NFL Picks, Week 7

According to DraftKings sportsbook, The New York Jets square off as 7 point underdogs against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Sunday. The Jets have not won a game in Foxborough since their thrilling 28 - 21 trouncing of the Patriots in the divisional round of the 2010 playoffs. That seems like eons ago. Since then Tom Brady and friends have routinely dispatched the Jets in Foxborough, usually pretty handily. However, Tom Brady is no longer a Patriot, and the Patriots are no longer AFC East champions, or even a playoff team. The gap has narrowed between these two franchises, but there is still a gap. The Patriots still have Bill Belichick, and that alone is reason to worry. On the other hand, the Patriots are an unthinkable 0-4 at home this year, so it’s not like they’re invincible in Foxboro any longer. Could the Jets make that 0-5? Sure, it’s possible, but it’s not the way to bet. Much as it pains me, I think the Patriots continue their dominance over the Jets in Foxborough one more year. If Zach Wilson develops into some semblance of what we all hope for by next year, then all bets are off. But for now, this one looks like a Patriots win.

Here are my picks for the rest of the NFL matchups this week. These picks are just a simple who wins the game deal. Odds do not factor in. DISCLAIMER: This is just for fun. I make no claims to actually being any good at this. Anyone who chooses to bet according to my picks will likely prove the old maxim, a fool and his money are soon parted.

SUNDAY 1 PM GAMES

Washington Football Team at Green Bay Packers. The Football Team’s supposedly elite defense has been missing in action all year. Playing on the road against an Aaron Rodgers led offense isn’t likely to change that. Packers over the Football Team.

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have won five straight, but they are beat up and their pass defense has had some struggles this year. The Bengals have a well balanced offense and a very good run defense, matching up well against the Ravens’ run oriented offense. Upset special as the Bengals shock the Ravens in Baltimore and enter the conversation about the NFL’s elite teams.

Kansas City Chiefs at Tennessee Titans. The Chiefs have unexpectedly struggled this year. They’ve turned the ball over more than any team in the NFL on offense and they feature one of the league’s worst run defenses. That’s no way to beat a Titans team featuring the unstoppable Derrick Henry at running back. Another upset special as Derrick Henry leads the Titans over the Chiefs.

Carolina Panthers at New York Giants. After a nice start to the season, Sam Darnold has turned back into a pumpkin just in time for Halloween. However, The Giants feature their own pumpkin at quarterback in Danial Jones. In a battle of bad quarterbacks I’ll take the team with the better defense and running game. Panthers over the Giants.

Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins. After a stunning opening day victory over the New England Patriots in Foxborough, the 1-5 Dolphins have completely disintegrated. This is a team that is bottom 3 in the NFL on offense and on defense. They can’t run the ball, but they balance that with their inability to pass the ball. One of these days some team is going to take them too lightly and the Dolphins will get another win. Some day, but not this Sunday. Falcons over the Dolphins.

SUNDAY LATE AFTERNOON GAMES

Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams. These two teams swapped quarterbacks before the 2021 NFL season. The Rams got Matthew Stafford. The Lions got Jared Goff. Checkmate, Rams. Rams over the Lions.

Philadelphia Eagles at Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders are in turmoil after the abrupt departure of head coach Jon Gruden. The Eagles have been in turmoil for a year and a half. I’ll take the team with the better quarterback and leading the NFL in not turning the ball over. Raiders over the Eagles.

Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bears feature a struggling rookie quarterback leading the NFL’s worst offense on the road. Buccaneers feature an all time great quarterback leading the NFL’s best passing offense at home. This one could get ugly. Buccaneers over Da Bears.

Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals. Arguably the best team in the NFL at home against one of the worst teams in the NFL on the road. This one could also get ugly. Cardinals remain the NFL’s only undefeated team over the Texans.

SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

Indianapolis Colts at San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers have been a tough team to figure. When their defense has excelled, their offense has struggled. When their offense has excelled, their defense has struggled. They need to put together a complete game. Meanwhile, the Colts have struggled a bit, but Carson Wentz is quietly putting together a nice comeback year at quarterback, Jonathan Taylor is dominating at running back, and the Colts defense is generating a lot of turnovers. Colts over the 49ers in an upset special.

MONDAY NIGHT GAME

New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks feature the NFL’s worst defense, and now that Geno Smith is at the helm, they also feature one of the NFL’s worst offenses. The Saints are not the same team without Drew Brees, but Alvin Kamara, Jameis Winston and friends should be more than enough to defeat this moribund Seahawks team. Saints over the Seahawks.