Welcome to week 7 of the NFL. I’m Corey, co-host of the Parlay Buddy Show and the Pick’em Wars Podcast. Here’s my personal take on the 2022 NFL Season’s Week 7 spreads:
-2.5 Cardinals vs Saints
Both of these teams have been putting up a significant number of points per game besides a couple of flops each. Both teams started out on the struggle bus and are looking for their stop. The Cardinals get Deandre Hopkins back after his six-game suspension, and his absence could easily be one of the reasons Murray has been struggling to get wins so far this season. Last week, the Saints put up a valiant effort against the Bengals even without five starters. I have to wonder if Hopkins’ return will be enough to come through in a thunderously loud Super Dome. Chris Olave has been removed from the injury report, and that gives me some faith that the Saints can come through this week. My Pick: Saints +2.5
Falcons vs Bengals -6
I didn’t think I’d be saying this ever, let alone in 2022, but last week, Marcus Mariota did a pretty good job upsetting the 49ers. He did have the immense help of a defense that forced three turnovers, but don’t let that fool you. Mariota actually did a great job moving the ball. The Bengals, on the other hand, struggled hard against an ailing Saints team, and just barely got the win with a late game score last week. This tells me that the Falcons defense has another feast on their plate and should have no problem at least keeping the Bengals closer than 6 points. My Pick: Falcons +6
Lions vs Cowboys -7
Fresh off of a much-needed bye week, the Lions have licked their paws and should be getting some weapons back. Yes, they were shut out against the Patriots in week 5, but in literally every other game this season, they have put up an impressive offensive show. Dak Prescott has vocalized that he plans to be back this week, but while the Cowboys organization remains iffy on the subject, it is still a “wait and see” situation. Cooper Rush has relied on effective defense to win 4 of his 5 starts, but if that defense doesn’t do exactly what New England did in week 5, I just can’t envision a world where they win by more than a touchdown. My Pick: Lions +7
Colts vs Titans -3
Who let the dogs out? Looks like it’s me this week, as I’ve been picking straight underdogs up to this point, and you know what, let’s keep it rolling. Indianapolis has been up, down, and in between so far this season with Matt Ryan struggling to make consistent use of an excellent arsenal. They managed to win their last two, including a rematch against the team that shut them out, the Jaguars. That win was without Jonathan Taylor, who should be coming back to face a Titans team on a current 3 win streak coming out of their bye. Will the rest be enough? I don’t think it will, I think the Colts are going to look for vengeance this week and will keep it really close. My Pick: Colts +3
Packers -5.5 vs Commanders
Rodgers and the Packers suffered a tough loss to a Jets team with a chip on its shoulder in week 6. Limited weapons and a formidable defensive enemy is what ultimately held Green Bay to 10 points. The Commanders are coming off a win against the Bears in a game that netted a total of 19 points. Taylor Heinecke should be starting at QB for Washington which could be a boon to their offensive woes, but this Commanders team is hardly equipped to handle Green Bay’s defense. Look for Rodgers to make up for some of those missed opportunities from last week and win this one handily. My Pick: Packers -5.5
Buccaneers -10.5 vs Panthers
A very tough day for Tom Brady (and my pick) ended in a loss to the Steelers in week 6. Don’t expect that to happen this week, the Panthers are working with a new coach and will be needing some time before becoming a viable contender. Brady will come into this game angry and determined to punish Carolina. My Pick: Buccaneers -10.5
Giants vs Jaguars -3
As impressively as the Jags started this season, the Giants have been impressing all season. At 5-1 following their win against the Ravens, rookie head coach Brian Daboll has helmed the most impressive Giants team in years. Jacksonville seems to be losing their momentum and is starting to look like the prop team of the last couple of years. The Giants should have no issues winning this game and busting the spread wide open. Giants +3
Browns vs Ravens -6.5
Jacobi Brissett just can’t catch a break lately logging 2 interceptions in the third of three straight losses. While Baltimore gave up another lead to a talented Giants team, I don’t believe that will be the case with the Browns. Browns defense won’t have what it takes to contain the Andrews situation for long, and I don’t think Brissett can keep up with the Raven’s scoring. Look for Andrews, Jackson, and company to run this game. My Pick: Ravens -6.5
Jets vs Broncos -3
If the Jets could handle Rodgers and the Packer defense in the cold rain last week, they should be just fine against this season’s Broncos team at Mile High. I made predictions earlier in the season that teams would find it hard to beat the Broncos at home, and I was wrong. Let’s not make the same mistake this time. Russell Wilson just isn’t clicking well with his new team, whether at home or on the road, and that’s not a good sign for a Jets team that continues to make a case for the playoffs. My Pick: Jets -3
Texans vs Raiders -7
This week is for the Raiders, Davis Mills just doesn’t have what it takes to outplay Derek Carr with a full complement of weapons. Josh Jacobs, Hunter Renfrow, Davante Adams, and Darren Waller are all healthy and what does Mills have? Dameon Pierce. Raiders all the way on this one folks. My Pick: Raiders -7
Seahawks vs Chargers -6.5
Geno Smith has been utilizing his weapons well, utilizing rookie RB Kenneth Walker and hitting Metcalf and Lockett on a regular basis to produce well on offense. The issue here is Ekeler, Justin Herbert has struck gold handing the ball off to Austin Ekeler and throwing it to Mike Williams. The Seahawks defense doesn’t have a chance on this one. My Pick: Chargers -6.5
-3 Chiefs vs 49ers
The Chiefs just barely lost to the Bills last week, It was hard fought and there were impressive plays on both sides. Meanwhile, The 49ers were absolutely trounced by Atlanta. San Francisco has enough defensive issues that pretty much guarantee a KC victory. My Pick: Chiefs -3
Steelers vs Miami -7
Whether Tua Tagovailoa or Teddy Bridgewater play, all of the weapons are there, and the Steelers defense is too battered to stop Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle. The run game of the Steelers might make a difference with Najee Harris, but I don’t see the Steelers keeping it closer than a TD. My Pick: Miami -7
-7.5 Patriots vs Bears
Honestly, this is the easiest pick of the week. Bailey Zappe put on an impressive showing last week against the Browns, and let’s be frank, the Bears are no Browns. The Bears offense on all fronts are some of the lowest rated in the league, and their defense fell apart last week. This one goes to the Pats by two TDs likely. My Pick: Patriots -7.5
That’s it for my personal picks on the spread for the NFL’s Week 6 games! For more in depth opinions and analysis, make sure to check out the Pick’em Wars Podcast each week. Also check out the Parlay Buddy show on YouTube for free NFL picks. Both shows released every Friday!
