NFL Picks & Pans: Week 7

Although my 9-5 record last week is good, it would have been a lot better if both the Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles hadn't blown chances to win their games in the final seconds and lost. At the same time, had all three of my "Upset Special Picks of the Week" not pulled off the upsets that I correctly predicted (Titans over Steelers, Browns over Bengals, Seahawks over Patriots), I guess my record could have been a lot worse.

Let's hope these solid winning weeks continue and my bankroll continues to grow in this unfortunately fictitious world, starting with tonight's NFL Network game, and of course, we'll make our pick on the Baltimore Ravens at the Houston Texans in tomorrow's preview:

49ers over Seahawks (Thursday Night Football): After a disappointing loss last week, there is no way San Francisco loses two straight home games, much less on national TV against a division opponent, although Seattle has played surprisingly well and their defense is every bit as good as the 49ers this season.

Colts over Browns: Cleveland got what will be one of their few wins of the season and will go back to their losing ways in Indianapolis, where the Colts' rookie QB is a lot better than the Browns' one.

Giants over Redskins: I was actually tempted to go with the upset and pick Washington to win this, as they always seem to give New York fits. They might, but after seeing the Giants demolish the 49ers on the road last week, I've got to go with them at home this week.

Bills over Titans: Two of the more disappointing teams in the league this year, but at home I like Buffalo's chances to win, while Tennessee will try to win two in a row for the first time this season.

Cowboys over Panthers: You've got to love owner Jerry Jones' boast that he still believes his team can win the Super Bowl THIS year! That's not going to happen but I do expect a win over a Carolina team with a QB in Cam Newton that is defining the term, "sophomore slump."

Vikings over Cardinals: Two of the more pleasant surprises in the league this season, althoughArizona is reeling from the injury to their QB while Minnesota's Adrian Peterson is having an amazing year considering he had an ACL tear less than a year ago. I like the Vikes.

Packers over Rams: Don't underestimate St. Louis, whose defense is really getting good, but then again, if you saw how well Green Bay was clicking on offense on Sunday Night Football, you know it's going to be tough to pick against them from now on.

Saints over Buccaneers: I believe the train wreck that was New Orleans is a thing of the past and besides, Drew Brees is on my fantasy team, so it's going to be tough for Tampa Bay to keep up with them, even at home.

Patriots over Jets: These games are usually close, but after losing last week in the closing seconds, I just cannot see Bill Belichick and New England losing to Rex Ryan and New York in Foxboro.

Raiders over Jaguars: Oakland came surprisingly close last week in Atlanta, but this week they return home and Jacksonville has to fly cross country, which should make this unimportant game a snooze-fest.

Bengals over Steelers (Sunday Night Football): From a pure season record standpoint, one should root for Pittsburgh to beat Cincinnati, but how can any true Ravens fan ever root for the Steelers? At home, playing better than Pittsburgh is playing, I have to go with the home team and the one that is looking fresher and faster and less affected by injuries. Besides, even the red-headed Andy Dalton is better looking than Big Ugly Ben! Surprisingly, this game qualifies and is is my lone "Upset Special Pick of the Week."

Bears over Lions (Monday Night Football): Chicago is playing really solid ball on both sides of the line of scrimmage, while Detroit was lucky to get a close but needed win last week. At home, da' Bears should be too tough and while they won't shut down Mega-Tron, they will capitalize on Detroit's Matthew Stafford's mistakes and win this one in what I see as a relatively high-scoring game.

Last Week: 9-5

Season Record: 58-34