Cohen's Week 7 Picks

Halloween is just around the corner, and some teams are hoping for some treats, while others are hoping to deliever some tricks and destroy someone else's season.

CHARGERS (3-3) @ BILLS (4-1): When you look up the definition of weird, you will see a reference to the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers are hard to figure. One week they look dreadful (a 17-10 loss to Miami); the next week, they look like world beaters (a 30-10 romp over the Patriots). So who are the Chargers? This week they play their final game against the AFC East, and, once again, will have to travel across the country for the game. That's not good news for San Diego; in recent years, the Chargers have really struggled on the East coast, most recently falling to the Dolphins two weeks ago.

The Bills are coming off a bye week, licking their wounds from a drubbing against the Cardinals. The Bills have a fast and enegetic offense led by Trent Edwards and Marshawn Lynch. Also Rosco Perrish is one of the league's best return men, and could break out at any time. Key note: Buffalo defenseive end Aaron Schobel could miss the game due to a foot injury. Just a hunch, I don't like San Diego's chances on the road, even if Schobel doesn't play. PICK BILLS 27, CHARGERS 24.

VIKINGS (3-3) @ BEARS (3-3): Talk about weird: the Vikings fit the bill. Minnesota continues to struggle offensively. Even though Gus Ferrote is better than Travaris Jackson, he is definatley not the long term answer for the Vikings, especially with a 55 percent completion percentage. This adds pressure to running back Adrian Peterson, who, despite rushing for 563 yards this season, has not been as spectacular as he was last year. This year Peterson has already fumbled three times, losing all three.

The Bears are getting better and might be the best team in the NFC North division. There is not much to say about how good quaterback Kyle Orton and running back Matt Forte have been. They have given Chicago the offense they never had. In fact, this offensive group is better than the Chicago team that miraculously made it to Super Bowl XLI. Defensivley, the Bears are the Bears. They surrender only 74 yards a game on the ground, but are vulnerable through the air. PICK: BEARS 20, VIKINGS 17.

49ERS (2-4) @ GIANTS (4-1): The Giants got a much needed wake up call last week against the Browns. That mouthful of humble pie should go a long way to making this game as lopsided as possible. Last year, when the G-Men and Niners met at the Meadowlands, the Giants rolled over Trent Dilfer and Co. in a blowout win. This should be a replay, only this time J.T. O'Sullivan is the QB and not Dilfer. PICK: GIANTS 37, 49ers 7.

COLTS (3-2) @ PACKERS (3-3): The Colts and Packers are both desperate football teams. Neither played well early in the season and are trying their best to make up ground. Luckliy for Green Bay, they play in a division where almost everyone is 3-3. The Colts are not so fortunate, having to play catchup with the surging Titans and play keep away from the stubborn Jaguars.

That being said, the Packers continue to trot out an injured Aaron Rodgers to prove that he can be Brett Favre, but eventually that will blow up in their faces. To risk the health of a young player just to keep the fans quiet is as dumb a move as one can imagine.

Still the Colts are no better. They are still trying to recover from all of their lingering injuries. Last week against Baltimore, the Colts actually looked healthy, as they put up 31 points in the win. But I am not convinced that the Colts are all the way back this year. PICK: PACKERS 34, COLTS 27.

JETS (3-2)@ RAIDERS (1-4): Is this a trap game for New York? Not exactly, when you consider Kansas City is on the horizon after this one. Still, this is a scary game. The Raiders have a new coach and faced adversity all season, like Cincinnati a week ago; the Raiders are desperate for a win, especially at home. Plus, the Raider running game is not that bad. Darren McFadden, the player that many thought would have been drafted by the Jets, is having an okay rookie campaign, rushing for 302 yards. McFadden and rookie Michael Bush have rushed for a combined 504 yards, which is good enough to make Oakland the league's fourth best rushing offense.

That being said, Jamarcus Russell has really struggled at quarterback, completing exactly fifty percent of his passes this season and throwing for only 827 yards on the year. Therefore,the real test for the Jets defense is the running defense. The Jets are one of the league's best against the run, surrendering only 69 yards per game on the ground. If they can stop McFadden and put pressure on Russell than the Jets should win this game. I have feeling that this one will be close and could come down to the final minute. PICK: JETS 24, RAIDERS 21.

SEAHAWKS (1-4) @ BUCCANEERS (4-2): The Buccaneers are for real. In fact, they might be the second or third best team in the NFC. The Bucs have the league's 11th ranked offense, averageing 344 yards per game, and the league's 13th ranked defense. That spells success. Jeff Garcia and Brian Griese have done a capable job leading the offense. They haven't lost games for Tampa and that is key. Ernest Grahmn and Warrick Dunn have been the best one-two punch in the league at running back, and six different receivers have over 110 yards receiving this year.

The Seahawks are in big trouble. They can't stay healthy and are showing their age. Matt Hasselbeck will miss his second straight with a knee injury. Seneca Wallace, who is a better receiver than a quaterback, will get the start. This will be a long night for Seattle. A looooooonnnngggg night. PICK: BUCCANEERS 34, SEAHAWKS 16.