NFL WEEK 7 PREDICTIONS & BEST BETS

NFL WEEK 7

Congratulations to our NFL Survivor Pool Winner Keithjudd11 for winning the first ever Sizzlin Sports Survivor Pool! Can we give some kudos to the Arizona Cardinals? The Cardinals were responsible for knocking out 17 of the 34 contestants, with their week one win versus the Chargers and week 6 win vs the Rams. Both of these games took place in SoFi Stadium. Maybe the Cardinals should move to LA? The Titans were also able to get their first win of the season, knocking off the Colts in Indianapolis.

Is it just me, or does the NFL seem very mid this year? Sure, the Niners and Chiefs are undefeated, but I wouldn’t be surprised if either of those teams ended with at least 3-5 losses each by the end of the season. It might be the fact that the entire league has a fumble problem (albeit some teams more than most… seahawks… cough cough). This year, NFL games have averaged 2.5 fumbles per game compared to last year's rate of 1.97. Did somebody change the balls? The NFL has had some internal discussions about allowing players to coat their arms with baby oil in 2027, but that doesn’t explain why teams are fumbling at an increased rate this year.

My hypothesis is that we’re starting to see the effects of the spread and heavy pass offenses begin to take their toll in the high school, college and NFL levels. Ball security isn’t as preached as it used to be when teams were running Power I and Wing T offenses, so less and less teams are drilling their players in the importance of ball security. Gone are the days of runnin’ a mile if you fumble (shout out to Herman Boone) the football. The Seahawks fumbled twice in their loss to the 49ers, with each fumble giving the Niners the ball inside the Seahawks own 20, with one fumble occurring in the end zone, which the 49ers recovered for an immediate score. The Niners were able to capitalize on the other fumble as well, resulting in 14 points off turnovers. As someone who loves fundamentals, I hope teams bring back the importance of ball security. Until then, perhaps it’s time to take a team's fumble rate per game into account when we make our bets.

Thursday, October 22

New England Patriots (4-2) @ Chicago Bears (4-2)

Weather: 60° (Soldier Field)

Odds: CHI -3 | Total: 50.5

Analysis: The Bears were in full swing with Caleb Williams back at QB, rolling the Falcons in the Dirty South. Meanwhile, the Pats are starting to roll and look like the team that dominated the AFC last year, as they handled the Jets fairly easily at home. Drake Maye looks comfortable in the pocket and doesn’t seem to be rushed like the first couple of weeks. Caleb Williams FINALLY targeted Colston Loveland and the Bears offense looks dynamic again. While both teams feature potent offenses, the defense have held their own. This game is a toss up, so I’ll roll with the home team.

Score: Bears 27, Pats 24

THE SIZZLE — BEST BET: Bears Moneyline

Sunday, October 25

Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) @ New Orleans Saints (2-4)

Weather: N/A (Stade de France - Paris Game)

Odds: PIT -3 | Total: 44.5

Analysis: The Steelers were able to come back and rally vs the Bucs while the Saints held off a fierce rally from the JJ McCarthy led Giants. Now, both teams head to Paris for the NFLs first ever game in France. Kinda fitting that the Saints are the first team to play in France considering the creole connection. The Saints will need to channel the power of Joan of Arc if they want to beat the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers. Considering the recent political turmoil taking place in the streets of Paris, give me the Steelers in this one. In actuality, I expect the Steelers offense to run the ball and control the game effectively.

Score: Steelers 27, Saints 19

THE SIZZLE — BEST BET: Steelers Moneyline

San Francisco 49ers (5-0) @ Atlanta Falcons (2-4)

Weather: Dome (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

Odds: SF -4.5 | Total: 50.5

Analysis: At some point the dam has to break on the Niners. Once again, they are faced with a multitude of injuries on both sides of the ball. However, a healthy Brock Purdy and Fred Warner go a long way. The Falcons continue to struggle against elite teams and the score vs the Bears last week was a lot closer than the actual game indicated. The Niners have to lose at some point and I think this is the week considering it’s a short week and they have to travel all the way across the country and play in the early window.

