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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, October 25, 2009

NFL: Week 7 predictions


By Sam Farmer
Los Angeles Times

This week's NFL predictions.

Sunday’s Games:
New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneer at Wembley Stadium, London

How often do these teams fly east for a game? It happens this week in London for the NFL’s third consecutive season at Wembley Stadium. It’s a mismatch. Patriots 35, Buccaneers 14.
Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals
Although they’re coming off a loss at Atlanta, the Bears are a good team. The Bengals could use Antwan Odom to put some heat on the quarterback, but he’s done for the season. Bears 20, Bengals 17.
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
Another must-win game for Chargers, whose season is slipping away. It should be easier to pressure Matt Cassel than it was with Kyle Orton. Regardless, this won’t be easy. Chargers 24, Chiefs 21.
Indianapolis Colts at St. Louis Rams
This might be a trap game for a lot of teams, but Peyton Manning won’t let the Colts lose focus. Colts have won 14 regular-season games in a row; Rams have lost 16 straight. Colts 28, Rams 13.
Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns
The Packers are among the most penalized teams, and do a lousy job protecting Aaron Rodgers. That said, Rodgers is sharp when he has time and the defense is improved. Packers 20, Browns 7.
San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans
The 49ers get offensive help with the return of Frank Gore, but their defense will be tested by Houston’s bevy of weapons: Steve Slaton, Owen Daniels and Andre Johnson. Texans 24, 49ers 17.
Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers tend to rise to the occasion in big games. Ben Roethlisberger is completing 72.5 percent of his passes, and the Vikings’ best corner could be watching from the sideline. Steelers 35, Vikings 28.
Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers
It remains to be seen if the Bills’ Trent Edwards will be fully recovered from his concussion. Key for the Panthers is sticking to the run, instead of letting Jake Delhomme throw. Panthers 17, Bills 13.
New York Jets at Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are feeling better after knocking off the Eagles, and the Jets defense suffered a big loss with Kris Jenkins’ season-ending injury. Still, the Jets have more firepower. Jets 21, Raiders 10.
Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys
A chance for the Cowboys to prove they’re a contender as Felix Jones and Roy Williams return, which should help. But the Falcons have too many weapons on offense. Falcons 21, Cowboys 17.
New Orleans Saints at Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins’ run game will test a New Orleans defense ranked 20th in yards per carry. Drew Brees and the Saints can win a shootout, though. Saints 35, Dolphins 28.
Arizona Cardinals at New York Giants
The Cardinals are 2-0 on the road, but is that legitimate? The past 10 years they were 18-62 as visitors. The Giants were humiliated by the Saints and are still steamed. Giants 27, Cardinals 24.
Monday night:
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins

The Redskins are reeling, but they can still get to the quarterback. If the Eagles can protect Donovan McNabb — and that’s not a gimme — they should walk away victorious. Eagles 17, Redskins 13.