Packers get help from Patriots: Week 7 NFL predictions

The Green Bay Packers will get some help from the Patriots, but the Vikings and Lions will both win in Week 7.

The Green Bay Packers are on bye week, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some important games on the schedule to watch closely.

The NFC North couldn’t be much closer after six weeks. The Chicago Bears lead the way at 3-2, but the Packers and Minnesota Vikings are just behind at 3-2-1. Then come the Detroit Lions, fresh off a bye, at 2-3.

The Packers will be hoping for some help from the AFC East this week. Chicago hosts New England, Minnesota takes on the NY Jets and Detroit is at Miami.

Here are my predictions for Week 7.

New England (4-2) at Chicago (3-2)

It was a bad day for the Bears defense last week, giving up 380 passing yards to Brock Osweiler and 161 rushing yards in an overtime defeat to Miami. This is still a very talented unit that will bounce back, but this is difficult matchup.

The Patriots are on a roll, and their offense is too talented for just about any defense to slow down. And I’m not ready yet to trust the Bears offense to keep up.

Pick: New England

Minnesota (3-2-1) at NY Jets (3-3)

While the Packers will get some help from the Patriots, I don’t expect the same from the Jets, who enter this game on a two-game win streak.

The Vikings have bounced back from a slow start to win two straight. Their defense hasn’t been as dominant as many expected, but they will force a turnover or two and make it three in a row.

Pick: Minnesota

Detroit (2-3) at Miami (4-2)

It’s hard to predict which Lions will turn up. They have home victories over the Patriots and Packers, but were blown out at home to the Jets and are 0-2 on the road. Despite that, with Brock Osweiler making the start again for Miami, I expect Detroit to win away from Ford Field for the first time this year.

I know, I know. Osweiler played well last week. And the Lions defense is allowing a passer rating of 105.5, fourth highest in the league.

But Miami’s defense is allowing 279 passing yards per game, and it could be a big day for Matthew Stafford and his talented trio of receivers.

Pick: Detroit

Denver (2-4) at Arizona (1-5)

If you decide to skip this Thursday night game, I won’t blame you. Despite the talent Denver has on defense, it’s always tough to travel on a short week. The edge goes to Arizona.

Pick: Arizona

Tennessee (3-3) at LA Chargers (4-2) – London

Winners of three straight, the Chargers are building some momentum in the AFC. No team is at home here, but LA are the better team. We’ve seen a lot of one-sided games across the pond over the years. This could be another one.

Pick: LA Chargers

Houston (3-3) at Jacksonville (3-3)

Leonard Fournette didn’t practice on Wednesday, which isn’t a good sign for his chances to return this week. More concerning for Jacksonville is the fact it has given up 70 points over the past two weeks. The defense has to get back on track sooner than later, right?

Pick: Jacksonville

Carolina (3-2) at Philadelphia (3-3)

The Super Bowl champions have been inconsistent so far this season, and they can’t afford to lose another one at home.

Pick: Philadelphia

Buffalo (2-4) at Indianapolis (1-5)

Without Josh Allen, it’s hard to see the Bills winning on the road. The Colts win comfortably to save their season.

Pick: Indianapolis

Cleveland (2-3-1) at Tampa Bay (2-3)

This could be a high-scoring game. I’m not sure the Browns defense will have an answer for the Buccaneers’ wide receivers, but as long as Cleveland’s pass catchers hold onto the football, they’ll have no trouble putting up points either. I’m picking the Browns.

Pick: Cleveland

New Orleans (4-1) at Baltimore (4-2)

This should be a fun game to watch. One of the league’s top offenses against a top defense. The Ravens have an impressive, league-leading 26 sacks in just six games, 11 of which came in last week’s dominant win against Tennessee. Baltimore’s defense keeps this one low-scoring to help pick up the victory.

Pick: Baltimore

Dallas (3-3) at Washington (3-2)

The Cowboys are second in rushing offense, but Washington has the sixth-best run defense so far this season. Dallas is averaging just 172 passing yards per game.

Pick: Washington

LA Rams (6-0) at San Francisco (1-5)

The 49ers offense moved the ball with ease at Lambeau Field on Monday night, but even a repeat performance won’t matter here. The Rams could put up 40 points.

Pick: LA Rams

Cincinnati (4-2) at Kansas City (5-1)

Averaging 35.8 points per game, second highest in the NFL, I’m picking the Chiefs to rely on their offense again here. Cincinnati will look to slow the game down and control the tempo with the ground game, but the Chiefs offense is too strong and can score quickly.

Pick: Kansas City

NY Giants (1-5) at Atlanta (2-4)

The Giants offense has struggled this year, but they now face a Falcons defense allowing 296 passing yards per game and giving up 32 points per game. It could be another high-scoring game for the Falcons, but they get the job done at home to keep their season alive.

Pick: Atlanta

Last week: 8-7

Season: 53-40