Written by Sam DeCoste
Are you not entertained? The 2019 season is six weeks in already, and there has been no shortage of exciting finishes, upset victories, breakout performances, and cinderella stories. The entertainment rolls on in Week 7, which is headlined by the Baltimore Ravens visiting the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon. We will also see two first place clashes this week, when the Texans visit the Colts and the Eagles face the Cowboys. The week ends on Monday night when the Patriots visit the resurgent New York Jets.
Week 6 was a struggle for my picks. I won as many games as I lost, with a record of 7-7. What can I say, the season has been incredibly unpredictable as always. But I will get the hang of it, and maybe this week will be my bounce back week! There's only one way to find out. Without further ado, let's get right into it!
BYES: Browns, Buccaneers, Panthers, Steelers
My record last week: 7-7
Regular season record: 55-36-1
Lock of the Week record: 4-2
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| KC @ DEN |
The Chiefs are in trouble. They have taken two steps backward just six laps in, and the Pats are two strides ahead. Their hopes for clinching home field like last season are fading quickly, and if their free fall continues, the AFC West will be up for grabs.
The key to an upset victory for Denver is running the football. The Chiefs have surrendered 372 rushing yards in their last two games, which gives the Broncos a clear weakness to exploit. Broncos running back Philip Lindsay has had another prolific season to this point, and the Broncos can ride him to a victory. It will be the production of Lindsay which can keep Pat Mahomes on the sideline, dominate the time of possession, and increase the odds of an improbable third straight win.
Vic Fangio and the Broncos have done well to bounce back with two straight wins, but the Chiefs offense at their best is a juggernaut which is impossible to stop. Pat Mahomes is undefeated versus the Broncos in his young NFL career, and an upset on Thursday night is difficult to foresee. Kansas City will grab the win.
Prediction: KC 27, DEN 24
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| HOU @ IND |
First place is on the line at Lucas Oil, when the Texans visit the Colts.
Last time we saw Indy in action, they walked off the field at Arrowhead with a 19-13 win over the formerly undefeated Chiefs. They rode the momentum of Marlon Mack, who touched the ball 32 times for 148 total yards. He is the Colts secret weapon, and he will need to be involved once again to beat Houston. The key to their game plan was to run the ball and keep Pat Mahomes on the sidelines. They need to do the same for Deshaun Watson, who looks like a legitimate MVP candidate.
For the Texans, momentum is at an all-time high after vanquishing the Chiefs in Arrowhead as well. But just a week out from their win, there is a higher chance of an emotional letdown when they visit a divisional opponent. The Texans lost to the Colts twice last season, including a loss in the Wild Card round, when the Colts jumped out to a 21-0 lead and never looked back. If Deshaun Watson and the offense can start fast and put the Colts in a deficit, the Colts game plan completely turns on its head.
Prediction: HOU 23, IND 20
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| OAK @ GB |
The Packers got away with one on Monday night. They were arguably outplayed by the Lions at home last week, but they nonetheless pulled out the one-point victory. Now with the Raiders coming into town, the Packers need to be careful of not overlooking an opponent once again, otherwise they could pay the price. However, the Raiders do not have the looks of a team that can capitalize if Green Bay start slow again.
Head coach Jon Gruden told reporters on Wednesday that Tyrell Williams is currently
recovering from plantar fascia, which leaves the Raiders offense mightily shorthanded. That leaves Josh Jacobs and Darren Waller as Oakland's most dangerous playmakers, which won't be difficult to contain for the Green Bay defense. The only hope the Raiders have of competing is running the ball and keep Aaron Rodgers off the field as much as possible. Since the Packers give-up 125 yards per game on the ground, that is certainly attainable for the Raiders.
This game could be closer than most people think, but in the end, the Packers are favorites, and it would be shocking to see them lose just their second game of the season to Chucky and crew.
