Week 7 already?

Eh, a mediocre week last week, but it could have been a lot worse. I should have guessed that the Patriots Defense can't really put up a stand for 60 minutes, or at least that is how long it seemed like they were out on the field on Monday. An inadequate offense will do that to the defense. I also took the one week that JaMarcus Russell decided to play like a true Oakland Raider, don't give up on him. Last week I'll say I went, 6-5-3, and maybe that is generous. That brings my yearly total up to 11-9-8. Let's get some big name studs this week.

Chargers at Bills
Well, we saw what Phillip Rivers can do, and he has been doing it all year, but instead of taking Rivers, I'll go with Antonio Gates. The Chargers are starting to turn things around and LT is beginning to look like himself and those who remember the old LT, he can run and throw. Expect goal line fun with Gates, a la Vikings two weeks ago? Either way Gates is good for a score.

Vikings at Bears
This pick could be a head-scratcher, especially for those who are sold on the Vikings defense, but I'm going to say Devin Hester has a great game. How great depends on Kyle Orton's ability to get the ball out of the pocket and Forte’s ability to pick up decent yardage, but Hester is the reason this offense has a pulse, albeit faint. It can’t hurt if he returns a kick either.

Steelers at Bengals
A year ago... two years ago this match up meant something. A possible division momentum changer, now it just means that the Bengals are that much closer to getting the first pick in the draft. I'd play anyone on the Steelers squad, but I'd look to Hines Ward above them all. A division game with a veteran like Ward is a sure bet.

Titans at Chiefs
I have to pull one name from nowhere each week, and this week that ticket goes to Bo Scaife, Titans TE. LenDale White will get some carries on the goal line assuming Chris Johnson doesn’t beat him there, but Scaife will be a subtle wrinkle to keep the Chiefs off guard. No that the Chiefs need much to stay off guard, but when the stack the box, go with Scaife.

Cowboys at Rams
I don’t know who is playing quarterback for the Boys, and it really doesn’t matter now that there are a plethora of receiving options, but I’ll look to the other side of the ball. The Cowboys don’t really do much to stop the run, or the pass, and the Rams kind of looked like the Rams of old last week. Ok, that is a stretch too; this week is full of stretches, so take Steven Jackson. I don’t write this column to give you the obvious. He can run the ball for 3.0 YPC but he also catches the ball. So a receiving touchdown is more likely this week than a rushing score, but it still counts the same.

Ravens at Dolphins
I would like to say that this is an obvious pick to take the Ravens D/ST, but the Dolphins have been known to surprise people this year. Still, Chad Pennington is just Chad and Ronnie Brown can’t do it all. I think this single-wing offense is starting to be solved. Take the Ravens D/ST in a low scoring affair.

49ers at Giants
What team was that on Monday night? I’m taking Plaxico Burress in an anger game. He had a touchdown last week with only four receptions. The 49ers have a defense, but it’s nothing to write home about. Burress takes in 10 catches and the Giants are back on the winning track.

Saints at Panthers
Steve Smith has just one touchdown and you are thinking of giving up on him. Wait and reconsider after this weekend. His yardage has been going up each week along with receptions. Expect him to double that touchdown production this week.

Lions at Texans
I’d say go for Andre Johnson, he has been tearing it up these past two weeks on my fantasy team, but you already knew that. So, instead of him, look to the other side of the field and play the other Johnson, Calvin Johnson. Why, you ask? It’s simple. The Lions can still play, with or without Kitna, and someone has to catch the ball. The Texans, second to Dallas in Texas, where the theme is all offense and little defense. If the Lions score, it’s going through Calvin

Jets at Raiders
I’ll take Brett Favre in this match up. I don’t get why the spread is only 3 points in favor of the Jets, but Favre will be able to pick apart this sham of a defense that the Raiders have. If Coles is 100% then it will be all that much sweeter for Favre.

Colts at Packers
If you were fortunate enough to get Dominic Rhodes, then play him this week. The feature back is playing with a rejuvenated Peyton Manning. Manning is going to open up the field like we know he is capable of and it will open up the inside handoff to Rhodes. Many fans will get a glimpse of the old Colts game that they remember. And if you are in Vegas, take the over on this one.

Browns at Redskins
Don’t get your hopes up yet Browns fans, but they did save their season for now, in large part thanks to Braylon Edwards. I don’t need to tell you his stats last week but there is a good chance that they can continue this week. Edwards is on the same page now with his quarterback and made cornerbacks look silly on Monday. The guy was a top wide receiver in your fantasy league for a reason, play him.

Seahawks at Buccaneers
Jeff Garcia has filled in nicely for the Bucs. Gruden is like an erratic girlfriend, who falls in love then for no reason, changes his mind and gets a new quarterback. This week he loves Garcia and so should you. The Seahawks are struggling mightily and expect a lot of 3 and outs on the offensive side of the ball for them.

Broncos at Patriots
Oh boy, as a Patriots fan I really don’t want to see another debacle in primetime. Well, I can’t be assured that, but I can say that the Patriots will score more than 10 points versus the Broncos, therefore you should start Matt Cassel, no that was a joke, start Randy Moss instead. Cassel could be out by halftime, but Randy Moss will still get the ball even if it is a bunch of slip screens.

(Chris Carmona is a weekly contributor who can be read daily on www.sortsofsports.com)

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