Week 7: Pats win Super Bowl rematch, Cousins wins on Monday night

Another dark week for Canadiana as we learned the passing of Tragically Hip front-man, Gord Downie and 'Mr. Lahey' himself, John Dunsworth. With Gord we all knew it was inevitable after the farewell tour of summer 2016. Even when you know it's coming it still hits hard. Everyone has their favourite 'Hip' track from 'Wheat Kings' to 'Bobcaygeon,' 'Blow at High Dough' to 'New Orleans is Sinking'. As one of the most celebrated talents in Canadian history the legacy of his music will outlive us all. RIP Gord.

From arguably the biggest Canadian band to Canada's greatest original program, Trailer park Boys. Every hero needs a villain and for Sunnyvale trailer park it was former Police officer, James Lahey. But what escapes most was that the efforts of Lahey and Randy were for the benefit of Sunnyvale's residents. Ricky, Bubbles, and 'sexy' Julian were the ones causing chaos. In his eyes Lahey was doing the right thing. The chemistry of that cast was undeniable and always came off as if they were having a great time during production. I've read that they have made a decision not to replace the role of Lahey with a new actor, which is a decision I absolutely agree with. No one could ever match the magic that John Dunsworth brought to the character...RIP John.

This season no longer has an undefeated team. As 'Boomer' (Chris Berman) would say: The '72 Dolphins can pop the champagne once again as the only team to complete a perfect run. What is it with Kansas City playing Pittsburgh? They just can't ever seem to get it done. Week 6 was a slight set back, but more on that later. Well they can still say they have a healthy quarterback in Alex Smith, which is something that Green Bay cannot claim.

It looks as if the Packers will have to soldier on without arguably the quarterback in the league. On a drop back Aaron Rodgers was knocked down. It wasn't a vicious play but still managed to break his collarbone. It was later reported he would need surgery and is likely done for the season #SoMuchForMySuperBowlPick.

As one team loses their franchise quarterback, fans of Oakland and Tennessee saw the return of their respective signal callers. Derek Carr returned in a Raiders loss to the Chargers that came down to a field goal in the final seconds. Marcus Mariota engineered a victory at home versus division foe Indianapolis. The Titans snapped an 11 game losing streak to the Colts. #LuckyWithoutLuck.

We're now at the dawn of week 7 and as much as I feel as if I'm starting to get a feel for teams, the New York Giants go into Denver as 11.5 point dogs and win outright. Yowzers!

Week 6 Results:

Straight-up: 6-8
Spread: 8-6

Lock-of-the-week: Fail (did not foresee a season ending injury for Rodgers)
Dawg pound picks: 3-1

Sunday

(2-3) Tampa Bay 19, (3-2) Buffalo Bills 20
Spread: Tampa Bay +3.5

This is tough to call. I don't know what shape Jameis Winston's shoulder will be in. Do I put my trust into the Bills defense and let it ride at home? As Boomer says: "Nobody circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills." Most likely this is a close affair with Buffalo squeaking out the win.


(4-2) Carolina  27, (2-4) Chicago 19
Spread: Carolina -3.5

This seems like it would be a no-brainer, but if this season is teaching us anything...nothing is guaranteed. Carolina seems to play better on the road. I'm looking for the trend to continue. Chicago made some take notice after a tough start for Trubisky. He turned it around last week in a convincing road win over Baltimore. I'm going with a quieter Cam this week.

(3-3) Tennessee  23, (0-6) Cleveland 21
Spread: Cleveland +6.5

I wouldn't be surprised if Cleveland somehow pulled a win out here. With Kizer reclaiming his starting position at quarterback it is unknown how his personal bye week will affect him. Tennessee had an important win on Monday night over division rival Indianapolis in a game that was much closer than the score indicates. Mariota and the running game got it going. That will be their key to this road win.

(3-2) New Orleans 26, (4-2) Green Bay 19
Spread: New Orleans -5.5

Many have been impressed with the sudden impact (*Jean-Claude Van Damme reference alert*) that New Orleans defense has had in their current three game win streak. I saw very little to be impressed with last week in a very sloppy game at home to Detroit. They are the benefactors of playing in a neighbourhood that no longer features Mr. Rodgers as the star. The Saints have been a notoriously bad road team. Green Bay is great at home. This all comes down to a Packers deflated without the cerebral attack of A-Rodg. I have to go with the Saints to win this until I start seeing something out of Brett Hundley.

