After an outstanding Week 6, we came back down to Earth quickly in Week 7 as there were some tough outcomes.  We vow to be better in Week 8.

Detroit vs. Kansas City

The loser of this game has much more to gain than the winner.  The Lions seem like the better football team, even if they’re coached by Jim Caldwell.  It’s anyone’s guess which team will show up and play well in London.  Lions 20, Chiefs 13.

Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta

Dan Quinn has done a nice job of keeping Atlanta’s defense competitive, despite being in a state of transition.  The Bucs tend to play well in dome’s but no Vincent Jackson will hurt Jameis Winston.  Falcons 27, Bucs 23.

Arizona vs. Cleveland

The Cardinals offense is especially explosive now that they’ve rediscovered the talents of Chris Johnson.  Cleveland was just shut down by the Rams defense.  Why do I have this sneaky feeling that it’s going to be a very close game?  Cards 24, Browns 22. 

San Francisco vs. St. Louis

The 49ers have had 10 days to prepare and they aren’t as bad as they showed against Seattle.  The Rams dominated Cleveland and are a heavy favorite.  I don’t really like a Nick Foles led team as a heavy favorite.  Upset Special!!! 49ers 20, Rams 17. 

New York Giants vs. New Orleans

The Saints have momentum and they need every win they can get after beginning the season 1-4.  The Saints have the better quarterback and the better head coach, and they’re playing at home.  Sorry Tom, back to .500.  Saints 35, Giants 20. 

Minnesota vs. Chicago

A Mike Zimmer defense against Jay Cutler?  Sign me up for that.  Unfortunately, Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is having major issues getting his offense in the end zone consistently.  If Minnesota wins this game, they’ll be in great shape as far as the Wildcard.  I just don’t believe in them yet.  Bears 23, Vikings 17. 

San Diego vs. Baltimore

The Chargers play the role of West Coast team traveling east with a 10 a.m. PST start.  Who would have believed that these two teams would be bottom-dwellers at this point in the season?  The bad mojo continues for the lightning bolts.  Ravens 24, Chargers 20.

Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh

This is a must-win game for the Steelers if they’re going to keep any division title hopes alive.  They should have Big Ben back, and that should help, but they’re playing a better football team.  I can’t trust Andy Dalton to beat another quarterback that’s better than he is.  Steelers 26, Bengals 20. 

Tennessee vs. Houston

Scalpers day off at NRG Stadium!  Seriously, this is another game in which a loss does more for each team than a win does.  With that said, the Texans are just one game out of first place in the atrocious competitive AFC South.  Texans 17, Titans 13. 

New York Jets vs. Oakland

This seems like a football game that pretty good Jets’ teams in the recent past would have dropped against bad Oakland teams.  This is an improved, dare I say pretty good Raiders team.  I don’t like Ryan Fitzpatrick in this one. Raiders 23, Jets 20. 

Seattle vs. Dallas

I feel cheated that this game isn’t taking place with a healthy Tony Romo.  The Seahawks have had extra time to study Matt Cassel and they probably came to the conclusion that he’s terrible.  Seattle rolls at the Jerrah Dome.  Seahawks 24, Cowboys 10. 

Green Bay vs. Denver

Star power galore!  The current best quarterback in the NFL goes up against the undefeated former second-best quarterback in football.  The Denver defense is great, but Aaron Rodgers is greater.  Packers 27, Broncos 17. 

Indianapolis vs. Carolina

The Panthers are playing at home in prime time for the second straight week.  The Colts have looked terrible with Andrew Luck and haven’t faced a defense nearly as good as Carolina’s.  Just when you think everything is pointing one way, the NFL usually gets you.  Upset special!  Colts 20, Panthers 16.  

Last week: 8-6

Season:  61-44 (.581)