warning Hi, we've moved to USCANNENBERGMEDIA.COM. Visit us there!

Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

NFL Week 7 Predictions

Sports Staff |
October 18, 2012 | 4:56 p.m. PDT

Alex Smith hopes to rebound from last week's dismal outing. (Wikimedia Commons)
Alex Smith hopes to rebound from last week's dismal outing. (Wikimedia Commons)

Week 7 is here - and the scope of the league doesn't look at all like we thought it would.

The Bills, Dolphins, Jets, and Patriots are all tied atop the AFC East at 3-3.

There are only two AFC teams over .500 - they play each other this week, too.

The NFC West may just be the best division in football.

The Saints and Steelers sit at 1-4 and 2-3 while the Vikings and the Seahawks sit at 4-2. 

The whole league is topsy-turvy. Our experts are here to make some sense of it:

Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers

Jeremy Bergman: 49ers 16, Seahawks 13

Two tough defenses from the NFC West starting the 2012 campaign with surprising 4-2 records - albeit, for different reasons. The Hawks don't win away from home often, and Harbaugh's boys have got to be amped up for this short-week matchup after getting embarrassed on national television just four days earlier. Maybe I was wrong about Russell Wilson against the Pats' defense, but there's no denying that Justin Smith and Patrick Willis are more willing and able to put a hurting on this rookie than any other defense in the NFL. 

Evan Budrovich: 49ers 21, Seahawks 17 

The 49ers have not lost back-to-back games under Jim Harbaugh. That will continue this week as the Niners will pressure Russell Wilson and neutralize the Seahawks deep passing game. The Hawks pass defense is strong but the Niners will expose the Seahawks running defense and will control the game with Frank Gore and company. These teams play close every year; therefore the Seahawks will definitely make a game of this contest to decide NFC West supremacy.

Aaron Fischman: Seahawks 21, 49ers 17

I never like picking the Seahawks on the road, where they’re not nearly as good as they are at CenturyLink Field. With that said, Alex Smith’s rare three-injury performance concerns me. He says his right middle finger is feeling fine, but I’m not sure I believe him. Give me Seattle’s D for the W.

Jacob Freedman: 49ers 17, Seahawks 10

The 49ers were blown out last week at home by the Giants but despite his gaudy stats against the Patriots, Russell Wilson is not Eli Manning. The Seahawks have shown us their ability to be magical this season, but not on the road. The Seahawks defense has joined the 49ers' among the NFL's best, but the swarming 49ers front seven will help San Francisco win the ground game and take the lead in the rejuvenated NFC West. 

Max Meyer: 49ers 28, Seahawks 10

After the 49ers lost to the Vikings earlier in the year, they went out the next week and beat up on the Jets. The 49ers will be angry for this game, and the Seahawks play a lot worse on the road. Expect a blowout in this NFC West showdown.

Law Murray: 49ers 13, Seahawks 9

Defense will rule this game.  I think Seattle's defense is actually playing better than San Fran's right now.  The 49ers could not have been worse at home on Sunday, and Seattle is coming off a big home win.  The game is at Candlestick, and the 49ers are going to come out and be a better football team, if not a more conservative one.  The Seahawks are already 0-2 against the NFC West, both losses coming on the road.

Matthew Tufts: 49ers 23, Seahawks 20

Despite identical records, the Seahawks and 49ers come into this battle for supremacy in the NFC West looking like very different teams. The Seahawks are coming off a huge comeback win against the Patriots in which they held Stevan Ridley to 34 yards, while the 49ers were embarrassed at home by the Giants. That said, while the 49ers top-ranked rushing attack will be halted by the Seahawks stingy run defense, but Alex Smith will come through in the final quarter to give the 49ers a much needed win in a heavily contested division.

Alfred Morris leads the Skins into a division battle with the Giants. (Wikimedia Commons)
Alfred Morris leads the Skins into a division battle with the Giants. (Wikimedia Commons)
Washington Redskins @ New York Giants

Bergman: Redskins 28, Giants 27

If there's one team last year that has had Big Blue's number, it's the Skins. In 2011, they shocked the G-Men in both of their meetings in Week 1 and 15, both with Rex Grossman at the helm. Throw Sir Robert Griffin III into the mix and you have a three-game winning streak for the Hogs. The only way to beat New York's NASCAR defense is to be faster, and judging from last week, RGIII's definitely got some wheels with a whole lotta tread. 

