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Sports Guy vs. Sports Dog
By Bill Simmons and Bailey
Page 2 staff



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Some might think this unpredictable NFL season has gone to the dogs, but the season-long NFL predictions challenge between Page 2's Sports Guy and Sports Dog hasn't.

Bill vs. Bailey
Seems like everybody thinks they can handicap NFL games, so Page 2 has decided to turn to its two experts in the field of prognostication. Each week we'll have Page 2 columnist Bill Simmons, the Sports Guy, go head-to-head with Bailey the Sports Dog.

Simmons is a die-hard Boston sports nut who represents the common fan.

Bailey is a Samoyed husky-black Labrador cross with a nose for pigskin. He's lived in Colorado, Chicago and Seattle while loyally following college and pro football for the past 14 years.

Each week, Bill and Bailey will select their four best choices against the spread. We'll also keep a running score throughout the season.

Simmons will use his extensive football knowledge, the Internet and key newspapers to come up with his can't-miss picks. Bailey will choose between two dog treats representing teams in each matchup.

Of course, these are only predictions and not recommendations for wagering.
After spotting Bailey a big lead in the first few weeks, Sports Guy Bill Simmons has closed the gap (12-12) and is still in striking distance of the Sports Dog (14-10).

On to their picks for Week 7:

Bill Simmons' Week 7 NFL predictions
Season record: 12-12; last week: 1-3
Cincinnati at Detroit
The winless Lions are favored by three at home against the 3-3 Bengals, marking the first time in history that an 0-6 team has ever been favored by at least a field goal over a .500 team ... actually, I made that last part up ... but isn't this an amazing line? Lions by 3 ... the crazy thing is, Detroit looked much better over the past two weeks, they're due for a win and they're playing well enough that Marty Mornhinweg's eyeballs only bulged 38 times last week ... I'm not sure if Charlie Batch is rejuvenated because he wasn't juvenated in the first place, but he's playing well ... and if that's not enough for you, Jon Kitna's playing on the road (giddy up!).
-- The pick: Lions 24, Bengals 14

New Orleans at St. Louis
I'm feeling one of those bitter, testy back-and-forth battles ... the Saints getting 12½ seems a little too high, even if New Orleans quarterback Aaron Brooks has looked a little shaky this season ... has the time ever seemed more ripe for Rams QB Kurt Warner's first injury of the season? I think not ... "Game of the Year" potential.
-- The pick: Saints 30, Rams 27

New England at Denver
Ten reasons: 1) The Pats own Invesco Field at Mile High (they have never been beaten there). 2) Miracle Tom Brady and Brian Griese have a little rivalry going that dates back to their Michigan days, when Griese started and got first pick with cheerleaders every Saturday night (revenge game for Brady). 3) the Broncos look like crap (Easy Ed McCaffrey's injury killed their offense). 4) this line is wayyyyyyy too high (Pats getting seven). 5) Ewing Theory. 6) Ewing Theory. 7) Ewing Theory. 8) Ewing Theory. 9) Ewing Theory. and 10 Ewing Theory.
-- The pick: Patriots 23, Broncos 20

Tennessee at Pittsburgh
The home teams have failed to cover on the last four Monday night games ... if that's not enough, Pittsburgh (always reliable at home and underrated in general) is only giving 3 to the punchless Titans ... possible "Lock of the Year" potential here.
-- The pick: Steelers 20, Titans 10

Bailey's Week 7 NFL predictions
Season record: 14-10; last week: 2-2
(As told to Jim Wilkie, editor for Page 2.)

Miami at Seattle
Even though this is in Husky Stadium, I'll go with the fish at minus 2½ points.
-- The pick: Dolphins 27, Seahawks 20

Buffalo at San Diego
Come on. This will be a walk in the park for Doug Flutie, even with the Chargers giving 8½ points to the hapless Bills.
-- The pick: Chargers 38, Bills 9

San Francisco at Chicago
I'm starting to believe in the Bears, though the Niners (plus 2½ points) will make it too close to lay some bones on 'em.
-- The pick: Bears 25, 49ers 24 (49ers cover)

Tennessee at Pittsburgh
This old dog knows better than to go against the Steelers (minus 3 points) on a Monday night.
-- Prediction: Steelers 23, Titans 13




ALSO SEE:
Bill Simmons and Bailey Archive

ESPN experts' picks for Week 7





 
    
 
 
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