Picking Football Games, Week 7

Earlier this week, I saw a graphic on Facebook that broke down the NFL's "tiers" in 2021.  I don't remember exactly where it had everyone in the power rankings, but I do remember the Lions having their own category: "You suck, but we like you because we feel bad for you."  And they were still ranked above the Dolphins, who also had their own category: "You just lost to a team on a 20-game losing streak."

Those rankings will obviously change several times over the course of the season, but this week they should stay pretty solid.  This is the annoying six-team bye week, and that includes three of the good teams (Dallas, Buffalo, Chargers).  And, aside from Ravens-Bengals and Chiefs-Titans, the other good teams aren't really in much danger of losing this week, either.  Obviously, they have to play the games and an upset is always possible.  But the slate of games this week, frankly, isn't overly appealing.

Thursday Night: Cleveland (Win)

Washington (2-4) at Packers (5-1): Green Bay-I think it's safe to say that there are several very good teams in the NFC.  The Green Bay Packers are definitely on that list.  Washington, meanwhile, is not.  The Packers' winning streak is going to end eventually, but it won't be this week.  Not against a bad team at Lambeau.  More importantly, as one of the good teams, they can't afford a loss to one of the bad teams.

Chiefs (3-3) at Titans (4-2): Kansas City-Whenever the Chiefs are backed into a corner, they show up and play their best game of the season.  That happened again last week, when they whooped up on Washington.  Now they need to get out of this loop where they get back to .500, then lose.  And this would be a good place to start.  Because they've already lost to Baltimore and Buffalo (and the Chargers), so they need a win to have any chance of holding any tiebreakers come playoff time.

Falcons (2-3) at Dolphins (1-5): Miami-Both of these teams last played in London.  The Falcons beat the Jets, while the Dolphins helped the Jaguars snap their 20-game losing streak.  Oddly, they don't have a bye week upon their return, which means it's right back in the saddle.  Although, I think that'll actually help them.  Get down to business and get back on the right track by beating Atlanta.

Jets (1-4) at Patriots (2-4): New England-New England has been competitive in every game this season, but the Patriots' only wins are against the Jets and Texans, not exactly a who's who of the NFL's best!  Fortunately, they play the Jets again this week.  That should at least get their record to a more respectable 3-4.  With a tough stretch of games following this one, they need that to have any playoff hopes.

Panthers (3-3) at Giants (1-5): Carolina-There are a lot of people who think the Giants have a good chance to win this game.  I'm one of them.  However, I've also seen the Giants find so many different ways to lose through the first six weeks.  The Panthers, meanwhile, view this one as a game they should win.  Which I think they will.  On the Giants' specialty...a last-second field goal!

Bengals (4-2) at Ravens (5-1): Baltimore-Is it possible that these are the two best teams in the AFC?  It's sure starting to look that way!  The Ravens have beaten both the Chiefs and the Chargers, and I don't think anyone will argue that Cincinnati's 4-2 record isn't legit.  So this isn't just the biggest game of the week, it might be the most important.  And it'll further advance Baltimore's standing as the top team in the AFC.

Eagles (2-4) at Raiders (4-2): Las Vegas-The Raiders were clearly able to put the Jon Gruden situation behind them.  That was an inspired win over the Broncos last week, and they got the added benefit of the Chargers losing, which means they're once again tied for first.  With the Chargers off this week, they can take sole possession of first by beating the Eagles.

Lions (0-6) at Rams (5-1): Rams-At least Sean McVay finally admitted that the way they handled the Jared Goff-Matthew Stafford trade was a mess!  Just imagine what would've happened if he'd never ended up playing golf at the same place as Stafford over the summer!  Goff deserved better, and he'll hopefully get a nice reaction as he returns to SoFi Stadium.  Unfortunately, the greeting he gets from the Rams defense won't be as welcoming.

Texans (1-5) at Cardinals (6-0): Arizona-Another reunion in store this week is J.J. Watt and the Texans.  Of course, this one's a little different since he's not actually returning to Houston.  Competitively, it should go about as well as the Stafford-Rams reunion.  The Texans aren't a good team.  The Cardinals are.

Bears (3-3) at Buccaneers (5-1): Tampa Bay-Can people please get off this "the Bears are actually good" bandwagon?  Because they're not.  They're mediocre at best.  Whether they're "good" or not kinda depends on the week and their opponent.  This won't be one of those weeks and Tampa Bay won't be one of those opponents.

Colts (2-4) at 49ers (2-3): Indianapolis-Why is this game on Sunday night?  For some reason, the NFL thinks people want to watch the Colts play the 49ers.  I'm not entirely sure why.  Because it's not like either one is particularly worth watching.  They easily could've flexed it out for Bengals-Ravens, yet chose not to, so Colts-49ers it is!  I'll go with Indy to win, but, honestly, who cares?!

Saints (3-2) at Seahawks (2-4): New Orleans-Seattle's hoping that its third straight prime time game won't become its third straight prime time loss.  Although, even though they lost last week, Geno Smith more than held his own, so they'll be fine without Russell Wilson.  It's almost a must-win for the Seahawks, who see their season slipping away with each loss (not to mention each Cardinals and Rams win).  That's exactly what the well-rested Saints will hand them, though.  Their third straight prime time loss. 

This Week: 1-0
Last Week: 11-3
Overall: 65-30