Free Week 7 NFL Expert Picks

Pittsburgh (-2.5) at Atlanta

Atlanta is 3-2 on the year after a disappointing 27-14 home loss to the Giants. The Falcons still have the league’s best running attack thanks to Warrick Dunn and Michael Vick, but they have dropped to last in passing. Vick has been a big part of the problem with a quarterback rating that is decreasing by the week.

Things in Atlanta have gotten kind of ugly after the Giants loss with rumors that the offensive and defensive coordinators were arguing after the game. The defense reportedly was unhappy that the Falcons’ offense couldn’t stay on the field and give them a breather.

Pittsburgh is 2-3 after a 45-7 demolishing of Kansas City. That win broke a three game losing streak and has re-energized the team. Pittsburgh has lost its two road games to Jacksonville and San Diego, but both of those were close, and we all know that the Steelers are a very good road team overall.

Pittsburgh’s run defense is 3rd in the AFC, and it is no secret that they want to force Vick to throw the ball downfield. That is the goal of every team that plays the Falcons. On offense, the Steelers believe they can run the ball enough with Willie Parker to open up the passing game.

Outlook: Atlanta needs a home win after losing last week to the Giants, but I believe the Steelers are starting to hit their stride.

NFL Free Pick: Pittsburgh

Carolina (+3.5) at Cincinnati

Cincinnati is 3-2 after a 14-13 loss at Tampa Bay. That makes two straight Cincy losses in which the offense has averaged just 13 points. In the first three weeks, the Bengals scored over 28 points per game, which was expected with a healthy Carson Palmer back at quarterback.

More bad news has come to Cincinnati with left tackle, Levi Jones out for at least this game. Jones protects Palmer’s blindside, and the team is already without center Rich Braham. There are also depth issues at wide receiver with a number of key reserves out of action.

Carolina is 4-2 on the season after a 23-21 win at Baltimore. The win means they have won four games in a row, and are 4-0 with receiver, Steve Smith in the line-up. The Panthers did catch a break last week with Steve McNair getting injured, but give them credit for putting up points on the ferocious Ravens’ defense.

The Panthers game-plan on Sunday is to get physical with Cincinnati. The Bengals have trouble with those kind of teams as evidenced by the Patriots 38-13 beating two weeks ago. Carolina will try to exploit a soft Cincinnati run defense, and test the Bengals offensive line with a lot of pressure, hoping to knock out a quarterback two weeks in a row.

Outlook: Cincinnati is desperate for a win after two straight losses, but this is an unfavorable match-up for them. NFL Free Pick: Carolina

Philadelphia (-5) at Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is 1-4 after a 14-13 win over Cincinnati. The Buccaneers were able to get just enough offense from running back Cadillac Williams, and rookie quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, who continues to show poise beyond his years. This week against Philly, the running lanes with be harder to find, and the Eagles are sure to bring far more blitzes to rattle the young signal caller.

Another issue with this team is the state of the locker room. Defensive tackle, Booger McFarland was traded to Indy, and several other high profile players were shopped around. If the players feel that coach Jon Gruden is already rebuilding for next year, then their play on the field may reflect that.

Philadelphia is 4-2 after a 27-24 loss at New Orleans. It was a wild game in which the Eagles scored 21 unanswered points at one juncture, and still lost on a late field goal.

Despite the defeat, the Philadelphia offense continues to roll as they remain number one in the NFL.

A great sign for coach Andy Reid is that their running game is good enough to keep the offense balanced. The Eagles will test the defensive line without McFarland, and Donovan McNabb will take advantage of the Buccaneers missing cornerback Brian Kelly. The Eagles have not been held under 24 points this year, and they should be in the 20’s this week again.

Outlook: Trends reverse this week as Philly rebounds from a loss and Tampa Bay can’t keep up the momentum from their win. NFL Free Pick: Philadelphia

NY Giants (+3) at Dallas

New York is 3-2 after a 27-14 win at Atlanta. Looking back at the first six games on their schedule, you can see why they think the league has it in for them. The Giants have played Indianapolis and Washington at home, and Philadelphia, Seattle, Atlanta, and now Dallas on the road. Even if this team falls to 3-3, that is not a bad job considering the opponents.

The Giants have had good success running the ball the last two weeks, but they will find the going much tougher against Dallas. Quarterback, Eli Manning has been streaky this season, but he is among the leaders in passing yardage and quarterback rating, and it will fall on his shoulders to win this game.

Dallas is 3-2 after a 34-6 win over Houston. Unlike the Giants, Dallas’ schedule gets harder after this game with three straight road contests. A loss here would not only drop them behind the Giants in the standings, it would put them in 3rd place in the division, and could very well affect their playoff chances down the line.

The Cowboys are likely to have trouble running the ball, much like the Giants. Quarterback, Drew Bledsoe has more than his share of detractors, but he can throw the ball if the offensive line keeps him clean. New York’s pass defense can be easily exploited by the duo Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens.

Outlook: These teams are evenly matched, but the Dallas passing game will make enough plays to warrant giving three points at home. NFL Free Pick: Dallas

For all NFL betting picks, please visit VIP.com

More VIP.com "The Edge" Articles...