Week 7 Previews and Predictions - By Kyle Balfour
So after a week of embarrassing predictions, I hope that I can remedy that by bouncing back this week with a few more picks. Either that, or I can continue the downward spiral, fully giving the impression that I am not an expert at these things...
Bye Week Shout Outs are minimal this week, going to only the Lions and the Texans. Enjoy your rest period, and remember to bench players from said teams for use in fantasy football. Nobody wants to be 'that guy' who leaves players on his team who are clearly on bye.
Week 6's Betting Bastard of the Week goes to none other than the Carolina Panthers, who looked primed to create an upset over the hot Philadelphia Eagles. Sadly, however, Cam Newton was too busy thinking about yogurts and butterflies and fell apart in the 4th quarter. You've got Chicago next. Don't blow it.
Raiders vs Chiefs - Chiefs
So the Raiders are currently in the dumps right now. 4 game losing streak, a lacklustre defence, and Derek Carr battling injury. He seems to be back to full health (supposedly), so the Raiders should be able to give the Chiefs a run for their money as they themselves are looking to bounce back from a rather embarrassing defeat by the Steelers at home last week. However, that dodgy Raiders defence is what I feel will let them down onto a further 5 game defeat streak. Chiefs, it is!
Vikings vs Ravens - Vikings
So Teddy Bridgewater is beginning to return from the dead. Promising news coming out of Minnesota. Still no update on Sam Bradford, however Case Keenum has been steady, and Jerick McKinnon has been a solid running back replacement for Dalvin Cook. Everything just seems so steady and consistent for the Vikings as of late, so hopefully they can continue to live up to their name and steer the ship as they face the once more sputtering Ravens. I just don't see the Ravens offence being able to get going against the Viks, plus what doesn't help is the injury bug is biting the Ravens hard recently. Vikings for the win!
Packers vs Saints - Saints
So a Rodgers-less Packers must defend against the Saints, who are off their current season high 52 points (2nd highest of the season so far, behind the Texan's destruction of the Titans). With no contingency announced as of yet on how to tackle the situation at hand, one quick glance will also reveal that the Packers are missing vital depth players to help carry the workload. Several are dubious, so fortune may favour them when it comes to game time. However, I just can't see them being able to not only suppress the Saints offence, but respond offensively themselves. Unless they have a special teams miracle, it's going to the Saints.
Dolphins vs Jets - Jets
Another week, another clownball game. The directionless Dolphins take on the all-in, vegas-or-bust anti-tank the New York Jets; and just like the titles will imply, I'm taking the Jets to win this one. I don't know how they'll win (outside of Jay Cutler not giving a shit), but I have a feeling that they'll do it in spite of all signs pointing for them to lose.
Bears vs Panthers - Panthers
Oh, hey! It's that game I foreshadowed. As I said, this is one the Panthers need to win. The Bears are looking pretty mediocre, and the Panthers are defying the odds, coming out strong despite claims of appearing humdrum. It's a chance to take control of your division and fend off the Saints and Falcons. Carpe Diem, motherfuckers!
Rams vs Cardinals - Rams
Just like the Panthers, the Rams are off to a very impressive start, and are primed to take lead of the division with this game against the Cardinals. Will mediocrity set in and doom the Rams? Will the Cardinals bounce back and return to competitive nature? I think the Rams will continue their winning ways this season. Breaking out a strong running game thanks to Todd Gurley, and a stable defence being able to contain Carson Palmer, Adrian Peterson, and even Larry Fitzgerald.
Bills vs Buccaneers - Bills
Now here's a game...
The Bills look set to try and secure themselves 2nd place in the AFC East. The Bucs are no scrub team, either, as they desperately try and bounce back to take a foothold in the NFC South. Both teams have something significant to play for here. However, I think the Bills will squeak it out in what I'm predicting to be a very close game.
Colts vs Jaguars - Jaguars
Sorry, Stuart!
