Week 7 Betting Preview: Predictions for every matchup
Each week during the NFL season, theScore's Dane Belbeck will handicap every matchup and offer up a three-pack of picks.
Week 5 record: 6-8
Overall: 51-40
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Carolina Panthers (-3) at Chicago Bears
The Bears will certainly be riding high after Mitchell Trubisky's first win as starting quarterback, but that feeling won't last past Sunday when the Panthers come to town. Thanks to Jordan Howard's 167-yard performance on the ground, Chicago was able to win last week in Baltimore despite Trubisky completing just eight passes all game. With the Panthers boasting the league's fifth-best rushing defense, the rookie pivot will need to win this game through the air. That won't happen and Carolina will rebound from a loss to the Eagles last week with a solid victory. Panthers 24, Bears 13
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Cincinnati Bengals (+5.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers rebounded from a horrific loss to the Jaguars by knocking off the only remaining undefeated team last week in Kansas City. That certainly sends them into this AFC North clash in good spirits, but a rested Bengals outfit should give them a tough test. Pittsburgh gets the win, but Cincinnati keeps it within five points. Steelers 24, Bengals 20
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Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots (-3.5)
The once prolific Atlanta offense appears to have stagnated, as the Falcons have failed to hit the 20-point mark in the past two games. A contest against the league's worst defense in New England might be just what Matt Ryan needs in this Super Bowl rematch, but the Patriots are desperate for a statement win of their own. New England's defense brings forth an inspired effort and Tom Brady shreds the Falcons in a big home win. Patriots 31, Falcons 24
Remaining matchups
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No Line) at Buffalo Bills
It's unclear whether Jameis Winston will play against Buffalo or not, but the Bills offense will have a tough time keeping up regardless of who plays quarterback for Tampa Bay. Bucs 28, Bills 23
Tennessee Titans (-6) at Cleveland Browns
Kevin Hogan looked absolutely horrific last week, and rumors are swirling that DeShone Kizer may be back under center as a result. It won't matter either way. Titans 28, Browns 17
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers (+6)
Prior to Aaron Rodgers' injury, this line was Green Bay (-6.5) and now sits at New Orleans (-6). That enormous shift shows just how valuable oddsmakers think the Packers pivot is. While the Packers offense will certainly take a step back, getting six points at home is a lot. Saints 30, Packers 28
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts (+3)
The blueprint for beating the Jaguars is clear; stop Leonard Fournette and make Blake Bortles beat you through the air. The Colts will do that on Sunday and pick up the home win. Colts 24, Jaguars 21
Arizona Cardinals (+3.5) vs. Los Angeles Rams
Jared Goff's last three games (half the season y'all): 54-of-104 (51.9%), 3 TD, 2 INT, 6.4 Y/A, 73.7 rating, 2 fumbles
— Field Gulls (@FieldGulls) October 17, 2017
Jared Goff has regressed a bit since a solid start to the season, but the Rams have maintained their winning ways thanks to special teams and defense. That changes against the Cardinals in London. Cardinals 27, Rams 24
*Game played in London, England
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (-3)
Biggest tip for this contest is not to bet a game that pits Josh McCown against Jay Cutler, but since we must, go with the home side. Dolphins 20, Jets 13
Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings (-5.5)
Joe Flacco has been terrible this season and it's hard to see that changing against the Vikings' excellent defense. Vikings 27, Ravens 14
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers (+6)
An appeals court has ruled that Ezekiel Elliott is good to play against the 49ers on Sunday, which is great news for the Cowboys. While San Francisco is winless, they have been within three points in each of the their last five losses. That trend continues here. Cowboys 27, 49ers 24
Seattle Seahawks (-5) at New York Giants
Surely the Giants can't pull off a magic act two weeks in a row, can they? The shocking win over the Broncos means the Seahawks won't be surprised by the injury-depleted NFC East outfit. Seahawks 24, Giants 13
Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers (-1.5)
The Broncos suffered arguably the worst loss in the NFL this season against the injury-depleted Giants last week, and were exposed as a club with severe offensive limitations. The Chargers will attack those weaknesses and get the home win. Chargers 27, Broncos 20
Washington Redskins (+5) at Philadelphia Eagles
A rematch of the Week 1 contest that saw the Eagles emerge with a 30-17 win. While the Redskins are battling injuries, this one has shootout potential written all over it. Take the points. Eagles 31, Redskins 28
Byes: Detroit Lions, Houston Texans
Picks summary |
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Panthers -3 (Gold) |
Bengals +5.5 (Silver) |
Patriots -3.5 (Bronze) |
Buccaneers |
Titans -6 |
Packers +6 |
Colts +3 |
Cardinals +3.5 |
Dolphins -3 |
Vikings -5.5 |
49ers +6 |
Seahawks -5 |
Chargers -1.5 |
Redskins +5 |