Week 7 Pick'em

Steelers @ Dolphins (-3)
For the last few years, Miami's identity has been running the football.  Although they rank only 14th in the league in rushing, they are not a spread attack team and need to run to setup the pass.  The Steelers rank first in rush defence and ninth in rush offence.  Oh and Big Ben looked pretty good last week.

vs Spread: Steelers (+3)
Straight Up: Steelers

Bengals @ Falcons (-3.5)
Just as I thought the Falcons were the most consistent team in the NFC, they get beat down by the Eagles.  One of the reasons the Bengals have struggled is, surprise surprise, their ineffectiveness running the ball and stopping the run (18th in both categories).  My favourite betting stat: Matt Ryan is 15-1 at home.

vs Spread: Falcons (-3.5)
Straight Up: Falcons

Eagles @ Titans (-3)
The Titans looked great on Monday night, albeit against the Jags.  The Eagles pounded one of the better teams in the league last weekend and Kevin Kolb looks like he will get his chance to take back the starting job.  Expect a shootout.

vs Spread: Eagles (+3)
Straight Up: Eagles

Redskins @ Bears (+3)
Both these teams have striking similarities.  Neither can protect the quarterback (both in the top 10 in sacks allowed).  Both quarterbacks also like to throw the ball downfield.  A lot of the sacks on Cutler are his own fault as he needs to throw short against overload blitzes.  This is a defining game for both teams.

vs Spread: Bears (+3)
Straight Up: Bears

Browns @ Saints (-13)
The Saints looked more like their old selves last week in Tampa.  The Browns have played quality teams close this year and Colt McCoy did better than I thought he would against the Steelers in his first start.  Browns should cover but can't see the Saints not winning at home.

vs Spread: Browns (+13)
Straight Up: Saints

Bills @ Ravens (-13)
The Ravens have not been as good on defence but it looks as though Ed Reed is nearing a return.  The Bills  have been awful, but come off a bye week with an intelligent quarterback and a thiner backfield which should help with consistency.  Ravens win, but Ryan Fitzpatrick and CJ Spiller make enough plays to keep it under the spread.

vs Spread: Bills (+13)
Straight Up: Ravens

Rams @ Bucs (-3)
This game showcases two of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL.  Both clubs have had up and down seasons so far, but we all can agree that they have been better that most would've expected.  The Rams just seem to be jelling and have a true running back on their roster.

vs Spread: Rams (+3)
Straight Up: Rams

49ers @ Panthers (+3)
FINALLY, the Niners came through and won a football game.  It wasn't very convincing and it was against the Raiders, but it's a start.  The Panthers are in full rebuild mode now whereas the Niners still have an outside shot at the post-season.  I hate picking them because of how pathetic they've been this year but...

vs Spread: Niners (-3)
Straight Up: Niners

Cardinals @ Seahawks (-5.5)
I wasn't as impressed with Seattle's win over Chicago as most, mainly because I don't think the Bears are all that good.  The Cardinals are coming off a bye, after beating the defending world champs.  Seahawks have been very good at home this season.

vs Spread: Cardinals (+5.5)
Straight Up: Seahawks

Patriots @ Chargers (-3)
The Chargers are another team that have disappointed.  Losing to the Rams?  C'mon!  They are another team that plays much better at home, but could be without the services of Antonio Gates.  The Pats didn't miss a beat after the Moss trade and are getting better every week on defence.  The Chargers lead the league in offensive yards per game and defensive yards allowed.

vs Spread: Patriots (+3)
Straight Up: Patriots

Raiders @ Broncos (-8.5)
Josh McDaniels is looking smarter each day that Cutler struggles in Chicago.  He refuses to hit his check downs and that is essential in McDaniels offence.  Kyle Orton has no trouble and is enjoying a great year.  The Raiders are playing competitive football but Mile High is one of the toughest places to play.

vs Spread: Raiders (+8.5)
Straight Up: Broncos

Vikings @ Packers (-2.5)
The Prodigal son returns (again).  Neither team is where they expected to be at this point in the season but the winner is going to be right in the mix at the top of the NFC North.  Another week with Moss, a win to get the pressure off last week, I just think the Vikings are about to turn it up.  Packers might just be a bit too banged up.  Expect another shootout.

vs Spread: Vikings (+2.5)
Straight Up: Vikings

Giants @ Cowboys (-3)
The 'Boys battled last week, but ultimately could not salvage their season.  I thought they played well last week and got a few less breaks than the Vikings.  At home I think they will get a win for the fans.

vs Spread: Cowboys (-3)
Straight Up: Cowboys

Season Straight Up: 49-40
Season vs Spread:  38-47-4