NFL Week 7 Picks
Week 7 is upon us, so it's time to make the picks. Last week my locks of the week went 3-2 (7-3 YTD) and I went 7-7 overall (15-14-1 YTD). Not many games I like on the slate this week, but here are the best five that I have come up with.
Jets @ Patriots
The Pick: NE -7
The Patriots have won 12 straight over the Jets (18.5 average margin of victory), additionally, the team has not lost to New York in Foxborough in over ten years. Yes indeed, Bill Belichick does love to beat up on the Jets. The most recent meeting was in week two, a matchup that New England won 25-6. Don't expect the Jets to end the losing streak this week, as the Patriots are coming into this game off a tough loss against Dallas. Belichick is angry and eager to beat up on his favorite punching bag. Go with the Patriots to cover at home.
Bengals @ Ravens
The Pick: BAL -6.5
Both won in blowouts last weekend, but there is one big distinction to make, the Bengals blew out the lowly Lions and the Ravens dominated a terrific Chargers team. While I like the direction the Bengals are trending, I just don't feel like the team is ready to take on the mighty Ravens. Remember when Burrow threw three picks against the bears in week two, I've got a feeling he may match that total against the vaunted Baltimore defense. The Ravens have won five straight over the Bengals and will make it six this Sunday.
Panthers @ Giants
The Pick: CAR -3
The Panthers are too good to lose four games in a row. After defeats to the Cowboys, Eagles, and Vikings, Carolina is desperate for a win. The team that stands in their way? The injury-riddled Giants, who may be without the services of their top running back and majority of their receiving corps. The Giants for their part, who just got rocked by the Rams and Cowboys, are reeling right now. Joe Judge is not making any progress and may have unfortunately attached his star to a sinking ship. Don't expect the Giants to magically turn their season around this Sunday (especially with all the injuries), take the Panthers.
Falcons @ Dolphins
The Pick: MIA +2.5
We've got ourselves a tank bowl this Sunday in Miami. The Falcons square off with the Dolphins in what could be an entertaining matchup between lowly teams. Atlanta comes into this matchup fresh off a bye week, still riding the high of their 27-20 win over the Jets in London. Miami on the other hand just gave Urban Meyer his first win as a head coach and is on a five-game losing streak. So why should you take the Dolphins? For starters, the game is in Miami. Tua Tagovailoa looked solid in his first week back from injury and should only get more comfortable as time goes on. DaVante Parker may also return for the Dolphins which would give Tua another big weapon. Miami's defense has the advantage and I like the way the offense is trending. Go with the home underdog and expect Flores to end the extended losing streak.
Eagles @ Raiders
The Pick: LV -3
Honestly, the Eagles' offense is terrible and will continue to be terrible as long as the coaching staff misuses Miles Sanders. I have no faith in Philidelphia, they are too inconsistent and the defense is lackluster. Las Vegas on the other hand has proven itself to be a solid team. The recent demise of Jon Gruden seemingly had no impact on the team last week as they rolled over the Broncos in Denver. I like the Raiders at home and trust them to win by at least the margin required.
The Best of the Rest:
Broncos @ Browns: CLE -2
The Football Team @ Packers: GB -8.5
Chiefs @ Titans: KC -5.5
Lions @ Rams: LAR -15
Texans @ Cardinals: HOU +17.5
Bears @ Buccaneers: TB -12.5
Colts @ 49ers: IND +4
Saints @ Seahawks: NO -4.5