2016 NFL Expert Predictions For Week 7

Mid-July in the NFL means healthy rosters and plenty of hopes for big seasons (except if you are a Cleveland or San Francisco fan), making it a perfect time for us to delve into some bold speculations for the upcoming NFL season. So take a few minutes off your time and join us as we provide some of our early thoughts and free NFL betting picks for the following NFL Week 7 games.

Analyzing The 2016 NFL Expert Predictions For Week 7

   

Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) at Tennessee Titans

NFL Week 7 Free Pick: Indianapolis (-3.5) Despite being bugged by injuries and weak offensive line for the entirety of the 2015 season, the Indianapolis Colts still won their two meetings against Tennessee, winning 35-33 in Nashville and 30-25 in Indianapolis. With an improved O-line and a healthier unit, the Colts (who are 9-0 in their last 9 overall games against Tennessee) should be the trendy sportsbooks betting pick here. Of course, Marcus Mariota will be getting the support of a new set of weapons from the free agency and NFL draft, which could make him and the Titans a dangerous lot; but with the experience of Andrew Luck to oppose him on the other end of the field, the odds here look to be in better favor of the visitors than the hosts.

Baltimore Ravens at New York Jets (-4)

NFL Week 7 Free Pick: Baltimore (+4) For ardent football betting enthusiasts, it is common knowledge that the Ravens have not lost to the Jets since their first-ever meeting in 1997, with veteran Baltimore QB Joe Flacco owning a flawless mark in all his games against this New York franchise. It doesn’t get more dominant than that in the league these days… So, while I have tons of respect for Ryan Fitzpatrick and what he did for the Jets last season, I strongly believe that a healthy Flacco, supported by a solid core that includes several marquee players signed in the offseason, should be able to get the job done here for the ATS betting value, or even extend the 8-0 SU record vs. Jets they bring into this clash.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers (PK)

NFL Week 7 Free Pick: Tampa Bay (PK) Tampa Bay has lost 4 of its last 5 overall games against San Fransisco, including the last two in a row, so historically-speaking, the pressure here will be on the Bucs to end their poor history against the Niners. That said, Tampa Bay is coming off arguably its best season in recent times, with rookie QB Jameis Winston leading the Bucs to a 6-win season after going 2-14 in 2014 and 4-12 in 2013. With that, there is a lot of hope for even a better season for Winston in his second season with Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, the 49ers are trending in the opposite direction from the solid team that beat Tampa Bay 33-14 in their last meeting in 2013. For one, the Niners no longer have Jim Harbaugh as head coach, something that has seen San Fransisco crest-fall from a 12-4 record in 2013 to an 8-8 record in 2014 and 5-11 campaign last year. Still, the Niners have a new and promising head coach in Chip Kelly, who could easily turn around things for the San Fransisco franchise, mainly depending on how his QBs play. Kelly is yet to name his starting QB, but whoever wins the job in the feisty duel between Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert should be—I believe—talented enough to give a heck of a game against Winston and the Buccaneers. But then again, with Tampa Bay having the advantage of a 5th-ranked rushing offense from 2015 (compared to San Francisco’s 29th-ranked rushing offense) and the Bucs’ defense also ranking way better than San Francisco as per last year’s NFL statistics; I am forced to lean on the up-trending Buccaneers to win this clash.

Houston Texans at Denver Broncos (-6.5)

NFL Week 7 Free Pick: Denver (-6.5) Truth be told, I have a lot of reservations about buying fully into Houston’s colorful offseason, particularly the huge expectations on Brock Osweiler and his brand new toys. Without question, Osweiler is an upgrade to the past recent QBs at Houston, but this is a guy who is more of a game-manager (mostly throwing for one or two TDs) rather than an elite signal-caller who tears down opponents. Against Denver’s unit that is best in the league at managing games (won 11 games by 7-or-less points in 2015), Osweiler and the Texans are highly likely to be upstaged. Not to mention, this game will be Osweiler’s first return to Mile High and many local fans (who feel betrayed by him after leaving them in the offseason) will have plenty to say to him, meaning a lot of unbearable pressure for young QB. Then, of course, there is the obvious fact that Denver’s defense is heads and shoulders above Houston’s defense. So even though Osweiler is familiar with the workings of the Broncos and will probably plan himself accordingly for this game, Denver’s offense—led by new signing Mark Sanchez and rookie Paxton Lynch—will also have new tricks up their sleeves to disorient the Texans. In the end, all that advantage, along with the home support for Denver at the much-feared Sports Authority Field, should prove more than enough for Gary Kubiak’s boys to get the win and points in this highly-anticipated MNF clash.