Momentum Time for Picking Games: Week 7 NFL Predictions
It’s that exhilarating time of the year again—momentum time for picking games! After a somewhat sluggish start to the season, I’m excited to report a significant uptick in my performance. Last week, I went 8-6 against the spread and an impressive 12-2 straight up. This brings my overall record to 46-43-3 against the spread and 51-41 straight up. Not too shabby, right? With Week 7 upon us, the stakes are high, and the matchups are thrilling.
High-Profile Rematches
This week features a plethora of high-profile games, including a rematch of the Super Bowl from last February. The Kansas City Chiefs, who triumphed over the San Francisco 49ers in that championship clash, are set to face off again—this time in the 49ers’ home territory. The shift from a neutral field to San Francisco gives the 49ers a notable advantage. But will that be enough to sway my pick? Let’s dive into the matchups.
Thursday Night Showdown: Saints vs. Broncos
Kicking off the week is a compelling Thursday night matchup between the New Orleans Saints and the Denver Broncos. This game marks the return of Sean Payton to face his former team. While the Saints have their own challenges, including a rookie quarterback in Spencer Rattler, I believe they will rise to the occasion. The Broncos, despite their defensive prowess, will miss star corner Patrick Surtain.
Pick: Saints 23, Broncos 16
For those looking for expert insights, Matt Severance, who has been on a 21-6 roll with Broncos games, has shared his best bets for this matchup. Check out his picks at SportsLine.
Sunday Morning Clash: Patriots vs. Jaguars
As we transition to Sunday, we have an early game featuring the struggling New England Patriots against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Patriots are grappling with the growing pains of starting rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Meanwhile, the Jaguars, despite their last-ranked passing defense, are the better team overall. I expect Trevor Lawrence to lead his team to victory.
Pick: Jaguars 29, Patriots 21
Sunday Afternoon Showdowns
The 1 p.m. ET slate is packed with intriguing matchups. The Seattle Seahawks, coming off three consecutive losses, face a formidable Atlanta Falcons offense. With both teams capable of scoring, I anticipate a high-scoring affair, but I’m leaning towards the Falcons, who have the edge at quarterback with Kirk Cousins.
Pick: Falcons 34, Seahawks 30
Next, the Buffalo Bills will look to maintain their momentum against the Tennessee Titans. The Bills are coming off a short week but have shown they can put up points. However, I expect the Titans’ defense to keep this game closer than anticipated.
Pick: Bills 23, Titans 17
In the battle of Ohio, the Cleveland Browns face the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns have struggled offensively, while the Bengals have had their own defensive woes. I’m banking on Joe Burrow to shine and lead the Bengals to victory.
Pick: Bengals 21, Browns 17
Young Quarterbacks Duel: Texans vs. Packers
Another exciting matchup features two promising young quarterbacks, C.J. Stroud and Jordan Love. The Texans are on the road for consecutive games, which is always a tough challenge. I believe the Packers will capitalize on their home advantage and edge out the Texans in a shootout.
Pick: Packers 34, Texans 30
Dolphins vs. Colts: A Battle of Run Games
The Miami Dolphins are coming off a much-needed bye week, while the Indianapolis Colts are fresh off a road victory. With both teams struggling defensively against the run, I see the Colts leveraging their ground game to secure a win.
Pick: Colts 21, Dolphins 17
NFC North Showdown: Vikings vs. Lions
This matchup is crucial for both teams, with the Vikings coming off a bye and the Lions riding high after a blowout win against the Cowboys. Despite the Lions losing key defensive player Aidan Hutchinson, I expect Sam Darnold to connect with Justin Jefferson for a thrilling game. However, I’m siding with the Vikings to take the win.
Pick: Vikings 31, Lions 26
Giants Upset Alert: Eagles vs. Giants
In a surprising twist, the New York Giants are poised for an upset against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Giants’ defense has been solid, and with the Eagles struggling offensively, I believe the Giants will capitalize on their home field advantage.
Pick: Giants 24, Eagles 20
Afternoon Games: Rams vs. Raiders
As we move into the afternoon games, the Los Angeles Rams, coming off a bye, will face the Las Vegas Raiders. The Rams are the superior team, and with Matt Stafford at the helm, I expect them to secure a comfortable victory.
Pick: Rams 27, Raiders 19
Commanders vs. Panthers: A High-Scoring Affair
In a matchup featuring two defenses with issues, I anticipate a shootout between the Washington Commanders and the Carolina Panthers. I’m betting on Jayden Daniels to lead the Commanders to victory as they bounce back from last week’s loss.
Pick: Commanders 35, Panthers 27
Super Bowl Rematch: Chiefs vs. 49ers
The highlight of the week is undoubtedly the Super Bowl rematch between the Chiefs and the 49ers. With the Chiefs coming off a bye and the 49ers struggling defensively, I’m leaning towards the Chiefs to win this tough road game.
Pick: Chiefs 27, 49ers 23
Sunday Night Showdown: Jets vs. Steelers
In the Sunday night game, the New York Jets will face the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the Jets bolstering their offense with the addition of Davante Adams, I believe they will edge out the Steelers, who are grappling with quarterback issues.
Pick: Jets 23, Steelers 17
Monday Night Matchup: Bucs vs. Ravens
Finally, we wrap up the week with a thrilling Monday night matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Baltimore Ravens. Both teams have explosive offenses, but I’m banking on Baker Mayfield to lead the Bucs to victory in a high-scoring affair.
Pick: Bucs 34, Ravens 31
Chargers vs. Cardinals: Road Warriors
The Los Angeles Chargers will be on the road again, this time facing the Arizona Cardinals. With the Chargers’ offense firing on all cylinders and the Cardinals struggling defensively, I expect the Chargers to come away with a decisive win.
Pick: Chargers 27, Cardinals 14
As we dive into Week 7, the excitement is palpable. With so many intriguing matchups and storylines, it’s a great time to be a football fan. Let’s keep the momentum going and enjoy the games!