Only two of the fifteen games this weekend are matchups in which the teams have more than a game separation record wise. This means we are set up for an unpredictable weekend with potential upsets across the board. Who will gain separation in their respective divisions. Keep reading on “NFL Updates Express: Week 7 2018” to find out...
Week 6 Prediction Record: 10-5
Total Prediction Record: 55-36-2
Week 6 Awards:
Most Entertaining Game: Chiefs vs Patriots
Upset of the Week: Cowboys over Jaguars
Player of the Week: Za’Darius Smith, LB, Ravens (1 FF, five tackles, 3 sacks)
Team of the Week: Dallas Cowboys
Rookie of the Week: Bradley Chubb, LB, Broncos (3 sacks, five tackles)
While Case Keenum is getting most of the blame for Denver’s struggles, I believe that the defensive unit as a whole is more to blame than one particular player. The Broncos are the first team in NFL history to allow a 200 yard rusher in back-to-back weeks. Despite this, they’ve been able to keep things interesting in every game including the contests against the undefeated Rams and one-loss Chiefs. In a division with the Chiefs and Chargers, their playoff prospects look grim. However, if they are to get back in the mix, they must convincingly handle Arizona. The Cardinals at home should unleash Rosen against this defense. I’m predicting a relatively low score but I wouldn’t be surprised if Arizona puts up four or five touchdowns either. Larry Fitzgerald needs to get going and primetime is where he thrives. Either team can win but I’m going to take Denver in another close one.
Denver Broncos 20, Arizona Cardinals 17 (TNF)
While all the talk has been about the Patriots and Chiefs, the Los Angeles Chargers are in the best position possible. Playing extremely well and flying under the radar. I don’t care what anyone says but Tennessee is not a good football team. Although the defense is stout, this offense is about anemic as it gets. They’ve scored over twenty points just once through six games which simply won’t cut it against their upcoming schedule (@ Chargers, @ Cowboys, vs Patriots). It doesn’t help that your QB is under duress every other play though. The Chargers pass rush is no joke and with Melvin Ingram breathing down your neck, this game could get ugly based on the current state of the Titans offensive line.
Los Angeles Chargers 30, Tennessee Titans 13 (London)
Carolina laid a dud as their rookie reciever DJ Moore coughed up the ball twice in a dysfunctional loss to Washington. Now they get a chance to make amends against the Super Bowl champs. I think Carolina can win this game but will they...I doubt it. Philly is getting better by the week and Alshon Jeffery vs James Bradberry will determine who wins this game. Saquon Barkley had much success against the Eagles so Christian McCaffrey will need to have a similar performance for the Panthers to win. Expect tight ends Zach Ertz and Greg Olsen to have big days but Philadelphia pulls away late to win it at home.
Philadelphia Eagles 27, Carolina Panthers 17
I’m feeling this #UpsetSpecial for some reason. The Jets have played great at home this year and the Vikings have shown to be inconsistent at times. Sam Darnold seems to be legit. I was skeptical of him starting in Week One but he has really impressed. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins didn’t have his greatest day, committing two turnovers. Although they seem to be hitting their stride, I’m not 100% sold they’re back to who we thought they were. Add in the fact that they may be looking ahead to the epic Divisional Round rematch vs the Saints and this game has all the makings of a Jets win.
New York Jets 31, Minnesota Vikings 27
God forbid if Nathan Peterman gets the start next week. BREAKING NEWS: DEREK ANDERSON IS STARTING AT QB. Crisis averted! Whew! Josh Allen is set to miss multiple weeks with a UCL injury in his elbow. It just seems like destiny that Bills fans have to suffer through this. Tyrod Taylor wasn’t amazing but Peterman makes him look like the next coming of Dan Marino. Unlike Buffalo, the Colts offense has actually been rolling. Indy is a young team so they won't be winning many games this year but they’ve shown the can be a big spoiler to someone down the road. Whether Peterman or newly signed QB Derek Anderson gets the start, the result will be the same. Colts win.
Indianapolis Colts 26, Buffalo Bills 20
New England is hitting their stride per usual at this point in the year. I would be shocked if New England isn’t back in the AFC Championship taking on Kansas City or Los Angeles later in the year. Obviously, the defense will need to play better. The Bears honestly could be undefeated if a few things bounced their way. Instead, they sit at 3-2 and in the mix for the North. Mitchell Trubisky has had a nice season so far but a crucial redzone INT impacted the Miami game. New England’s defense isn’t stellar but they are opportunistic. I see a similar game occuring where the Bears start off strong but Brady leads a comeback and wins it going away.
New England Patriots 31, Chicago Bears 23
Tampa Bay made the right choice. Despite early Fitzmagic controversy, Jameis Winston is the Bucs’ franchise quarterback. He played extremely well, tossing four touchdowns in a tough loss to the Falcons. However, the headlines were made when DC Mike Smith was fired. Tampa’s offense is fine but their defense has struggled mightily. That could open up things for TE David Njoku who had his best game of the season and Baker Mayfield who would like to get back on track after a rough performance. I think Cleveland could make things interesting but I don’t foresee the Bucs losing this one at home.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24, Cleveland Browns 16
Despite Blake Bortles playing poorly, this is a team loss. Whenever I see a “40” on the opponent’s box score, it’s more than the fault of one person. Houston looked as dead as could be until reeling off three straight W’s. Now teams headed in different directions play in what I’d like to call a crossroads game. Whoever wins this will likely take control of the division as Tennessee gets a tough game against Los Angeles. Both offenses have not been great but the Jags get the benefit of returning home. I see a low scoring affair with the home team edging out the win.
