Forecaster Frank NFL Week 7: Avoiding Distractions
Despite having my focus elsewhere, I had a wonderful 11-3 record last week. Overall, I am 50-39-3.
Thursday Night
- NO +3 (o/u 37)
- Saints 16 Broncos 13
The old adage that you are not as good as you are when you are soaring and not as bad as you are when you are struggling must be the Saints' mindset after they have dropped their last four games. The Broncos, who had a three-game winning streak before last week, know this to be accurate, as Spencer Rattler wins a battle of rookie quarterbacks.
Sunday in London
- NE +5.5 (o/u 42.5)
- Patriots 12 Jaguars 9
There is something rotten in Jacksonville. The Jaguars' struggles have been well documented, as they are starting to look like a team that has quit on its coach. The Patriots are also struggling, as these have been two of the NFL's worst teams in the early season. Look for the Jaguars' unraveling to continue as the Patriots win an ugly game that is not worth waking up early to watch.
Sunday at 1
- Atl -2.5 (o/u 51)
- Falcons 31 Seahawks 17
The Seahawks have dropped their last three games after starting 3-0. The Falcons, meanwhile, have been solid all season and have been in every game, even when they lose. The Falcons have been impressive, especially on offense, as Kirk Cousins is playing at a high level.
- Buf -9 (o/u 41)
- Bills 41 Titans 13
This game has all the makings of a Buffalo stampede.
- Cin -6 (o/u 42)
- Bengals 31 Browns10
Even though Linus spends the night in the pumpkin patch, he gets more candy because Lucy looks out for him. Charlie Brown, meanwhile, got a rock. Trading for Deshaun Watson and refusing to bench him is like giving all Browns fans a rock.
- GB -2.5 (o/u 47.5)
- Packers 23 Texans 20
This game should be entertaining, as both teams have played well early in the season. However, it will come down to a late field goal, as the Packers will win with some Lambeau magic.
- Ind -3 (o/u 43.5)
- Colts 27 Dolphins 10
Take note, Chris Grier. The Colts have a backup quarterback because their starter is injury-prone. They signed a capable backup, but you did not. You failed like with your offensive line. You know, those guys that block are kind of necessary.
- Det +2.5 (o/u 49.5)
- Lions 27 Vikings 17
The Lions stomped a mudhole into the Cowboys last week, and look ready to go on a run, even without Aidan Hutchinson. The Vikings are 5-0, but have historically struggled after bye weeks. Expect that trend to continue.
- Phi -3 (o/u 43)
- Eagles 31 Giants 13
When the Eagles are ailing, the best medicine is a game against the Giants. That trend continues as Daniel Jones has another pick-six and the Eagles roll at the Meadowlands.
Sunday Late Games
- LV +7 (o/u 43.5)
- Rams 24 Raiders 20
The Raiders will have their best home crowd of the season on the road in Los Angeles. The Raiders are a mess, but the Rams are not much better, and this spread seems a tad high.
- Was -8 (o/u 51.5)
- Commanders 41 Panthers 13
Despite a loss in Baltimore, the Commanders still have been playing well as Jayden Daniels shows a veteran's poise even in the toughest matchups. Bryce Young from his seat on the bench can learn a lot from him, as Washington takes command from the opening kickoff.
- SF -1.5 (o/u 47)
- 49ers 30 Chiefs 20
A rematch of the Super Bowl, sees the 49ers looking for revenge. The Chiefs come in 5-0 but have not really had that big win yet, and heading into a hostile environment, I like the Niners to play their best game, as they get the win.
Sunday Night
- Pit +1.5 (o/u 38)
- Steelers 17 Jets 12
Devante Adams recovery from a hamstring injury is remarkable as the jumped to New York all the way from Las Vegas when the trade was made. This will not help. The Jets are still the Jets and the Steelers at home in primetime as an underdog is usually a good bet.
Monday Night
- LAC +3 (o/u 43.5)
- Chargers 27 Cardinals 16
The Chargers showed just how good they could be when they beat the Broncos last week in Denver. Coming off a bye the Chargers were able to get a few players back in the lineup and had their best game.
- Bal -3.5 (o/u 49.5)
- Ravens 34 Buccaneers 20
The Ravens appear to be hitting their stride, as they have had impressive wins over the Bills, Bengals, and Commanders. Look for that trend to continue as they sink the Buccaneers on Monday Night.