Budrovich: Redskins 24, Giants 17

RGIII is playing exceptionally well right now and will continue his hot start against the New York Giants. Over the years, the Giants have struggled with the Redskins including losing both games last season. Eli Manning and Ahmad Bradshaw are clicking on all cylinders right now but I see them slipping at home, a place where they traditionally struggle. 

Fischman: Giants 35, Redskins 24

There’s ample reason to be excited about both teams. Each team possesses a skilled quarterback who appears completely locked in. The difference in this match-up comes down to defense, and in that area, the G-Hombres enjoy the clear advantage.

Freedman: Redskins 31, Giants 28

The Giants are riding high after playing their best game of the season last week in a 26-3 victory over the 49ers on the road. Time for a letdown. The Giant struggled at home last season, and have played their best games on the road so far in this early season. The Redskins' rookie on offense, RG3 and Alfred Morris, lead a rushing attack 2nd in the NFL with 166 yards per game. Combine that with RG3's rocket arm and the fact that the Redskins' defense looked miles better in last week's win over Minnesota means that I'm taking the Skins' as my upset pick of the week.

Meyer: Giants 24, Redskins 21

This game has classic Giants letdown written all over it, but I'm still going with the Giants to win in a close one. RG3 will have a tough time dealing with the relentless pressure forced by the Giants' defensive front. 

Murray: Giants 31, Redskins 27

Washington swept the defending Super Bowl champs last year, and a big reason for that were Eli Manning turnovers.  Manning has been very sharp so far, and the Redskins defense has allowed a 94.2 passer rating and is giving up the most passing yards in the league.  Redskins QB Robert Griffin III is going to keep this game respectable though.

Tufts: Redskins 28, Giants 24

The Giants proved they could shut down one of the best run games in the league against San Francisco, but against Washington, they'll face a different sort of run game. Robert Griffin III has been simply electric this season, putting up huge numbers from a rushing and passing perspective. Giants' defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul's comments will only serve as motivation for Redskins rookie; he'll not only leave New York with big numbers in both categories, but with the win also.

Joe Flacco hopes to air it in Houston. (Wikimedia Commons)
Joe Flacco hopes to air it in Houston. (Wikimedia Commons)
Baltimore Ravens @ Houston Texans

Bergman: Ravens 30, Texans 28

The sky is falling, and I'm not talking about Felix Baumgartner. Both of these clubs, projected to be the AFC's best, have lost their best players and leaders of defense: Ray Lewis (and Ledarius Webb) for Baltimore and Brian Cushing for Houston. Really, this matchup is a battle of who can recover the quickest. My bet's with the Ravens. Although the already fragile Raven run D will have trouble with Arian Foster, John Harbaugh will UNLEASH Joe Flacco and attack Houston the way Green Bay did on Monday night.    

Budrovich: Texans 31, Ravens 17 

The injury bug has drastically hit both these teams who are each 5-1. In this pivotal matchup, Arian Foster will run wild against the suspect Ravens defense. Both Ravens losses will be too much, as the Texans offense will overpower the scrapped together unit. Joe Flacco will sling the ball around, but will not be able to dissect the defense like Aaron Rodgers did a week ago.

Fischman: Texans 34, Ravens 24

A match-up featuring two 5-1 teams should theoretically be producing more pre-game hype, but injuries have reduced the excitement leading up to this game. Run-stuffing defensive tackle Haloti Ngata will play, but he figures to be slowed by a right knee injury. Meanwhile, Ray Lewis and cornerback Lardarius Webb will miss the rest of the season. Houston’s offense will bounce back after its poor performance against Green Bay, and the defense will improve as it continues to adjust to Brian Cushing’s absence.

