Week 7 Game Picks

Week 7 Picks

Josh’s Record: 58-31 – (9-5 last week)

Jack’s Record: 53-36 – (10-4 last week)

*Tied Panthers @ Bengals game did not count toward totals.

New York Jets (1-5) @ New England Patriots (4-2) Thursday 8:30 PM

Josh’s Pick: Patriots: Given the short week of preparation, the advantage usually goes to the more talented team. Brady also is 6-0 on Thursday night games and hasn’t lost a divisional game at home during the regular season since 2006, making it 18 straight games; both at least tied for the best mark in NFL history. Geno is proving to be inconsistent this season, and if the Jets want a shot at this game they need to run the ball and exploit the loss of the Patriot’s defensive captain, Jerod Mayo. The Patriots offensive line has also played like a completely different and more fluid unit the last two weeks, and good O-line play will be essential against a strong front seven that the Jets hold. If the offensive line performs the way it has recently, the Patriots should walk away comfortably from this one.  

Jack’s Pick: Patriots: After getting plastered by the Chiefs two weeks ago, the Patriots offense has rebounded very nicely with 80 points in the last two games.  Tom Brady who had people calling for him to be benched after the Chiefs game is coming off a 361 yard 4 TD performance.  He has been connecting well with Gronk and new receiver Brandon LaFell.  The one thing that puts a damper on the last two games is two devastating injuries for the patriots, Jerod Mayo out for the season with a torn patellar tendon and Steven Ridley out for the season with an ACL tear.  Even without those two players they should be able to easily beat the Jets who are on a 5 game losing streak.  They have had a really rough road having faced Rodgers, Cutler, Stafford, Rivers, and Manning in their 5 game losing streak, things won’t get easier as they face Brady at home this week where he is almost unbeatable.  The Jets lineman Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson should be able to cause havoc against a weak Pats line but it won’t be enough to get the job done.  Brady and co. should be able to attack the Jets weak pass D and get a victory. 

Atlanta Falcons (2-4) @ Baltimore Ravens (4-2) Sunday 1:00 PM

Josh’s Pick: Ravens: Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense finally clicked last week when Flacco posted 5 touchdowns in the first seventeen minutes of game play. The Ravens defense is still playing up to the talent displayed on their roster and Atlanta has been in a free fall since week 3 when it looked like a dominant force in the NFL. The Falcons defense isn’t making stops and I am never confident behind taking Matt Ryan on the road. This game has the potential to go both ways if the Falcons play their best football but I am sticking with the Ravens to take the home win.

Jack’s pick: Ravens: Ravens went off last week against Tampa with Joe Flacco throwing 5 TD's in the first half alone. Atlanta's defense has been terrible so far and Matt Ryan is generally bad on the road, so the Ravens are an easy pick at home. 

Minnesota Vikings (2-4) @ Buffalo Bills (3-3) Sunday 1:00 PM

Josh’s Pick: Vikings: Last week we saw both of these teams struggle in their games (the Vikings against the Lions and the Bills against the Patriots). Teddy Bridgewater, the rookie quarterback for the Vikings, is still a major variable in this prediction. He lit up the Falcons for over 300 yards, looked mobile in the pocket, excellent decision making and touch on the ball. In his game against Lions he faced a fierce pass rush and ended the day throwing three interceptions. Buffalo is known for having a defense that holds and excellent pass rush, headlined by superstar Mario Williams, however last week we witnessed Brady get a majority of perfect pockets on his drop backs and pressure wasn’t a factor in the game. If Buffalo can’t get to the quarterback like they did last week I believe the trio of Greg Jennings, Jarius Wright, and Corderelle Patterson will get open to pave the way for a win for Teddy Bridgewater and the Vikings.

Jack’s pick: Buffalo: This game should be interesting, mainly because I'm going to be in attendance. Let's go bills! Teddy Bridgewater has been inconsistent in his few starts so far and the Bills have been playing surprisingly well as of late. Expect a big game from Sammy Watkins on the way to a win. 