Prediction: OAK 16, GB 21
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| MIN @ DET |
After a very slow start to the season for the $84 million man himself, Kirk Cousins has turned his play up another level. In the previous two games, Cousins has passed for 639 yards and 6 touchdowns, and has a passer rating of 138.5. He will need to carry that momentum into Detroit if the Vikings are to extend their winning streak, because when Cousins has struggled, it has cost the team this season.
As for the home team, the Lions came up short against the Packers. Whatever mistakes the referees may or may not have made, the Lions fell short in a multitude of categories to fall apart in the second half in Green Bay, including their red zone offense. Matt Stafford and the offense could have been up 21-0 after two quarters, but came away with just 13 points from 3 red zone drives. They need to capitalize when they have their opponents against the wall, otherwise other teams will make them regret it.
The NFC North may be the most competitive division in football this season, which makes these divisional matchups crucial. This week, I have confidence in the Lions and that they will earn their first win since Week 3.
Prediction: MIN 20, DET 24
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| LAR @ ATL |
For the first time in the Sean McVay era, the Rams are winless in their last three games. The first two were due to their defense being exploited, while their loss to the Niners come down offensive ineptitude. Jared Goff threw for just 78 passing yards against the 49ers, the team picked up just 157 total yards and 10 first downs. Not to mention Todd Gurley is not healthy, and without him, LA's identity on offense is completely compromised. His status will be decisive against Atlanta, a high scoring offense.
Meanwhile, Atlanta needs to pick themselves up badly. Their season is on life support after losing their fifth game of the year, and they stand at 1-5. Despite the one point loss to the Cards, Matt Ryan was on fire last week, completing 30 passes for 356 yards and 4 touchdowns. That is money in the bank. Not to mention Austin Hooper, Julio Jones, and Devontae Freeman were vital components in the game plan. If they can copy and paste their performances from last week, and the defense can pressure Jared Goff into mistakes, the Falcons can force the Rams free fall to continue.
I'm going to be bold this week and lock up a 1-5 team versus the NFC Champions. This is my Lock of the Week.
Prediction: LAR 24, ARZ 33
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| ARZ @ NYG |
The top two quarterbacks drafted in the 2019 draft go head to head in New Jersey this week, when Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals face Daniel Jones and the New York Giants.
For the G-Men, it looks like Saquon Barkley and Evan Engram will be back in action, who were dearly missed in Foxborough. Daniel Jones lacked weapons against the Patriots in Week 6, and if the Giants were able to run the ball or get a spark on the perimeter, they could have given the Patriots more trouble. Nonetheless, they will be back this week, and combined with Golden Tate, the Giants offense could have a different look against the Cardinals, and could potentially give us their best performance of the season.
Meanwhile, after a woeful first four games, the Cardinals have pulled off two straight wins, and are only one game behind the Rams in the NFC West. Kyler Murray earned NFC Player of the Week honors, after throwing for 340 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Falcons. Murray appears to be the frontrunner for rookie of the year, and another strong performance against the Giants will help his cause, and give the Cards a chance to string another win.
The Giants are a dark horse Wild Card contender this year, and these are the games playoff teams need to win. I favor the Giants to get it done.
Prediction: ARZ 14, NYG 24
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| MIA @ BUF |
The Buffalo Bills will be on their second straight bye week on Sunday when the Miami Dolphins come to town. For the Bills, this is an opportunity to move to 5-1, their best mark through 6 games since 2008.
Hot take alert: the Bills could be the best challenger to the Patriots' AFC crown this season. Their defense has already proven they can play with anybody, including their stellar performance against the Patriots three weeks ago. The only challenge is minimizing turnovers and keeping the ball away from the other team. If Josh Allen can go one or two games without throwing an interception, he will rebuild his confidence and momentum, and will pose a nightmare to opposing defensive coordinators all season.
This week is the perfect time for Buffalo to come up with their first complete performance of the year. The last time these two teams matched up, Buffalo came out on top 42-17. Expect more of the same on Sunday.