Freedman: Texans 27, Ravens 17

The Texans ran into a ticked-off Aaron Rodgers last week, and the Packers QB lit them up to the tune of six touchdown passes. Terrell Suggs is expected to return, but losing Ray Lewis and Lardarius Webb for the season stings worse. The Ravens will continue to rely on their offense to win them games, and that won't happen this week as Arian Foster runs the Texans to a bounce-back victory.

Meyer: Texans 28, Ravens 17

Without Lardarius Webb and Ray Lewis for the rest of the season, the Raven's defense will not have the same impact in a game it once had. After watching the Cowboys run all over the Ravens last week, Arian Foster will be drooling. JJ Watt and company will force a couple of mistakes from Joe Flacco. Texans will bounce back this week at home.

Murray: Texans 21, Ravens 20

Baltimore swept the Texans last year, but both games were at Baltimore and the Texans were missing either Andre Johnson or Matt Schaub in those contests.  With the Ravens losing CB Lardarius Webb (who was a big problem for the Texans last year) and LB Ray Lewis (in addition to not getting back OLB Terrell Suggs this week), the Ravens defense isn't the same unit.  The Texans do need to beware of their own injuries: CB Jonathan Joseph and/or his backup might get toasted by Ravens WR Torrey Smith once or twice.

Tufts: Texans 17, Ravens 14

The Ravens edged out a victory against Dallas last week to move to 5-1, but face their hardest test so far when they head to Houston. The Texans laid an egg on defense last week against Green Bay, but it's unlikely they'll repeat that failure two weeks in a row. In a game that could decide the first seed in the AFC, Houston's defense will lock down against Ray Rice and the Texans will edge the Ravens in a low-scoring, physical affair.

Christian Ponder has been a diamond in the rough so far this year. (Wikimedia Commons)
Christian Ponder has been a diamond in the rough so far this year. (Wikimedia Commons)
Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings

Bergman: Vikings 20, Cardinals 10

Both the Vikings and Cardinals have been welcome surprises this season, solving their perceived quarterback issues early on in the season. While Christian Ponder is still sitting pretty in Minneapolis with a 92.4 passer rating, the Cards' QB situation has become less stable. They must now play their original starter John Skelton after an injury to the refreshing Kevin Kolb, and Skelton just won;t cut it against Mineosta's balanced D. Plus, the Vikes do not lose in the Dome (3-0 this season). 

Budrovich: Vikings 27, Cardinals 16

John Skelton will lead the Cardinals poor offense against the dominant Vikings pass rush. Jared Allen and company will use the raucous crowd to make life miserable for the Cardinals QB. The Cardinals have allowed the most sacks this season and this will continue and possibly lead to turnovers this week. Adrian Peterson will continue to impress with a strong rushing and receiving performance for the Vikings in the victory. 

Fischman: Vikings 27, Cardinals 10

Last week, the Vikings effectively contained the pass, but were absolutely gashed by the run. Namely, they got RGIII’d. It’s a very real thing now, and it can happen to the best of defenses. Arizona’s John Skelton is a decent quarterback, but don’t expect the Vikings to get Skeltoned this Sunday. The once 4-0 Cardinals are on their way to 4-3 and it won’t get any easier after this, as the 49ers, Packers and Falcons will be their next opponents.

Freedman: Vikings 22, Cardinals 14

One of these 4-2 teams is legit. And it's not the one with John Skelton at quarterback and William Powell running the ball. Christian Ponder is looking more and more poised each week, while the indomitable Adrian Peterson is performing like the dominant Adrian Peterson of old. The Cardinals had a surprising 4-0 start, but their lack of talent at the skill positions (except for Larry Fitzgerald) will make it hard for them to keep up with opponents.

Meyer: Cardinals 17, Vikings 13

The Cardinals have four wins, all against teams at .500 or above. Everyone is ready to write-off this team after back to back losses, but their defense is too legit. The key in this game is whether or not Cardinals' Pro Bowl defensive lineman Darnell Dockett is healthy enough to make an impact. The John Skelton-led Cardinals will end the Vikings undefeated home record in a defensive slugfest. 

