There will be 11 games on the slate this Sunday. I will dive into each one with a game preview and prediction, along with telling Patriots fans who they should root for in each of these games. Additionally, there will be 11 three-win teams kicking off in Week 7. New England has a 47% chance to make the playoffs, heading into Week 7, but that could rise to 55% if the dominos fall in the right place.
Cleveland Browns (2-4) vs. Baltimore Ravens (3-3)
WHERE: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
TIME: 1:00 p.m. ET
NETWORK: CBS
SPREAD: Ravens -6.5, Browns +6.5
Prediction: 31-24 Ravens
The Ravens and Browns will be squaring off in a crucial division matchup; it will be the first game between the teams this season. While the Ravens are first in the AFC North, no team has more than three wins. Last season these two teams split the series, with the home team winning each time. However, Baltimore has covered the spread in five straight matchups. The Browns lead the NFL in rush yards per game with 172.2. That is mainly due to the effort of RB Nick Chubb. The Ravens have struggled defensively this season, and it won’t be surprising if Chubb can rush for 130+ yards.
Patriots fans will want to root for the Browns in this matchup. Although the Patriots have already played both of these teams, they beat the Browns in Week 6 while losing to the Ravens in Week 3. So if the Browns win, it will boost New England’s strength of schedule.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3) vs. Carolina Panthers (1-5)
WHERE: Bank Of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
TIME: 1:00 p.m. ET
NETWORK: FOX
SPREAD: Bucs -11, Panthers +11
Prediction: 36-13 Bucs
The Carolina Panthers have dramatically changed their team in the last two weeks. They fired head coach Matt Rhule last week, traded away starting wide receiver Robbie Anderson Tuesday, and traded away all-pro running back Christian McCaffrey on Thursday. The Panthers are in complete rebuild mode after three straight five-win seasons and a disastrous 1-5 start in 2022. Meanwhile, Tom Brady and the Buccaneers also aren’t off to a hot start this season. The Bucs have lost three of their last four games and need to get back on track in this game. Furthermore, Carolina’s defense ranks last in yards per game, third-down conversion rate, and big plays allowed. Brady needs to lead the Bucs over 500. with a big game in Charlotte.
Sorry Brady, but Patriots fans should be rooting for the Panthers. The Patriots acquired a third-round pick from the Panthers in the 2022 draft. So every loss for the Panthers will boost New England’s third-round draft slot.
Atlanta Falcons (3-3) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3)
WHERE: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
TIME: 1:00 p.m. ET
NETWORK: FOX
SPREAD: Bengals -6.5, Falcons +6.5
Prediction: 21-20 Bengals
The Falcons and Bengals have two of the most surprising records at 3-3. Cincinnati was coming off a Super Bowl appearance and was projected to do very well this year but has struggled to get off to a fast start. In particular, the Bengals’ defense is having significant problems stopping the run. On the other hand, the Falcons were projected to be one of the bottom teams in the league, but they rank seventh in offensive efficiency. However, they will be without starting running back Cordarrelle Patterson, who is on the injured reserve. I am confident this game will be closer than the spread indicates, but the Bengals will pull away in the end.
It’s tough to say this but go, Falcons! The Patriots play the Bengals in Week 15, and a loss to the Falcons will improve their strength of schedule.
Detriot Lions (1-4) vs. Dallas Cowboys (4-2)
WHERE: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
TIME: 1:00 p.m. ET
NETWORK: CBS
SPREAD: Cowboys -7, Lions +7
Prediction: 27-14 Cowboys
The Detroit Lions will head to Texas well-rested and off their bye week. In Week 5, the Lions were shut out in New England 29-0. This matchup isn’t better for the Lions, and the Cowboys’ pass rush should be able to contain Jared Goff and company. Furthermore, Dak Prescot will return as quarterback after suffering a thumb injury earlier in the season. The Cowboys should have no problem beating the Lions at home.
Let’s go, Lions. The Patriots played the Lions in Week 5 of the NFL season. While it may not mean much in the long run if the Lions upset the Cowboys, the Patriots’ strength of schedule will improve.
