Week 7 Is Here: Let’s Keep This Thing Rolling!

Week 7 is here, and we’re back at it!

I had another week above .500, just by a couple of games, but we’ll take it! I went 8–6 last week, which brings my overall record to 51–41–1 on the year.

I’ve had the flu this week and am still dealing with it, but I knew I had to get this written for y’all!

We should have another exciting week of games. We do have a few teams on bye this week: the Bills, Jaguars, Chargers, and Commanders. But we still have plenty of great matchups to get into, so let’s not waste any more time!

Thursday Night Football

Bears (4–2) vs. Patriots (4–2)

Prediction: Bears 24–21

We’ve got a matchup between two of the best young quarterbacks in the game: Caleb Williams and Drake Maye. Both are coming off wins last week, and the Patriots have finally found their groove after a rough start.

This could be an offensive showing, as the Bears average 406 yards per game and the Patriots average 352. Both teams run the ball well, averaging at least 4.2 yards per carry.

Neither team allows many rushing yards per game, with both giving up around 90. However, the Bears do allow 4.5 yards per carry, which could bode well for the Patriots and their offense.

Caleb had a great game in his first game back from his hamstring injury, throwing for over 300 yards and a touchdown. He also had just six incompletions. I expect him to carry that momentum into tonight’s game against the Patriots.

New England hasn’t allowed a 300-yard passing game, so Williams might not hit that mark again, but I still think he’ll have a good game.

I think this will be a back-and-forth matchup that comes down to which defense can make that final stop. But I do think the Bears pull out a close win, 24–21.

Paris International Series

Steelers (4–2) vs. Saints (2–4)

Prediction: Steelers 21–14

We’ve got a showdown in Paris this week between the Steelers and Saints! Both teams are coming off wins last week.

We have two offenses averaging over 335 yards per game. The Steelers run the ball well, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, while the Saints give up 138 rushing yards per game on 4.8 yards per carry.

I’d expect Pittsburgh to run the ball against New Orleans with Jaylen Warren, especially since the Saints allow the most rushing yards and touchdowns to running backs. Warren could be in for a big game.

The Saints’ defense is also in the top five in allowing yards and receptions to tight ends, so Pat Freiermuth could be Rodgers’ top target this weekend.

Shough did have three touchdowns last week, but he finished just 16-of-30 for 144 yards. He’ll look to bounce back against a Steelers defense allowing only 204 passing yards per game.

I have faith in the Steelers to get the job done against the Saints in Paris. Pittsburgh takes this one, 21–14.

Sunday’s 1:00 PM Slate

49ers (6–0) vs. Falcons (2–4)

Prediction: 49ers 30–24

Can the Niners stay undefeated, or will the Falcons end their winning streak? Let’s dive into it!

Both offenses are averaging at least 360 yards per game, and both teams run the ball well. The Niners average 128 rushing yards per game on 4.6 yards per carry, while the Falcons average 149 yards on 5.1 yards per carry.

I don’t expect anything different from Atlanta in terms of leaning on Bijan Robinson. Because how could you not? But he’ll be going up against a defense that allows only 90 rushing yards per game on 3.6 yards per carry.

The Falcons also have a good run defense, allowing just 83 yards per game on 3.6 yards per carry.

Bijan could be in for a big day as a receiver, too, since the Niners allow the second-most receiving yards to running backs and the most receptions to them.

The same could be said for Christian McCaffrey, as Atlanta allows the fourth-most receptions to running backs.

Brock Purdy could also be in for a big day. The Falcons rank in the top five in passing yards allowed to quarterbacks, and they also allow the most receptions to wide receivers. That could be especially important with San Francisco dealing with injuries at wide receiver.

Even with those injuries, I think the Niners keep their winning streak going and beat the Falcons.

Niners win, 30–24.

Browns (4–2) vs. Titans (1–5)

Prediction: Browns 20–17

Both teams are coming off wins last week, and the Titans finally picked up their first win of the season. Now they’ll look to make it two in a row against these surprisingly successful 4–2 Browns.

We have two defenses allowing at least 339 yards per game. Could this be the matchup where one of these offenses starts finding its groove?

The Browns average 289 yards per game on offense, while the Titans average just 249.

