NFL Week 7 Picks

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spoke on a variety of issues Wednesday during owners meetings in Houston, including the reason television ratings are down, the ongoing potential relocation of the Raiders to Las Vegas, and his opposition to sports gambling. He also mentioned the reasoning for the league's continued crackdown on celebrations, saying "It comes down to balancing a lot of issues. We do believe players are role models." 

Goodell's response is far from satisfactory. It is also curious that, in a sport where jarring hits are common, concussions are a problem, and questionable suspensions for off-the-field incidents, the commissioner's main focus seems to be on not wanting young viewers to be negatively influenced by watching players have fun and express their emotions.

I do agree that there comes a point when celebrations can be a little excessive, but the NFL is punishing even the most pedestrian celebrations, confirming its stigma as the "No Fun League". Maybe the policing of fun is one of the reasons that ratings are down (although there are many other potential reasons).

It's not just celebrations that the league is cracking down on. It also recently restricted teams from sharing highlights on social media after a big play/touchdown, causing the Browns and Eagles Twitter accounts to "recreate" highlights this past Sunday. 

All in all, sports, even professionally, should be fun, and if the players look like they're having fun, it's more fun to watch. And in this age of social media, video is posted immediately, and people expect to get highlights immediately. That's why it's self-detrimental for the NFL to make ridiculous restrictions on celebrations and sharing highlights on social media, and that's why Roger Goodell and company continue to be called the "No Fun League".

Last Week: 9-6 (8-7 vs. Spread)

Overall: 52-38 (44-47 vs. Spread)

(Home Team Listed Last)

Thursday

Bears 17, Packers 28 (8:25 PM, CBS)

Believe it or not, Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer has been playing better than Aaron Rodgers. That, coupled with the fact that Green Bay won't have Eddie Lacy, could make this a close game. However, the Packers have more talent and are at Lambeau.

Sunday

Giants 30, Rams 24 (London, 9:30 AM, NFLN)

The second international game of the season pits two 3-3 team against each other. Rams quarterback Case Keenum played well last week, but L.A.'s inconsistent defense couldn't stop Detroit's pass offense. Eli and the Giants will be hard to stop, as well.

Saints 32, Chiefs 26 (1:00 PM, FOX)

The Saints have won two straight since starting 0-3, and they are averaging 31 points per game, second in the NFL (on the other hand, their scoring defense is worst in the NFL). Kansas City has a stout defense, but I think the best passing offense in the league will get the win.

Colts 21, Titans 24 (1:00 PM, CBS)

The Colts were up 23-9 in Houston Sunday night with three minutes to play. They proceeded to lose 26-23 in overtime. Despite a solid offense, it's hard to have faith in Indianapolis right now, especially on the road against an improving team with a strong rushing attack.

Browns 23, Bengals 31 (1:00 PM, CBS)

Rookie quarterback Cody Kessler played his heart out for the Browns last week, but they still fell short (once again). They may be without receiver Terrelle Pryor, who's arguably their best player, this week, and if he doesn't play, they probably won't find their first win of the season.

Vikings 34, Eagles 21 (1:00 PM, FOX)

This is a battle between two teams who had pleasantly surprising starts to the season. But while the undefeated Vikings have continued to pleasantly surprise, the Eagles have lost their last two games after starting 3-0.

Redskins 38, Lions 34 (1:00 PM, FOX)

Washington is riding a four game winning streak after starting 0-2, and the offense, behind Kirk Cousins, has played very well (they are fifth in the NFL in passing yards per game). Detroit's three wins have been by a combined eight points.

Raiders 35, Jaguars 27 (1:00 PM, CBS)

Oakland suffered its worst loss of the season (so far) last week, falling 26-10 to Kansas City. They should be able to get back on track against the Jaguars. While the Jags have won their last two games to move to 2-3, those two games were against the Colts and Bears, two sub-par teams.

Bills 24, Dolphins 13 (1:00 PM, CBS)

The Dolphins upset the Steelers last week, beating them by 15 points. That probably says more about the inconsistent Steelers, though, than it does about the 2-4 Fins, and Miami runs into a Buffalo team that has won four in a row, all by at least two possessions (33-18, 16-0, 30-19, and 45-16).

Ravens 32, Jets 14 (1:00 PM, CBS)

The Jets are a mess right now. They are 1-5, have lost their last four games by at least 10 points, and have made a change at quarterback, replacing Ryan Fitzpatrick with Geno Smith. Smith may play better than Fitz has been playing, but he's shown in the past that he is not the answer.

Buccaneers 35, 49ers 19 (4:05 PM, FOX)

Colin Kapernick showed last week that he's a better option than Blaine Gabbert, but that doesn't mean he played well, as San Francisco lost 45-16 to the Bills. The Bucs have also struggled (and lost veteran receiver Vincent Jackson for the season), but they are coming off a win.

Chargers 32, Falcons 42 (4:05 PM, FOX)

This is sure to be a slugfest, as both teams are in the top three in scoring offense (San Diego's #3, Atlanta's #1) and in the bottom half of the league in defense. San Diego held on to beat Denver last week, but they almost blew it (as they've done in other games).

Patriots 35, Steelers 10 (4:25 PM, CBS)

This should be a good one, folks. Tom Brady faces off against Ben Roeth... what's that? Big Ben's hurt (again)?! Landry Jones is starting?!! Okay, never mind. Brady and the Patriots will blow out the Steelers, despite the efforts of Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown.

Seahawks 32, Cardinals 28 (8:30 PM, NBC)

The Cards have finally played how I was expecting them to play at the beginning of the season, but I guess that's easier to do against the 49ers and Jets. Seattle is a whole different animal. The Seahawks escaped with a victory over Atlanta last week, and I think they'll do the same in Arizona this week.

Monday

Texans 28, Broncos 23 (8:30 PM, ESPN)

Denver quarterback Trevor Siemian finally struggled last week in a loss to the Chargers, and Brock Osweiler finally showed why Houston payed a lot of money for him in a win over the Colts next week (and Lamar Miller finally found the end zone). I think the Texans will continue that this week.