboys are pretty mediocre, while the Falcons have gotten off to an impressive start. However, I expect the Falcons to play more like they did at New England, then how they did at San Francisco. I think Cowboys QB Tony Romo will make a late, critical mistake, securing the victory for the Falcons.

Prediction: Atlanta 27, Dallas 21

Arizona (3-2) at New York Giants (5-1), New York Giants favored by 7

The Giants were humbled by the Saints last weekend, proving that beating up a bunch of nobodies doesn't make you a good team. However, luckily for them this game is at night, will be very cold, and I expect the Cardinals to have problems with that. Sure, they won at Carolina in the playoffs at night last year, but Eli Manning won't throw five picks like Jake Delhomme.

Prediction: New York Giants 27, Arizona 14

Philadelphia (3-2) at Washington (2-4), Philadelphia favored by 7

If I were betting anything more than pride in this game I would definitely stay away from it. The Redskins are garnering most of the embarrassing headlines but the Eagles proved to not be much better by not only losing at Oakland, but being unable to even score a touchdown! The Redskins can stay in the game behind their defense, and by creating sacks and turnovers. I think they can do that for a half, but in the second half the Skins offense will continue to flounder, and the defense will finally crumble.

Prediction: Philadelphia 27, Washington 10

Rest of Week 7

San Francisco (3-2) at Houston (3-3), Houston favored by 3

This game will mark the debut of 49ers WR Michael Crabtree. The Texans are definitely the hardest team to figure out in the NFL. Much like their entire existence as a franchise they are up and down. This season they have been mostly down at home, and the Niners have had two weeks to stew over being embarrassed by the Falcons. I don't expect Crabtree to make much of an impact, but the return of RB Frank Gore will.

Prediction: San Francisco 24, Houston 21

Green Bay (3-2) at Cleveland (1-5), Green Bay favored by 7

The Browns showed some heart at Pittsburgh last week and weren't completely blown out. I think at home they will show that same fight, but of course come up short.

Prediction: Green Bay 23, Cleveland 17

San Diego (2-3) at Kansas City (1-5), San Diego favored by 4 1/2

The Chargers are once again floundering to start a season. Last year they got a huge come from behind win at Arrowhead that kept their slim playoff hopes alive. They are not quite in that desperate of shape yet but a loss would be pretty damaging. I think the Chiefs can beat the Chargers, but that the Bolts QB Philip Rivers will come through when he needs to.

Prediction: San Diego 28, Kansas City 21

Indianapolis (5-0) at St. Louis (0-6), Indianapolis favored by 13

The Colts are lucky enough to get an additional bye week!

Prediction: Indianapolis 34, St. Louis 14

New York Jets (3-3) at Oakland (2-4), New York Jets favored by 6

Tough game to call. Mark Sansuck has come crashing down to Earth, but he is actually better than Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell. Imagining Oakland with a 2-game winning streak is tough. So I will go somewhere in the middle. Jets win, Raiders cover.

Prediction: New York Jets 16, Oakland 13

Buffalo (2-4) at Carolina (2-3), No Line

The Bills will likely be without QB Trent Edwards but Bills fans aren't sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. Both Terrell Owens and Steve Smith suck and have conspired to be complete busts for one of my fantasy football teams. Hopefully, Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart will run all over the Bills 32nd rank rush defense.

Prediction: Carolina 26, Buffalo 17

Chicago (3-2) at Cincinnati (4-2), Cincinnati favored by 1 1/2

Another game between two teams that are tough to figure out. The Bengals looked to be good to go but apparently read too many press clippings and looked flat against Houston. The Bears two losses have come because of way too many turnovers, either by that bust of a RB Matt Forte or QB Jay Cutler. Former Bears and current Bengals RB Cedric Benson will be highly motivated in this one and will have a good game. Unfortunately, Cutler will lead the Bears to victory late.

Prediction: Chicago 23, Cincinnati 20

New Orleans (5-0) at Miami (2-3), New Orleans favored by 6 1/2

After an 0-3 start the Dolphins showed plenty of fight in winning their last two games. The Wildcat, (its not a gimmick) has been working wonders for them, and RB Ronnie Brown is having a career year. The Saints are everyone's pick for the NFL's best team because of the way they have clobbered all of their opponents. This might be more hopeful than realistic but I think the Dolphins will be the ones to knock off the Saints. I think they can control the ball enough that Brees won't be able to score 40+ on them.

Prediction: Miami 27, New Orleans 24

Last Week Against the Spread: 7-7
Overall Against the Spread: 51-39

Last Week Straight Up: 7-7
Overall Straight Up: 58-32