Week 7 Betting Preview: Predictions for every matchup
Each week during the NFL season, theScore's Dane Belbeck will handicap each of the week's matchups and offer up a three-pack of picks.
Cleveland Browns (+10) at Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals two wins this season have come against the Dolphins and Jets, who are a combined 2-10. Cody Kessler, Terrell Pryor, and Isaiah Crowell will do enough to keep the battle of Ohio close, and make sure the Browns cover the 10 points. Bengals 28, Browns 20
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins (+3)
Perhaps the best stat from last week's win over the Steelers was that Ryan Tannehill wasn't sacked, a credit to the Dolphins embattled offensive line. If they can turn in another strong effort against the Bills, Miami should notch its third win of the season. Dolphins 31, Bills 24
Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions (-1)
If Detroit is involved in a game, it's likely to be close, and this matchup against the Redskins should be no different. Every Lions game this year has finished with a 7-point spread or less. Matthew Stafford has been one of the NFL's best quarterbacks this season, and we like him to make less mistakes than Kirk Cousins. Lions 27, Redskins 23
Remaining Week 7 matchups
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (-8)
At some point, Aaron Rodgers is just going to say "Screw it," and throw for 400 yards, right? Green Bay 28, Chicago 13
New York Giants (-2.5) vs. Los Angeles Rams
Games in London are always incredibly difficult to predict, but the Rams have to get to 8-8 somehow, right? Giants 27, Rams 21
*Game played at Twickenham Stadium in London, England.
Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles (+3)
Mike Zimmer's stout defense will likely have some success against Carson Wentz, but nobody knows Sam Bradford better than the Eagles. The last undefeated team falls in a close game at Philadelphia. Eagles 21, Vikings 20
New Orleans Saints (+6.5) at Kansas City Chiefs
The Steelers torched the Chiefs earlier this season, and Drew Brees looks very capable of doing the same. Saints keep it close, but lose on a kick at the end. Chiefs 28, Saints 27
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers (+2.5)
With the Bucs still missing running backs Doug Martin and Charles Sims, look for the 49ers to force Jameis Winston into some tough throws all game. Colin Kaepernick gets Chip Kelly his second win in the Bay area. 49ers 23, Buccaneers 20
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans (-2.5)
DeMarco Murray against the NFL's 25th-ranked rushing defense. The Titans physically dominant the Colts in Tennessee. Titans 24, Colts 17
Baltimore Ravens (Pick) at New York Jets
Geno Smith is now starting for the New York Jets. That doesn't matter in the slightest. Ravens 24, Jets 14
Oakland Raiders at Jacksonville Jaguars (-1)
The Jaguars pass defense is eighth in the NFL, allowing almost 100 yards less per game than the 32nd-ranked Raiders. Jaguars 31, Raiders 27
San Diego Chargers (+6.5) at Atlanta Falcons
This game is likely to be a shootout between Matt Ryan and Philip Rivers. The Chargers come in with nine days rest and will keep it close in Atlanta. Falcons 35, Chargers 31
New England Patriots (-7) at Pittsburgh Steelers
Bill Belichick is perhaps the best coach in NFL history at taking away a team's strength on offense. With no Ben Roethlisberger, that strength is Le'Veon Bell for the Steelers. Expect the Patriots to force Landry Jones to beat them down the field, and interceptions to follow. Patriots 31, Steelers 17
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals (-2)
After starting the season 1-3, the Cardinals appear to have righted the ship with two straight wins by a margin of 61-24. Cardinals 24, Seahawks 20
Houston Texans at Denver Broncos (-7.5)
Brock Osweiler returns to Denver, and the Broncos elite secondary has to be licking its chops at the prospect. The first-year Texans starter looked dreadful against Minnesota earlier this year, and the Broncos pass defense is even better. Broncos 24, Texans 10
Picks Summary |
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Browns +10 (Gold) |
Dolphins +3 (Silver) |
Lions -1 (Bronze) |
Packers -8 |
Giants -2.5 |
Eagles +3 |
Saints +6.5 |
49ers +2.5 |
Titans -2.5 |
Ravens (pick) |
Jaguars -1 |
Chargers +6.5 |
Patriots -7 |
Cardinals -2 |
Broncos -7.5 |
Lines Courtesy: Pinnacle