NFL Week 7 preview/predictions

By: Joe Smeltzer

Week 7 is here. Thanks to Derek Carr, three of us are 0-1 on the week, while my cousin Jeff is 1-0 (he's been quite lucky this season, ugh.) But Sunday is here, and this week brings another chance for the rest of us to get back on track. I plan on writing a separate preview for the Steelers game, so stay tuned for that. Let's get into our picks for this week.




1:00

I picked the Browns game as my "Who the hell cares" game of the week. Moving on.

Panthers (4-2) at Bears (2-4)
Line: Car -3.0

Photo creds to Pro Football Writers of America

Before the season, I wasn't a believer in the artists formerly known as the "Monsters of the Midway." While I still don't see da Bears making it to the postseason, this team has shown me that it is capable of occasionally playing spoiler. I think that Sunday will be an example of that.
Although Chicago is 2-4, it could easily be 4-2. Losses to Atlanta and Minnesota could have gone the other way. The Bears have also been competitive in all three of their games at Soldier Field this season, including that overtime win over my Steelers. If Mitch Turbisky can complete passes to running back Tarik Cohen, Chicago will be in good shape. Carolina linebacker Shaq Thompson has struggled in pass coverage, and I think the Bears breakout star will take advantage of that.

Bears 27, Panthers 20

Where's Aaron?
Saints (3-2) at Packers (4-2)
Line: No -4.0

Photo creds to Sporting News

If this game were scheduled for last Sunday instead of today, the outlook would be different, eh?

Yes, downgrading from Aaron Rodgers to Brett Hundley turns the Packers from contenders to pretenders. That alone is a good reason to pick against them. But let's not dismiss what New Orleans is capable of.

Don't look now, but since the Falcons and Panthers both have tough games this week, a win at Lambeau could put the Saints in first place in the NFC South. Since New Orleans has Drew Brees, along with a defense that's capable of holding its own, there is no reason why they can't at least put up a fight in that division. Everybody picking agrees with me. My cousin Ryan sees New Orleans putting up over 35 points, while my cousin Brad doesn't expect Green Bay's suspect defense to pick up the slack

It's sad to say, but it's true. The Packers are done, son.

Saints 38, Packers 21

Meet me in St. Louis, Louis. 

Cardinals (3-3) at Rams (4-2) 
Line: LAR -3.0

Photo creds to NPR

St. Louis football fans will not enjoy watching this game, which will be played in London. For the rest of the world, however, it should be a good one.
I'm impressed with what Jared Goff and the Rams have done this season, especially on defense, and nobody can talk about LA's D without mentioning Aaron Donald. Donald might go down as one of the best defensive linemen to ever live, and he doesn't have a particularly challenging assignment this week in offensive guard Earl Watford, who was inserted into the starting lineup just last Sunday.
If Donald dominates, the Rams have a great chance. If Arizona's defense plays like it did last week, when the great Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for three touchdown passes, they will have an even better chance.

Rams 31, Cardinals 17

Ravens (3-3) at Vikings (4-2)
Line: MIN -4.5

Photo creds to Pinterest

The Dirty Birds are going down. For one, they stink. One of the reasons they stink is because their offensive line stinks. That O-line will be challenged today when it goes up against a talented defensive front, led by Linval Joseph, who could be the best run stopper in football. Baltimore's defense should hold Minnesota enough to keep it respectable, but its offense is not for the weak of heart.

Vikings 23, Ravens 10

4:05

Will the 49ers cover?
Cowboys (2-3) at 49ers (0-6)
Line: DAL -6.5

Photo creds to Amazon.com

The 49ers aren't a good team, but they also know how to make things interesting. While I expect Dallas to win, especially with linebacker Sean Lee back from injury, don't be surprised if San Fran covers the spread.

Cowboys 25, 49ers 20

4:25
The west is fun
Broncos (3-2) at Chargers (2-4) 
Line: Den opened at -2.5

Photo creds to www.slate.com

Had Denver done its job last Sunday night, I probably wouldn't be picking the Broncos. Like San Fran, the Chargers are a below-average team that knows how to make a game fun, and I expect that to be on display again today. But knowing that Denver is the lowest it's been this season after a loss to the previously winless Giants, and the Chargers are on a high after a thrilling win in the "Black Hole," I expect Denver to figure it out and bounce back. After losing to the GIants, there is nowhere to go but up, and that is where Denver will point this week.

Broncos 24, Chargers 21

Sunday Night: Ryan's Revenge
Falcons (3-2) at Patriots (4-2)

Yes, Joseph Arthur Smeltzer is picking against Tom Brady. Here's why.

I'm not sold on the 2017 New England Patriots. I know, it seems blasphemous, but the Patriots defense is a problem. Last week, Josh McCown threw for 354 yards against that unit. Tonight, the Patriots will be up against a much better quarterback with a much better receiving corps.
Although the Falcons haven't been great this season, Matt Ryan is getting back to form. Last week, Ryan played well in an upset loss to Miami at home. Tonight he will be out for revenge for obvious reasons.
The Falcons have had a frustrating season. There is no reason that Atlanta shouldn't be 5-0, but because of two losses to AFC East teams not in New England, they are in a logjam atop the NFC South.
I think that the Falcons play angry tonight. They are on the road against the league's flagship franchise, with the Super Bowl nightmare fresh in their minds, coming off an embarrassing loss at home. As much as I admire Tom Brady, the angry birds will rise. My cousin Brad, on the other hand, sees New England winning by two touchdowns. We'll see, Bradley. We'll see.

Falcons 33, Patriots 21

Monday Night
Redskins (3-2) at Eagles (5-1)

Photo creds to zroddesigns

I'm not 100% sold on the Eagles. Like everyone else, I've been impressed with how Philly has started. Still, I do not see the Eagles as a threat to win the NFC.
But I don't see Philly's downfall starting Monday night. Washington's beat up, with injuries to stars such as Josh Norman, Bashaud Breeland and Jonathan Allen. If Philly could handle a healthier Redskins team on the road in week one, I feel safe saying that the suddenly sexy Eagles can take Washington at home Monday night.

Eagles 34, Redskins 20


Other games
Dolphins over Jets
Seahawks over Giants 
Jags over Colts