Score: ATL 27, SF 23

THE SIZZLE — BEST BET: ATL +4.5

Cleveland Browns (4-2) @ Tennessee Titans (1-5)

Weather: 65° (Nissan Stadium)

Odds: CLE -1.5 | Total: 38.5

Analysis: It will be interesting to see how the Titans respond to their first win of the season. Meanwhile, the Browns are in first place in the AFC North this late in the year for the first time since week 10 of the 2014 NFL season. This will be a defensive struggle with the Browns pulling away late.

Score: CLE 20, TEN 13

THE SIZZLE — BEST BET: CLE MONEYLINE

Indianapolis Colts (2-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (5-0)

Weather: Dome (U.S. Bank Stadium)

Odds: MIN -5.5 | Total: 41.5

Analysis: The Colts fired their GM as a response to the ugly loss to the Titans on Sunday. Was the ownership group upset that he signed Daniel Jones to an extension? It kind of seems like an odd firing to take place in the middle of season, especially when the trade deadline is approaching. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, the Vikings were able to take a nice break in the purifying waters of Lake Minnetonka thinking about their undefeated record. Usually teams respond with wins when teams fire their coaches. I’m not sure how the Colts will respond to their GM being fired. Gimme da Colts +5.5

Score: Vikings 24, Colts 20

THE SIZZLE — BEST BET: Colts +5.5, Over 41.5

Miami Dolphins (0-5) @ New York Jets (2-4)

Weather: 57° (MetLife Stadium)

Odds: NYJ -4.5 | Total: 38.5

Analysis: The Jets better be on full alert for the Dolphins this Sunday. The Dolphins come in off their bye week, and you can guarantee Jeff Hafley and co spent the entire time game planning for this game. Or at least I would. Then again I don’t live in Miami and have access to the worlds best night clubs. If the Jets want to salvage their season in any shape or form, then they will need to win this game. I expect Miami to have a few exotic blitz packages lined up for Geno Smith. Give me the Fins in an upset.

Score: MIA 24, NYJ 20

THE SIZZLE — BEST BET: MIA +4.5

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-5) @ Carolina Panthers (3-2)

Weather: 57° (Bank of America Stadium)

Odds: CAR -3 | Total: 44.5

Analysis: Tampa Bay almost pulled off the upset vs the Steelers while the Panthers were able to assert their dominance in Philly versus a depleted Eagles squad. It will be interesting to see if Baker Mayfield suits up. However, I don’t think it will matter.

Score: Panthers 27, TB 20

THE SIZZLE — BEST BET: Panthers Moneyline

Cincinnati Bengals (3-2) @ Baltimore Ravens (4-2)

Weather: 56° (M&T Bank Stadium)

Odds: BAL -3 | Total: 51.5

Analysis: The Ravens were unable to beat Cleveland, losing on a last second field goal to move to 2nd place in the AFC North. The Bengals had a bye week and I expect they used that time to come up with a game plan for either Lamar Jackson or Tyler Huntley. Regardless of who is at QB, I like the rested Bengals to come out firing on all cylinders and handle the Ravens in Baltimore. This is my upset of the week.

Score: Bengals 24, Ravens 20

THE SIZZLE — BEST BET: Bengals +3

New York Giants (3-2-1) @ Houston Texans (2-4)

Weather: Dome (Reliant Stadium)

Odds: HOU -9.5 | Total: 42.5

Analysis: Don’t look now, but the Texans have won two in a row… Barring a major collapse from Jacksonville, I don’t expect the Texans to win the AFC South, but that win vs the Jaguars gives them a fighting chance. The Giants on the other hand lost and remained in first place in the NFC East because so did every other team. Is it safe to say the NFC East is the worst division in football? I think so. We’ll see how well JJ McCarthy does against one of the best pass rushes in football. I don’t think it will go well. Sorry Giants fans.