Miami Dolphins (2-3) @ Chicago Bears (3-3) Sunday 1:00 PM

Josh’s Pick: Bears: The Bears are pumped up after a tough road win against the Falcons and know they have a very tough opponent coming in this week as the Dolphins were really one well coached defensive drive away from upsetting the Packers. When the Bears play up to the talent they have on their offense, they are one of the best units in football. If they are able to control the tempo and shut down Lamar Miller and the Miami run game, they should be in a prime opportunity to control the pace of the game and turn the game into a high scoring one. Miami does have a great defense, but it is hard for any team to match up with the three tall freaks of nature that the Bears boast in Alshon Jeffery, Martellous Bennett and Brandon Marshall. Miami doesn’t have the offensive firepower to win this game in my opinion unless Cutler makes some untimely mistakes.

Jack’s pick: Bears: Miami played a great game only to lose in the final seconds on a TD pass from Aaron Rodgers. Chicago's offense torched the Falcons last week on the road and are coming back home. Cutler and his myriad of offensive weapons should be able to put up points on this Dolphins defense.

New Orleans Saints (2-3) @ Detroit Lions (4-2) Sunday 1:00 PM

Josh’s Pick: Lions: When I first looked at this game I was going to pick the Saints because they are coming off a bye and have been a successful team in recent years with a rather unsuccessful record at this point in the season. However, in his career Sean Payton only has a .600 winning percentage in games after byes and let’s also not forget the struggles that the Saints exhibit on the road the last two seasons. They usually score two touchdowns less and give up one touchdown more compared to when they play at home. As for the Lions, I have been late to join their defensive hype, but they are playing phenomenal football. They have allowed the least amount of points in the NFL (82) and haven't had their bye yet. Their front seven forces quarterbacks to force ill-advised throws or take sacks. On offense Golden Tate is quietly the most efficient receiver in football, catching over 70% of his targets from Stafford and is truly looking like the complimentary receiver that Detroit has been hunting for since they drafted Calvin Johnson. If this game becomes a bit of a shootout, unless the Saints did some serious fine tuning to their defense, I am giving the last bullet to Stafford and the Lions to take the home game.

Jack’s pick: Lions: Saints defense has been bad lately, and they have been especially bad on the road. Things won't get easy with the Lions who have been playing good especially after solving their kicking issues. This may be close because NO is coming off their bye week but I see the Lions getting it done. 

Carolina Panthers (3-2-1) @ Green Bay Packers (4-2) Sunday 1:00 PM

Josh’s Pick: Packers: This game would be a bit more interesting if it was being played as a home game for the Panthers. I am trusting Aaron Rodgers and the weapons he has on offense to perform at the level that is almost expected of them every week. Rookie wide receiver Devante Adams is making smart plays for the Pack and seems to be incorporated more into this offense that already holds two pro-bowl caliber receivers in Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson. If Adams continues his accelerating play level, then Rodgers will have three solid and smart receivers at his disposal every game. Despite Cam and the Panthers locking down the home win, they won’t be able to play to their ground and pound strengths as Jonathan Stewart is the only running back suiting up this game. If the Panthers want to win this game they have to be able to control the clock and keep Rodgers on the sideline. As we saw last week if you give Rodgers one too many shots to win or be in a game, he is going to make the most of them.

Jack’s Pick: Packers: Last year, the panthers had one of the most dominant defenses in the league on the way to a 13-3 record. This year it has been anything but allowing 61 points the last two games. Aaron Rodgers has been on fire as of recently and has been tearing secondaries apart. Rodgers should have a big day against the secondary on the way to a win. 

Cincinnati Bengals (3-1-1) @ Indianapolis Colts (4-2) Sunday 1:00 PM

Josh’s Pick: Colts: After a great home win against the AFC North Ravens two weeks ago, I am looking for the Colts to redeem their early season back to back losses to high caliber teams and beat the Bengals to have their reputation as a contending team solidified. AJ Green is listed as doubtful, and since it is a toe injury, even if he played he would be a bit hobbled. The Bengals also lost their third wide receiver, Marvin Jones, for the year as he was just moved to IR this last week. The Colts defense has been progressively improving throughout the season and takes a lot more heat for the team’s flaws then is actually deserved. Andrew Luck is playing like one of the top five quarterbacks in the league every week and is already having one of the best starts to his season as a pro. With the lack of weapons and prevalence of injuries on the Bengals offense I believe the Colts defense holds well and leads to a victory for the Colts.

