Dirty Cleats: Predictions for NFL's 2011 Week Seven

After six weeks, only one undefeated team remains, the Green Bay Packers and quite frankly, I am not surprised.

This week has some important match-ups – my favorite two are Atlanta vs. Detroit and San Diego vs. the New York Jets.

The teams with a bye this week are the: Bills, Bengals, Patriots, Giants, Eagles, and 49ers

My Predictions for Week Seven

Seahawks (2-3) at Browns (2-3) Cleveland’s defense has allowed the seventh fewest yards per game this season, and they will shut down a Seattle offense that has struggled all season to move the ball down field. Offensively, the Browns are going to need Montario Hardesty to step-up, as Hillis may not play. However, the Seahawks defense doesn’t give up much on the ground, so this game will be low scoring. In the end, Cleveland’s offense will put more points on the board. Winner - Browns

Chargers (4-1) at Jets (3-3) Neither of these teams have much to brag about as they both lose against strong teams and screech out wins against weak ones. That being said, this match-up will be a close one between two mediocre teams. The Chargers defense will be the key in this game as they should have no problem shutting down Jets QB Mark Sanchez, who is inaccurate, especially under pressure. In addition, their run game has yet to be established. Winner - Chargers

Redskins (3-2) at Panthers (1-5) Redskins QB Rex Grossman finally showed his true colors, and alas he’s been reduced to warming the bench. Again. Washington’s defense has suffered some key injuries and this week is going to be all about Panthers QB Cam Newton. He will own this game, giving Carolina win number two. Winner - Panthers

Falcons (3-3) at Lions (5-1) Atlanta is having a disappointing season so far and that will not change this week. Detroit is going to dominate this entire game defensively, especially after their disappointing loss last week. Offensively, the Lions will struggle passing the ball a bit, as Atlanta’s secondary is more talented than the 49ers. This game will be won by the Lions defense who will force one too many turnovers. Winner - Lions

Broncos (1-4) at Dolphins (0-5) It’s official Denver fans, Tim Tebow will start against Miami! This is kind of an interesting match-up as he'll be greeted better than expected during an away game. Sunday, the Dolphins are hosting “Gator Day,” trying to get their stadium full in attendance. Miami’s defense is the key in this game – Tebow has the ability to run and pass and that will be tough to defend for the Dolphins. The Broncos defensive secondary is hurting, and this could be WR Brandon Marshall’s proof that he has big-play ability. Then again, it could not and he could continue to drop balls. Either way, the game will be low scoring and a positive first game for Tim Tebow. Winner - Broncos

Texans (3-3) at Titans (3-2) Much luck to the Titans and their horrible offense this week, as they face a very talented Texan defense. Tennessee QB Matt Hasselbeck is going to struggle passing the ball and there will be turnovers. Offensively, Houston, led by QB Matt Schaub, will put up the points to win this game. Winner - Texans

Bears (3-3) at Buccaneers (4-2) This game will be played in London and is pretty much a toss-up. Chicago is unable to protect their quarterback and the Bucs are going to get to Cutler. Defensively, the Bears have the upper-hand in talent. However, I don’t see their offense compensating for their efforts. Tampa Bay had a huge upset last week over the Saints – this week their offense is going to improve with RB LeGarette Blount back in the line-up. Winner - Bucs

Steelers (4-2) at Cardinals (1-4) Arizona’s defense has struggled all season; therefore the Steelers should have a solid day of running the ball and controlling the clock. Big Ben probably won’t have to do much but hand-off and throw an occasional pass, to off-set the run. The Steelers defense will stop the Cardinals only chance at offense, Larry Fitzgerald. Winner - Steelers

Chiefs (2-3) at Raiders (4-2) Prior to the injury to Raiders QB Jason Campbell, this game was a no-brainer win for Oakland. However, the Raiders new quarterback (either Kyle Boller or Terelle Pryor) will struggle this week against the Chiefs pass rush which is becoming better and better each week. The game changer is Oakland’s RB Darren McFadden as well as RB Michael Bush, who together should help the new QB to put up points on the board. Winner – Raiders

Packers (6-0) at Vikings (1-5) This is going to be a long, long day for Minnesota and their fans, as they don’t have the manpower to stop QB Aaron Rodgers, with his many threats on the ground and in the air. The Packers offense will control this game. Bottom line. Winner – Packers

Rams (0-5) at Cowboys (2-3) St. Louis fans can only be happy about their Cardinals right now. This Rams team has been a huge let down, especially when things were looking up last season. Dallas is in a similar boat, but with a slightly more talented team. QB Tony Romo will control this game, as he will make sure to keep scoring against a weak Rams defense and control the clock. Winner – Cowboys

Colts (0-6) at Saints (4-2) This is the third boring game this week, along with the Packers-Vikings and Rams-Cowboys. The unfortunate part is that this is going to be on prime-time, Sunday night. Drew Bress and co. are going to put on one hell of a scoring show for their hometown favorite fans. Winner - Saints

Ravens (4-1) at Jaguars (1-5) Head coach Jack Del Rio might be on his last season in Jacksonville. His team cannot get it together this year, as they struggle both offensively and defensively. This week, they face one of the best playing defenses in the NFL right now -- the Ravens. Jacksonville is going to rely on RB Maurice Jones-Drew this week and the Ravens know this. He’s a great back, but will struggle to gain yards this week. Winner - Ravens

For Jana's thoughts on last week, further analysis on this week's match-ups, the complete Week Seven schedule, or to read anything else she feels like tossing out regarding the NFL, go to the dirty cleats blog.

Jana Newman lives in San Diego and has been an NFL fan for over 25 years (her not-so-secret obsession is still No. 13 Dan Marino). She has her bachelor of arts degree in English, and loves to write. To combine these passions, Jana created dirtycleats.com. It’s an NFL blog with a fresh look and a fun attitude. You can also follow dirtycleats on Facebook. To reach Jana, email her at contact@dirtycleats.com.

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