Jacksonville Jaguars 17, Houston Texans 13
I’m gonna give props to Brock. The oft-maligned QB came through with one of his best career performances. Ugly or not, the Dolphins have found a way to win. I wouldn’t write off either of these teams for a while. The Lions at 2-3 have found themselves in a decent spot. The NFC North isn’t as power heavy as originally believed to be. Every team is solid but not dominate. This sets up well for Detroit to make a run. Fresh off a bye, the Lions should be ready to roll. Expect a strong dose of Kerryon Johnson if the Lions end up victorious. This is a classic “coin-flip” game. The difference could be takeaways as the Dolphins lead the league in INTs. In a close battle, the Dolphins stay undefeated at home.
Miami Dolphins 23, Detroit Lions 21
For the Saints, these next five games could make or break their season. The Ravens, Vikings, Rams, Bengals, and Eagles sounds pretty challenging so if Drew Brees and co can make it out of this stretch with a winning record, they’ll be in great shape for the playoffs. First things first, a trip to Baltimore to take on this ferocious pass rush. They recorded ELEVEN SACKS in shutout over Tennessee. Look for the WILLIE SNEAD REVENGE GAME to be a big factor. Okay, I’m only half joking here. He’s had at least five receptions and fifty-five yards in his last three matchups so a similar performance should be in order against his former team. I’m tempted to call the upset but New Orleans has been almost unstoppable on offense. If they can upend the Ravens D, I’d get excited about their prospects going forward.
New Orleans Saints 26, Baltimore Ravens 23
WOAH! What just happened! The Cowboys are so confusing. They barely show resemblance of life against the Panthers and Texans but then edge out a win against Detroit and blow out a presumed Super Bowl contender in the Jaguars. Maybe the easier thing to look at is where these games are played. Dallas is 3-0 at home and winless on the road. Makes sense to me. Next up, a trip to Washington against a revived AP and Alex Smith. The key for both teams is to slow down the rushing attacks. Dallas, who ranks second in rush yards with 147.5 average, will depend on the legs of Zeke and Dak to provide the offense. In this rivalry, I typically predict the split so I’ll do so by giving the Skins the narrow home dub.
Washington Redskins 23, Dallas Cowboys 20
The 49ers had quite the game on Monday Night. Despite falling flat in the final minutes, San Francisco showed they aren’t gonna lie down. Meanwhile, Los Angeles had their worse preformance of the year and still were able to handle the Broncos in Denver. Now this game may seem like a cakewalk for LA but I’ll give you three reasons the Niners could pull off the stunner. First off, C.J. Beathard is no slouch. His execution against Green Bay was nearly flawless. It was unfortunate the defense let him down. Secondly, Marquise Goodwin has the speed to expose any secondary. His four-reception, 126 yard day was a beauty to watch. Lastly, the 49ers get to play at home. Despite all these factors, it is tough to see the 49ers producing enough defensive stops to slow down “The Greatest Show on Turf.” Rams stay undefeated and improve to 7-0.
Los Angeles Rams 31, San Francisco 49ers 19
Since the Chiefs defense can’t stop anyone barring a turnover, the Bengals should be able to go toe-to-toe with Mahomes in this one. Tyler Boyd has been one of the NFL’s biggest surprises. He found another pair of touchdowns in a crushing loss to their division rival. If I was Cincinnati, I’d want to establish a run game. Joe Mixon can easily replicate the performance that New England’s Sony Michel had on Sunday Night. The big thing to watch here is “Will the Chiefs have another midseason slide?” I’m not sure. The Chiefs offense looks unstoppable but their defense may pose an issue if Mahomes starts to fold in a high-pressure game. Either way, the Chiefs are in for a battle. That being said, expect Kansas City to come out victorious.
Kansas City Chiefs 31, Cincinnati Bengals 30 (SNF)
The Falcons have been one of the most injury riddled teams in 2018 and it only continues to get worse. Receivers Calvin Ridley and Mohamed Sanu along with kicker Matt Bryant and running back Devonta Freeman all suffered injuries in a narrow win over Tampa Bay. The latter two are unlikely to play Monday night with Devonta Freeman being placed on IR. Despite all of this, Atlanta still will be able to compete in this game. Ito Smith is a fine replacement for Devonta Freeman so that shouldn’t be much of an issue. The Giants are desperate for a win. If they lose this, Kyle Lauletta may be getting some snaps soon. I’m pretty sure no 1-6 team has ever made the playoffs. Sorry New York, maybe next year.
Atlanta Falcons 26, New York Giants 24 (MNF)
Bye Weeks: Steelers, Raiders, Packers, Seahawks
Game of the Week: Bengals vs Chiefs
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