Jack’s pick: Colts: This pick is tough because these are two of the best teams in the AFC. Cincy is coming off two bad games in a row, giving up 80 points in two games. Since they are without their best weapon AJ Green I think they’re going to have trouble scoring enough points to keep up with Luck and the Colts offense. 

Cleveland Browns (3-2) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (0-6) Sunday 1:00 PM

Josh’s Pick: Browns: Aside from the Cowboys, the Browns had the most impressive win to me last Sunday. They dominated an age old divisional rival by playing an efficient offensive game plan and shutting down Pittsburgh’s stars for a great defensive performance as well. The Jaguars and the Raiders equally share the title of the worst team in the NFL and through what they have shown up to week 7, it is not inconceivable that at least one of them could go completely defeated this season (0-16). I expect Hoyer to have another solid game through the air against one of the worst secondaries in the NFL. This will open up holes for Ben Tate and Crowell in the ground game and lead to another manageable victory for the Browns. One small piece of concern for the Browns is that they have to deal with is the loss of their all-world center Alex Mack for the season. It will be interesting how much his loss effects the fluidity of their offense in this game. Regardless I think they win against the Jags.

Jack’s pick: Browns: Cleveland has been a big surprise this season and they killed the Steelers last week. While Blake Bortles looks promising, he is far from ready and the Browns should be able to get this one on the road. 

Seattle Seahawks (4-2) @ St. Louis Rams (1-4) Sunday 1:00 PM

Josh’s Pick: Seahawks: Hard to believe that a Rams defense with 53 sacks last year only holds one this year, and that last year’s sack leader Robert Quinn, doesn’t even have that one sack. The loss of Chris Long early this season is proving to be more impactful than expected. If this trend of not getting to the quarterback continues, they are in for a long day against this Seattle offense. Look for the Hawks to run Marshawn Lynch as he only totaled 10 touches in the loss to Dallas. If the defending champs can get Lynch rolling, they will diffuse any sort of a pass rush that the Rams had anyways and will be able to control the pace of the game as well as abiding to their game plan.

Jack’s pick: Seahawks: Seattle is coming off a rough loss to the Cowboys and St. Louis looked great in the first half against the Niners. Seattle just lost one of their biggest weapons in Percy Harvin but they are going to look to bounce back after playing their worst game of the year. What they need to do is run the ball. They keep going away from Marshawn Lynch in games and it ends up costing them. If they get Marshawn carries they will easily win this game. 

Tennessee Titans (2-4) @ Washington Redskins (1-5) Sunday 1:00 PM

Josh’s Pick: Redskins: It’s been a rough first six weeks for both of these clubs, however I see Washington getting the edge here. The Redskins have more talent on offense to compete with a spotty but still decent Titans defense. Desean Jackson looked like a game changer last week against a highly talented Cardinals secondary, and his speed could be the difference in his matchup with either Cody Sensabaugh or Jason McCourty. The Titans also lost their starting safety Bernard Pollard a few weeks ago and it could be hard to cover Pierre Garcon, Andre Roberts, Roy Helu Jr. and the medley of tightends they use each week. The ‘Skins defense isn’t exactly terrific but they will be facing unproven pros on the other side of the ball such as Charlie Whitehurst, Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter. This game could ultimately go either way but the inconsistency of the players on offense for the Titans makes me chose the Redskins to win their home game.

Jack’s pick: Redskins: The skins are coming of a rough loss to the Cardinals with Kirk Cousins throwing 2 crucial late game interceptions. Titans barely eeked out a win over the winless Jags. Washington's offensive weapons should be able to out gun Tennessee's anemic offense for a win. 

Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) @ San Diego Chargers (5-1) Sunday 4:05 PM

Josh’s Pick: Chargers: It’s hard not to take the Chiefs off the bye with Andy Reid holding a career 13-2 record after byes. That isn’t to be over looked but the Chargers are also one of the best teams in the league when they play at home and are statistically one of the most balanced teams in the league showing great offensive and defensive strength. The Chiefs will look to force the ball into the hands of Jamaal Charles via air and ground as he averages 5.7 yards per touch, the highest in the NFL (minimum 300 touches). However I am sure the Chargers will be aware of this and have him taken out of the game (through coverage and planning to stop the run). Ultimately I trust the versatility of the of Chargers offense to take this win in a very close divisional matchup. Phillip Rivers is playing great football and this is also a small redemption game for ex-chief cornerback Brandon Flowers, who I bet will own his matchup (whoever it may be).

