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NFL Picks and Predictions Week 7

By Robert Hayek

Posted on October 18, 2024

NFL Picks and Predictions Week 7

I keep hitting the moneyline. That’s not a problem. I know who’s going to win the games. Yet, the spread always eludes me like the Roadrunner evades Wile E Coyote. I keep falling off cliffs. But that will change soon. My goal is to make amazingly accurate moneyline picks and also give good spread picks.

Check out my record below:

Moneyline: 5-1 (29-12 overall)
ATS: 2-4 (18-23 overall)
O/U: 3-3 (17-24 overall)

Our power rankings constantly change, and your favorite team might be moving up. You may notice that some teams have taken a tumble while others remain in the same spot. Our NFL odds will display all the spreads for your viewing pleasure. I always like to pluck stats from team rankings to show you how good certain teams are at scoring and defending. Let’s get into this week’s seven best games.

TEXANS (+2.5) VS. PACKERS (47.5)

The Texans are 14th in points per game.
The Packers are tied for ninth in points allowed per game.
The Packers are tied for eighth in points per game.
The Texans are tied for 15th in points allowed per game.
The Packers lead the head-to-head series 4-1.
The Packers defeated the Texans 35-20 in the last battle on October 25, 2020 at NRG Stadium.
The Texans are 2-3-1 against the spread.
The Packers are 4-2 against the spread.
The Texans are 0-1-1 against the spread against the NFC.
The Packers are 2-0 against the spread against the AFC.

The Texans are now 5-1 after routing the New England Patriots for their first-ever win in Foxboro. CJ Stroud continues to play well and now has passed for 1,577 yards with 10 touchdowns and four interceptions. Also, the Texans have managed to overcome the injury to Nico Collins and are relying on Stefon Diggs, along with the return of Joe Mixon, to get them going. This defense has also been clutch, not letting teams get the upper hand on them. They will face their toughest test this week as they head to Lambeau to face the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers are 4-2 after destroying the Arizona Cardinals at home. Jordan Love continued his amazing season and now has 1,131 yards, 12 touchdowns, and six interceptions over four games. Love has also had great chemistry with a hoard of receivers, including Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and tight end Tucker Kraft. The defense played well against the Cards. However, this will be a significantly tougher test as they face one of the best quarterbacks in the game.

This will be one of the best matchups of the week.

Picks: Packers 27, Texans 24

Prediction: Packers -2.5, O 47.5

EAGLES (-3.5) VS. GIANTS (45.5)

The Eagles are 18th in points per game.
The Giants are tied for ninth in points allowed per game.
The Giants are fourth-worst in the NFL in points per game.
The Eagles are 14th in points allowed per game.
The Eagles lead the head-to-head series 94-89-2.
The Eagles are 7-3 in the past 10 regular-season games against the Giants.
The Giants are 3-2 over the past five games against the Eagles at the Meadowlands.
The Under has hit in three of four games.
Jalen Hurts has passed for 1,130 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions over eight games against the Giants.
Daniel Jones has passed for 1,103 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions over five showdowns with the Eagles.

The Eagles are 3-2 after beating the Cleveland Browns last weekend. But it was probably their most unimpressive win, as the offense stalled constantly. Jalen Hurts is not having the best season. So far, he has passed for 1,194 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions while running 56 times for 196 yards and two touchdowns. The running lanes don’t seem as open as they did in the past. Meanwhile, Saquon Barkley has been great, running 91 times for 482 yards and four touchdowns. AJ Brown and Devonte Smith just returned from their respective injuries and will look to get going. The Eagles may have a tough time against the Giants at the Meadowlands.

The Giants are 2-4 after another sad showing last Sunday against the Cincinnati Beat the Meadowlands. It has been a lot of inconsistency for the Giants. Moreover, Daniel Jones has been uneven, passing for 1,343 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions while also rushing 45 times for 164 yards. Devin Singletary is injured. Therefore, Tyrone Tracy Jr. has taken over and has been great, running 47 times for 208 yards and one touchdown. Malik Nabers missed last week’s game and comes in with 35 catches for 386 yards and three touchdowns. The defense has been the hero lately, and it has helped them win two of four games. The Giants welcome a familiar foe into the Meadowlands.

The Eagles are not heavy favorites in this one. Significantly, the Giants have beaten them two consecutive seasons at Met Life Stadium. Expect them to come out with more fire and energy against a divisional rival that is not exactly flourishing right now. The Giants gut out a close win.

Prediction: Giants 19, Eagles 17

Picks: Giants +3.5, U 45.5

SEAHAWKS (+2.5) VS. FALCONS (49.5)

The Seahawks are 13th in points per game.
The Falcons are tied in 15th in points allowed per game.
The Falcons are 11th in points per game.
The Seahawks are 25th in points allowed per game.
The Seahawks lead the head-to-head series 12-9.
The Seahawks have won two in a row in Atlanta.
The Over has hit in four of five games.
The Seahawks are 1-4-1 against the spread this season.
The Falcons are 3-3 against the spread this season.
Kirk Cousins is 2-4 over six games against the Seahawks.

