Another big time game will take place in Minnesota as the undefeated Vikings (5-0) face the Detroit Lions (4-1) in a huge game between NFC North division rivals. The entire division is over .500, in fact the worst record of the four teams is 4-2 (Green Bay and Chicago) so this game takes on extra meaning even if it is only mid October.
The Chiefs have been getting by with good defense and just enough on offense to win all five games they have played. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has admitted the offense hasn't been as good as it can be, so if and when the offense ignites to the expected level, what will that mean to opposing teams? Meanwhile, the 49ers have struggled the first six games in 2024, including divisional losses to Arizona and the Los Angeles Rams. They are coming off a pretty easy win at Seattle, so that's a positive heading into this tilt with the best team in the NFL. And remember, the Chiefs are coming off their bye week and Head Coach Andy Reid has a great history with winning the game coming off the bye.
Back to the Vikings vs. Lions game on Sunday afternoon . . . the Lions obliterated the Dallas Cowboys on the road last weekend while the Vikings had their bye week after playing over in London, England the week before (23-17 win against the New York Jets) a game in which QB Sam Darnold had perhaps his worst game this season, but the defense came up big. The Lions will be without superstar defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (broken leg) for the rest of this season, so it will be up to others in the front seven to put the pressure on Darnold in this game.
The Lions can score points and so far, the Vikings have shown the ability to put up some solid offensive numbers as well, including scoring just under 28 points per game. Detroit has been averaging 30.2 PPG this season with QB Jared Goff and company doing their thing. Look for another higher scoring game in Minnesota and the Lions squeaking by for the win.
The rest of the NFL action for Week Seven is included in the "capsule style" format with the Heftyinfo predictions for all 15 games following.
New England (1-5) at Jacksonville (1-5) - (game being played in London, England) - This game should be played overseas. Both of these teams are lousy.
Seattle (3-3) at Atlanta (4-2) - The Seahawks have dropped three straight games while the Falcons have been playing good football in recent weeks. Take the Falcons at home.
Tennessee (1-4) at Buffalo (4-2) - The Bills should get the win in this game.
Cincinnati (2-4) at Cleveland (1-5) - All Pro running back Nick Chubb (knee injury) is back for the Browns in this one. Will it make the difference? The Bengals defense has been weak, so watch out.
Houston (5-1) at Green Bay (4-2) - Another marquee game on tap in northern Wisconsin this Sunday . . . take the visiting Texans in a close one.
Miami (2-3) at Indianapolis (3-3) - The Colts have things going good after a rough start . . . the Dolphins are treading water until QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion protocol) is ready to get back at it.
Philadelphia (3-2) at N.Y. Giants (2-4) - Throw out the stats when these two NFC East rivals go at it on the football field, especially with Philly running back Saquon Barkley facing his old team.
Las Vegas (2-4) at L.A. Rams (1-4) - Who cares?
Carolina (1-5) at Washington (4-2) - Commanders roll in this one after losing a tight one on the road last week.
N.Y. Jets (2-4) at Pittsburgh (4-2) - The Sunday night game featuring the Steelers strong defense and Russell Wilson starting at QB while the Jets (and their good defense) will have a new weapon on offense as wide receiver Davante Adams joins his old teammate Aaron Rodgers (with Green Bay) to spark the attack. This should be a good one.
Baltimore (4-2) at Tampa Bay (4-2) - There are some folks who say this game could be a preview for the Super Bowl . . . The Ravens have the edge with a better offense.
L.A. Chargers (3-2) at Arizona (2-4) - The second of the Monday Night Football games in the desert. Chargers have been steady while the Cardinals have been up and down so far this season.
The Heftyinfo picks for Week Seven . . . . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Denver over New Orleans
Jacksonville over New England (game being played in London, England)
Atlanta over Seattle
Buffalo over Tennessee
Cleveland over Cincinnati
Houston over Green Bay
Indianapolis over Miami
Detroit over Minnesota
N.Y. Giants over Philadelphia
L.A. Rams over Las Vegas
WASHINGTON over Carolina
San Francisco over Kansas City
Pittsburgh over N.Y. Jets
Baltimore over Tampa Bay
L.A. Chargers over Arizona
Last Week's Record - 11-3
SEASON RECORD - 59-33
Lock of the Week Record - 3-3
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