Chase for Perfection/Imperfection: Week 7 (The Magnificent Seven)

In the last two years, we have seen both a team with a perfect 16-0 record and a team with an imperfect 0-16 record -- two things that had never been done in all the years before it. And six weeks into the 2009 season, there are still seven teams remaining that are still eligible to go loss-less or win-less. This week, we'll call those teams The Magnificent Seven, in homage to the Magnificent Eleven, one of the best NFL Films tunes (not that anyone cares).
Anyway, here's what the seven teams have in store for them in Week 7 --
Indianapolis (5-0) @ St. Louis (0-6):
In maybe the most lopsided matchup of the season, the Rams will play at home against Peyton Manning and the undefeated Colts. St. Louis came tantalizingly close to beating the Jaguars last week, but the odds of them toppling the Colts, the most consistent franchise in the NFL, are slim to say the least. I think it's a safe bet to assume that both the Rams' losing streak and the Colts' winning streak will be alive after this weekend.
Minnesota (6-0) @ Pittsburgh (4-2):
This is an enormous test for the Minnesota Vikings, who will go on the road against probably the best team in the AFC. The Vikings will certainly match up well, since they're the best in the league at stopping the run and have a very solid defense to boot. The game should be very close, and major props to the Vikings if they can pull it off. But a healthy Steelers team should be the favorite, and a cold Pittsburgh temperature won't do Favre any favors.
New England (4-2) @ Tampa Bay (0-6):
If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had any chance at beating the Patriots, it was because they were playing at home. However, this game will be played in London, a whole ocean away from Tampa Bay, Florida. I don't want to say there's absolutely no chance of the Bucs winning, but I think you'll see Richard Henne win "Father of the Year" before the Bucs put a dent in the armor that is the Tom Brady Patriots. If a 59-0 beatdown of the Titans didn't convince you that they don't hold back, nothing will.
New Orleans (5-0) @ Miami (2-3):
This game is a tossup in my opinion. The Miami Dolphins have looked great in their last two games and have scored at least 23 points in all three of their home games. While their offensive doesn't stack up to the New Orleans Saints', who are on pace to break the scoring record, the Dolphins have played fantastic at home and can keep pace in the scoring column. The Saints have a tough opponent tomorrow if they want to continue their quest for perfection.
Byes:
Denver Broncos (6-0)
Tennessee Titans (0-6)
(Bucs photo by J. Meric, Getty Images)
[Correction Appended: I originally wrote that the Dolphins have scored 19 points in all five of their games. That was not the case -- they scored 7 points and 13 in different games. Thanks to goodlucksaturday for pointing that out.]
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As long as the Colts win
The rest can all lose/win.
But I feel confident in taking Indy and St. Louis to keep on truckin’ as well as Tampa to all continue to have zeros in their record.
I’m not sure about the Steelers/Vikings game. Neither team has shown abilities to close teams out this year (or in Minnesota’s case, close teams out AND start well), though Pittsburgh is closer to that level and obviously have the prestige the Vikings don’t. Should be a really good game, especially if the Steelers continue to get outscored in the fourth, leaving the door open for Minnesota regardless of what it looks like at the end of three.
One minor correction, the Dolphins have scored under 19 twice (Falcons, Chargers, both L’s). But I think this game has a good chance of going to the Dolphins. If the Dolphins can score touchdowns, they can win because of their clock control, if not, we’re in for a repeat of the Colts/Dolphins. Saints have a big advantage with Shockey if he shows up since the Dolphins have struggled against offensive tight ends this year.
by goodlucksaturday on Oct 24, 2009 10:48 AM EDT reply actions
Thanks
I misread Miami’s schedule. Thanks for pointing that out.
Inhistoric.com -- the No. 1 source for sports history.
by ZombieMonta on Oct 24, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions

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