The Seahawks have suddenly lost three in a row after starting their season 3-0. They must right the ship as they head into Atlanta with much pressure. Geno Smith has had an up-and-down season and comes in with 1,178 yards passing, six touchdowns, and six interceptions. Kenneth Walker is their lead back and has rushed 51 times for 234 yards and five touchdowns, while Zach Charbonnet has added 49 rushes for 187 yards and three scores. DK Metcalf has caught 31 passes for 469 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, this defense has also not played well. It has been a struggle, and they will have more trouble against a talented Falcons offense.

The Falcons are 4-2 and are in a two-way tie for first place in the NFC South after defeating the Carolina Panthers. Kirk Cousins has been a great addition to the Falcons, as he comes in with 1,598 yards passing, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions. Meanwhile, Bijan Robinson has thrived, running 82 times for 380 yards and three touchdowns and catching 21 passes for 161 yards. Drake London has been the top receiver, catching 38 passes for 428 yards and four touchdowns. On the flip side, the defense has shown some signs of life but has often been inconsistent. They will have their hands full guarding Metcalf.

The Hawks have issues stopping the run, and the Falcons will capitalize on that. This will open up the play-action, giving Cousins more chances to throw downfield.

Prediction: Falcons 31, Seahawks 27

Picks: Falcons -2.5, O 49.5

LIONS (+1.5) VS. VIKINGS (50.5)

The Lions have the best-scoring offense in the NFL.
The Vikings are third in points allowed per game.
The Vikings are seventh in the NFL in points per game.
The Lions are eighth in points allowed per game.
The Vikings lead the head-to-head series 80-43.
The Lions have won three in a row in this series.
The Vikings are 4-1 over the past five games against the Lions at US Bank Stadium.
Jared Goff is 5-3 against the Vikings.
The Lions are 4-1 against the spread this season.
The Vikings are 5-0 against the spread this season.

The Lions are 4-1 after utterly destroying the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Now, they will travel to Minneapolis to face a well-rested Minnesota Vikings squad. The Lions have the most explosive offense in the league and continue to torch defenses. However, they will face the toughest test yet as they battle the Vikings. Jared Goff has been excellent, with 1,330 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions this season. Additionally, he has had the one-two punch of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, who have combined for nine touchdowns in five games.

The Vikings are one of the two unbeaten teams, and they come into this game with extra confidence and motivation. They are coming off a bye week and will look to stay unbeaten while also extending their lead in the NFC North. Sam Darnold has been excellent, passing for 1,111 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions. Justin Jefferson has been great, catching 26 passes for 450 yards and four touchdowns. This week, he will look to expose a Detroit defense that just lost their best pass rusher, Aidan Hutchinson, and possibly Carlton Davis, their top shutdown corner.

This is one of the hardest games of the week to choose from. Despite losing Hutchinson, the defense can still stop the run, even if Aaron Jones plays. The Lions also have an explosive offense and the best offensive line in football. Subsequently, they will use the power of this line to run the football effectively and set up play-action plays for Jared Goff. The Lions will do enough to win this game in a shootout.

Prediction: Lions 28, Vikings 24

Picks: Lions +1.5, O 50.5

CHIEFS (+1.5) VS. 49ERS (46.5)

The Chiefs are 15th in points per game.
The 49ers are 12th in points allowed per game.
The 49ers are tied for eighth in points per game.
The Chiefs are tied for sixth in points allowed per game.
The Chiefs have defeated the 49ers in two of the past four Super Bowls.
Kyle Shanahan is 0-4 against the Chiefs (including 0-2 in playoffs)
Andy Reid is 10-4 as a coach against the 49ers and 21-4 after a bye week as a head coach.
The Chiefs are 4-1 against the spread this season.
The 49ers are 3-3 against the points spread this season.
The 49ers are 2-1 against the points spread at home.

The Chiefs are 5-0 and coming off a bye week. But if you look closely, there is a team with a lot of injuries. Unfortunately, the Chiefs lost Rashee Rice for the season with a torn ACL. Additionally, Isiah Pacheco is on the injured reserve with a lower leg injury. But Patrick Mahomes has helped them despite his struggles. He has passed for 1,235 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions. Also, his favorite target, Travis Kelce, has not scored a touchdown yet. Despite the struggles on offense, the Chiefs have not lost, primarily because of an incredible defense that has allowed just 17 points per game. This week, the defense will face a San Francisco offense that is still without Christian McCaffrey.

