OddsChecker Staff Roundtable: Week 7 NFL Upset Picks and Predictions

OddsChecker Staff Roundtable: Week 7 NFL Upset Picks and Predictions

In 2020, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a two-week stretch where they barely beat the Giants by two points and then lost to the Saints by 35. They ended up winning the Super Bowl.

Our staff is on a two-week cold streak with upsets, but like the Bucs, we'll bounce back.

Now, if we're Tampa Bay, I'm Tom Brady because I've hit on...[checks notes]...a whole three picks in a row. Yay me.

A chunk of our failed picks this season have come when members of our staff had the poor judgment to predict a Jets win. So, until further notice...NO ONE PICK THE JETS!

Anyhoo...where were we? Ah, yes -- upset picks.

In addition to an ever-growing abundance of top-notch content, our staff will be providing us with their favorite upset picks each week of the season.

Now, the word “upset” could mean many different things to many different people. But for the purpose of this piece, we’re focusing entirely on moneyline plays.

In other words, we’re picking surprise winners and losers. Let’s get to it!

Week 7 NFL Upsets and Predictions

Cincinnati Bengals Over Baltimore Ravens (**+230)**

Last week, I got back in the win column and now sit 5-1 on the season with upset picks thanks to the undefeated Arizona Cardinals. This week, there's minimal games that are worth considering an upset in. So I'm going to a divisional rivalry with the AFC North division lead on the line. The Bengals are a surprise to this point and the Ravens just embarrassed the Chargers last week. If Joe Burrow and his group of young pass-catchers can connect on some big plays and have success in the red zone, they can pull this one off. The Ravens defense has been gashed by Derek Carr, Carson Wentz, and obviously Patrick Mahomes already this season. If that happens come Sunday, the Bengals can pull this one off and leave Baltimore with the division in hand.

-- Tom Viera (**@Tom_Viera**)

Indianapolis Colts Over San Francisco 49ers (**+176**)

The Colts had to deal with one of the toughest five-game stretches to open a season in NFL history, as each of their first five opponents won at least 10 games a year ago. Indianapolis finally had a chance to get right against a terrible Houston team last week, which should help quarterback Carson Wentz and the offense build confidence. Yes, they face a 49ers team coming off a bye, but San Francisco's quarterback situation is in disarray, and through their first five games, they do not appear to be the NFC West contender many thought they would be. The 49ers have won just two of their last nine games when favored by at least three points, and they are ripe for the picking once again on Sunday night

.-- Mike Spector (**@MikeSpector01**)

Tennessee Titans Over Kansas City Chiefs (**+188**)

I'm convinced that Derrick Henry is going to carry the Titans to victory on Sunday. Just last week against one of the league's best run defenses in Buffalo, he went for 143 yards and three touchdowns. Looking at the Chiefs, they rank 28th in both points and yards allowed, and they particularly struggle against the run. If Chris Jones is out on Sunday, then it'll be an even more difficult task to contain the Titans offense. Kansas City has been weird all year and I just don't trust them on the road.

-- Matt O’Leary (@MattOLearyNY**)**

The demise of Kansas City's offense and Patrick Mahomes is largely overstated. However, Kansas City's defense is as bad as they seem. Their run defense, in particular, is an absolute dumpster fire. Derrick Henry should be able to have his way with this front, which may allow the Titans to work the clock in their favor and get their play-action game going off of Henry's rushing.

-- Derrik Klassen (**@QBKlass**)

Miami Dolphins Over Atlanta Falcons (**+115)**

Luckily for us, we saw a Jaguars win coming last week versus the Dolphins, but now is a time to buy in on Miami at an absolute low point. The advanced line on this game had Miami getting -2.5 but after some overreaction to the London results for both teams, we now get Miami as a home dog. It is imperative Miami gets good news on the injury front with Xavien Howard and Byron Jones in the secondary, as well as DeVante Parker at wideout.

-- Geoff Fienberg (**@gfienberg17**)

Philadelphia Eagles Over Las Vegas Raiders (+130)

Philadelphia Eagles Over Las Vegas Raiders (+130)I had success picking against the Raiders with the Bears a couple of weeks back, and I'll go digging in that well again this week. Vegas simply isn't that good. Sure, the Eagles aren't exactly sunshine and rainbows, but they've played competitive football (for the most part). At +130 odds, I'll gladly ride Philly in what I view as a pick'em game.

-- Elisha Twerski (**@ElishaTwerski**)