I honestly never thought I'd say this about a Jags match up, but I think they'll beat the Colts at home. The Colts are without a stroke of 'Luck', and are essentially doing what they had to do a few seasons ago when Luck was first injured and steady the ship best as they can. I'd say Jacoby Brissett is faring as best as he can, but probably not to the level Matt Hasslebeck managed to muster. Well, it's still early to determine favourites over the AFC South, and the Colts are really only 1 win from tying with everybody else. That said, I just don't see the Colts being able to clinch this one. The Jags run game is legit, young and very capable. Unless Leonard Fournette suffers another setback, forcing Blake Bortles to *gasp* throw, then the Colts may be in with a shout. Still...Jaguars, it is...what have I become?
Browns vs Titans - Titans
The underdog story continues on track, despite a complete embarrassment from the Texans a few weeks prior. Marcus Mariotta looks back on track to 100% for this game, and this is not a game the Titans can afford to lose. 1: It's the god damn Browns. 2: The AFC South is anyone's game now. The Titans, Jaguars, and Texans all sit at 3-3, with the Colts behind by only 1 game. The prize is for the taking!
49ers vs Cowboys - Cowboys
With the Cowboys hopefully rested and ready to return from their bye week (and can hopefully put this Ezekiel Elliott suspension train-wreck to rest. Seriously, this whole farce makes the Anna Nicolle Smith trial look like To Kill a Mockingbird). It's the Niners, though, so I think the Cowboys should be able to pull off a comfortable win.
Good luck with the draft, Niners!
Steelers vs Bengals - Steelers
Ahh, this classic gem of a match up. It remains to be seen what sort of team shows up for both the Bengals and the Steelers. The Bengals are veterans when it comes to blowing vital games, and the Steelers have recently developed the same habit, becoming increasingly frustrating to watch. Still, history dictates that the Bengals will find a way to blow this, and I think the Steelers will realise that this is not a game they can afford to take the piss out of.
Giants vs Seahawks - Seahawks
Seriously, though. Even with an impressive win over the Broncos, I'm still not convinced. Just looking at the list of injured players makes me cry. The Seahawks defence will be just as tough as the Broncos, except they actually posses a capable quarterback in Russell Wilson. Not much else to say on this one. I think the Seahawks will win what will probably come out to be a defensive showdown.
Chargers vs Broncos - Broncos
The Denver Broncos look to pick themselves back up from their stunning loss to the Giants last week, and retain a strong case for a wildcard spot. The Chargers, meanwhile, hope to continue their back-to-back victories over the Giants and Raiders and keep the division a little less lopsided. Sadly, I'm not sure the Chargers will be able to do much against the Broncos defence, but they can hopefully carry on their to-do list of keeping the game tight, with minimal impressions, and then bottle it. It'll help maintain the narrative I'm trying to weave...
Patriots vs Falcons - Patriots
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to your Sunday Night Football SuperBowl Rematch! The New England Patriots are set to face the Atlanta Falcons once again for the most supreme of bragging rights, and to stake claims for securing first place in both their respective divisions. Honestly, I can see this game playing out exactly like it did during the big game. The Falcons will scorch the earth of the Patriots for the first half, only for the Patriots to come back from the dead and cause the Falcons to completely blow it once again. Both teams have glaringly terrible issues defensively, and while the Falcons are superior offensively, I can see the more controlled play style of Tom Brady being the factor that wins it for them. Either way, the fan displays, reactions, and memes coming out of Gillette Stadium will be tantalising!
Eagles vs Redskins - Eagles
Ahh, a good old NFC East divisional rivalry on Monday Night Football. Should be a good game, with an Eagles victory allowing them to secure first place in the NFC East, and pretty much set them up to walk away with the divisional title for the first time in 4 years. However, based on last week, I just can't see the Redskins being able to win this one. Even if they can get some good offence in (and no doubt Kirk Cousins will find a way), they'll either take the lead and allow the Eagles to come back, or become woefully undermined by the Eagles outperforming them.
Well, there you go! Week 7 primed and ready! Let's hope I can get my prediction ratio back up...
As always, thank you all for reading, and I'm looking forward to some great football this week!