Prediction: MIA 10, BUF 34
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| SF @ WSH |
The 49ers are the most complete team in football right now. They have a top five ranked offense and defense, and their defense has Legion of Boom potential to dominate the NFC West. They have the opportunity to obliterate the Redskins this week, who are rolling out with an interim head coach. It could be a long afternoon for Case Keenum, who played a mediocre game against the Dolphins in Week 6. The Niners have 12 takeaways on the season, and their defense has terrorized opposing quarterbacks all season long, which could pose for an ugly outing for the Redskins.
While there is potential for the Niners to fall into a mousetrap this week, the odds that the undefeated season ends in Washington are slim to none. Add another W to the Niners perfect record.
Prediction: SF 22, WSH 14
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| JAX @ CIN |
The Gardner Minshew honeymoon has dissolved over the previous two games, as the Jags have lost their last two, and they've just traded away their best player in Jalen Ramsey. The sun is not as bright as it was a short while ago in Jacksonville, but they have a chance to rebound against an opponent still looking for their first win of the year in the Bengals.
After opening the scoring with a phenomenal kick return for a touchdown, the Bengals offense stalled and scored just 10 points the rest of the way, 7 of them coming in the fourth quarter. The weapons are lacking for Andy Dalton and the offense after a strong start to the season, with Tyler Boyd, Auden Taste and Alex Erickson the top threats in the passing game. Say what you want about Dalton, and he has his critics, but this supporting cast is not good enough to be a competent offense in the NFL. He will have chance to bounce back against a deflated defense who just lost their leader and best player, but I still do not have faith in the Bengals offense.
It would be a travesty for Gardner Minshew's Jags to give the Bengals their first win of the season, but I firmly belief that will not happen. The Jaguars will bounce back in Cincy.
Prediction: JAX 17, CIN 16
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| LAC @ TEN |
Both teams are coming off two straight upset losses, and are quickly falling down the pecking order in the AFC. There is no sugar coding it: this is a must win game for both the Titans and Chargers.
There may not be a more disappointing team in the NFL this season than the Chargers. Melvin Gordon, while back from his holdout, has not stepped up to prove his worth, and he's been back since late September. Philip Rivers is turning the ball over, with 4 interceptions in the past two weeks. But above all, a loss to a third string quarterback making his first career start for the Steelers was the cherry on top. The Chargers have been humiliated at home by Denver and Pittsburgh, and they look nothing like the team which advanced to the Divisional Round last season. They don't match up well with the Titans either, who have a very good defense that will force even more turnovers from Rivers.
As for Tennessee, former number two overall pick Marcus Mariota has been benched, and Ryan Tannehill takes over under center. It's very possible we have seen the last of Mariota in a Titans uniform if Tannehill plays well the rest of the season, as Tannehill has an opportunity to put the Titans back in the playoff race if he can make accurate throws and move the chains.
One of these teams needs to win, and I think the Titans are a stronger force right now. It won't be pretty, but I think the Titans get the dub.
Prediction: LAC 14, TEN 20
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| BAL @ SEA |
The Earl Thomas revenge game is upon us, and it features two of the most dynamic teams in the NFL facing off in CenturyLink Field in Seattle. Russell Wilson, one of the prime MVP candidates, leads the Seahawks against the Ravens, who are led by Lamar Jackson.
Surprisingly, the Ravens defense is not the unit they were just last season. They rank 13th in yards allowed on defense and 25th in passing, allowing 270 passing yards per game. Against Russell Wilson, the Ravens defense is in for a long afternoon. Through six games, Russell Wilson ranks number one in passer rating, total yards, game-winning drives, and he has yet to turn the ball over this season. No quarterback is playing better football this year than Russell Wilson. If he can lead the Seahawks to take an early lead and mount on it early in the game, Seattle will run away with the win and put Baltimore away early, because Lamar Jackson will not be able to rally a comeback. In the previous four games for the Ravens, Jackson has 4 touchdown passes and 5 interceptions. His performance through the air is still a weakness, and it is Baltimore's weak point, which Seattle can definitely exploit.
