Steelers fall in primetime again in Week 7 picks and predictions

The Week 7 slate gets started tonight with the Broncos and Saints looking to get back on track. Thankfully, I'm not in the same boat. Last week started off tough, but I finished with an 11-3 record last week and I'm looking to ride the momentum.

The Steelers highlight Sunday Night Football as Russell Wilson aims to make his first start for Pittsburgh while Davante Adams debuts with the New York Jets. That game might spell trouble for the Steelers to build upon their own Week 6 momentum.

Season Record: 52-38

Thursday Night

Denver Broncos @ New Orleans Saints

In Sean Payton's return to New Orleans, he doesn't come in with a ton of firepower. Though rookie quarterback Bo Nix has had his flashes, and engineered an upset road victory over the Buccaneers, his inconsistencies plague the Denver offense often. The Saints have lost several close, tough games in a row before the dam broke last week. Still, the Saints can start hot enough to stave off Denver's offense.

Winner: Saints, 27-18

Sunday Morning

New England Patriots @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Well, the Jaguars have some serious problems. The loss to Chicago last week was brutal and another loss across the pond could have head coach Doug Peterson stranded in London. The Jaguars aren't good, but neither are the New England Patriots. Still, there was a clear spark with Drake Maye at quarterback even if the Houston Texans vastly outmatched them. The Jaguars should have an advantage playing in London for a second straight week, but it won't help them enough.

Winner: Patriots, 31-16

Sunday Early Window

Seattle Seahawks @ Atlanta Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks come off the BYE with another cross-country trip lined up. It's not an easy one either. The Atlanta Falcons have looked incredible in recent weeks and are really building steam. Their offensive playmakers have a true facilitator and the running game compliments a stout defense well. Seattle is similarly built, but less talented, especially on the road.

Winner: Falcons, 28-24

Tennessee Titans @ Buffalo Bills

There aren't many scenarios in which the Tennessee Titans can keep pace with the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo is starting to hit a bit of a stride despite their underwhelming weaponry. Amari Cooper may not be a huge factor in this game, but the Bills know they are better Sunday than they were Monday.

Winner: Bills, 35-10

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

The Bengals draw their second AFC North game in the battle for Ohio. The Bengals have been much more up and down than expected, but their offense has been strong enough to conjure more confidence. Luckily, there isn't much cause for concern in their lack of defense. The Browns have been putrid offensively and are now down one Amari Cooper. If Deshaun Watson couldn't get it done under the best of circumstances, he sure won't under the worst.

Winner: Bengals, 27-13

Houston Texans @ Green Bay Packers

The Texans hit the road to Green Bay in a fun early window contest. Houston has had some difficult road tests early but surely had a boost after last week's strong effort in New England. Green Bay is another tough test and the Packers have been clicking, especially at home. Both teams possess high-powered offenses and talented defenses. It could come down to who has the ball last.

Winner: Packers, 30-29

Miami Dolphins @ Indianapolis Colts

The Dolphins learned before the BYE Week that running the ball is a solid option without any competent quarterback play. The Colts are still shaky against the run overall, so there are opportunities here. Still, the Colts should get Anthony Richardson back and after watching Joe Flacco for a few weeks, he has something to prove at home.

Winner: Colts, 24-10

Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings

The two best teams in the NFC for the top spot in the best division in the NFL. The Lions exorcised their Dallas demons last week and now ride a serious wave of momentum into Minneapolis. Still, the loss of Aidan Hutchinson is significant - for morale and the defense. For the Vikings, their BYE Week allowed them to get healthy and prepare for Detroit's shenanigans. The Vikings might lose eventually, but not here.

Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants

The Giants have played a touch better than expected, but they are a difficult team to pick as a winner when they don't have Malik Nabers. The sensational rookie is likely back for this NFC East matchup, but is he at full strength? The Eagles are back to normal with AJ Brown and Devante Smith back in the lineup. The Giants defense might be outmatched, but they'll keep it low-scoring anyway.

Winner: Eagles, 20-12

Sunday Late WIndow

Las Vegas Raiders @ Los Angeles Rams

The Raiders can't run the ball, can't throw the ball anywhere away from Brock Bowers, and worst of all, can't tackle. The Rams don't need to do much besides ride Kyren Williams to victory. Still, I wonder if the Rams' defense will be able to completely shut down the Raiders. Las Vegas has been known for a surprise or two in 2024 after all.

Winner: Rams, 23-19

Carolina Panthers @ Washington Commanders

The Commanders caught the Ravens last week and while they didn't win, they did show they can stand in the cage with the big dogs. The Carolina Panthers are far from big dogs - and not just because their mascot is a cat.

Winner: Commanders, 34-10

Kansas City Chiefs @ San Francisco 49ers

A Super Bowl rematch in the late window should be fun. The 49ers haven't played nearly to expectations, but they are still better than most. Better than the undefeated Chiefs? That might be a different story. While I think the 49ers will play with an extra edge, the Chiefs come in with too much to overcome. If ever there were a prime opportunity to kick it in gear for 2024, it's this one.

Winner; Chiefs, 24-21

Sunday Night

New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers

I'm not sure the switch to Russell Wilson is a wise decision. The Jets possess a formidable pass rush, so Wilson will have to deliver the ball quickly. If the run game we saw in Las Vegas travels back to Pittsburgh, the Steelers have their best chance. Davante Adam will be contributing offensively, though how much is a big question. The Jets will have a morale boost with his addition nonetheless. Where is Pittsburgh's morale with the quarterback switch?

Winner: Jets, 20-10

Monday Night

Baltimore Ravens @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Both of these offenses can go. The Buccaneers have a slightly better defense on paper, but the offense has been more inconsistent. The Ravens' defense is as suspect as it gets, but the offense has been clicking consistently for a month now. In primetime, I'm sticking with Lamar Jackson and his offense for the win.

Winner: Ravens, 37-31

Los Angeles Chargers @ Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are running out of air on the 2024 season. There is a hump they just can't seem to clear. Los Angeles is healthier on offense and has a stone-cold defense. They will grind out the Cardinals in primetime.

Winner: Chargers, 21-17