By Gil Alcaraz IV @GilAlcarazIV on October 15, 2014
Picking Week 7 of NFL Action
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Another week of NFL action is upon us, which means there’s another opportunity for us to pick and predict what will happen this weekend. So far this season, NFL games have been as unpredictable as ever, but that doesn’t mean we (or at least I) won’t try to get it right.
I won’t make any promises, but with a 60-30-1 record on the season, following my picks wouldn’t be the worst idea.
New York Jets (1-5) @ New England Patriots (4-2)
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets (1-5) @ New England Patriots (4-2)
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Patriots
The Jets are an absolute mess at this point in the season. Rex Ryan’s name is being thrown around for having one of the hottest seats in the NFL, and fans everywhere are calling for Geno Smith to hit the bench. As inconsistent as the Patriots have been so far, they should have no trouble winning this one.
Atlanta Falcons (2-4) @ Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Falcons (2-4) @ Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Ravens
As we’ve seen this season, the Falcons are horrible on the road. To make matters worse, their passing defense has been pitiful, and Joe Flacco is coming off of a career performance. While the Ravens’ gunslinger is far from a reliable passer, he should have no problem carving up the Atlanta secondary.
Tennessee Titans (2-4) @ Washington Redskins (1-5)
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee Titans (2-4) @ Washington Redskins (1-5)
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Redskins
Both of these teams are off to ugly starts, but the Redskins are due for a big game, and the Titans are definitely a team to have it against. As bad as Kirk Cousins and Co. have been recently, the Tennessee defense has been wretched, which should give Washington just enough of an edge.
Seattle Seahawks (3-2) @ St. Louis Rams (1-4)
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Seahawks (3-2) @ St. Louis Rams (1-4)
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Seahawks
As vulnerable as the Seahawks look after suffering their second loss of the season to the Cowboys, this should be an easy bounce back game. Austin Davis has shown some promise for the Rams this season, but the Legion of Boom should feast on the inexperienced quarterback on their way to a win.
Cleveland Browns (3-2) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (0-6)
Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns (3-2) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (0-6)
Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Browns
The Jaguars are still without a win, and that shouldn’t change in Week 7. The Browns are surprisingly looking like a potential playoff team after embarrassing the Steelers last week, and shouldn’t have too much trouble earning a victory against a Jacksonville team that just doesn’t have the talent to win.
Cincinnati Bengals (3-1-1) @ Indianapolis Colts (4-2)
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals (3-1-1) @ Indianapolis Colts (4-2)
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Colts
This could easily be the game of the week. Both teams have been putting up big numbers, and continue to show early in the season that they’re contenders. However, the edge has to go to Andrew Luck and Indianapolis offense, which is firing on all cylinders heading into Week 7.
Minnesota Vikings (2-4) @ Buffalo Bills (3-3)
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings (2-4) @ Buffalo Bills (3-3)
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Vikings
Neither of these teams has been very impressive this season, but one of them has to win. While the Bills seem like the logical pick, rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will be looking to shake off a poor Week 6 showing. The Bills’ offense is miserable, which should allow the Vikings to steal a win on the road.
Miami Dolphins (2-3) @ Chicago Bears (3-3)
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Dolphins (2-3) @ Chicago Bears (3-3)
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Bears
Put simply, the Dolphins don’t have the defense to slow down Jay Cutler and Co. The Bears have been shredding secondaries all season long, and should continue to do so against an average Miami defense. Especially with Knowshon Moreno out, the Dolphins don’t have the firepower to win in Week 7.
New Orleans Saints (2-3) @ Detroit Lions (4-2)
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Saints (2-3) @ Detroit Lions (4-2)
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Lions
So far this season, the Saints have looked like a shell of their former selves. Meanwhile, the Lions have played at a surprising level, albeit inconsistently. Even with Drew Brees and a healthy Mark Ingram on its side, New Orleans simply doesn’t have the defense to come out of this one victorious.
Carolina Panthers (3-2-1) @ Green Bay Packers (4-2)
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Carolina Panthers (3-2-1) @ Green Bay Packers (4-2)
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Packers
Heading into Week 7, the Packers are flying very high. Aaron Rodgers is playing out of his mind and he’s on the same page with all of his receivers. The Panthers have played well, but haven’t found a way to make up for the injuries in their running game. It’ll be close, but the Packers will pull this one out.
Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) @ San Diego Chargers (5-1)
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) @ San Diego Chargers (5-1)
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Chargers
Despite the Chiefs’ lackluster record, this one should be closer than you’d think. The Chargers nearly lost to the winless Raiders last week and have seen their defense suffer some significant injuries. The Chiefs will certainly put up a fight, but the play of Branden Oliver will help San Diego move to 6-1.
Arizona Cardinals (4-1) @ Oakland Raiders (0-5)
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals (4-1) @ Oakland Raiders (0-5)
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Raiders
Most people will look at this pick and think I’m bonkers. However, just hear me out. So far this season, the Cardinals’ offense hasn’t been spectacular, while Oakland has played decent defense. Meanwhile, Arizona has been burned through the air and Derek Carr has found his stride. Can you say upset?
New York Giants (3-3) @ Dallas Cowboys (5-1)
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
New York Giants (3-3) @ Dallas Cowboys (5-1)
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Cowboys
Based on the way these two teams played last week, this one shouldn't even be worth watching. However, the whole NFC East rivalry factor and the two teams’ histories against each other should make it interesting. Still, the Cowboys are rolling right now and should continue to do so against the Giants.
San Francisco 49ers (4-2) @ Denver Broncos (4-1)
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers (4-2) @ Denver Broncos (4-1)
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Broncos
There’s no denying that the 49ers have been solid this season, especially on defense. Despite that, they have yet to face an offense as powerful as the Broncos’. Peyton Manning will shred this young secondary, and Colin Kaepernick won’t be able to keep up on the scoreboard.
Houston Texans (3-3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3)
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans (3-3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3)
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Pick: Texans
Believe it or not, this might actually be an exciting Monday night showdown. Both of these teams seem pretty evenly matched, possessing above average defenses and inconsistent offenses. While Ben Roethlisberger gives the Steelers an edge offensively, Arian Foster will be the reason the Texans win.
Gil Alcaraz IV is the Director of Content for www.RantSports.com . Follow him on Twitter @GilAlcarazIV, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.