Tennessee could potentially have a decent day running the ball, as Cleveland allows 112 rushing yards per game on 4.4 yards per carry. Maybe the Titans can take advantage of that and open things up for Cam Ward, Carnell Tate, and the rest of their weapons.

The Browns allow the third-most touchdowns to wide receivers, so perhaps Tate could be in for a big day alongside the rest of Tennessee’s receiving corps.

On the other side, the Titans rank in the top 10 in receptions and receiving yards allowed to wide receivers. That could bode well for Watson and the Browns’ receiving group, too.

While Tennessee is riding the momentum of its first win and hopes to keep it going, I think Cleveland takes this one. But it’ll be close.

Browns win, 20–17.

Colts (2–4) vs. Vikings (5–0)

Prediction: Vikings 20–14

The Colts are coming off a loss to the Titans that resulted in general manager Chris Ballard being fired. Meanwhile, the Vikings look to stay undefeated as they return from their bye week.

Both teams average at least 300 yards per game on offense. The Colts will look to run the ball, although Minnesota allows only 86 rushing yards per game. The Vikings do allow four yards per carry, though, so Jonathan Taylor should get his fair share of opportunities, as always.

The Colts allow 122 rushing yards per game on 4.8 yards per carry. That could mean Minnesota has an opportunity to establish its ground game, especially since the Vikings average 116 rushing yards per game but just 3.8 yards per carry.

While Shane Steichen is coaching for his job, I think the Vikings continue their undefeated season. The morale in Indianapolis doesn’t seem particularly high, especially with rumors that the team could become a seller at the trade deadline.

I’m taking Minnesota to keep things rolling.

Vikings win, 20–14.

Buccaneers (1–5) vs. Panthers (3–2)

Prediction: Panthers 27–17

We’ve got a divisional matchup here!

Carolina has one of the top offenses in the league, and both defenses allow over 300 yards per game.

The Buccaneers run the ball well, averaging 127 rushing yards per game on 4.8 yards per carry. They’re going up against a Panthers defense that allows 132 yards per game on 5.1 yards per carry.

That should bode well for Bucky Irving. It could also be a good matchup for Daniels as a runner, since the Panthers allow the third-most rushing yards and touchdowns to quarterbacks.

Daniels could have a decent day on the ground, while Irving could be in for a big game.

The Panthers average 295 passing yards per game, along with 108 rushing yards on 4.3 yards per carry. They’ll now face a Buccaneers defense that allows only 75 rushing yards per game on 3.4 yards per carry.

If this turns into a shootout, I don’t think Tampa Bay will be able to keep up with Carolina. The Buccaneers will need to control the time of possession and keep the Panthers’ offense on the sideline for as long as possible.

Even with that in mind, I still think Carolina wins this divisional matchup.

Panthers win, 27–17.

Bengals (3–2) vs. Ravens (4–2)

Prediction: Bengals 27–20

We have another divisional matchup here. The Bengals are coming off their bye week, while the Ravens are coming off a loss to the Browns.

Lamar Jackson is questionable and could potentially miss this game. If he’s out again, Tyler Huntley will get another start.

We have two offenses averaging at least 350 yards per game, and both defenses allow over 300 yards per game.

The Bengals allow the third-most rushing yards and touchdowns to quarterbacks. So even if Lamar doesn’t play, the Ravens should look to take advantage of that with Huntley.

Mark Andrews could also be in for a decent game, as Cincinnati ranks in the top five in receptions and receiving yards allowed to tight ends.

As usual, the Ravens should look to ride Derrick Henry’s coattails. The Bengals allow 123 rushing yards per game on five yards per carry, while Baltimore averages 151 yards on 4.9 yards per carry.

Henry should have a big day.

Joe Burrow and his wide receivers should also be in for a big game. The Ravens allow the sixth-most receiving yards and the eighth-most receptions to wide receivers.

I’m taking the Bengals this week because Lamar could be out. If he misses the game, I think Cincinnati takes advantage and gets the win.

Bengals win, 27–20.

Giants (3–2–1) vs. Texans (2–4)

Prediction: Texans 27–24

J.J. McCarthy is getting the start for the Giants this week after coming in for Jameis Winston last week.

The Texans are riding a two-game winning streak after starting the year 0–4, and they’ll look to make it three in a row.

