Six One Three's NFL Week 7 Preview

613 breaks down key match-ups from this weeks action in the NFL.  Find out who will win, who to watch, who will surprise and more here in our Week 7 Preview.  Check here every Sunday morning before making your picks, or choosing your starters. ( Bills @ Phins, Ravens @ Steelers, Broncos @ Colts)

Kiko Alonso leds an improved and revamped Bills Defense into Miami

BILLS @ DOLPHINS

• Following a week of rest during the team's bye week, the Dolphins get to play host to Buffalo this afternoon.  Miami should not be lacking any energy for this divisional match up and it probably will pay some big dividends vs. the Bills inexperienced QB Thad Lewis.  Look for Tannehill's legs to create extra opportunities for the 'Phins offense.  Miami's defense shouldn't give up too much against the Bills offensive attack unless CJ Spiller breaks off a few big plays.
• Thad Lewis wasn't actually that bad in relief duty at QB last week for the injured EJ Manuel.  He was able to execute a very similar gameplan and aside for the few anticipated inexperience driven mistakes he helped rally the Bills back into the game late - but they still lost in OT.  Divisional games are tough not to mention when your opponent has a week to prepare for you and when your starting QB isn't even playing.  Buffalo is once again going to need a lot of guys to pick up the slack and make some plays.  Kiko Alonso needs to continue his outstanding play at MLB while CJ Spiller, Robert Woods, Marquis Goodwin, and TJ Graham also need to create some big plays on offense or on special teams for Bills to steal a win on the road.
• Buffalo is far from being 100% - and the Dolphins have had two weeks to prepare for a team they are already pretty familiar with.  Look for Miami to expose some holes in the Bills defense as well as contain Buffalo's rushing attack - thus forcing Thad Lewis to make plays, which he likely won't.  The only way the Bills can pull of the upset will depend on them winning the game on both special teams and on defense
• Players to watch: Ryan Tannehill, Mike Wallace, Kiko Alonso

RAVENS @ STEELERS

• Mike Tomlin has to be a little relieved now that the Steelers have finally entered the win column.  A big win over the Jets last week and a strong effort by the team - especially the defense - has Pittsburgh feeling as good as they have all season heading into their match up with Baltimore.  The Ravens offense shouldn't strike much fear into the hearts of the Steelers as once again B'More is struggling to find it's identity on offense.  If Pitt was smart they would double team Torrey Smith, stack up the line against Ray Rice and force other players to beat them.  I bet Steelers DC Dick Lebeau has a good formula for success this week hosting the franchises biggest rival.
• Joe Flacco is better than many may think.  Look at his numbers in the playoffs last year if you doubt it folks - there is a reason the man got paid (a lot) this summer.  The problem is; who do the Ravens have for him to throw to besides a frequently double teamed Torrey Smith and a worn down Ray Rice?  Apparently no one.  Losing Pitta hurt Flacco and the Ravens offense a lot - but come on, where is the plan B, was that really all you had?  Luckily for Baltimore the teams defense is as strong and as fast as ever but once again most people may not know that yet.  Terrelle Suggs and Haloti Ngata make life difficult for any offensive line.  The Ravens are going to need to win the battle up front and get to Roethlisberger frequently in order to compensate for the anticipated lack of production on offense.
• In what used to be the best rivalry in football hands down - this game seems to have lost some luster.  Steelers only have 1 win on the season and the defending SB champ Ravens offense has looked pathetic.  Perhaps this game is exactly what both teams need - something to restore their identities and remind us fans why we used to love watching these teams in this match up so much.  Steelers have improved each week, thankfully for Pittsburg fans, while the Ravens are the definition of inconsistent right now.  In what should finally be a well played game for both teams - Pittsburgh has the edge playing at home and with their offense developing chemistry each week.  We shouldn't under estimate the factor that Ravens pass rush will play as we know T.Sizzle loves sacking Big Ben
• Players to watch: Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlisberger, Terrelle Suggs, Troy Polamalu

BRONCOS @ COLTS

• "Well would you look who it is?" Andrew said, as Peyton returned home.  Like a younger brother constantly living under the shadow cast by his big brother - Andrew Luck wants to step into the light as the next NFL great to play under center for the Colts.  Unitas, Manning, and soon Luck will be in that conversation - and he can fast forward the discussion by out dueling Peyton in his former home on Sunday Night Football.  What better opportunity could Luck ask for?  I'm sure Andrew is preparing for this one like it is the biggest game of his life (and really to this point - it is!) and the rest of the Indianapolis franchise is behind him (especially Colts owner Jim Irsay).  Trent Richardson sure could make many fans happy if he decided to show up for this game tonight - his ability to help Indy sustain drives and keep Manning off the field could be the difference in this contest.
• "Honey I'm coming Home!!!" sang Peyton, as he walked down the aisle inside the Dome in Indianapolis.  We may think Andrew Luck wants this game bad, and prehaps he has prepared more than he has in any other week before but come on folks!  It's Peyton Manning, Mr. Robotic himself.  This machine doesn't eat, drink, breathe, or sleep anything but football.  Manning and all his Bronco buddies can't wait to ride into this shootout in Indy.  Getting Von Miller back on defense should add a nice boost to, what is often overlooked, a very average defense.  Peyton should continue his quarterbacking mastery tonight and continue on his record setting pace.
• Although this should be a great contest to watch - can you really see Manning allowing the young Luck to out gun him in the "house" that he built?  Not likely.  It's too bad that all the attention will be on these two gun slingers when many others are going to play a huge role in the outcome of this game.  How about the effectiveness of Trent Richardson for the Colts, or Von Miller for the Broncos?  And don't forget about Reggie.  Remember Reggie chose to remain in Indy when Peyton left - perhaps he has something to prove to Peyton as well.  Can't wait for this game!!!
• Players to watch: Andrew Luck vs Peyton Manning (duh!), Reggie Wayne, Von Miller

Thank's for reading, and happy Sunday!

- D.M.

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