Seven weeks down, ten weeks to go in the regular season. The Titans remain unbeaten and six teams reached their fifth win of the season. As we approach the eighth week of the season eight teams will play their eighth game of the season thus reaching their halfway point. Yes the season is wearing but there is still plenty of time for most teams to turn it around and by the same edge fall from grace. This week's edition offers; In the Books - Week 7, the Game of the Week, Week 8 - Who's in It and Who's Gonna Win It, The Ten, and the Hero of the Week.

In the Books - Week 7

Sunday, October 19th

San Diego Chargers (3-3) @ Buffalo Bills (4-1)

The game between San Diego and Buffalo offered quite a show, even through the blackouts. The Chargers effort was impressive for sure and they were able to stick with Buffalo most of the game, turn overs may have made the biggest difference in their fortune. The Bills were led valiantly by quarterback Trent Edwards who came back after leaving their last game with an injury, their defense was also impressive as they help seal the victory.

Predicted Winner: Buffalo Bills

Actual Winner: Buffalo Bills (5-1)

Final Score: SD, 14 - BUF, 23

New Orleans Saints (3-3) @ Carolina Panthers (4-2)

After a disappointing loss last week the Carolina Panthers came back hungry for the win as they hosted the Saints. New Orleans have had their ups and downs but probably didn't imagine being pummeled like they were on Sunday.

Predicted Winner: Carolina Panthers

Actual Winner: Carolina Panthers (5-2)

Final Score: NO, 7 - CAR, 30

Minnesota Vikings (3-3) @ Chicago Bears (3-3)

In what was expected to be more of a defensive struggle we saw the defenses struggle to hold the offenses. Minnesota had been playing better after a rough start to the season and Chicago have struggled to find a rhythm but have had amazing defense and some surprising offensive prowess, the Bears had a bit more gas in the tank this time.

Predicted Winner: Chicago Bears

Actual Winner: Chicago Bears (4-3)

Final Score: MIN, 41 - CHI, 48

Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) @ Cincinnati Bengals (0-6)

Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are on opposite paths and this game magnified that. The Bengals are the AFC's worst team, they just can't get any momentum. The Steelers looked great in this one and improved their record to 5-1 which is standing pretty tall with only one undefeated team left in the NFL.

Predicted Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

Actual Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1)

Final Score: PIT, 38 - CIN, 10

Tennessee Titans (5-0) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-4)

Speaking of undefeated, the Titans rolled into Kansas City this past week and took on the hapless Chiefs. Tennessee is still blazing hot with Kerry Collins at quarterback and they show no signs of stopping. Kansas City is in desperate need of a spark and this surely wasn't the place to find it.

Predicted Winner: Tennessee Titans

Actual Winner: Tennessee Titans (6-0)

Final Score: TEN, 34 - KC, 10

Baltimore Ravens (2-3) @ Miami Dolphins (2-3)

A week after being picked apart by the Colts, the Ravens were ready to get back on track against the Dolphins. Baltimore got back to playing great defense and the offense showed up. Miami needs to figure out how to create a great game plan for each team they play or they will keep struggling.

Predicted Winner: Baltimore Ravens

Actual Winner: Baltimore Ravens (3-3)

Final Score: BAL, 27 - MIA, 13

San Francisco 49ers (2-4) @ New York Giants (4-1)

The 49ers went to New York hoping to pull off an upset over the Giants. The Giants waited, ready to prove they weren't falling apart after last weeks loss to the Browns. The Giants came away with the victory but still seem to have quite a bit to work on

Predicted Winner: New York Giants

Actual Winner: New York Giants (5-1)

Final Score: SF, 17 - NYG, 29

Dallas Cowboys (4-2) @ St. Louis Rams (1-4)

Dallas entered their first game of the season without Tony Romo under center trying to get a win over the Rams who had a rough start until getting their first win last week over the red hot Redskins. Dallas struggled as much as Brad Johnson did and they never got in sync. St. Louis looked like a machine out there and if this is a sign of things to come then the Cardinals finally have something to worry about in the NFC West.

Predicted Winner: Dallas Cowboys

Actual Winner: St. Louis Rams (2-4)

Final Score: DAL, 14 - STL, 34

Detroit Lions (0-5) @ Houston Texans (1-4)

The worst team in the NFC, Detroit, came into Houston to take on the Texans. The Texans had been struggling but were coming off their first win of the season over Miami. Detroit is playing for a draft pick and doing a heck of a job.

Predicted Winner: Houston Texans

Actual Winner: Houston Texans (2-4)

Final Score: DET, 21 - HOU, 28

Indianapolis Colts (3-2) @ Green Bay Packers (3-3)

Just when you thought it was safe to say the Colts are back, they fall apart again and this is not a minor defect this team is not a very good team anymore. The Packers will continue to have their ups and downs but this was a big win for them .

Predicted Winner: Indianapolis Colts

Actual Winner: Green Bay Packers (4-3)

Final Score: IND, 14 - GB, 34

New York Jets (3-2) @ Oakland Raiders (1-4)

The Jets entered the black hole looking to keep up with the Bills in the AFC East with a win over the Raiders. Oakland was simply looking for the elusive, a rare win. New York forced overtime but a huge kick by Sebastian Janikowski sealed the victory for Oakland.

