NFL Week 7 Preview: Playoff Picture Begins to Take Shape

Only the Rams are unbeaten now as they live up the hype as Superbowl favourites. The Chiefs learnt a lesson the hard way at the hands of the master that is Tom Brady. But this week we look at if Drew Brees can add another record to his illustrious career.

But as we approach the half way stage of the regular season every game has major ramifications for team who still harbor hopes of a playoff berth. With this in mind we have a look at some of the match ups from this weeks action.

Cowboys @ Redskins

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most Jekyll & Hyde teams in all of the NFL. They have two 1006b89ae8741f566ab7f58c50f0e39ac2a} records this season which is quite impressive. They have won all three of their home and also lost all three of their away games this season. Whoever wins will take top spot in the NFC East.

The Cowboys were mightily impressive as they took down the Jaguars last week, in a manner that no-one was expecting either. It was a complete and dominating display which has lead many to say that they may be finding the form from Dak Prescott’s rookie year again when they last made the playoffs. However, the Redskins are a team who are consistently underrated. One of the reasons why Kirk Cousins has been only garnering praise in Minnesota since his move from Washington. This is probably why Alex Smith has enjoyed being in this Redskins team as he too is overlooked. He may not light up games the way his replacement in kansas City has been doing, but he is a consistent menace. He lead the Chiefs to the playoffs every year he was there and he seems to be building another playoff charge in Washington.

This is why I think that Washington will walk away with the victory as the Cowboys do not travel well. Add in that the Redskins have easily beaten more notable opponents such as Carolina and Green Bay.

Redskins to win

Adrian Peterson to score a touchdown

Saints @ Ravens

The enigma of Drew Brees’ career. How to beat the Ravens. Of the 32 teams in the NFL they are the only one he has not beaten, so yes he has beaten the Saints in his Chargers days.

But if he is to do so then he will need to overcome the best defense this year, just poor old Marcus Mariotta who was sacked 11 times last week. However with Mark Ingram back and Alvin Kamara having a excellent second season the run game could feature heavily. But Brees isn’t the all time passing yards leader for nothing and expect him to also fire off a few quick passes to help move the chains.

His counter though Joe Flacco is also enjoying a good season. I thought that they would have enough to ppotentially make it all the way to the AFC game this season and the defense has helped to convince me that I wasn’t crazy to think this. But Flacco has been spurred on by the drafting of hot prospect Lamar JAckson who has seen more game time than people might have thought so far. They can also look to build on the struggles of their divisional rivals as the Steelers have looked out of sorts slightly as they look to ignore the Le’Veon Bell story that has dominated their season. A resurgent Browns have been gathering the headlines but the Ravens are gently going along keeping pace and looking to build on any slip ups of their rivals.

Saints to win

Saints to score in every quarter

Michael Thomas (NO) and Michael Crabtree (BAL) both over 79.5 receiving yards

Browns @ Buccaneers

The battle of the struggling teams. But they were expected to struggle. However something that may have surprised people is just how good the Browns can be, they could and possibly should have started the season 5-0 if they had a more reliable kicker. Last week however they looked like the Browns of old.

But this is going to be a game that both teams will be relishing, I also think Baker Mayfield will want to show that his performance last week was a one off. A strange move saw them trade away leading rusher Carlos Hyde but expect the rookie Nick Chubb to fill in smoothly as they look to built a hungry youthful team.

Jarvis Landry to score a touchdown

Browns to win by 1-6 points

Vikings @ Jets

This is a game where the Vikings should be sending a statement to the NFL. They will hope it is not the same statement as the last time they faced an East Coast rookie QB when they were humbled by Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.

The addition of Kirk Cousins has proved to be crucial and he will want to show the Jets what they missed out on. He was offered the same money by both teams but the Vikings knew how crucial he could be to their hopes of going further than last year so secured his services by making all $84 million guaranteed.

Adam Thielen is loving having Kirk Cousins as his QB too. He has had over 100 yards receiving in every game this season, setting a record in the process. Against a depleted Jets secondary I can see him extending this also. Add to this the relationship Cousins has with Stefon Diggs who has added being a deep threat to his game this season. If they are to take control of their division and hold off a bold charge from the lesser fancied Chicago Bears then they will need to win this game. They will want to send a message to the NFL too that they are truly Superbowl contenders.

Vikings -2.5, Cousing over 250 passing yards, Thielen over 100 Receiving yards, 4 or more match TDs

Vikings to win every quarter

Stefon Diggs to score a Touchdown

Bengals @ Chiefs

This looks like being a great game. But maybe not for the Bengals. The Chiefs have just losty their first game all season, but they still looked mightily impressive against the Patriots last week. I also think that this is the sort of game where they will want to make a statement that this is a new team. The went 5-0 to start last season but then lost 6 of the next 7 of the games as the wheels fell off.

However this will be a lot easier as the way they have played will suit playing this Bengals outfit. Both will be keen to throw big and I see this being high scoring affair.

Over 57.5 points in the match

Chiefs to score in every quarter