The Bears (4-2) knocked off Atlanta last week as quarterback Caleb Williams returned to action after missing three games because of a hamstring injury. The Patriots (4-2) defeated the New York Jets as quarterback Drake Maye had three touchdown passes. Both teams have been playing well so far this season and the Pats have won three straight after a 1-2 start. Williams and Maye are part of the 2024 NFL draft that saw three quarterbacks picked in the first round, including Williams with the top pick by the Bears. This game should be a tight one and come down to the final possession as so many games seem to these days.
The AFC North, like the NFC North division has all four teams over .500 through the first six weeks and on Sunday in Baltimore, the Ravens (4-2) take on the Cincinnati Bengals (3-2) and might have quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle injury) back for this one. The Bengals are coming off their bye week and Joe Burrow and company have been doing their thing while the defense has taken a step back after looking strong in the first two games. The Ravens lost to the Cleveland Browns in a very low scoring game last week with backup QB Tyler Huntley playing. This is yet another game that will go down to the wire.
The Green Bay Packers (4-2) have won three in a row and travel to Detroit to face the Lions (3-2), who are coming off the bye week. The Packers defense has allowed just 20 points the last two weeks and QB Jordan Love has looked good during the winning streak after a rough start when Green Bay was off to a 1-2 start. Detroit features a potent offense led by QB Jared Goff and running back Jahmyr Gibbs that averages 32.8 points per game, which is tied for the lead in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. The Lions are tough at home and should put an end to the Packers win streak, but it will likely be a shootout in Motown.
On Sunday night in Seattle, the struggling Seahawks (3-3) take on the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs (5-0) who have looked good on both sides of the football. Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes will be without wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (on injured reserve with ankle injury) and most likely Rashee Rice (hamstring injury) in this game. However, former Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has been a game changer for the Chiefs so far and is leading the NFL in rushing with 665 yards (6.3 YPC average) and has scored six rushing touchdowns and eight overall.
The Seattle defense will need to step up if the 'Hawks are going to win this game. On offense, Seattle has been lacking in the running game with top runner Zach Charbonnet (knee injury) missing the first six games, but he could return for this game. Seahawks QB Sam Darnold (1,033 passing yards with seven touchdowns and also seven interceptions) must protect the football or it could be a third straight loss for the team.
The rest of the action for Week Seven is featured in the capsule style previews and the Heftyinfo picks follow up.
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) at New Orleans Saints (2-4) - This game in Paris, France should be a tight one, but the Steelers rate the edge.
San Francisco 49ers (6-0) at Atlanta Falcons (2-4) - The 49ers better be ready to avoid a "trap game" before the bye week. The Falcons have been inconsistent and QB Michael Penix, Jr. will need to have a big game for them to win.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-5) at Carolina Panthers (3-2) - The Panthers have been the best team in the weak NFC South, but the Bucs always battle them tough.
New York Giants (3-2-1) at Houston Texans (2-4) - The Texans seem to have it going in the right direction after an 0-4 start. The Giants are going with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback in this game. Take the Texans.
Indianapolis Colts (2-4) at Minnesota Vikings (5-0) - The Vikings and their opportunistic defense at home going against the Colts offense, led by QB Daniel Jones should be interesting.
Miami Dolphins (0-5) at New York Jets (2-4) - Jets should soar in this one, but the Dolphins have been staying competitive even with a winless record.
Cleveland Browns (4-2) at Tennessee Titans (1-5) - The Titans coming off a win now face a Browns team with a good defense that is tied for first place in the AFC North. This game could be close.
Denver Broncos (4-2) at Arizona Cardinals (2-4) - Two teams that have struggled on offense battle it out in the desert. Broncos have a better defense, so they rate the edge in this game.
Los Angeles Rams (2-4) at Las Vegas Raiders (3-3) - Something has to give in this one featuring teams that have been on losing streaks. The Rams are banged up on both sides of the football and could be playing for their season the rest of the way.
Dallas Cowboys (2-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-4) - Monday Night Football in Philly against the Cowboys usually means a big deal. This year, both of these teams have struggled but are still in contention in a weak NFC East division.
The Heftyinfo picks for Week Seven . . . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Chicago over New England
Pittsburgh over New Orleans (game played in Paris, France)
San Francisco over Atlanta
Baltimore over Cincinnati
Carolina over Tampa Bay
HOUSTON over N.Y. Giants
N.Y. Jets over Miami
Minnesota over Indianapolis
Cleveland over Tennessee
Denver over Arizona
Detroit over Green Bay
L.A. Rams over Las Vegas
Seattle over Kansas City
Philadelphia over Dallas
Last Week's Record - 6-8
SEASON RECORD - 56-36-1
Lock of the Week Record - 4-2
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