Jack’s pick: Chargers: Chargers almost just lost to the lowly Raiders but they still are one of the best teams in the league. Playing at Kansas City will be a tough test but Phil Rivers and co. should get it done. 

New York Giants (3-3) @ Dallas Cowboys (5-1) Sunday 4:25 PM

Josh’s Pick: Cowboys: I am a bit skeptical making this pick because often after a big win (as the Cowboys would classify their victory over Seattle, in Seattle) the focus on next game is a little lost. I hope Jason Garrett and the Cowboys coaching staff took this week just as seriously, because when this team plays its best football, they just proved they can beat some of the best teams in the NFL. The Giants on the other hand were a mess against the eagles allowing seven sacks and a true inefficiency on offense getting completely shut out. Not exactly the performance you want going into a game against the hottest team in football. LeSean McCoy shredded the G-Men last week and I expect the same from Demarco Murray and the offensive line of the cowboys. Losing Victor Cruz for the season should also have an immediate impact on the Giants and I would not be “shell-shocked” if Eli puts together another sparse performance.

Jack’s pick: Cowboys: No one expected Dallas to be 5-1, especially after going into Seattle but they have been one of the best teams in football through 6 games. Giants let Eagles RB and backup level interior offensive lineman run wild last Sunday night. Demarco Murray and the Cowboys dominant offensive line are going to have a huge day against the Giants run D. 

Arizona Cardinals (4-1) @ Oakland Raiders (0-5) Sunday 4:25 PM

Josh’s Pick: Cardinals: Despite Oakland coming close to beating the Chargers last week, they are still one of the worst teams in football. Arizona has proven it can easily beat the bad teams on its schedule and I expect an executable game plan by Bruce Arians going into this one. The Raiders will be operating under Tony Sparano again so the influence of a new coach could provide another spark for the silver and black. In the end though this is one of the easier picks of the week.

Jack’s pick: Cardinals: Cardinals are coming off a solid win over the Redskins and the Raiders just played their best game of the season with a 31-28 loss to the Chargers. Oakland's offense while good last week hasn't been consistent enough and should have problems with the Cardinals defense. 

San Francisco 49ers (4-2) @ Denver Broncos (4-1) Sunday 8:30 PM

Josh’s Pick: Broncos: If you look at the teams that the 49ers have beaten (Cowboys, Eagles and Chiefs), they all quality quarterbacks in Romo, Foles and Smith. However, I believe the Broncos are another animal on offense, especially when playing at home. Manning has too many versatile receivers who can make plays after the catch. The 49ers will also be without Patrick Willis once again which only mean positive things for Broncos ground game (and passing game as well). One of the key matchups of the day will be Julius Thomas versus rangy safety Eric Reid. If Reid plays up to the level that his coaching staff raves about him, the 49ers have a shot in this one. However the problems for the 49ers lay more in the offensive domain, and Denver has been a very elite unit this year on defense, as they should be given the amount of talent they loaded onto their roster this offseason. The game will come down to whether Kaepernick and the Niners offense can keep pace with Manning and the Broncos, and I see Kaep and friends falling short.

Jack’s pick: Broncos: The Niners have been playing well as of later after starting 1-2, but Denver has been on a roll as well. For the Niners to win against the Broncos Kaepernick has to be mistake free, and I don't trust him to do so. Broncos will get some points off turnovers and get a win at home. 

Houston Texans (3-3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3) Monday Night 8:30 PM

Josh’s Pick: Steelers: The Steelers have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the 2014 season. However I look for that inconsistency to continue (on a week by week basis) and I believe they turn in a positive outing against the Texans. The key to the Steelers offense is getting the run game going to open up passing lanes and give Big Ben time in the pocket. The Texans have struggled against the run this season and I look for Le’Veon Bell to have a good game against this subpar Texans rush defense. I also still don’t trust Ryan Fitzpatrick in primetime battling a Dick Lebeau defense.

Jack’s pick: Steelers: Pittsburgh has not been playing well lately but I think they will have a bounce back game in prime time. Without a solid slot corner, Antonio Brown should be able to get loose and make some big plays in the passing game. I also just don't trust Ryan Fitzpatrick to steal a game from the Steelers on the road.