Lucky Number Week 7 -

Last week was just a preposterous week in the NFL, as we all know. Close games, three winless teams getting desperate and winning games, a collossal collapse, and a press conference for the ages by Dennis Green. Looking at this week’s set of games, it seems like teams of similar records are meeting each other in just about every game, meaning it should be another week of amazing games, heartbreak, and coaches just losing it.

Manwich Matchup of the Week-
Carolina at Cincinnati – This game is pivotal in both conference playoff races, and comes at a time when both teams are feeling pressure to keep up with other divisional foes. Unfortunately for Cincy, their offensive line is a mess, and I don’t believe the CAR D-linemen are going to be very nice to Carson. Pick: CAR

Upset of the Week-
Denver at Cleveland- Coming off a bye, I’m just hoping and praying that the Browns can find a way to put some points. I don’t think Denver is putting up more than 13, unless their Defense starts scoring. Honestly, the only teams that are favored by more than 7 this week are Indy and Jacksonville. There really aren’t many options for me to pick a “true” upset, so here it is. Pick: Cleveland

Detroit at N.Y. Jets – The Lions got their win last week, now its time for a siesta. Pick: NYJets

Green Bay at Miami - Did anyone else realize that 2 weeks ago, Green Bay cut their CB on Tuesday for performing poorly on Monday? Not many teams do this. Hell, its probably not good for team morale. But I think Green Bay should just start releasing 1 player every week, and even let the fans vote, to comprise 30% of the vote. Talk about an exciting Tuesday conference. You could even have the other votes be the captains of the team, the GM, the president, the coach, the owner, and one sports columnist. Now that would draw ratings! Pick: Miami

Jacksonville at Houston – A small news item this week was that Houston waived DB Phillip Buchannon. The important part about the story is that just less than 18 months ago, Houston gave up a 2nd round AND a 3rd round pick to acquire him from the Raiders. I really can’t remember a more rapid depreciation of an NFL talent acquired in a trade. Now, that’s a bad trade! Pick: Jacksonville

New England at Buffalo – They played close in Week 1, but the Bills seem messed up of late. Pick: New England

Philadelphia at Tampa Bay – Just like Detroit, I think they’ll be satisfied from last week’s win. Plus, Philly’s going to be extra motivated after last week’s tough loss. Pick: Philly

Pittsburgh at Atlanta – This is another AFC North – NFC South pivotal game. I really want to pick Atlanta, but I just don’t think they have it in them. Pick: Pittsburgh

San Diego at Kansas City – Marty the Party. Pick: San Diego

Arizona at Oakland- Once Dennis Green calms down he will come to this stunning conclusion: there actually were a lot of positives to take away from Monday night’s debacle! (Leinart’s passing against Chicago, Arizona defense). Pick: Arizona

Minnesota at Seattle – interesting rivalry game, between two organizations which created a bit of a stir by Minnesota inserting a “poison pill” provision into OL Steve Hutchinson’s contract. Seattle responded by inserting a “poison pill” provision into WR Nate Burleson’s contract, which isn’t as impressive considering he’s already just the 4th WR on the team. In addition, I’d like to retract my earlier statement about Seattle not making the playoffs. Their schedule is actually pretty easy, and they could pretty much sleep walk through the schedule and still finish at 10-6. In contrast, the NFC East teams have dogfigts every week, so 10-6 should be enough for at least a wild card, if not the division title. Pick: Seattle

Washington at Indianapolis – I love Indy’s pickup of DT Macfarland from Tampa Bay, especially considering they already lost DT simon for the year. (The price of a 2nd-rounder was a bit steep though, but the Colts are playing to win this year). Pick: Indy

NYG @ Dallas – Another intriguing game that can go either way. I’m feeling the NYG, despite the inconsistent play. Pick: NYG

Last Week: 10-3
Season: 56-31
Manwich: 5-2 (Thank you Seahawks miracle)
Upset of the Week: 1-5 (The streak has ended! I’ve broken through! I’d like to thank the refs at the Tampa-Cincy game)