Forecaster Frank NFL Picks: Week 7
I struggled again in Week 6, posting a record of 6-8, and now stand 46-45-3 on the season.
Thursday Night
Ari -2 (o/u 44.5)
Cardinals 24 Saints 20
This is a game of survival for a pair of 2-4 teams, as the loser's playoff hopes will be on life support. Playing for an injured Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton suffered a back injury and was limited in practice for New Orleans. This gives the edge to the Cardinals, who will get the win at home.
Sunday at 1
Bal -6.5 (o/u 45.5)
Ravens 26 Browns 15
The Ravens have been one of the most frustrating teams in the NFL, as they stand 3-3, blowing double-digit leads four times during the second half this season. The Browns are playing terrible defense and will also fall behind, but they are not capable of making a comeback.
Car +10.5 (o/u 40.5)
Buccaneers 20 Panthers 10
The Panthers are a mess, with an interim coach and quarterback injuries; the hope is that Sam Darnold can return soon to give them a shot to win a few games as they begin the process of rebuilding by selling before the trade deadline. The Buccaneers are also scuffling as Father Time has finally caught Tom Brady.
Atl +6 (o/u 47.5)
Bengals 24 Falcons 20
The Falcons have played better than anyone could have expected, sitting at 3-3 after an upset of the 49ers last week. The Bengals rallied to beat the Saints last week but appear to be under the buzz of a Super Bowl hangover. The Falcons don't seem to be getting proper respect.
Dal -7 (o/u 49)
Cowboys 34 Lions 13
There is a chance that Dak Prescott can return on Sunday. The Cowboys need their quarterback, as Cooper Rush struggled in the loss against the Eagles. Prescott's return comes against the Lions' defense which is the worst in the NFL, allowing more than 30 points a game.
Jax -3 (o/u 42.5)
Jaguars 20 Giants 16
At 5-1, the Giants, following wins over the Packers and Ravens, are due for a letdown. The Jaguars, who should have beaten the Colts last week, are due for a win and get it with Trevor Lawrence having a solid game.
Ten -2.5 (o/u 42.5)
Titans 27 Colts 13
Coming off a bye, the Titans could be poised to take command of the AFC South. They have beaten the Colts once in Indianapolis, and a sweep would give them a leg up on the division title. The Colts have played poorly but won the last two since the loss to Tennessee; they won't be afforded that again. Look for the Titans to win easily.
GB -5.5 (o/u 41.5)
Packers 27 Commanders 10
This has to be the get-right game for the Packers, who had the New York, New York blues and dropped to 3-3 with losses to the Giants and Jets. Taylor Heinicke gets the start for the Commanders, with Carson Wentz recovering from a hand injury. Heinicke might make Washington's offense better, but it won't get a win over Green Bay.
Sunday Late Games
Den -1 (o/u 38.5)
Broncos 12 Jets 9
The Broncos offense has been horrendous, as Russell Wilson is apparently using his management team to communicate with his receivers during the game. The Broncos defense has played well and will hold down the Jets and get a win in a low-scoring game at Mile High.
LV -7 (o/u 45.5)
Raiders 31 Texans 17
The Raiders have had some hard luck losses in their 1-4 start, including a one-point loss in Kansas City. The Texans may even be worse than their 1-3-1 mark suggests. This feels like a blowout.
LAC -6 (o/u 51)
Chargers 31 Seahawks 20
The Chargers are perhaps the most confounding team in the NFL, as they should be much better than they have played. The Seahawks have overachieved, with Geno Smith, suddenly becoming a quality quarterback. At some point, water reaches its level. Look for the Chargers to roll.
KC -3 (o/u 48.5)
Chiefs 27 49ers 20
The first meeting since Super Bowl LV. The Chiefs come in off a loss against the Bills, while the banged-up 49ers were stunned by the Falcons. Look for a close game, with Patrick Mahomes getting a late touchdown for a Kansas City win.
Sunday Night
Mia -7 (o/u 44.5)
Dolphins 27 Steelers 17
Tua Tagovailoa is back, but he won't last long unless the Dolphins can get Terron Armstead back on the offensive line. Having Greg Little and Liam Eichenberg on the line is near negligence, as they can't block an old lady on the pass rush. The Steelers have quarterback concerns themselves with Kenny Pickett being evaluated. Miami will be in the throwbacks, so that could bring the Dolphins some magic.
Monday Night
NE-8 (o/u 40)
Patriots 27 Bears 0
The Patriots' defense is playing at a high level; a late-round quarterback is leading them back from a 1-3 start; here we go again. Bailey Zappe is making Mac Jones look more like Wally Pipp with each pass he throws. Justin Field, meanwhile is terrible, and the Bears are terrible. This will not be a fun game to watch.
