Bill Belicheck: Hey Doug. How's it going man? How's that cannon feeling these days? Word on the street is you are mighty popular in these parts of the country.
Doug Flutie: Yea, you've seen the highlights. You know what's up Bill.
Bill: How about coming out of retirement? You know we have a starting QB spot up for grabs.
Doug: Yeah, I did notice that USC backup wasn't quite working out as a starter, but who could replace Tom Brady. I guess I could, but I great gig now. Do you know how smart I look sitting next to Terry Bowden every week? Ivy League schools are lining up to give me an honary degree.
Bill: Those Bowdens are pretty nutty. I don't think you can pass up this opportunity though, with YouTube and everything these days, everyone can enjoy those Flutie highlights.
Doug: I'm sorry Bill, I'm not available. I've already turned down a 3 year deal with the Winnipeg Centurions and I'd definitely play there over New England. The Winnipeg babes are super hot. But the truth is, with all the face time I get on ABC, the babes are lining up for me too.
As much as I would love to see a Flutie comeback, he's done, as is the state of many quarterback situations in the league right now. Matt Cassel, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Dan Orlovsky struggle and will continue to do so while Kurt Warner, Kerry Collins, and Gus Frerotte are giving their teams a chance to win on a weekly basis. Who doesn't enjoy watching these old veterans get their last shot? We might even get our first look at Brad Johnson this season. Without further ado, here's my week 7 picks.
San Diego at Buffalo (pick)
The Bills are coming off a bye week after their first loss of the season to Arizona. With Trent Edwards back, the Bills actually have a chance against San Diego. The Chargers are gaining momentum, however, and it's been all Phil Rivers and the passing game so far. Tomlinson makes headlines again as the Chargers win on the road in a tight one in Buffalo.
San Diego 28, Buffalo 21
Minnesota at Chicago (-1)
A must-win game for two of the NFL's biggest rivals. Matt Forte has had a strong rookie campaign, while Adrian Peterson has been solid this year, but hasn't quite dazzled as expected. Good defense will keep this game low scoring. Chicago wins at home despite solid performance by Peterson.
Chicago 20, Minnesota 17
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (+9)
Carson Palmer is sitting the bench again. Chad Ocho Cinco actually admitted that his ridiculous behavior may have had an impact on his performance this year. Cedric Benson is the most recent class act to get in on the fun in the Bengals locker room. This team is a disaster. Pittsburgh blows out Cincy in a win.
Pittsburgh 34, Cincinnati 7
Tennessee at Kansas City (+8.5)
Vince Young is healthy again, but the starting QB spot is owned by Kerry Collins until the Titans stop winning. The Titans D has been unbelievable this season and will sleepwalk through a victory in Kansas City. The Titans will stay undefeated in Kansas City. Big days from LenDale White and Chris Johnson.
Tennessee 28, Kansas City 10
Dallas at St. Louis (+7)
I'm not sure if anyone can honestly say they expected a Rams win against the Redskins last week, but it happened. Jim Haslett is breathing life back into this team that I can see rebounding this season with the once solid nucleus of Marc Bulger, Torry Holt, and Steven Jackson. However, whether it's Pinky Romo or Brad Johnson taking the snaps, the Cowboys will walk away with the win this week. I just can't see them losing to Arizona and St. Louis in back to back weeks.
Dallas 31, St. Louis 20
Baltimore at Miami (-3)
It's good to see the Dolphins favored at home a season after finishing with 1 win. I trust a defense with Ray Lewis. I trusted in them last week and they were embarassed by Peyton Manning. Baltimore takes pride in their defense and they will not lose this game. Even though I'm a huge Chad Pennington fan, I don't think this will be his week. Ravens' D bounces back in this one.
Baltimore 17, Miami 13
San Francisco at NY Giants (-6)
Bizarro Manning World has come to an end as of last week. Peyton is rightfully back on top and Eli was giving us his Manning face after each interception he threw. The 49ers have a better defense than their given credit for, and Frank Gore is a beast. This will be a close one, but Manning throws it away in the end. Gore and J.T. O'Sullivan take down the defending champs.
San Francisco 30, NY Giants 28
New Orleans at Carolina (pick)
Drew Brees is unstoppable. Okay, that's not true. Martin Gramatica was the Saints kryptonite, but with a few tough losses behind them the New Orleans is ready to roll. Carolina was embarassed by Tampa last week, and you can bet they'll be hungry for a win. Brees will torch the Panthers with Colston and Shockey back in a high scoring affair.
New Orleans 35, Carolina 24
Detroit at Houston (-6)
The Lions are hurting, but at least with Matt Millen out of the picture, we know they won't take a wide receiver with the number one pick in the draft. Matt Schaub is a very good quarterback and will be hooking up with Andre Johnson frequently the rest of the season. Houston puts a beat down on Detroit in this one.
Houston 21, Detroit 13
NY Jets at Oakland (+5)
J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS! Keep on wearing those ugly uniforms as long as you win. Brett Favre is looking better each week in this offense and the Jets schedule is soft. Oakland does have scary raw talent in JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden, but they haven't quite adapted to the NFL yet. Brett leads the Jets to a win on the West coast.
NY Jets 27, Oakland 20
Indianapolis at Green Bay (+2.5)
I'm looking forward to this matchup. Peyton Manning at Lambeau, classic. The Colts stole a win from Houston and then looked like the Colts of old last week against one of the best defenses in the league. Manning and Rodgers put on a show in this one, but the Colts will come out on top when it's all said and done.
Indianapolis 31, Green Bay 28
Cleveland at Washington (-2.5)
If Derek Anderson finally remembered how to run this offense, no one wants to face the Browns. The 'Skins passing game has looked better than it did last week. I think Cleveland feeds off of last week's momentum and wins against an NFC East opponent for the second straight week.
Cleveland 24, Washington 23
Seattle at Tampa Bay (-8.5)
This is a great Bucs' D, like Super Bowl good. Seattle will have an extremely difficult time scoring points here. Warrick Dunn has been a great surprise. Any team with a great defense and solid running game can make an argument for Super Bowl possibilities. However, I said the same thing last week about the Ravens' defense. I just can't see the Seahawks competing here.
Tampa Bay 23, Seattle 6
Denver at New England (+2.5)
I really dog on the Broncos' defense, and with good reason. But New England has a sketchy running game and Matt Cassel isn't an NFL quarterback. Jay Cutler will follow in his buddy Phil Rivers' footsteps by taking down the Patriot in Foxboro.
Denver 24, New England 14
Last week's record: 9-5
My fantasy stars for Week 7:
QB: Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Matt Schaub
RB: Clinton Portis, Warrick Dunn, Frank Gore, Jamal Lewis
WR: Reggie Wayne, Hines Ward, Andre Johnson
TE: Jeremy Shockey
K: Adam Vinatieri
D/ST: Tampa Bay