(3-3) Jacksonville 26, (2-4) Indianapolis 22
Spread: Jacksonville -3.5

You there what week is it?
Why, it's week 7, Sir.
Week 7 you say...hmm 7 is an odd number. That means the Jacksonville Jaguars will play like an actual football team.

Look for the Jags to show up this week, but don't be surprised if they don't. I actually like Indy and their efforts last Monday on the road. I'm making choices based on patterns. Science and math can never be wrong...can they?


(3-3) Arizona 27, (4-2) Los Angeles Rams 33
Spread: Los Angeles Rams -3.5

'Zona won last week in an impressive debut for Adrian Peterson. Rams should be able to handle them, but you never know when it comes to the NFC West. Maybe Arizona has found their missing piece to start having success. These games are so tough to call.

(3-3) New York Jets 20, (3-2) Miami 23
Spread: New York Jets +3.5

Jets won the first meeting at home. Dolphins will win this meeting in a close won. The three game win streak was nice for Gangrene (it could have been four if not for a very questionable call in the endzone). As for the 'fins no one was giving them a chance in Atlanta last week. Down 17-0 at half they managed to storm back with 20 unanswered points and steal a 20-17 win. It'll be close and I predict, sloppy. 

(3-3) Baltimore 24, (4-2) Minnesota 26
Spread: Baltimore +5.5

Both these quarterbacks are questionable. Flacco has looked awful for most points this season. Case Keenum has improved, but is not a starter. I like Minnesota's defense and offense just slightly more than Baltimore's. What will happen in this match-up? Tune in and find out. Most won't though.


(2-3) Dallas 26, (0-6) San Francisco 23
Spread: San Francisco +5.5

This should get ugly, but won't. Dallas has regressed this season. I don't know if it's the off-field distractions surrounding 'Zeke or if head coach Jason Garrett has become completely complacent (which is my guess). I've said it before that San Francisco has played better than their record and should hang around to make the Cowboys earn the win.

(2-3) Cincinnati 26, (4-2) Pittsburgh 27
Spread: Cincinnati +5.5

I can barely stand to watch games in the AFC North. It'll be close and uninteresting. Pittsburgh improves to 5-2.

(3-2) Denver 27, (2-4) Los Angeles Chargers 29
Spread: Los Angeles Chargers -1.5

Philip Rivers always gives Denver a scare. I don't like what I've seen out of the Broncos the last couple of weeks. Losing to the Giants at home was embarrassing. Going to Los Angeles won't help. This is a spot for the Chargers to get it going and the Broncos to continue to tank. The Denver defense can't do everything. #GoBackToSanDiego

(3-2) Seattle 24, (1-5) New York Giants 20
Spread: New York Giants +6.5

The mighty Giants have a win, so what's their prize? the fearsome defense of Seattle. Can the G-Men make it two in a row? No. They will make a game of it because they are at home, but the improved offensive play of Russell Wilson and the Seahawks will be leaving Jersey with the W. 

(3-2) Atlanta 17, (4-2) New England 27
Spread: New England -3.5

SUPER BOWL REMATCH! That's right it's been 8 months since the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. You know Atlanta marked this one with every colour of Sharpie on their calendars when the schedule came out. Now it's their chance to get reven--oh wait they've lost two in a row at home to AFC East teams. Yeah, that trend continues. I don't expect Atlanta to travel well. Patriots take round 2 as well. #SuperBowlRematch #LockOfTheWeek

Monday
(3-2) Washington  27, (5-1) Philadelphia 24
Spread: Washington +5.5

I'm expecting a shootout between Mr. Kirk 'You like that?' Cousins and sophomore sensation, and possible MVP candidate, Carson Wentz. Both of these teams can run the ball and protect it well. The Eagles have been on a roll and are looking like the elite in the NFC. Since taking over as starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins has yet to win on Monday night (0-5). I think Philly is due for a 2nd loss and I'm calling the upset here.

Thursday (Final)
(5-1) Kansas City 30,  (2-3) Oakland 27
Spread: Kansas City -2.5

Division game where both teams play each other tough, regardless of record or momentum. Oakland is at home and will make it close, but I ultimately see Alex Smith methodically moving the ball with precious time left in the 4th to win. That will be the difference in this contest. Next time, Gadget. Next time.

Lock of the Week: New England -3.5
Dawg Pound Picks: Washington +5.5
                                 NY Jets +3.5
                                 Cleveland +6.5
                                 Baltimore +5.5



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