Predicted Winner: New York Jets

Actual Winner: Oakland Raiders (2-4)

Final Score: NYJ, 13 - OAK, 16

Cleveland Browns (2-3) @ Washington Redskins (4-2)

The Browns were coming off of a big win over the Giants and were looking to take another from Washington. The Redskins blew their last home game dropping one to St. Louis. In the end the Skins had just enough to hold off Cleveland.

Predicted Winner: Washington Redskins

Actual Winner: Washington Redskins (5-2)

Final Score: CLE, 11 - WAS, 14

Seattle Seahawks (1-4) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)

Seattle stumbled into Tampa Bay with Seneca Wallace as their starting quarterback. The Buccaneers needed to win to keep up with the strong NFC South. The Seahawks were overmatched as usual and the Bucs continued to roll.

Predicted Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Actual Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2)

Final Score: SEA, 10 - TB, 20

Monday, October 20th

Denver Broncos (4-2) @ New England Patriots (3-2)

The Broncos came into this game with a gift from Buffalo who defeated the Chargers on Sunday and the Patriots came in knowing they needed to win to keep up with those same Bills. The Broncos dug their own grave with numerous turnovers and stupid penalties while the Patriots capitalized on the mistakes and played cutthroat football the whole game disrespecting the Broncos defense and rightfully so. Denver heads into the bye week in need of healing so that is the lone blessing.

Predicted Winner: Denver Broncos

Actual Winner: New England Patriots (4-2)

Final Score: DEN, 7 - NE, 41

Game of the Week

Trent Edwards leads his team back to victory.
Photo by Rick Stewart / Getty Images

San Diego found themselves heading to Buffalo after a big win over the Patriots the week before. The Bills came off their bye week after losing Trent Edwards in their last game and losing their first game The first quarter kicked off and after stopping the Chargers first drive the Bills drew first blood with a 9 play, 52 yard drive that resulted in a 38 yard field goal by Rian Lindell to give them a 3-0 lead. The Chargers wouldn't let that stand for long as they took the next drive 78 yards with 11 plays culminating in a 14 yard pass from Philip Rivers to Malcom Floyd for a touchdown giving them the lead 7-3. and the last score of the first quarter.

The second quarter began and the Bills would find the end zone after a fumble recovery put them in position for a 7 play, 38 yard drive that ended with a 2 yard toss from Trent Edwards to Lee Evans for the touchdown and the 10-7 lead. After a three and out the Bills would drive 10 plays for 59 yards to give Lindell his second field goal of the day this time a 27 yarder with 16 seconds left in the half. The score going into halftime would be 13-7 in the Bills favor.

The third quarter would see the Chargers score first with a 12 play, 80 yard drive that finished with a 12 yard touchdown pass from Rivers to Vincent Jackson giving the Chargers the lead 14-13. The lead would be short lived thanks to a Bills 9 play, 78 yard drive resulting in a 9 yard run by Marshawn Lynch for a touchdown making the score 20-14. The fourth quarter would start off slow but thanks to Rivers' throwing an interception the Bills drove 43 yards in 7 plays to give Lindell a 44 yard field goal to make it 23-14. A subsequent Chargers lost fumble sealed the game and the Bills' victory.

The Chargers played well but while they probably would have lost anyway they didn't help themselves with their turnovers. The Bills were the better team on the field and they won't be outplayed often especially with Trent Edwards under center. The Chargers will have their good days but the Bills will have them constantly.

Week 8 - Who's in It and Who's Gonna Win It

Sunday, October 26th

Oakland Raiders (2-4) @ Baltimore Ravens (3-3)

The Raiders are coming off a pretty big win over the Jets but may find themselves in trouble in Baltimore. The Ravens are also coming off a big win over Miami and should be ready to school Oakland.

Predicted Winner: Baltimore Ravens

Arizona Cardinals (4-2) @ Carolina Panthers (5-2)

Arizona is coming off the bye after playing great for awhile now and they are heading in to a tough match in Carolina. The Panthers are playing very well but will need to bring their "A game" to beat these Cardinals, I think they'll pull it off.

Predicted Winner: Carolina Panthers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (4-3)

Tampa Bay has remained strong to stay on top in the NFC South and they head into Dallas hoping to continue that trend. The Cowboys looked terrible without Romo and Pacman last week and Brad Johnson will need to step up if they even want to sniff a win but the Buccaneers should come out on top.

Predicted Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Washington Redskins (5-2) @ Detroit Lions (0-6)

Washington is closing in on the Giants and this week is a huge opportunity for them to move up as New York will have a tough game later on. The Detroit Lions are not beating anyone the way they've been playing much less the Redskins.

Predicted Winner: Washington Redskins

Buffalo Bills (5-1) @ Miami Dolphins (2-4)

Buffalo is hot and they are not going to let up anytime soon but they may be surprised to find a fight in Miami. The Dolphins have struggled the past two weeks and probably will not right themselves here but it could be a good game against the Bills.