Neither team has run the ball particularly well. Both average under four yards per carry, with Houston averaging fewer than 100 rushing yards per game and New York sitting just above that mark.

Houston could get its running game on track in this matchup, as the Giants allow 135 rushing yards per game on 5.1 yards per carry.

Both defenses are also allowing at least 330 yards per game.

The Texans could be in for a big day through the air, as the Giants allow the seventh-most passing touchdowns and the third-most touchdowns to wide receivers.

Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and MHJ could all be in for big days against New York.

The same could be said for Malik Nabers and the Giants’ receiving group, as Houston allows the sixth-most passing yards and the third-most receiving yards and touchdowns to wide receivers.

I think the Texans ride their hot streak and pick up their third consecutive win.

Texans win, 27–24.

Sunday’s 4:00 PM Slate

Broncos (4–2) vs. Cardinals (2–4)

Prediction: Broncos 17–10

We have two defenses allowing almost identical yardage totals. Denver gives up 369 yards per game, while Arizona allows 368. Does that mean we’re in for an offensive showing?

I’m not so sure, especially since the Broncos are averaging only 259 yards per game on offense.

The Cardinals average over 300 yards per game, but Jeremiyah Love is expected to miss Week 7. He would have had a favorable matchup, as Denver allows 139 rushing yards per game on 4.7 yards per carry.

The Broncos also allow the third-most rushing yards to running backs, so Arizona should look to take advantage of that with Tyler Allgeier.

Denver should look to run the ball this week as well. Arizona allows 120 rushing yards per game on 4.4 yards per carry.

Neither team has run the ball particularly well, with both averaging fewer than 100 yards per game and 3.7 yards per carry or less. Could this be a good matchup for both offenses to finally get their running games going?

While Bo Nix hasn’t been that great, I do think he leads his team to victory this week.

Broncos win, 17–10.

Packers (4–2) vs. Lions (3–2)

Prediction: Lions 33–30

The Packers are coming off a win against the Cowboys, making it three straight victories, while the Lions return from their bye week.

This could be an offensive showdown. Detroit averages 411 yards per game on offense, but its defense allows 428. The Packers average 340 yards per game on offense and allow 323 on defense.

Green Bay gets Josh Jacobs back this week, which could be huge for an offense that has STRUGGLED to run the ball. The Packers have averaged just 59 rushing yards per game on 2.9 yards per carry.

Jacobs will look to turn that around against a Lions defense allowing 107 rushing yards per game on 4.2 yards per carry.

Detroit also allows the most passing yards and touchdowns to quarterbacks, which should bode well for Jordan Love and the passing game, especially if Christian Watson is healthy enough to play.

Jahmyr Gibbs should have a good game as well. The Packers allow 114 rushing yards per game on four yards per carry, and they give up the second-most rushing touchdowns to running backs.

Gibbs should have a good chance of finding the end zone.

Green Bay also allows the fourth-most receptions to wide receivers, so Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown could have big days.

I think the Lions win this close game.

Lions win, 33–30.

Rams (2–4) vs. Raiders (3–3)

Prediction: Rams 27–20

We’ve got a matchup between two 38-year-old quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford and Kirk Cousins.

The Rams have been a high-powered offense this year, averaging 413 yards per game, but their defense is allowing 300. Meanwhile, the Raiders average 350 yards per game on offense and give up 387.

With Davante Adams out due to injury, the Rams should still be able to do some damage through the air with Puka Nacua. The Raiders allow the third-most receiving touchdowns to wide receivers, along with the sixth-most passing touchdowns.

Could Stafford be in for a multi-touchdown game? I think so!

The Raiders also give up 134 rushing yards per game on 4.9 yards per carry. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum should be able to exploit that, especially since the Rams average 112 rushing yards per game on 4.6 yards per carry.

Could this be the game where the Raiders’ running game finally gets on track? Las Vegas averages 79 rushing yards per game on just three yards per carry, but the Rams allow 127 yards on 4.4 yards per carry.

Tre Tucker had a great game last week and could find the end zone again, as the Rams allow the third-most receiving touchdowns to wide receivers.

I do think the Rams get this dub.

Rams win, 27–20.

Sunday Night Football

Chiefs (5–0) vs. Seahawks (3–3)

Prediction: Chiefs 27–24

The Chiefs come off their bye looking to stay undefeated, while the Seahawks look to get back into the win column after losing their last two games by a combined six points.

