NFL PICKS! Week Seven

Last week: 6-9
Year to date: 51-41 (.554)

(Home teams denoted in bold. Bye week teams: Dallas and Carolina)

What are Philip Rivers and the 2-4 Chargers doing in this week's featured game? Throwing for a bunch of yards, probably. (Chris Humphreys/USA TODAY Sports)

Thursday, October 20

Green Bay (3-2) 23, Chicago (1-5) 19

This series has belonged to the Packers for the better part of the past decade, with the Bears claiming just two wins in the last 15 meetings. For Packers fans not to lose hope, Green Bay must continue its dominance against Chicago.

Sunday, October 23

Giants (3-3) 21, Los Angeles (3-3) 20 (Game in London)

After getting off to a 3-1 start, the Rams have dropped two straight. The Giants rebounded last week after their own three-game losing streak and thus have an iota more momentum coming into this game.

Kansas City (3-2) 28, New Orleans (2-3) 26

The Sean Payton Farewell Tour will make its next stop at Arrowhead, where the Chiefs will eke past New Orleans to stay very much alive in the AFC West race.

Minnesota (5-0) 20, Philadelphia (3-2) 19

The Eagles could feasibly complete a three-game journey from first-to-worst in the NFC East after losing to undefeated, and bye-week-rested, Minnesota. Regardless, look for this to be a defensive showdown.

Indianapolis (2-4) 26, Tennessee (3-3) 24

In this week’s episode of “No One Wants to Win the AFC South,” 3-3 Tennessee will lose at home to 2-4 Indianapolis to tie the teams at 3-4 potentially one game out of the division lead.

Buffalo (4-2) 24, Miami (2-4) 19

After giving up 37 points to the Jets and firing offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Bills immediately went on a 4-0 run. Said run included wins against Arizona, New England and Los Angeles. Go figure.

Washington (4-2) 24, Detroit (3-3)

Last week I said a 4-2 Washington squad would need to be taken as a serious contender after having started the season 0-2. This is me taking a 4-2 Washington squad seriously.

Cincinnati (2-4) 24, Cleveland (0-6) 21

If the Browns can’t beat the Titans after having the game practically gift-wrapped for them, they won’t win a single game in 2016.

Oakland (4-2) 24, Jacksonville (2-3) 23

They’re not making highlight reels, but the Raiders are still winning. In fact, were the season over Tuesday, the Raiders would have the tiebreaker over Denver for the AFC West championship.

Baltimore (3-3) 23, Jets (1-5) 17

Sunday marks a good time for the Ravens to right the ship after having lost three straight. Todd Bowles making the switch to Geno Smith at quarterback might help slow the bleeding for New York, but won’t immediately stop it.

Atlanta (4-2) 30, San Diego (2-4) 28

OK, I’ll say it. The Falcons were robbed of a win last week; however, I finally predicted a Falcons game correctly so I’m not complaining. Matt Ryan and Phil Rivers will combine for 1,000 yards passing in this week’s marquee matchup, but look for a controversial call to go Atlanta’s way near endgame.

Tampa Bay (2-3) 24, San Francisco (1-5) 23

For the record, I hated Kaepernick long before he took a knee for the Star Spangled Banner. Also for the record, I support his right to kneel and am sympathetic toward his cause. I still don’t like the guy, though.

New England (5-1) 23, Pittsburgh (4-2) 20

One of the five most important lessons I have learned in my 24 years is “You Don’t Punish Bill Belichick.” Eventually, Supreme Overlord Roger Goodell will figure this one out, too.

Arizona (3-3) 21, Seattle (4-1) 19

In my upset of the week, the Cardinals will finally break .500 with their first signature win of 2016. This will create some semblance of gridlock atop the NFC West, with what could be 4-2 Seattle, 4-3 Arizona and 4-3 Los Angeles vying for division supremacy.

Monday, October 24

Denver (4-2) 23, Houston (4-2) 17

The Broncos will have had 11 days of rest heading into this one. Houston is riding a wave of confidence after coming back at home against Indy. It will be competitive all around, but the Broncos have a definite edge.