Doc and Del are off to a nice start to Week 7 with Thursday night wins from the Seahawks. There is just the right amount of variance between the two experts’ picks. Not all identical picks, but not too many ones differing. That’s generally a good sign.
After about an average week in Week 6 that saw Doc go 2-1 on the locks, we’re ready for a solid-to-strong Week 7.
(ATS = Against the Spread, SU = Straight Up)
Let’s start with the lock. When Doc is handicapping the games, his first move is to look at which line stands out as being the most wrong. Doc felt Washington should have been favored by about six points over Tampa Bay, which is why he felt 3.5 was comfortable. The Redskins have played a tough schedule and have looked pretty good until last weekend’s loss. They also have won two in a row at home against solid teams like the Rams and Eagles. They should push around the horrid Bucs defense up front and rack up a big game on the ground. Tampa Bay is 25th in the NFL in rushing yards per game allowed and 31st in points allowed. Washington will run all over them and control the clock on the ground.
Both Doc and Del like the Chiefs this week (we’re into masochism, obviously). Some Steelers players may be excited about Landry Jones, but Doc and Del aren’t. KC’s defense continues to play well despite the team being offensively challenged. Pittsburgh is coming off a couple of tough, close games and now has to travel to KC where it will be caught off guard. Chiefs for the win in this one. Landry Jones isn’t going to like facing that KC D.
Two other games of note: Oakland and the Jets. Doc likes the Raiders to win outright against the Chargers. They are just a better team this year. The Raiders had the Broncos on the ropes and also blew one against the Bears, but they have been surprisingly good this year. The Chargers have been a big disappointment and have tons of injuries up front and no semblance of a running game. Eric Weddle is out for the game, while Antonio Gates hasn’t practiced all week. The Raiders are coming off an extra week of rest while San Diego is banged up. Things are adding up in the Raiders’ favor for this game.
The Jets have had one of the best defenses in the league this season. They’re first in points allowed per game; first in total yards allowed per game; second in rushing yards allowed; and second in passing yards allowed. New England’s offense will be the toughest challenge they’ll face, but they should be up to it, especially with Darrelle Revis and his intimate knowledge of the Patriots’ offense he’ll be able to share with his teammates. Doc isn’t a Ryan Fitzpatrick believer and thinks this will be the game where he falls apart. However, it should be low scoring enough for the Jets to stay within nine.
