NFL Picks Week 7: Predicting Every Game Against the Spread

The NFL season has been quite tumultuous through the first six weeks, and it has honestly led me to re-evaluate some of my methods for making a pick.

I am no longer putting as much emphasis on favorites, as it seems any team can win at any time more so now than ever in this league.

I’m also staying away from a few teams that just aren’t consistent and are far too risky of a play usually, and I’ll note that when we get there.

Now let’s take a look at the 13 games this week and make some picks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+1) vs. Chicago Bears (LONDON)

I love the Buccaneers here, and getting a point is even better.

The Bucs are coming off a huge divisional win against the Saints that gives them a share of the NFC South. I expect them to ride that momentum across the pond and beat the Bears.

Carolina Panthers (-2.5) vs. Washington Redskins

Despite failing to cover for the first time in five weeks, I’m not giving up on Cam Newton.

He has the potential to win this game, and is actually favored.

Can the Panthers and Newton pull it out? I think so.

San Diego Chargers (-2) at New York Jets

I don’t like this game, and would not recommend betting it.

These are two streaky teams, and the Jets’ corners neutralize the best part of San Diego’s offense; their receivers.

It should be interesting to see who wins the war on the ground as that will decide the game.

Seattle Seahawks (+3) at Cleveland Browns

This Seattle team has proven they can compete, and I think I like them better with Charlie Whitehurst at QB.

Tarvaris ‘third-and-long’ Jackson is simply not an efficient quarterback, and hurts the team more than helps.

The Browns are struggling, and will continue their slide to the lowly Seahawks

Houston Texas (+3) at Tennessee Titans

The Ravens worked the Texans last week, but they are still a good football team.

Sure, it hurts they don’t have Andre Johnson, but Matt Schaub and Arian Foster will find a way to continue their quest for an AFC South title this week.

Denver Broncos (+1.5) at Miami Dolphins

Gotta love Tebow getting points in his first game as the 2011 starter.

The Dolphins are the worst team in football with the worst coach, and the team usually plays their worst football at home.

The stars are aligning for young Tebow to come in and get his first win during his first start this year.

Detroit Lions (-3.5) vs. Atlanta Falcons

After an upsetting loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Lions are going to take out their frustration on the Falcons.

Atlanta is no longer an elite team in the NFC, and Detroit may actually be replacing them in that category. We find out on Sunday.

Oakland Raiders (-4.5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Does Carson Palmer or Kyle Boller start this game? Does it even matter for wagering purposes?

I don’t think so. I’m going with the Raiders no matter what, as they are hungry for a playoff spot.

KC won’t stand in their way.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5) at Arizona Cardinals

Steelers haven’t covered a road spread this year. Do you think they are going to go 0-8 on the year in that category?

I don’t.

This is their chance to pull off an easy ATS win against a bad team on the road.

St. Louis Rams (+12.5) at Dallas Cowboys

I can’t trust Tony Romo to cover this big of a spread.

The Cowboys could be up 14 with a minute to go and Romo would somehow give up a pick-six.

Green Bay Packers (-9) at Minnesota Vikings

Sure it’s a rivalry game, but these two teams are on the opposite ends of the NFL right now.

The Packers are looking to head to 7-0 while the Vikings are starting Christian Ponder and waving a white flag.

New Orleans Saints (-14) vs. Indianapolis Colts

I’m disgusted that I have to see Curtis Painter and the Colts during primetime football again. Literally makes me sick.

The Saints suffered a tough loss to the Bucs and need a big win to get back on track.

Don’t watch this game, but lay the points if you must bet it.

Baltimore Ravens (-7.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars

If Baltimore can beat Houston by a big margin, Jacksonville and Blaine Gabbert aren’t getting by them or near them.

Their defense is one of the best in the league; no surprise. And their offense is looking sharp.

Lay the points on MNF once again.