Predicted Winner: Buffalo Bills

St. Louis Rams (2-4) @ New England Patriots (4-2)

St. Louis is turning up the heat as of late and went from looking like the worst to looking like a contender, the contenders will need to show up in New England. The Patriots are coming off a game where they destroyed the Broncos and they should be prepared to face a tougher Rams team and come away with a win.

Predicted Winner: New England Patriots

San Diego Chargers (3-4) @ New Orleans Saints (3-4)

San Diego hasn't been able to find any rhythm as they head to London to face the Saints. New Orleans have also seen their share of tough games and will need to play their best to beat San Diego, the Saints should be ready.

Predicted Winner: New Orleans Saints

Kansas City Chiefs (1-5) @ New York Jets (3-3)

Kansas City is falling apart at the seams and they will be tumbling into New York this week. The Jets found themselves on the losing end of an overtime kick last week and hope to turn it around at home.

Predicted Winner: New York Jets

Atlanta Falcons (4-2) @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-3)

Atlanta should be ready to continue flying after their bye week and this week they land in Philadelphia. The Eagles should be ready to continue their success after their bye as well but only one team can win, and I'd have to go with the Eagles at home.

Predicted Winner: Philadelphia Eagles

Cleveland Browns (2-4) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3)

Cleveland dropped a tough one to Washington last week and will find themselves in another battle in Jacksonville. The Jaguars beat Denver before the bye and are still trying to stay in the race for the AFC South, I'll have to go with the Jags over the Browns this week.

Predicted Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars

Cincinnati Bengals (0-7) @ Houston Texans (2-4)

The Bengals boast the worst record in the league and could finish the first half of the season winless coming home from Houston. The Texans just beat the other winless team last week and should be ready for Cincinnati and improve their record with their third straight win.

Predicted Winner: Houston Texans

New York Giants (5-1) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1)

New York is heading into Pittsburgh looking to staying a game ahead of the Redskins. The Steelers are going to need to take it to the Giants to win their sixth game of the season, expect the Steelers to pull through.

Predicted Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

Seattle Seahawks (1-5) @ San Francisco 49ers (2-5)

The Seahawks are one of the teams struggling the most this season and they will be heading to San Francisco where all is not right. The 49ers will need to be ready to move under new coach Mike Singletary to hold off a desperate Seattle team, but I expect them to do it.

Predicted Winner: San Francisco 49ers

Monday, October 27th

Indianapolis Colts (3-3) @ Tennessee Titans (6-0)

Indianapolis has a chance to be the first team to beat Tennessee. The Titans have reversed the roles and have become the team to beat in the AFC South, this should be a heck of a game but I think the Titans get their seventh win of the season over the Colts.

Predicted Winner: Tennessee Titans

The Ten

1. Tennessee Titans (6-0) [Last week: 1] - It's lonely at the top and they are loving the solitude.
   

2. New York Giants (5-1) [Last week: 2] - They got past the 49ers but can't let their guard down with the Steelers on their plate.

3. Buffalo Bills (5-1) [Last week: 4] - Trent Edward and his team looked outstanding against the Chargers.
   

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1) [Last week: 6] - The way they destroyed the Bengals was impressive but they have a real test in the Giants.

5. Arizona Cardinals (4-2) [Last week: 3] - The bye week brought them a challenge in Carolina.
   

6. Carolina Panthers (5-2) [Last week: 8] - They pounded the Saints and must be ready for a tough one against the Cardinals.
   

7. Washington Redskins (5-2) [Last week: 9] - Escaped with a win over Cleveland and will go to Detroit this week.
   

8. Atlanta Falcons (4-2) [Last week: 10] - After the bye they find themselves headed to Philadelphia for a tough match.
   

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) [Last week: Unranked] - They handled Seattle and now must prove themselves further in Dallas.
   

10. New England Patriots (4-2) [Last week: Unranked] - Dismantling Denver was their first step now they have to stop a rolling Rams team.
    

The Ten is based on performance and strength of opponent, positioning on the list is taken into account as teams rise and fall.

Hero of the Week

Steven Jackson and the Rams have had one rough start and they lost a head coach in the process. They lost to some of the best teams and one of the worst and they looked bad losing. Jackson himself struggled and nothing looked to be changing for the better.

The Rams went to Washington two weeks ago to face the hottest team at the time and came out on top. This week they met the Dallas Cowboys and were able to pick them apart, Jackson ran for 160 yards and rushed for three touchdowns which accounted for more than half of the Rams 34 points and was more than enough to beat Dallas.

Steven Jackson played like the player this team needed and more importantly he led like the leader this team needed and that is why he is the Hero of the Week.

What's Next?

Last Minute Heroics returns next week in its weekly Tuesday spot. It will include the following:

• In the Books - Week 8

• Game of the Week
  

• Week 9 - Who's in It and Who's Gonna Win It
  

• The Ten
  

• Hero of the Week
  

I hope everyone enjoyed this week's edition of Last Minute Heroics; I welcome any feedback and/or suggestions to be left as a comment below or sent by email to LoveHopeHero@gmail.com. It's been a pleasure, thank you for reading.

P|L|H

- Love Hope Hero -