NFL Week 7 2018: Picks and predictions

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 14: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) celebrates after throwing a 29-yard touchdown pass during the second quarter of the National Football League game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on October 14, 2018, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 23: Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Carson Wentz (11) drops back to pass during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Philadelphia Eagles on September 13, 2018, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles (-4.5)

The Panthers (3-2) are a tough out, but the Eagles (3-3) are finally starting to play better. Plus, Philadelphia has the added advantage of having played on the previous Thursday, giving it extra time to prepare. Good game, but the home (and better) team comes out on top.

Pick: Philadelphia 28, Carolina 24

Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins (NO LINE)

Impossible to get a read on this game. Does Ryan Tannehill start? Do the Lions (2-3) look like a capable football team? Is Miami (4-2) about to be seduced by Brocktober? Are both of these teams horrendous? Everything and anything is in play.

Pick: Detroit 29, Miami 26

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars (-5)

How does Vegas have Jacksonville (3-3) favored by more than a field goal against anybody with those last two showings? Houston (3-3) has also looked abominable, so maybe that’s the logic. Either way, somebody has to win, and the Jags are at home. Cant’ wait to see Bill O’Brien’s schemes against this defense.

Pick: Jacksonville 17, Houston 16

Minnesota Vikings (-3) at New York Jets

The Vikings (3-2-1) haven’t played the way they can, but it appears they are turning the proverbial corner. New York (3-3) is a plucky team that while it has real issues, is also playing tough and getting some nice signs from Sam Darnold. This is a close game until Minnesota’s talent takes over late.

Pick: Minnesota 31, New York 20

New England Patriots (-3) at Chicago Bears

If Mitchell Trubisky plays great, the Bears (3-2) have a real shot at winning this game. The problem is trusting Trubisky against Bill Belichick and the Patriots (4-2). New England has flaws, but it has proven almost impossible to beat unless the opposing quarterback has a high-quality outing.

Pick: New England 23, Chicago 19

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