Murray: Vikings 13, Cardinals 7

This game is in Minnesota, and all I can think of is Cardinals QB John Skelton, getting no run support whatsoever, dropping back to pass behind an offensive line that basically caused Kevin Kolb's ribs to detach from his chest bones.  Maybe the Cardinals score in this one.  Maybe.

Tufts: Vikings 20, Cardinals 13

In a game of surprise teams led by unlikely stars, the winner of this game will make a statement to the rest of the league that they are legitimate contenders in their division. Arizona has dropped two straight to subpar Buffalo and St. Louis teams, while Minnesota has losses to Indianapolis and most recently Washington hanging over their head. In the end it comes down to who is leading the team: Vikings' quarterback Christian Ponder knows how to pass efficiently (second best completion percentage in the league) and will find out a way to march Minnesota down the field against a tough Arizona defense.

Shonn Greene will try to build off of last week's performance against the Patriots. (Wikimedia Commons)
Shonn Greene will try to build off of last week's performance against the Patriots. (Wikimedia Commons)
New York Jets @ New England Patriots

Bergman: Patriots 28, Jets 23

So this game means something now? Didn't see that coming. But now after a blowout win at MetLife and a shocker in Seattle, these two bitter AFC East rivals are tied, along with the Bills and the Dolphins at 3-3, meaning this one game could turn the tide. If New York can establish its ground game with Shonn Grenne early again, they'll have a shot late; but after last week's loss, Bill and Brady will have none of that. Look for lots of Gronk and less of Mark

Budrovich: Patriots 28, Jets 15

In a matchup of the two most surprising 3-3 teams, the New England Patriots will showcase their passing attack to defeat the Jets. The Jets will use Shonn Greene to establish the running game but Mark Sanchez will not make the big plays to capitalize drives into points. The Patriots meanwhile will score quickly and often against the Jets crippled yet improving secondary. 

Fischman: Patriots 27, Jets 13

The Jets handily beat the Colts thanks to a beautiful running game and their ability to win the turnover battle by a margin of four. Unlike Indianapolis, the Patriots boast a stout run defense and take care of the football. New England’s +10 turnover margin leads the second-best AFC team in that department by three turnovers.

Freedman: Patriots 35, Jets 21

Jets linebacker Calvin Pace called the Patriots offense "borderline illegal" because Tom Brady snaps the ball before some players are set. Results don't lie: the Pats lead the NFL in scoring and offensive yards per game. Meanwhile, the Jets passing game is 30th in the league, while a surprisingly bad rushing defense could have trouble against the revitalized Pats ground game. Expect Rex Ryan to throw a wrench or two at Brady early, but for the better quarterback to figure things out and lead his team to a much-needed victory.

Meyer: Patriots 35, Jets 17

How these two teams have the same record is beyond me. Expect the Patriots to show why they're the class of the AFC East in this game. I don't know if two healthy Darrelle Revises (Revi?) could stop all of the weapons the Patriots have. Can't wait for another week of Tebow chants!

Murray: Patriots 24, Jets 16

The Patriots offense has been a first half unit these last two weeks.  They are out to score as fast as possible, but they've been slow to keep it going after teams make halftime adjustments.  The Jets know what's coming; stopping it will be another question though.  And despite the untimely coverage breakdowns, the Patriots have a defense that won't let the Jets get comfortable.  I'm expecting a lot of Sanchez three-and-outs.

Tufts: Patriots 41, Jets 20

The Patriots have not been able to effectively close out a game in recent weeks, but still sit even in a very mediocre AFC East. The Jets also sit at 3-3, but have racked up wins against poor Buffalo, Miami, and Indianapolis teams. The Patriots know the division is theirs for the taking if they can play an entire 60 minutes; look for them to finally figure it out this week in a big way against their arch nemesis.

Season Standings

Jacob Freedman 19-12

Max Meyer 19-12

Matthew Tufts 19-12

Law Murray 12-8

Evan Budrovich 18-13

Aaron Fischman 17-14

Jeremy Bergman 16-15



 

Buzz

Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Watch USC Annenberg Media's live State of the Union recap and analysis here.

 
ntrandomness