We have the defending Super Bowl champions going up against their Super Bowl MVP, Kenneth Walker, who has been on a tear since arriving in Kansas City.

The Chiefs average 159 rushing yards per game on 5.5 yards per carry, and their offense averages 421 yards per game overall.

Now, can K9 keep it up against his former team?

Seattle is allowing only 96 rushing yards per game on 3.5 yards per carry. The Seahawks haven’t run the ball that well themselves, and that might not change against Kansas City. The Chiefs allow only 88 rushing yards per game on 3.5 yards per carry, while Seattle averages 107 yards on 3.9 yards per carry.

The Chiefs also rank in the top 10 in receiving yards and touchdowns allowed to tight ends, so A.J. Barner could be in for a decent game.

I think Seattle plays well, but I like Kansas City in this one.

Chiefs win, 27–24.

Monday Night Football

Cowboys (2–4) vs. Eagles (2–4)

Prediction: Cowboys 27–20

We have a divisional game on Monday night, but Tanner McKee will take over at quarterback for Philadelphia, as Jalen Hurts is on injured reserve for the rest of the year with blood clots in his lungs.

Prayers to Hurts for a full recovery and for him to be able to get back on the field.

The Cowboys average 349 yards per game on offense, while their defense allows 389. For the Eagles, their offense averages only 273 yards per game, and their defense allows 373.

Both teams average fewer than 100 rushing yards per game and fewer than four yards per carry. However, both defenses allow at least 100 rushing yards per game on at least four yards per carry.

Saquon Barkley will be back for Philadelphia, and maybe he can take advantage of Dallas’ run defense to help McKee out.

The Cowboys are also among the league leaders in rushing yards allowed to running backs and rank sixth in rushing touchdowns allowed. Barkley could have a favorable matchup in his return.

CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens could have big days, too, as the Eagles rank in the top 10 in passing yards allowed and fourth in receiving yards allowed to wide receivers.

Dak and the Cowboys’ offense could have a big day.

I think Dallas wins this one, even though I want the Cowboys to keep losing to help the Jets’ draft position. But I think Dallas gets this one.

Cowboys win, 27–20.

And Now, As Always… The Last Game: THE JETS!

Jets (2–4) vs. Dolphins (0–5)

Prediction: Jets 24–17

We’ve got a divisional matchup here! The Jets are coming off a loss to the Patriots, while the Dolphins will look to pick up their first win of the season.

Both defenses allow at least 325 yards per game. The Jets haven’t been great against the run, allowing 123 rushing yards per game on 4.2 yards per carry. Miami averages 126 rushing yards per game on 4.9 yards per carry.

That’s something I expect the Dolphins to take advantage of against this Jets defense, especially since New York allows the sixth-most rushing yards to running backs.

Now, for the Jets’ offense, this could be the first time all year that we have G5, Cooper, Mitchell, Hall, Taylor, and Sadiq all healthy and available to play.

I’m interested to see what this offense looks like with everyone available.

The Jets need to do a better job of getting Garrett Wilson targets. He had only six last week, and that should rarely, if ever, happen.

Breece Hall could have a big game in the passing game, as the Dolphins allow the fifth-most receiving yards and the eighth-most receptions to running backs.

Miami also gives up the fifth-most passing touchdowns, so maybe Geno can have a big day and find G5 in the end zone, too.

The Jets have played competitive football this year, and their record could be better than 2–4. But they’ve got to beat the teams they should beat, and Miami is one of them.

I’m picking the Jets to win this divisional matchup.

Jets win, 24–17.

Closing Thoughts

Man, I can’t wait for this weekend of football! But basketball is back, too.

THE KNICKS HUNG THE BANNER!

I know we lost, but never in my life did I think I’d see the Knicks raise a banner. And it finally happened!

I know they’ve got their eyes on going back-to-back. We lost to a good Sixers team, but I’m not worried after the first game. The Knicks are going to be great!

We should have another good weekend of college football, too. Hockey is underway, and the Rangers are off to a great start at 7–3–1. Hopefully, we can keep that up all year!

Come back next week to see how I do on these picks and what I have for next week’s slate.

I hope y’all are here for the long ride. And remember, Lace Code readers:

Lace up. Tap

– Jett Garden