Go team!
So after a week of embarrassing predictions, I hope that I can remedy that by bouncing back this week with a few more picks. Either that, or I can continue the downward spiral, fully giving the impression that I am not an expert at these things...
Bye Week Shout Outs are minimal this week, going to only the Lions and the Texans. Enjoy your rest period, and remember to bench players from said teams for use in fantasy football. Nobody wants to be 'that guy' who leaves players on his team who are clearly on bye.
Week 6's Betting Bastard of the Week goes to none other than the Carolina Panthers, who looked primed to create an upset over the hot Philadelphia Eagles. Sadly, however, Cam Newton was too busy thinking about yogurts and butterflies and fell apart in the 4th quarter. You've got Chicago next. Don't blow it.
Raiders vs Chiefs - Chiefs
So the Raiders are currently in the dumps right now. 4 game losing streak, a lacklustre defence, and Derek Carr battling injury. He seems to be back to full health (supposedly), so the Raiders should be able to give the Chiefs a run for their money as they themselves are looking to bounce back from a rather embarrassing defeat by the Steelers at home last week. However, that dodgy Raiders defence is what I feel will let them down onto a further 5 game defeat streak. Chiefs, it is!
Vikings vs Ravens - Vikings
So Teddy Bridgewater is beginning to return from the dead. Promising news coming out of Minnesota. Still no update on Sam Bradford, however Case Keenum has been steady, and Jerick McKinnon has been a solid running back replacement for Dalvin Cook. Everything just seems so steady and consistent for the Vikings as of late, so hopefully they can continue to live up to their name and steer the ship as they face the once more sputtering Ravens. I just don't see the Ravens offence being able to get going against the Viks, plus what doesn't help is the injury bug is biting the Ravens hard recently. Vikings for the win!
Packers vs Saints - Saints
So a Rodgers-less Packers must defend against the Saints, who are off their current season high 52 points (2nd highest of the season so far, behind the Texan's destruction of the Titans). With no contingency announced as of yet on how to tackle the situation at hand, one quick glance will also reveal that the Packers are missing vital depth players to help carry the workload. Several are dubious, so fortune may favour them when it comes to game time. However, I just can't see them being able to not only suppress the Saints offence, but respond offensively themselves. Unless they have a special teams miracle, it's going to the Saints.
Dolphins vs Jets - Jets
Another week, another clownball game. The directionless Dolphins take on the all-in, vegas-or-bust anti-tank the New York Jets; and just like the titles will imply, I'm taking the Jets to win this one. I don't know how they'll win (outside of Jay Cutler not giving a shit), but I have a feeling that they'll do it in spite of all signs pointing for them to lose.
Bears vs Panthers - Panthers
Oh, hey! It's that game I foreshadowed. As I said, this is one the Panthers need to win. The Bears are looking pretty mediocre, and the Panthers are defying the odds, coming out strong despite claims of appearing humdrum. It's a chance to take control of your division and fend off the Saints and Falcons. Carpe Diem, motherfuckers!
Rams vs Cardinals - Rams
Just like the Panthers, the Rams are off to a very impressive start, and are primed to take lead of the division with this game against the Cardinals. Will mediocrity set in and doom the Rams? Will the Cardinals bounce back and return to competitive nature? I think the Rams will continue their winning ways this season. Breaking out a strong running game thanks to Todd Gurley, and a stable defence being able to contain Carson Palmer, Adrian Peterson, and even Larry Fitzgerald.
Bills vs Buccaneers - Bills
Now here's a game...
The Bills look set to try and secure themselves 2nd place in the AFC East. The Bucs are no scrub team, either, as they desperately try and bounce back to take a foothold in the NFC South. Both teams have something significant to play for here. However, I think the Bills will squeak it out in what I'm predicting to be a very close game.
Colts vs Jaguars - Jaguars
Sorry, Stuart!
