Bolt Notes; Wrap Up, Preview, and Week 8 NFL Picks!

Much like my Chargers, in week 7, I was coming off my most disappointing week of the season, but I was able to suck it up and have one of my better weeks of picks. Going 10-3, my record for the year will climb to 64-39. Not a record to write home about, but nothing to be ashamed of either. As you will see in this week's picks, there is potential for this to be a rough one for me, just like week 6. Now, on with Bolt Notes from week 7...Chargers vs Chiefs

Wrap Up of Chargers vs Chiefs

We Chargers fans are a tough bunch to figure out. There has been so much disappointment that even success is approached with extreme caution. You see, the Chargers are once again starting the year as if it were the preseason and their record doesn't count. Also, once again, they are falling way behind a fast starting Denver team that has yet to see the loss column. So, even though it was only the sixth game of the season, most Chargers fans considered this game a "must win" game, and I must say that I agreed.

On paper, this game did not appear to be a tough matchup. Kansas City was a one win team and even lost to the lowly Raiders (sorry Raider fans, but that is what other people think, even though they beat the Eagles). What made Chargers fans worry was that the Chiefs had been competing in pretty much every game this year and had the potential of a serious rushing attack with Larry Johnson toting the rock. The Chargers were on a short week and were down about their loss to Denver. Also, the Bolts tend to struggle in KC and only beat the Chiefs by a total of two points in both of their matchups last year.

Fortunately, for the Chargers sake, they did not hang their head and they came out firing. Of course, they didn't score on their first possession (they haven't scored on their first possession in over 20 games), but they did on their second, lead by a 36 yard dash by one LaDainian Tomlinson. It sure looked good to see L.T. break free, straight arm someone and head down field.

Many aspects of the game improved last week. The defense defended the run well. The defense also picked Matt Cassell three times. The special teams didn't give up any big plays, but did block a punt and recovered it for a touchdown! The offense actually opened some holes for backs to run through. Finally, Philip Rivers threw for three touchdowns and Vincent Jackson had 143 yards receiving by half time. That was a Chargers team record by the way.

All that being said, Chargers fans are still skeptical. Many comments were made on San Diego talk radio over the next few days. Comments like, "We only beat the Chiefs." "I'll believe they improved if they beat the Giants or the Eagles in the coming weeks." I even heard, "Too bad we won. Maybe a loss would have gotten Norv fired!"

The way I am trying to look at it is that the Chargers went into a hostile environment, in the rain, against a divisional rival, and beat them by 30 points! 37-7 should satisfy anyone. It's not the Chargers fault that they had the Chiefs last week, just as it is not their fault that they have the Raiders this week. You can only play who shows up to play you and you have to take them seriously and give them a serious beat down if you can. Mission complete for one week.

Preview: Chargers vs Raiders

The Chargers opened the year against the Oakland Raiders, on Monday Night Football. The Bolts played horribly and the Raiders looked pretty decent. Somehow, the Bolts still managed to prevail in the end. Since that time, the Chargers have lost to three very good teams (Ravens, Steelers, and Broncos), and beaten a cupcake (KC) and a pretty good Dolphins squad. The Raiders did step up and beat the Eagles, but that is the only real sign of life they have this year. They possess the worst quarterback in the NFL (JaMarcus Russell) and a defense that has talented individuals, but has not played well as a unit.

Injuries are a bigger story line in this game than who will actually win. After week one's matchup, the Chargers had seven injured players, including Pro Bowl center Nick Hardwick, who is just now starting to practice again. If the Chargers can get out with a win, and with healthy players, the score won't matter a bit.

Another key injury this week is Raiders Darren McFadden. McFadden looked like the real deal in week one and would have challenged the Chargers on Sunday. Now, the Raiders are blessed with a couple more running backs that can handle the load (Bush and Fargas), but they will be ineffective if Russell can't make the Chargers respect the pass.

At this point, I feel really good about the Bolts chances to win, which is more that I can say for some of my other picks this week. Now, on to the picks!!!


NFL PICKS FOR WEEK 8!

TEXANS @ bills (Neither team very good. Bills are worse)
browns @ BEARS (Browns are even worse)
seahawks @ COWBOYS (Seahawks are banged up)
RAMS @ lions (Could be a 0-0 tie)
niners @ COLTS (Peyton Manning)
DOLPHINS @ jets (Don't bet on this one)
GIANTS @ eagles (Eagles at home, Giants are desperate)
broncos @ RAVENS (Just because I need the Broncos to lose)
JAGUARS @ titans (Vince Young)
panthers @ CARDINALS (Too much offense for Panthers D.)
vikings @ PACKERS (Maybe wrong here)
falcons @ SAINTS (Saints at home with serious fire power)

raiders 13 @ CHARGERS 34