Bodog Week 7 NFL Picks

52 seconds left in the game.

And then it happened. Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress for 28, immediately followed by Manning to Jeremy Shockey for a 24-yard touchdown. Tie game.

Though Dallas would eventually win 16-13 in overtime, it remained a huge kick in the teeth for Cowboy-backers. The lucky ones managed a push. Others who took the opening line of Dallas -4 snatched a temper tantrum from the jaws of a steak dinner.

The Giants also seemed to take something from the effort. New York won seven of its last 11 (7-4 against the spread) to make the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Cowboys won just five of their next 10 (5-3-2 ATS) and finished uninvited to the postseason party for the second year in a row.

Week 7 of the current season features the Lone Star State reunion on Monday Night Football. With both teams a half-game behind the NFC East-leading Eagles (4-2), the pressure is on to keep pace.

Last Sunday, the Cowboys ran up the score on inter-state rival Houston. Their 34-6 victory featured three Terrell Owens touchdowns and prompted whispers that maybe the egomaniacal receiver was right all along - perhaps he wasn't being utilized enough in the Dallas offense. Owens has averaged 122 receiving yards and has nine touchdowns in his last six Monday night contests, so there's plenty reason to believe he'll play a big role in front of the national audience.

The Giants are coming off their second straight impressive performance, a 27-14 victory at Atlanta, which was preceded by a 19-3 routing of the free-falling Redskins. But as Bodog Nation pointed out earlier this week, the Giants are one of the most maddening teams for bettors:

"They’ve had 11- (vs. Atlanta) and 17-point (vs. Philadelphia) comeback victories on the road. They’ve given up 35 points in a half (vs. Seattle). Scored 27 in a quarter (also vs. Seattle). The only thing you can expect from the Giants is the unexpected (oh, and the occasional Jeremy Shockey profanity-laced tirade). "

Also of note, the total of 45 is the second highest on the board. Only the Washington-Indianapolis game (48.5) is expected to produce more scoring. Bettors should know, however, that the under is 5-1 in the two teams' last six meetings in Dallas.

PICKS AGAINST THE POINT SPREAD

QUICK HITS

Compiled by Bodog Nation Contributing Writers

Kansas City shuffles home after dropping a 45-7 squeaker in Pittsburgh. Save for falling behind 31-0 in the first half, the Chiefs were right in it. But seriously folks, if the boys in red miss as many tackles this week against LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers, it'll be lights out as far as the playoffs are concerned. - JB

It seems like a lot of points to give a team playing in front of its own fans, especially one week after home underdogs went 5-1 against the spread. However, the Texans have been historically bad at Reliant Stadium. Last year, they lost five home games by double-digits, which included a 38-20 decision to Jacksonville in Week 16. This year, the Houston faithful have witnessed a 24-10 loss to Philadelphia and a 31-15 defeat to Washington. - JB

The Bills gave the Patriots a good-sized scare in Week 1 by shooting ahead 17-7 at half time in Foxborough. Only a fourth quarter sack of J.P. Losman to produce a New England safety would rescue Tom Brady and Co. This is the third straight year the Patriots will play the Bills off their bye week. They're 2-0 straight up and 1-1 against the spread in the previous two games. - JB

A great running offense against a great run-stuffing defense – am I correct in saying that something has to give? The Steelers are still looking for their first road win of the season while the Falcons will look to rebound from a disappointing home loss to the Giants in Week 6. Keep in mind that the Steelers are 5-1 against the spread in their last six games on the carpet – but also remember that Atlanta is averaging 263 rushing yards per game in the Georgia Dome. -MH

The Pack will look for their first road win in Miami since the days of Vince Lombardi. Seriously. Green Bay’s only win in the city was in Super Bowl II, and if the Packers don’t sort out their defense (ranked 31st in the league, giving up an astounding 378 yards per game), it could be another 38 years before they get their next “W” in the Magic City. Last week, Ronnie Brown quietly had his best game of the year against the Jets (127 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries), which bodes well for the Dolphins. -MH

Sure, Bruce Gradkowski has two NFL games under his belt. But his baptism by fire will come this weekend, as the Eagles (who lead the league in sacks, with 23) come in looking to make amends for their Week 6 loss to the Saints. The Eagle offense will be buoyed by Tampa’s midweek trade of Anthony “Booger” McFarland, the massive defensive tackle that was instrumental in the Bucs run-stuffing D. Fantasy players keep an eye on Brian Westbrook. -MH

The big news in Detroit this past week (aside from Tiger-mania) was that Pro-Bowl DT Shaun Rogers has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. That’s bad news for the Lions D, which is already hobbled by a shoddy secondary Detroit’s passing defense is ranked 30th in the NFL, allowing 248 yards per game. -MH

The key for the Bengals? Convert third downs. Despite owning one of the most explosive offenses in the league, Cincy’s third-down conversion rate has sunk to 32.3 percent – 26th in the league. Yet an even bigger concern for the Bengals might be how to stop Steve Smith, who has been lethal since returning from an early-season hamstring injury. Last week, Smith torched Baltimore for 189 yards and a TD, while Jake Delhomme threw for a season-high 365 yards. -MH

Score, that’s the master plan when the Denver Broncos visit Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Broncos’ offense has averaged an ugly 12.4 points per game this season while going under the total for five straight games. Yet they've also won four straight. The Browns should be ready to go after their bye week. -CR

Things go from bad to worse for the Washington Redskins. After losing at home to the Tennessee Titans it's time to face the excellence of execution – Peyton Manning – and the undefeated Indianapolis Colts. Running back Clinton Portis will be the key to the cover for Washington, as the Colts give up a league worst 166.8 rushing yards per game. -CR

It’s home-sweet-home for the Seattle Seahawks where they are 5-0 straight-up and against the spread in their last five. For the Vikings to score a road upset running back Chris Taylor will have to let loose. The Vikings are 3-0 this year when he runs for 80 yards or more. Too bad for Minny the Seahawks are allowing a measly 3.4 yards per carry - eighth best in the NFL. -CR

Redemption for the Cardinals! Six days after suffering a history-making meltdown, Matt Leinart and the Cards get a consolation prize with the Oakland Raiders on their schedule. Could this be the breakout game for slumping running back Edgerinn James? The Raiders defense gives up 149 yards per game on the ground. -CR

PHOTO: Terrell Owens is coming off a huge game and always seems to shine on Monday night. (AP Photo)

Note: All NFL lines subject to change.

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