This game may turn out a bit more one-sided than most of us imagine, and I think it will go in favor of Seattle. The Seahawks will cruise to 6-1.
Prediction: BAL 20, SEA 30
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| NO @ CHI |
The Saints train keeps on rolling, and they march into Chicago at 5-1 with Drew Brees making a recovery, and to come back soon. For the Bears, Mitchell Trubisky could potentially return to the field this week, and that would boost the Bears offense.
This will be the toughest matchup the Saints will have all season, because the Bears defense is superb, especially at home. However, they can still have their way in the game with the amount of playmaking ability at hand. Alvin Kamara is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league, and he is impossible to tackle in space. Michael Thomas is a machine as well, and if Teddy Bridgewater can find the protection to get it in his hands, the Saints offense will not be bothered by the Monsters of the Midway.
We could be in for a defensive master class in Chicago this week, which against any other opponent, would favor both the Bears and Saints. This week, I fancy the Saints more to prevail over the Bears, whether Trubisky makes his return or not.
Prediction: NO 23, CHI 21
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| PHI @ DAL |
When you have two teams facing off, each with a chip on their shoulder and plenty to prove, there is a chance for a phenomenal football game. Eagles-Cowboys has all the makings for a fun matchup on Sunday night.
For the Eagles, head coach Doug Pederson guaranteed a victory over the Cowboys this week, which is strange to say the least, given the Eagles are coming off a blowout loss. It is
unnecessary bulletin board material to give to a team which has lost their last three games, who don't need any more motivation to come out and smash them in the mouth. The key to an Eagles win is if they can protect Carson Wentz from Demarcus Lawrence and co and keep him upright, otherwise the Eagles will stall. If Wentz stalls, the defense won't be able to play their part, especially after Kirk Cousins torched their secondary last week.
In Dallas, the Cowboys are supremely talented on both sides of the ball, and there is no reason to see them struggling as badly as they are, or to see them drop three straight games. They desperately need to bounce back after getting shell shocked by the winless New York Jets, which may be the most embarrassing Cowboys defeat this decade. The health of Amari Cooper will be decisive for Dallas, because the downfield element he provides is a game changer, but as it showed in Jersey, the Cowboys struggle when he's not on the field.
I think we will see the Cowboys prevail over their NFC East rivals. In Jerry's World on Sunday Night Football, the crowd will be ramped up, the Cowboys will have a fire lit under them, and they will be too powerful for the Eagles to handle.
Prediction: PHI 17, DAL 27
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| NE @ NYJ |
The Patriots may be undefeated, but they have not looked the part in the past three weeks. Spells against the Bills, Redskins, and Giants were concerning for Patriots fans, seeing Brady throw for three interceptions in the previous three games, and Josh Gordon go down with an injury. The Patriots are getting off to slow starts, and their receiving core is looking very shorthanded. They need to be cautious of the Jets who are riding high after a thrilling win over the Cowboys.
I told you guys last week that the Jets are a different proposition when Darnold is under center. The Jets led by Trevor Siemian and Luke Falk are not at the same level when Darnold is there, and it showed against Dallas. Robby Anderson and Jamison Crowder are different players when their QB is out there, and Le'veon Bell hasn't even shown us his best yet this year. Their offense has the potential to challenge the Pats defense which has been phenomenal this year. However, Darnold can ruin the game plan for the Jets if he throws back breaking interceptions like we have seen countless quarterbacks do already against the Pats this season. Will Darnold fall into the same mouse trap, or will he be prepared to throw it away when he needs to?
While the Jets are a different team than they were two weeks ago, the Patriots are still the Patriots, and this version of the Jets is not good enough to pull off an upset. New England's defense is ridiculously amazing, and they have the potential of embarrassing Sam Darnold in primetime. The perfect season will continue.
Prediction: NE 26, NYJ 17
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