New York Giants (5-1) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-4)
WHERE: TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FL
TIME: 1:00 p.m. ET
NETWORK: FOX
SPREAD: Jaguars -3, Giants +3
Prediction: 25-17 Giants
The Giants can find a way to win games, and they are coming off another thrilling comeback against the Baltimore Ravens 24-10 at MetLife. The Jaguars started the season strong but have lost the last three games. The Giants are coming off yet another thrilling comeback victory as they defeated the Baltimore Ravens, 24-20, at home last weekend. This game should be closer than the record shows, but the Giants should win yet another game in which they’re slated as the underdogs.
Go, Giants! Nothing special with this matchup, but if the Giants win, the Jaguars will move down in the AFC playoff picture.
Indianapolis Colts (3-2-1) vs. Tennessee Titans (3-2)
WHERE: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
TIME: 1:00 p.m. ET
NETWORK: CBS
SPREAD: Titans -2.5, Colts +2.5
Prediction: 26-20 Titans
The Titans and Colts will square off for a critical AFC South game. The Titans are currently in first place in the division and are coming off a bye. The Colts struggled to contain the Jaguars’ running backs last week, and with Derrick Henry well-rested, he should rush for 100+ yards. However, the Colts are coming off a big overtime victory against Jacksonville, scoring 34 points, and Matt Ryan threw for 389 yards with three touchdowns. According to CBS NFL, the Titans haven’t scored a point in the fourth quarter all year, but I expect a late touchdown by the Titans to seal the game.
This is a tough matchup since both teams are equally talented and are in the AFC. However, the Colts play the Patriots in a couple of weeks, and a Titans win would boost New Englands’ strength of schedule.
Green Bay Packers (3-3) vs. Washington Commanders (2-4)
WHERE: FedEx Field, Landover MD
TIME: 1:00 p.m. ET
NETWORK: FOX
SPREAD: Packers -5, Commanders +5
Prediction: 33-9 Packers
The Packers will fly south and play the Washington Commanders in Week 7, looking to end their two-game losing streak. Backup Taylor Heinicke will start for the injured Carson Wentz, who was placed on the IR with a wrist injury. The Packers are coming off a disapointing loss to the Jets at home (27-10), while the Commanders are looking to extend their winning streak to two with their 12-7 win over the Chicago Bears last Thursday night. I expect Aaron Rodgers to get back to his usual self and throw for four touchdowns in a statement win over the Commanders.
Go, Commanders! This is an easy pick, as the Patriots played the Packers in Week 4, and a Washington win could help the Patriots’ overall strength of schedule.
New York Jets (4-2) vs. Denver Broncos (2-4)
WHERE: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
TIME: 4:05 p.m. ET
NETWORK: CBS
SPREAD: Jets +1, Broncos -1
Prediction: 16-14 Jets
The Broncos have struggled this season offensively, while the Jets are coming off a statement win at Lambeau Field. The Jets’ defense created problems for Aaron Rodgers and the offense last week, as they only scored ten points. Additionally, Russell Wilson will be on the sidelines against the Jets, and backup Brett Rypien will get the nod. The Broncos have the lowest-scoring offense in the NFL, and they’re holding on by a thread. I am predicting a low-scoring defensive battle between the two teams, with the Jets having a slight edge.
Patriots fans will want to root for the Broncos this week. The Patriots are last in the AFC East, but they can be tied for second if they win on Sunday and the Jets and Dolphins both lose.
Houston Texans (1-3-1) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)
WHERE: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
TIME: 4:05 p.m. ET
NETWORK: CBS
SPREAD: Raiders -7, Texans +7
Prediction: 28-15 Raiders
The Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders are both coming off a bye, which was highly needed as they regroup after poor starts. Josh McDaniels and the Raiders have underperformed thus far, winning just one game this season. The Raiders are 0-4 in one-possession games this season, and they had late comeback attempts fall short in losses against Tennessee, Kansas City, Los Angeles, and Arizona (in which they had a 20-point lead). The same can be said about Houston; the Texans have lost on a walk-off field goal against the Bears and had comebacks fall short against Indianapolis and Denver. However, one of these teams will prove they can make a run this season, and that team is the Raiders.
