Abe Howland
Top NFL picks heading into Week 7. Pivotal match ups in the AFC and NFC that are guaranteed to impact the season.
Cincinnati Bengals (3-1-1) vs Indianapolis Colts (4-2)
Odds: Colts -3, O/U 49
Cincinnati is coming of an unusual tie vs the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The Bengals had a shot to win in OT but failed to do so after missing a FG. The Colts have found their stride by winning 4 straight games. The Bengals smashed the Colts in week 14 last season winning 42-28.
Carolina Panthers (3-2-1) vs Green Bay Packers (4-2)
Odds: Packers (-7, O/U 49)
For the second week in a row the Panthers are +7 road underdogs as they travel to Green Bay to take on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The Panthers covered this past week after a tie in OT vs the Bengals. Do you take the bait at +7?
Carolina Panthers new and injury report
Green Bay Packers news and injury report
New Orleans Saints (2-3) vs Detroit Lions (4-2)
Odds: Lions (-2.5, 51)
Drew Brees and the Saints are off to a rocky start at just (2-3) but posted a win on 10/5 heading into their bye week. The Saints have a lot of work to do and perhaps this past weekend gave them a chance to regroup and get it together. The Lions are coming off a road victory over the Vikings but have not been over powering teams like a lot of experts though they would in 2014. The Lions have home field advantage but do the Saints need this win more than the Lions?
Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) vs San Diego Chargers (5-1)
Odds: Chargers (-5.5, 44.5)
The Chiefs started the season (0-2) and then went on to win 2 straight games but just dropped a game to the 49ers in week 5. Hopefully they used the bye week to their advantage since they have a big AFC West matchup on the road vs the (5-1) San Diego Chargers. The Chargers are coming off a tight win over Oakland 31-28 but they found a way to win. The Chargers are leading the AFC West and the Chiefs need a win to keep their season from falling apart. Andy Reid is historically great coming off a bye but do they have what it takes to beat the Chargers on the road?
San Francisco 49ers (3-2) vs Denver Broncos (4-1)
Odds: Broncos (-7.5, 47)
Early in the season it seemed like the 49ers were in turmoil and Jim Harbaugh was possibly on his way out. San Fran won 2 straight games vs the Eagles and Chiefs and will be coming off their bye week when they play the Broncos on Sunday night football. The Broncos traveled across the country to play the Jets and after getting off to a slow start pulled out a victory 31-17. Can the 49ers defense hold Peyton Manning in check? +7.5 points is a lot to give the 49ers but most teams aren't the Broncos and most games aren't played a mile high.
