These are my picks to win every Week 7 NFL game straight-up, tiered by confidence level and ranked within each tier.
You can bet on any of these games on DraftKings Sportsbook.
NFL Week 7 Picks and Predictions: Straight-Up Picks with Confidence Levels
High Confidence
Texans over Giants
The Texans are on the rise. After an unlucky 0-4 start, Houston has won back-to-back games. The Giants, on the other hand, took a loss to the Saints last week after a very lucky 3-1-1 start. The Texans should keep the momentum rolling at home and get their third straight win.
Vikings over Colts
The Vikings are one of just three undefeated teams left in the NFL. Brian Flores continues to prove that he is the best defensive coordinator in football, as the Minnesota defense is dominating every opponent. The Colts are on the ropes after a tough loss to the Titans last week. The Vikings should keep the pressure on Daniel Jones and produce enough offense to win this one.
Rams over Raiders
It has been a highly disappointing first few weeks of the season for the Rams. The preseason Super Bowl favorites are now 2-4 and need to start winning fast. The Raiders are an improved team, but in this “now-or-never” spot, the Rams should get the win.
Jets over Dolphins
This is a bit of an ugly matchup between the Jets and the Dolphins. However, the Jets are clearly the much more competent team this season and get this one at home. Measuring by net EPA/play, the Jets are around league-average, ranking 18th. Meanwhile, the Dolphins rank dead last in net EPA/play.
49ers over Falcons
The 49ers just keep rolling. They are now 6-0 and have passed every test thrown at them. The initial spark that Michael Penix Jr. brought to the Falcons is starting to wear off. The team still has some flaws, and the 49ers will expose those, as they have done to everyone else they’ve played this season.
Medium Confidence
Cowboys over Eagles
The Cowboys and Eagles have both had disappointing starts to the season. However, the injuries to the Eagles have been horrible. Jalen Hurts is now out for the season, and this seems like a lost campaign for Philadelphia. The Cowboys should get a much-needed win in the wide-open NFC East.
Broncos over Cardinals
The Broncos are not a perfect team by any means, but they are elite on the defensive side of the ball. The Cardinals have been feisty, but it’s tough for them to produce every week. The Denver defense is the best unit in this game and should lead its team to a win.
Panthers over Buccaneers
The Panthers have won back-to-back games and sit in first place in the NFC South. While the Tampa Bay defense is tough, the offense just isn’t good enough with Jalon Daniels. The Panthers rank seventh in the NFL in offensive EPA/play and should have too much firepower in this game.
Lions over Packers
The NFC North is arguably the toughest division in football so far this season. This is a crucial game between two teams chasing the Vikings for first place. The home-field advantage for Detroit makes a massive difference in this matchup. Jared Goff really struggles in the outdoor conditions at Lambeau Field historically, but at home, he is a high-level quarterback. The Detroit offense should have too much firepower in this matchup.
Ravens over Bengals
This is another exciting divisional matchup. Lamar Jackson could be returning for the Ravens, which would be massive. If Jackson plays in this game, the Baltimore offense should get back to being one of the most explosive in the NFL. The Baltimore defense has held up the last two weeks, but the offense needs its quarterback back. Assuming Jackson plays, the Ravens should win this one at home.
Coin-Flip Games
Bears over Patriots
The Bears and Patriots are both 4-2, and both have had a bit of an up-and-down start to the season. It has really been the Bears’ defense that has impressed the last couple of weeks. If they can keep up that tough defense and utilize their superior offensive weapons, they should get this win at home.
Chiefs over Seahawks
The Chiefs are one of the last undefeated teams left in the NFL. This is a huge matchup for them against the defending Super Bowl champions. However, something is off with the Seattle offense this season. It is missing Kenneth Walker, who is now on the other sideline in this matchup. The Chiefs have the much better offense, and Patrick Mahomes should make the winning plays.
Steelers over Saints
These are two inconsistent teams playing an international game, which makes it hard to give either team the edge. There are a lot of travel variables, and in that case, I’ll give the slight edge to the more experienced coach and quarterback. The Steelers have won two games in a row and should keep the momentum going.
Browns over Titans
The Titans finally got their first win of the season last week. The Browns also got another win to remain in first place in the AFC North. This is a true coin-flip game, as the Browns have not been as good on the road as they have been at home. However, the best unit in this game is the Cleveland defense, so I’ll give the Browns a slight edge.
