Week 7 NFL Picks: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tennessee Titans

First it was Kevin Kolb, then it was Michael Vick… and now it’s Kevin Kolb again. Yes, HC Andy Reid has been all over the place with his quarterback picks this season, and he has decided to eschew a chance to let Vick showcase his skills to a ferocious defense this weekend. The offensive line is certainly going to have its work cut out for it for the Eagles, and RB LeSean McCoy is going to have to take a significant amount of pressure off of the back of Kolb for the Eagles to be able to win this game. Defense has to be a major area of concern this weekend. Philly ranks just No. 22 in the NFL in rush defense and is now going against one of the best backs in the league this weekend. This unit has really only had one good game all season long, a 28-3 ‘W’ over the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, with the offense ailing and missing both Vick and WR DeSean Jackson on Sunday, things could get very, very dicey. The Eagles are 4-2 right now, but with upcoming games against the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, Giants again, Minnesota Vikings, and Dallas again down the stretch… nothing is a given.

The Titans did a nice job to rally last season to nearly get into the playoffs, and they are going to be a thorn in everyone’s side in the AFC South for the rest of the year. Tennessee’s RB Chris Johnson has to be licking his chops at the prospects of going up against this defense. Johnson is currently on the second longest streak in NFL history of road games with at least 100 yards rushing. He has actually been held under the century mark barrier twice this year at home, and to no surprise, Tennessee lost both games both SU and ATS. The defensive line has to be thrilled as well. DE Jason Babin and DE Dave Ball are both going to be making a living in the Philadelphia backfield, and especially without the mobile Vick calling plays, they can just pin their ears back and go rush after a statue in the pocket. Defensively, Tennessee came alive on Monday Night Football, taking care of the Jacksonville Jaguars 30-3.

About the one thing that we’re not so sure of in this one is that the Titans have had a short week and lost a day to travel back from Jacksonville, so preparation might be just a tad bit shy for a good team coming to town. There might also be some sense of looking ahead to the duel with the San Diego Chargers next week. However, Johnson will certainly reach 100 rushing yards on the day, and we all know what that means. Kolb and company definitely have their work cut out for them. Go with the hosts and lay the field goal with confidence.