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Only two teams will be on a bye during Week 7, leaving us with a busy schedule across the NFL. There are also some great matchups, including when the Packers host the Texans.
Each week of the NFL season, I’ll share my picks for each game and rank their selections for those who play in a format that requires it. The games will be grouped into locks, semi-confident picks, and toss-ups. The number listed next to the game shows my confidence level, counting down to my least confident pick. The winner picks are italicized.
Some weeks, you may see a subcategory of “Wait and See” because some platforms require all games to be selected before the kickoff of Thursday Night Football. There may still be some injury questions for Sunday and Monday games. If that’s the case, I’ll leave those games off to the side and suggest where they should be placed if a player is in or out. Let’s get to our Week 7 picks.
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Week 7 NFL Pick'em Pool Locks
The number listed next to the game shows my confidence level, counting down to my least-confident pick. The higher the number, the better. The winner picks are italicized.
- 15 – Washington vs. Carolina
- 14 - Buffalo vs. Tennessee
The Commanders held their own on the road against the Ravens in Week 6 but ultimately lost to drop their record to 4-2. They are 2-0 at home, which is where they will take on the Panthers this week. The Panthers are 1-5 and have been outscored by 100 points this season. The Commanders should be able to win this matchup convincingly.
The Titans are 1-4 and are a mess on offense. Will Levis threw for just 95 yards against the Colts last week and has been intercepted seven times this season. The Bills just bolstered their wide receiver group by trading for Amari Cooper, but even if he doesn’t play this week, they should easily dispatch the Titans on the strength of their vastly superior offense.
Peyton Manning: "Throw it away! Throw it away!"
Josh Allen completed the pass anyway 😳@OmahaProd pic.twitter.com/q0znjCWY37
— ESPN (@espn) October 15, 2024
Semi-Confident Picks For Week 7 Pick'em Pools
13 – Cincinnati at Cleveland
The Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive with a win over the Giants last week. Now, they will face a 1-5 Browns team that has already started to dismantle its roster with the Cooper trade. Even with him in the fold, the Browns only averaged 15.8 points per game. Divisional road games are never easy, but the Bengals should come out of this matchup with a victory.
12 – Los Angeles Rams vs. Las Vegas
The Raiders also dealt their top wide receiver this week, sending Davante Adams to the Jets. The Raiders have scored 20 or fewer points in three straight games and that streak will be difficult to break with Adams no longer in the picture. Also working in the Rams’ favor for this matchup is that they are well-rested coming off their bye week.
11 – Philadelphia at New York Giants
Just when the Giants offensive line was playing well, they lost star left tackle Andrew Thomas (foot) for the season. Potentially getting Malik Nabers (concussion) back would provide a significant boost for their offense, but this matchup brings the Saquon Barkley revenge narrative to the forefront. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are also back from injuries. The Giants have averaged just 16.0 points per game, so keeping pace with the Eagles will be difficult.
"I don't have to prove anything to them. Whether I have 300 yards or 10 yards, as long as we win...I don't have that big of pride or ego. There's no hate over there."
Saquon Barkley talks about playing the Giants for the first time: pic.twitter.com/d8qnwmH6FA
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) October 16, 2024
10 – Denver at New Orleans
The strength of the Broncos has been their defense, which has allowed just 16.0 points per game. They have allowed just five passing touchdowns while also generating five interceptions. Expect them to cause plenty of problems for Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who was picked off twice in his debut against the Buccaneers last week.
9 – Atlanta vs. Seattle
The Falcons have strung together three straight wins after starting the season 1-2. Their offense has led the way, scoring at least 26 points in all three games. The Seahawks also have a potent offense, but their defense has given up 25.0 points per game.
NFL Pick'em Toss-Ups Of Week 7
8 – Baltimore at Tampa Bay
The Ravens look like one of the best teams in the league, but the Buccaneers have also played well on their way to a 4-2 start. What makes this game a bit of a toss-up for me is how poorly the Ravens have defended the pass. They have allowed the second-most passing yards per game in the league. Baker Mayfield has totaled nine touchdown passes over his last three games for the Buccaneers.
7 – Jacksonville vs. New England
The Jaguars are a mess, so it’s tough to have much faith in them. However, the Patriots are probably in even worse shape. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye helped spice up their offense last week, but he was also picked off twice and lost a fumble. The Jaguars still have more weapons on offense than the Patriots do, especially with Evan Engram back.
6 – Indianapolis vs. Miami
Anthony Richardson (oblique) is expected to start this game, which might not be a good thing for the Colts. Their offense looked much better with Joe Flacco under center, scoring 54 points over the last two games. Still, the Dolphins are a mess without Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). They have scored a total of 30 points over the last three games without him.
5 – Kansas City at San Francisco
Will this finally be the week that the Chiefs lose a game? Their offense has been hampered by injuries to their top players, but they still have Patrick Mahomes and a defense that has allowed just 17.0 points per game. If Jordan Mason (shoulder) can’t play for the 49ers, they could struggle to score.
4 – Green Bay vs. Houston
This should be a fun game. The Texans are 5-1 and the Packers are 4-2. Both quarterbacks are playing well with C.J. Stroud and Jordan Love totaling seven touchdown passes in Week 6. I’ll give a slight edge to the Packers since they will be at home and the Texans are missing Nico Collins (hamstring), but don’t be surprised if the Texans pull out the road victory.
just an unreal, absolutely ridiculous throw on fourth down. jordan love is special pic.twitter.com/4a329rsTDs
— Zachary Jacobson (@zacobson) October 14, 2024
3 – Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona
The Cardinals are 2-4 with their defense allowing 27.2 points per game. The Chargers have only averaged 18.2 points per game in their run-heavy offensive scheme, but their defense leads the league by allowing an average of just 13.2 points per game. Slight lean here toward the Chargers, but if Kyler Murray gets hot, the Chargers offense might struggle to keep pace.
2 – New York Jets at Pittsburgh
The Jets’ passing attack could be lethal with Adams now in the fold. He brings yet another trusted option for Aaron Rodgers and is planning to make his debut this week after missing the last three games for the Raiders with a hamstring injury. This will be a difficult first test for them on the road against the Steelers, who will likely be making a change at quarterback with Russell Wilson taking over for Justin Fields.
1 – Detroit at Minnesota
The Vikings have shocked the league by starting 5-0. They also have the advantage of coming into this matchup off their bye week. The Lions have won three games in a row and scored at least 42 points in back-to-back games. This should be a fun game to watch, but picking the winner is a headache. The Lions being locked in on offense could be the difference-maker.
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