Week 7 Picks

Six weeks in, teams are starting to find their comfort zone and so are we after the best week in recent memory.

On to Week 7…

Last Week: 10-3-1

Season: 42-47-3

Broncos at Saints (+3)

Sean Payton returns to New Orleans to face a Saints team missing its top two receivers, its starting tight end and its starting quarterback. Saints rookie Spencer Rattler had an impressive debut (270 total yards and a score) but will find it a lot harder to move the ball against a stout Broncos defense, even without top corner Patrick Surtain. Conversely, Bo Nix should have little trouble against a Saints D that’s given up 103 points in its last three games. A three-point spread was generous here. Broncos roll. 

Pick: Broncos

Patriots at Jaguars (London) (-6.5) 

A showdown between two of the worst teams in football feels more like a punishment than a reward for the people of London. The Jaguars shouldn’t be favored by a touchdown against anyone, not even a bad Patriots team. Drake Maye’s first career start had its shaky moments but there’s enough promise there for the rookie to put the final nail in Doug Pederson’s coffin with an upset across the pond.

Pick: Patriots

Bengals at Browns (+5.5) 

It’s hard to imagine the Browns winning another game with Deshaun Watson behind center and, with the trade of Amari Cooper, one has to wonder if Cleveland has already given up on the season. The Bengals are two games behind Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the North, so they could use an easy win.

Pick: Bengals

Lions at Vikings (-1)

The Aiden Hutchinson injury is tough blow for the Lions and it remains to be seen whether Detroit can muster a pass rush without him. If they can’t, they’ll have a tough time on the road against a rested Sammy Slings and the Vikings.

Pick: Vikings 

Texans at Packers (-3) 

Despite missing two games, Jordan Love is tied for second in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes. He’ll have his full complement of weapons against an injury-plagued Texans defense. The Packers also get top corner Jaire Alexander back just in time for a showdown with former division rival Stefon Diggs. If Love can avoid costly turnovers, a strong performance can put him in the MVP conversation.

Pick: Packers

Dolphins at Colts (-3) 

The Dolphins have put up a combined 30 points in their last three games since losing QB Tua Tagovailoa in Week 2 and have the league’s worst scoring offense. It’s hard to imagine them being able to keep up with the Colts, even with Anthony Richardson behind center and Jonathan Taylor out.

Pick: Colts

Eagles at Giants (+3)

Saquon Barkley has had this game circled since the Giants let him walk in the offseason and not even Nick Sirianni’s determination to get all of Philly to hate him will ruin it.

Pick: Eagles

Seahawks at Falcons (-3)

The Falcons are coming off a bye on a three-game win streak and are at home against a Seahawks team that’s dropped its last three. Gimme Atlanta.

Pick: Falcons

Titans at Bills (-9)

Mason Rudolph might give the Titans more of a chance than Will Levis but he won’t sustain enough long drives to keep Tennessee’s defense from getting worn out by a new-look Bills offense.

Pick: Bills

Panthers at Commanders (-9.5)

The Panthers are terrible, but so is the Commanders’ defense. Washington wins but doesn’t cover.

Pick: Panthers 

Raiders at Rams (-7)

With the Davante Adams saga now over, it wouldn’t surprise me if Antonio Pierce tries to prove a point by showing how the team doesn’t miss its former star receiver. Raiders with the “upset”.

Pick: Raiders

Chiefs at Niners (-2)

Injuries ruined this Super Bowl rematch and neither team has looked as dominant as a year ago, but if the Chiefs are getting points, I’ll take them.

Pick: Chiefs 

Jets at Steelers (+2)

There’s no more excuses for the Jets. Robert Salah is gone. Nate Hackett isn’t calling the plays anymore. Aaron Rodgers got his buddy Davante Adams back. Hassan Redick’s holdout is over. It’s now or never, starting with a rusty Russell Wilson and the Steelers.

Pick: Jets

Ravens at Bucs (+3.5)

This looks like the Game of the Week but Tampa Bay’s defense can’t stop anyone and that’s a problem against the reigning MVP Lamar Jackson.

Pick: Ravens 

Chargers at Cardinals (+1.5)

The schedule makers must’ve had high hopes for both of these teams when they decided to put them on Monday night. The Cardinals have been awful and Marvin Harrison Jr is trying to shake off a concussion against a very good Chargers defense.

Pick: Chargers