I honestly never thought I'd say this about a Jags match up, but I think they'll beat the Colts at home. The Colts are without a stroke of 'Luck', and are essentially doing what they had to do a few seasons ago when Luck was first injured and steady the ship best as they can. I'd say Jacoby Brissett is faring as best as he can, but probably not to the level Matt Hasslebeck managed to muster. Well, it's still early to determine favourites over the AFC South, and the Colts are really only 1 win from tying with everybody else. That said, I just don't see the Colts being able to clinch this one. The Jags run game is legit, young and very capable. Unless Leonard Fournette suffers another setback, forcing Blake Bortles to *gasp* throw, then the Colts may be in with a shout. Still...Jaguars, it is...what have I become?
Browns vs Titans - Titans
The underdog story continues on track, despite a complete embarrassment from the Texans a few weeks prior. Marcus Mariotta looks back on track to 100% for this game, and this is not a game the Titans can afford to lose. 1: It's the god damn Browns. 2: The AFC South is anyone's game now. The Titans, Jaguars, and Texans all sit at 3-3, with the Colts behind by only 1 game. The prize is for the taking!
49ers vs Cowboys - Cowboys
With the Cowboys hopefully rested and ready to return from their bye week (and can hopefully put this Ezekiel Elliott suspension train-wreck to rest. Seriously, this whole farce makes the Anna Nicolle Smith trial look like To Kill a Mockingbird). It's the Niners, though, so I think the Cowboys should be able to pull off a comfortable win.
Good luck with the draft, Niners!
Steelers vs Bengals - Steelers
Ahh, this classic gem of a match up. It remains to be seen what sort of team shows up for both the Bengals and the Steelers. The Bengals are veterans when it comes to blowing vital games, and the Steelers have recently developed the same habit, becoming increasingly frustrating to watch. Still, history dictates that the Bengals will find a way to blow this, and I think the Steelers will realise that this is not a game they can afford to take the piss out of.
Giants vs Seahawks - Seahawks
Seriously, though. Even with an impressive win over the Broncos, I'm still not convinced. Just looking at the list of injured players makes me cry. The Seahawks defence will be just as tough as the Broncos, except they actually posses a capable quarterback in Russell Wilson. Not much else to say on this one. I think the Seahawks will win what will probably come out to be a defensive showdown.
Chargers vs Broncos - Broncos
The Denver Broncos look to pick themselves back up from their stunning loss to the Giants last week, and retain a strong case for a wildcard spot. The Chargers, meanwhile, hope to continue their back-to-back victories over the Giants and Raiders and keep the division a little less lopsided. Sadly, I'm not sure the Chargers will be able to do much against the Broncos defence, but they can hopefully carry on their to-do list of keeping the game tight, with minimal impressions, and then bottle it. It'll help maintain the narrative I'm trying to weave...
Patriots vs Falcons - Patriots
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to your Sunday Night Football SuperBowl Rematch! The New England Patriots are set to face the Atlanta Falcons once again for the most supreme of bragging rights, and to stake claims for securing first place in both their respective divisions. Honestly, I can see this game playing out exactly like it did during the big game. The Falcons will scorch the earth of the Patriots for the first half, only for the Patriots to come back from the dead and cause the Falcons to completely blow it once again. Both teams have glaringly terrible issues defensively, and while the Falcons are superior offensively, I can see the more controlled play style of Tom Brady being the factor that wins it for them. Either way, the fan displays, reactions, and memes coming out of Gillette Stadium will be tantalising!
Eagles vs Redskins - Eagles
Ahh, a good old NFC East divisional rivalry on Monday Night Football. Should be a good game, with an Eagles victory allowing them to secure first place in the NFC East, and pretty much set them up to walk away with the divisional title for the first time in 4 years. However, based on last week, I just can't see the Redskins being able to win this one. Even if they can get some good offence in (and no doubt Kirk Cousins will find a way), they'll either take the lead and allow the Eagles to come back, or become woefully undermined by the Eagles outperforming them.
Well, there you go! Week 7 primed and ready! Let's hope I can get my prediction ratio back up...
As always, thank you all for reading, and I'm looking forward to some great football this week!
Go team!
Comments
Post a Comment