Week 7 of the NFL season begins in 2 days (writing this on October 14) so here are my predictions. Last week I went 9-6, which brings my record for this year to 61-31-1.
Steelers vs Bengals (Thursday night) Steelers win 28-17
The Steelers are coming off a surprisingly stress-free win over the Browns. Aaron Rodgers looked solid with 235 yards and 2 touchdowns. The defense looked great, racking up 6 sacks. The Bengals looked the best they have all year without Joe Burrow, but couldn't get the job done in Green Bay. Joe Flacco looked good in his Cincinnati debut, with over 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. Ja'Marr Chase had 94 yards and a touchdown. The defense was iffy, and I think that'll be the difference in this game. Steelers win.
Rams vs Jaguars (London) Jaguars win 28-24
The last game in London is a good one. The Rams got a win in Baltimore, but the offense sputtered. Matthew Stafford looked mediocre, and they were out gained by 55 yards. Derrick Henry ran all over the defense, and even though the quarterback play wasn't good, they were up against Cooper Rush and Tyler Huntley. The Jaguars are making their annual trip to London after a tough home loss. Trevor Lawrence looked alright, but they couldn't stop Jaxon Smith-Njigba. I do think they can rebound and get the victory because the Rams might be missing Puka Nacua.
Eagles vs Vikings- Eagles win 27-26
The Eagles got dominated by the Giants with a rookie quarterback and running back on prime time. People are calling for Kevin Patullo to be fired. Things are ugly in Philly, and they need to get back on track. The Vikings are rested up after a bye and a win in London. I am taking the Eagles because they need a win right now.
Patriots vs Titans- Patriots win 30-16
The Patriots are back, folks. They beat the Saints and reclaimed the AFC East's top spot after the Bills loss. Drake Maye had 3 touchdowns and 2 of those were to Kayshon Boutte. The defense was okay. Nothing spectacular, but it could become spectacular. Great job by Mike Vrabel. The Titans lost to the Raiders, but won by firing Brian Callahan. I've never liked him as a coach, and seeing him ruin Cam Ward just was sad to see. I don't think Mike McCoy will magically fix everything. Pats win again.
Panthers vs Jets- Panthers win 20-7
The Panthers pulled off a huge upset over the Cowboys, and Rico Dowdle ran all over his old team. Bryce Young had himself a day as well. The defense needs work, but luckily they're playing the Jets. The Jets are the only winless team in the NFL. They sure look like they are. Justin Fields looked horrific, throwing -10 net passing yards. No, I did not hit the negative button on accident. It was the worst passing performance in Jets history, and one of the worst in NFL history. And Aaron Glenn was defending Fields in his post game conference, saying, "There are guys that have bad games. That doesn't mean you just bench him. Come on, you know better than that." Yeah, Panthers win.
Dolphins vs Browns- Browns win 14-7
Oh, boy. The Dolphins are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Chargers in which the Bolts got a last second field goal to win it. Tua Tagovailoa looked terrible, throwing 3 interceptions. He also called out players for not taking players-only meeting seriously. De'Von Achane is a rare bright spot in this mess. The Browns aren't any better, losing in Pittsburgh as previously mentioned. Honestly, I'm just taking Cleveland because they're at home.
Saints vs Bears- Bears win 28-17
The Saints, as previously mentioned, lost to the Patriots. Spencer Rattler looked alright, but nothing special. The offense was mediocre and the defense was as well. The Bears had a huge come-from-behind win in DC on Monday Night Football. Jake Moody had a damn good game, as did Caleb Williams, but DeAndre Swift was the star of the show. He had over 160 total yards and a score. The Bears are on a 3-game win streak, and I see them making it 4.
Raiders vs Chiefs- Chiefs win 31-17
The Raiders are coming off a victory over the Titans. Ashton Jeanty had a nice game, with 75 yards and a touchdown. The defense was good. The offense was solid. The Chiefs might be back. They had a big time win against the Lions. Patrick Mahomes had 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. The defense wasn't great, but the offense had a great showing that overshadowed that. Chiefs win.
Colts vs Chargers- Colts win 30-27
This should be a good one. The Colts continued their great run, beating the Cardinals. Daniel Jones had a great game, as did Jonathan Taylor. The defense wasn't great, though. The Chargers had a close win over the Dolphins, thanks to Justin Herbert. The defense was okay. Nothing crazy. I don't think they can stop the high flying Colts offense.
Giants vs Broncos- Broncos win 28-27
The Giants dominated the Eagles, thanks to Cam Skattebo and Jackson Dart. The defense shut down Jalen Hurts and company. The offense was clicking. The Broncos got bailed out by good defensive play. Bo Nix looked shaky, as well as the whole offense. I will take the Broncos due to homefield advantage.
Packers vs Cardinals- Packers win 35-20
The Packers got an unimpressive win over the Bengals. Jordan Love looked good but not great, and it was a way more stressful game than it needed to be. It was a good win, but not a great one. The Cardinals had a tough loss, and the seat's hot for Jonathan Gannon. I am taking the Packers here.
Commanders vs Cowboys- Commanders win 27-20
The Commanders had a tough loss to the Bears, despite a good performance by Jayden Daniels. The defense couldn't stop DeAndre Swift, though. Speaking of defenses not able to stop the run, the Cowboys' old running back ran all over them. Dak Prescott and George Pickens looked good, but the defense has big holes. Commanders win.
Falcons vs 49ers (Sunday night)- Falcons win 28-20
The Falcons had a big upset win over the Bills. Bijan Robinson had a hell of a game. Michael Penix had a nice game as well. Josh Allen was picked off twice. The 49ers had a tough performance in Tampa. Mac Jones had a mediocre game, with 347 yards, 0 touchdowns and 2 picks. The defense couldn't stop Baker Mayfield. I am taking the Falcons because of how shaky the San Francisco defense looked.
Buccaneers vs Lions (Monday night)- Buccaneers win 35-31
The Buccaneers. as previously mentioned, smoked the Niners while Baker Mayfield strengthened his MVP case. The defense was good, and Rachaad White had a good game as well. Tez Johnson showed out, as a rookie. The Lions had a rough loss in Kansas City. I am taking the Bucs by a smidge.
Texans vs Seahawks (Monday night)- Seahawks win 28-17
The Texans had a bye after spanking the Ravens. The Seahawks took down the Jags. Sam Darnold played well. So did Jaxon Smith-Njigba. I will take the Seahawks due to their great offensive production.
Those are my predictions this week. We'll see what happens.
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