The NFL is a league renowned for its unpredictability, and Week 7 is no different. With eight out of the 15 games featuring spreads of fewer than three points, it’s clear that parity is in full effect. NFL journalist Chris Vasile is here to provide a detailed breakdown of the upcoming slate and offer his against-the-spread (ATS) picks for each game.
Last week saw the favorites dominate the NFL odds board, going an impressive 11-3 depending on the sportsbook. However, this week presents a different challenge, as the majority of games have tight spreads, with only one game exceeding a touchdown margin.
In a thrilling showdown, the Lions put up an astonishing 47 points against the Cowboys in Week 6. However, they face a tough test against the formidable Minnesota Vikings, who possess a top-tier scoring defense. With the Vikings coming off a bye week, Vasile leans towards the fresh home team in this matchup.
The Green Bay Packers may be sitting at 4-2, but their recent wins over the Rams and Cardinals have been against weaker opponents. Now, they face a legitimate Super Bowl contender in a test of their true capabilities. Vasile predicts that C.J. Stroud will shine for the Bengals, outplaying Jordan Love and leading his team to victory.
The Seattle Seahawks find themselves in a slump, losing three consecutive games with their defense struggling to contain opponents. Traveling across the country to face the high-powered Atlanta Falcons offense in an early start game does not bode well for Seattle. Vasile predicts a comfortable win for the Falcons in this matchup.
The Buffalo Bills host the Tennessee Titans in a game where the Bills’ high-flying offense is expected to dominate. With the addition of Amari Cooper, Buffalo’s offense is firing on all cylinders, while the Titans may struggle to keep up. Vasile predicts a blowout victory for the Bills in front of their passionate home crowd.
In a divisional matchup, the Philadelphia Eagles managed to eke out a victory against the Browns in Week 6. Despite their inconsistencies, the Eagles possess more playmakers than the struggling New York Giants. Adding to the intrigue is the potential for a revenge game from Saquon Barkley, which could further tip the scales in favor of the Eagles.
The trade of Odell Beckham Jr. has left the Cleveland Browns without their top offensive threat, leading Vasile to avoid backing a team in transition. Meanwhile, the enigmatic Joe Flacco continues to command attention, with Vasile willing to put his faith in Flacco’s elite abilities yet again.
In a surprising turn of events, the Washington Commanders put up a spirited performance against the Ravens on the road, narrowly losing a hard-fought battle. Now, facing the struggling Carolina Panthers, Vasile sees an opportunity to capitalize on the Commanders’ momentum and take the points with confidence.
The Las Vegas Raiders face the daunting task of taking on the high-powered Los Angeles Rams without their star receiver Davante Adams. Despite the Raiders’ struggles even with Adams in the lineup, Vasile believes the Rams are overvalued as a touchdown favorite and predicts a closer game than expected.
Lastly, the Kansas City Chiefs square off against the San Francisco 49ers, with Vasile siding with the home team in what he perceives as a must-win game for the 49ers. While Patrick Mahomes has a stellar record as an underdog, Vasile believes the 49ers’ consistent offense gives them the edge in this matchup.
With Week 7 offering a mix of close matchups and potential upsets, NFL fans are in for a treat as they witness the drama unfold on the gridiron. As always, the unpredictability of the league keeps fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the outcomes of each game. Let the games begin!