Go Texans! Although it stinks to root against Josh McDaniels, the Raiders are projected to be fighting for a wildcard spot later in the season, which can also be said about the Patriots. Also, the Raiders will play the Patriots later in the season, which will affect – you guessed it – the strength of the schedule.
Seattle Seahawks (3-3) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (4-2)
WHERE: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
TIME: 4:25 p.m. ET
NETWORK: FOX
SPREAD: Seahawks +6, Chargers -6
Prediction: 30-27 Chargers
Seattle got a much-needed win last week against the Cardinals, but their defense has struggled as of late. They are giving up 27.2 points per game, tied for second-most in the league, and they’re allowing 410 yards per game, third-most in the league. Justin Herbert and the Chargers are finding ways to win games on their three-game win streak. They took Denver to overtime last Monday and barely beat Cleveland two weeks ago due missed field goal by the Browns. LA’s defense is also not performing well as they have allowed 25.3 points a game, 26th in the league, and they’re giving up 350 yards per game (18th). This game should be a high-scoring back-and-forth game, with the Chargers winning on a last-second field goal.
Go Hawks! The Chargers will be fighting for a playoff spot with the Patriots later in the season, and a win should help New England’s playoff chances.
Kansas City Chiefs (4-2) vs. San Francisco 49ers (3-3)
WHERE: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
TIME: 4:25 p.m. ET
NETWORK: FOX
SPREAD: Chiefs -2.5, 49ers +2.5
Prediction: 36-31 Chiefs
The Chiefs will head to the West Coast to face off against Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers. The Chiefs are leading the league in points scored per game with 29.8. Kansas City lost to Buffalo last week, and they need a win to keep their chances alive to compete for the number one seed. On the other hand, the Niners have lost arguably ten starters thus far due to injury, including franchise quarterback Trey lance and Pro Bowler Nick Bosa. However, San Francisco traded for Christian McCaffrey on Thursday, and he is expected to have a small role in this game. I expect a thriller, with the Cheifs holding on in overtime.
Go Niners! This is a no-brainer. The Niners will have no implications on New England’s playoff chances, where the Chiefs will compete with most of the AFC for a playoff spot.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-4) vs. Miami Dolphins (3-3)
WHERE: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL
TIME: 8:20 p.m. ET
NETWORK: NBC
SPREAD: Dolphins -7, Steelers +7
Prediction: 21-16 Dolphins
It’s time for Sunday Night Football, with Brian Flores returning to South Flordia. The Dolphins are on a three-game losing streak, partly due to the absence of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who will return under the lights this Sunday. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback is in question between rookie Kenny Pickett and Veteran Mitch Trubisky. Either way, I expect the Dolphins to get back on track and beat the Steelers at home.
Time to root for the Steelers in this AFC matchup. With the Bills projected to win the AFC East, the Dolphins best-case scenario is a wildcard spot, and with the Patriots already 0-1 against Miami, it will help the cause if the Steelers beat the Dolphins.
Chicago Bears (2-4) vs. New England Patriots (3-3)
WHERE: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
TIME: 8:15 p.m. ET
NETWORK: ESPN
SPREAD: Patriots -7.5, Bears +7.5
Prediction: 31-13 Patriots
The last game on the slate for Week 7 will feature the Patriots and Bears. Mac Jones is expected to return for the Patriots and will play against QB Justin Fields for the first time, whom the Bears took five spots ahead of Jones in the 2021 draft. The Patriots have found their recipe for success. Rookie Bailey Zappe has started the last two games without Mac Jones and backup Brian Hoyer. He is 2-0 in those games. Last week Zappe had his strongest game, throwing over 300 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Bears have struggled this season, especially on defense. Bill Belichick should be able to contain Justin Fields, and I have the Patriots blowing out the Chicago Bears Sunday night.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
