Did you see those Week 6 NFL upsets? Two teams made quite of a splash. Instead of going down just like most people thought, which is due to the type of losses they were previously taking, they rose up and won big… against constant constant Super Bowl contenders, no less. The Chargers exposed the Broncos, while the Dolphins ran wild on the Steelers.
Let’s now see who can possibly be Week 7’s Chargers and Dolphins and pull off some upsets!
NFL News and Previews
- Washington Redskins vs. Kansas City Chiefs Preview - October 2, 2017
- Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos Preview - October 1, 2017
- Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots Preview - October 1, 2017
- 2017 NFL Week 4 Picks and Predictions
NFL Week 7 Sleepers Predictions
Oakland Raiders (+1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (-1) (Sun, Oct. 23, 1:00 PM ET)
Why the Raiders will win: As good as the Jaguars have been on defense statistically, they seem to have trouble when they’re against a real high-powered offense. After falling to the Packers, 27-23, in Week 1, and only getting to Aaron Rodgers three times, they lost to the Chargers in a 38-14 laugher in Week 2. In Week 4 versus the Colts, they led big and almost let one slip away as they allowed Andrew Luck and his offense score three TDs in the fourth quarter.
Derek Carr and the Raiders’ formidable offense is going to be a tough test for the Jaguars. The QB’s duo of speedy and physical receivers, Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, who are responsible for 950 rec. yards and six TDs this season, will be a problem for the defensive backs and linebackers.
Why the Raiders will lose: The Jaguars will take this one if their sluggish offense can be effective, which can likely happen since the Raiders’ pass defense (313 YPG, league-worst) and run defense (132 YPG, 30th in the league) are dreadful. The defense is also likely to play a big part should the Jags win. The 321 total yards they give up per game is currently ranked fifth, while the 4.8 yards they allow per play is fourth.
Writer’s Prediction: The Raiders’ offense prevails them, 23-20.
San Diego Chargers (+6.5) at Atlanta Falcons (-6.5) (Sun, Oct. 23, 4:05 PM ET)
Why the Chargers will win: Philip Rivers, a certified pass-happy quarterback, will have a great day throwing the ball against the Atlanta Falcons’ 29th-ranked pass defense, that also allows opposing QBs to complete 68-percent of their passes. Look for the Chargers’ receiving corps, led by Travis Benjamin, Tyrell Williams, and Hunter Henry, to have receptions and yards for days.
Why the Chargers will lose: Like the Falcons, the San Diego Chargers are also terrible in defending the pass. There is zero doubt that they will lose if they don’t have a concrete plan for Matt Ryan and his monster receiver Julio Jones, who’s averaging 156 yards per game on 22.2 yards per catch in his last three outings.
And of course, the Chargers will lose if they once again have a fourth quarter collapse, which they have done multiple times this year.
Writer’s Prediction: Atlanta (-6.5) wins a nail-biter and doesn’t cover the spread, 38-34.
Houston Texans (+7) at Denver Broncos (-7) (Mon, Oct. 24, 8:30 PM ET)
Why the Texans will win: Defense wins championships, but it can’t save you every game. The QB should still be productive – the Denver Broncos are probably realizing this now.
The Houston Texans, who now have old Broncos QB Brock Osweiler, can be the third team to expose the defending champions’ weakness at the position. Houston should also be able to build some confidence in their thrilling 26-23 OT win over the Colts Sunday. Expect Osweiler to be aggressive as he faces his former teammates.
Why the Texans will lose: The Texans will lose if the Broncos defense becomes too much. That aggression from Osweiler we just mentioned will most likely be present in the Broncos’ D. We can only imagine how eager the unit is to suffocate their ex-QB and his offense.
Trevor Siemian providing quality play can also play a part in edging out the Texans.
Writer’s Prediction: Denver wins a close one and doesn’t cover the spread, 24-21.
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