Score: Texans 31, Giants 13

THE SIZZLE — BEST BET: Houston -9.5

Denver Broncos (4-2) @ Arizona Cardinals (2-4)

Weather: Dome (State Farm Stadium)

Odds: DEN -4.5 | Total: 43.5

Analysis: The Cardinals were able to limit the Rams offense by controlling the time of possession and walked away with their second win at SoFi stadium this year. Unfortunately, they don’t have anymore games there this year. Unlike the Rams, the Broncos defense is a lot more stiff and it will be interesting to see if Vance Joseph can scheme something up vs the Cardinals to make sure they don’t use the same game plan against them. The only bad thing about upsets is that the teams you’re playing against the next week tend to have a higher alert for you. I think the Broncos will be focused and will be ridin on a horse by the name of Bo Nix.

Score: Broncos 26, Cardinals 21

THE SIZZLE — BEST BET: Over 43.5 (Best Bet of the Week)

Green Bay Packers (4-2) @ Detroit Lions (3-2)

Weather: Dome (Ford Field)

Odds: DET -3 | Total: 52.5

Analysis: These two teams are rolling. Or are they? Green Bay has won two in a row, but i’m not buying it. Their two wins came against the Caleb Williams less Bears and the Cowboys, who seem to look worse and worse by the week at home. Meanwhile, the Lions sat idle but the week before dismantled the Cardinals in the desert. Detroit's bye week provided ample time to generate a game plan vs the Packers, and I think Detroit will benefit from it greatly. As long as Dan Campbell doesn’t go full Dan Campbell, the Lions should come out on top.

Score: Lions 27, Packers 20

THE SIZZLE — BEST BET: Lions Moneyline

Los Angeles Rams (2-4) @ Las Vegas Raiders (3-3)

Weather: Dome (Allegiant Stadium)

Odds: LAR -5.5 | Total: 47.5

Analysis: I’m sure the Raiders fans out there totally predicted they would have a better record than the Rams at this point in the season… Yikes. I mean… what is going on in LA? This season is the ultimate example of why they play the game on the field and not on paper. If the Rams lose this week, it’s safe to say their season is done. Meanwhile, the Raiders have quietly lost 3 in a row. Klint Kubiak knows the Rams well and I expect him to come up with a similar game plan Arizona had last week vs the Rams. Give me the Raiders!

Score: Raiders 23, Rams 20

THE SIZZLE — BEST BET: Raiders +5.5

Kansas City Chiefs (5-0) @ Seattle Seahawks (3-3)

Weather: 57° (Lumen Field)

Odds: SEA -2.5 | Total: 42.5

Analysis: Just like the Rams, the Seahawks haven’t played to their lofty expectations and it doesn’t get easier, when the Kansas City Chiefs come to town. However, the Seahawks do expect Zach Charbonnet to start and play. Meanwhile, a familiar face lines up for KC at the running back position. Kenneth Walker III has been nothing short of mvp worthy in the first 6 weeks for the Chiefs. His ability and skillset has allowed Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense to become more dynamic and not one dimensional like the Chiefs offense looked the last couple of years. I expect the Seahawks to be amped up and fully rested with the help of the mini bye week they got from playing last Thursday. It will be interesting to see if Walker can penetrate the wall that is Seattle’s defensive line. He might get a couple, but I don’t think it’s going to be a fun night for him. Give me the Hawks baby!

Score: Seahawks 24, Chiefs 13 THE SIZZLE — BEST BET: Seahawks Moneyline

Monday, October 26

Dallas Cowboys (2-4) @ Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)

Weather: 60° (Lincoln Financial Field)

Odds: DAL -4.5 | Total: 44.5

Analysis: Ladies and Gentleman… we have a mid-off. Every year it seems like America is forced to watch two sub 500 NFC East Teams in the primetime slot at the midway point of the season. To be fair, the Eagles did not expect Jalen Hurts to have blood clots (scary!?) throughout his whole body. Meanwhile, Dak broke up with his boo and is now hearing boos from Cowboys fans. I guess Dallas has more starters playing so give me the Cowboys.

Score: Cowboys 23, Eagles 10

THE SIZZLE — BEST BET: Under 44.5