The 49ers are 3-3 after defeating the Seattle Seahawks. Sadly, they have dealt with numerous injuries, including the loss of McCaffrey until at least Week 10. Regardless, the Niners have endured thanks to the excellent play of Brock Purdy, who has passed for 1,629 yards, nine touchdowns, and four interceptions. Purdy put the 49ers into position to beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl twice last season. Unfortunately, the defense faltered on both occasions afterward. This defense is without Dre Greenlaw until later in the season and lost Javon Hargrave for the season. Yet, the defense has been excellent in the first halves of games, allowing an average of 7.16 points a game in the first half. The problem has been the second half, where they have allowed an average of 14.5 points per game. It has cost them both times against this week’s opponent, who have beaten them in two of the past four Super Bowls.

Despite the Chiefs beating the 49ers twice and being the unbeaten team, San Francisco is the favorite here. It’s a battle of a struggling offense versus a struggling defense and a hot offense versus a hot defense. I think Purdy will be the main factor here. When you watch him play, you see the type of style that usually comes with elite quarterbacks. If the 49ers can run the ball, it will set up great situations for Purdy to take advantage of. The defense must hold the fort in the second half and avoid another collapse. Most people are picking the Chiefs. I expect the opposite. The Niners shock the world on Sunday.

Prediction: 49ers 26, Chiefs 23

Picks: 49ers -1.5, U 46.5

JETS (+1.5) VS. STEELERS (36.5)

The Jets are 25th in points per game.
The Steelers are second in points allowed per game.
The Steelers are 20th in points per game.
The Jets are tied for sixth in points allowed per game.
The Steelers lead the head-to-head series 20-7.
Mike Tomlin is 3-5 over eight regular-season games against the Jets.
The Steelers are 3-2 over the past five regular-season home games against the Jets.
Aaron Rodgers is 1-1 in his career against the Steelers.
The Jets are 2-3 against the spread this season.
The Steelers are 2-3 against the spread this season.

The Jets just acquired Davante Adams, who is fully preparing for this week’s game. The Jets are 2-4 coming into this one. Over the past few weeks, the Jets have had a wild ride. They fired Robert Saleh and then lost the first game without him, barely falling short to the Buffalo Bills at the Meadowlands. Aaron Rodgers is dealing with an ankle sprain. Yet, he plans to play in this game. It will be a tough matchup as the Jets attempt to go into Pittsburgh and win on Sunday Night Football.

The Steelers routed the Las Vegas Raiders to bounce back after losing to the Dallas Cowboys in a wet, rain-soaked game on Sunday Night Football two weeks ago. Russell Wilson is starting this weekend, and it could go one of two ways. Either, he will come out and have a fantastic game, completely dominating the Jets. Or, he might struggle against one of the most ferocious defenses in the NFL. The Steelers might run the ball to lessen the pressure.

If Justin Fields were starting, it might be easier to pick the Steelers. However, the decision to start Wilson is curious, especially when you are 4-2 and near the top of the AFC North. The Jets are also more desperate with their season slipping. This game is going to be ugly. Therefore, don’t expect much offense. Jets win a defensive slugfest.

Prediction: Jets 17, Steelers 13

Picks: Jets +1.5, U 36.5

RAVENS (-4.5) VS. BUCCANEERS (50.5)

The Ravens are tied for fourth in points per game.
The Buccaneers tied for 19th in points allowed per game.
The Buccaneers are tied for second in points per game.
The Ravens are 24th in points allowed per game.
The Ravens lead the head-to-head series 5-2.
The Ravens won the last battle 27-22 on October 27, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium.
Lamar Jackson is 2-0 against the Buccaneers.
Baker Mayfield is 3-6 against the Ravens,
The Ravens are 4-2 against the spread this season.
The Buccaneers are 4-2 against the spread this season.

Last weekend, the Ravens won a thriller against the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium and are 4-2 coming into this game. Lamar Jackson has been stellar, leading the Ravens with 1,529 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and two interceptions while also rushing 64 times for 403 yards and two scores. Having Derrick Henry in the backfield has paid huge dividends, as the veteran running back has rushed 119 times for 704 yards and eight touchdowns. The offense has been amazing over the past four games, averaging 33.5 points while flying high during a four-game winning streak. Now, they face a team that just put up 51 points.

The Buccaneers destroyed the New Orleans Saints 51-27 last weekend and are 4-2 coming into this battle on Monday Night Football. It was another exceptional game from Baker Mayfield, who is thriving with 1,489 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Mayfield has formed great chemistry with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Godwin has 43 catches for 511 yards and five touchdowns, while Evans has 25 receptions for 310 yards and five touchdowns. However, they will have a tougher challenge as they meet an inconsistent but opportunistic defense that can still wreak havoc.

This will be an offensive showdown, with many points lighting up the scoreboard. Jackson is 5-2 on Monday Night Football, and his chemistry with Henry has been great. The Bucs will compete with the Ravens but won’t score nearly as many points as they did last weekend. Expect a shootout, with the Ravens enduring the Bucs and winning this one on the road.

Prediction: Ravens 34, Buccaneers 27

Picks: Ravens -4.5, O 50.5