NFL Week 7 Betting Recap
NFL Week 7 Betting Recap
The season is really moving fast. There were some bizarre plays that may have cost people betting pools, parlays, teasers and regular bets. Let’s take a look at each game and look at the betting implications that occurred and may also affect the line in Week 8 and beyond.
(closing lines)
Thursday, Oct. 20
ARIZONA (-1.5) over New Orleans 42-34
Finally, some scoring on Thursday night. The problem for the Saints was the play of Andy Dalton: 361 yds, 4 TDs, 3 INTs. He also had a pick-six. The return of WR DeAndre Hopkins (10 rec. for 103 yds) really helped Kyler Murray and the passing game, even though it was pedestrian (20-of-29 for 204yds, 1 TD). The running game was successful with 133 yards, because Hopkins was on the field. Arizona did allow 409 passing yards, but a lot of that came early and late hen the Cards had an 18-point lead. The Saints need a healthy Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry and Marshon Lattimore, who are questionable against this week.
Sunday, Oct. 23
DALLAS (-7) over Detroit 24-6
Dak was back and it took him awhile to get going. The Cowboys were down 6-3 at the half and then outscored the Lions 21-0 in the second half. He completed 19 of 25 for 207 yards and a TD, while the running game was dominant. Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott combined for 140 yards on 27 carries with two scores from Elliott. Jared Goff struggled against an elite defense, throwing for 228 yards, but committing four turnovers (two fumbles, two INTs). Jamaal Williams rushed for 79 yards, but also had a lost fumble. The Lions could use RB D’Andre Swift, who is questionable this week and WR Armon-Ra. St. Brown (concussion), who should be back.
WASHINGTON (+4.5) over Green Bay 23-21
The Packers continue their downfall. Washington has won two straight as Taylor Heinicke got the start over the injured Carson Wentz and threw an early pick-six. Washington’s defense keyed this win with just 38 yards. Green bay’s nine penalties didn’t help matters and the Commanders had the ball for 37:07. To make matters worse, WR Allen Lazard suffered a shoulder injury. Green Bay desperately needs a strong WR before the trade deadline.
TENNESSEE (-2.5) over Indianapolis 19-10
The Colts got Jonathan Taylor back from injury, but he provided just 58 yards on the ground. Matt Ryan threw two more picks and is now going to be benched due to performance and injury with Sam Ehlinger coming in. It wasn’t a pretty win for the Titans, with Ryan Tannehill throwing for just 132 yards, but Derrick Henry ran for 128 to keep possession of the football. Despite having not much of a passing attack, the Titans have won four straight.
New York Giants (+3) over JACKSONVILLE 23-17
The Giants did it again. They are 6-1 and are terrible against the run. They gave up 142 yards on the ground, but found a way to win again, because they won the turnover battle (+1). They also won the rushing battle as Daniel Jones rushed for 107 yards and Saquon Barkley led the way with 110 yards. Trevor Lawrence threw for 310 yards, but completed just 22 of 43. Jones is the key with his efficiency, ability to run and to take care of the ball. The Giants did lose rookie OT Evan Neal to a knee injury and is considered week-to-week. TE Daniel Bellinger (eye) is also out indefinitely.
CAROLINA (+13.5) over Tampa Bay 21-3
The Panthers decided to trade Robby Anderson and Christian McCaffrey the last week. They are in the midst of tanking yet somehow beat the Bucs on Sunday. Tom Brady threw it 49 times and completed 32 including nine to Mike Evans, who also dropped a TD pass. PJ. Walker threw for two TD passes to lead the Panthers, who are now led by interim coach Steve Wilks. D’Onta Foreman rushed for 118 yards on 15 carries to lead the Panthers, who rushed for 173 yards.
Cleveland (+6.5) over BALTIMORE 20-23
The Ravens finally finished a game though they tried to lose it late in the fourth quarter when Justice Hill fumbled the ball. But then the Browns became the Browns as Cade York’s 60-yard field goal attempt was deflected by Malik Harrison. Baltimore rushed for 160 yards thanks to the return of Gus Edwards, who had 66 yards coming back from a serious knee injury. The passing game was non-existent as Lamar Jackson completed just 9 of 16 for 120 yards. Nick Chubb rushed for 91 yards, but most came in the first two possessions. Baltimore has a short turnaround, facing Tampa Bay on Thursday. They won’t have RB J.K. Dobbins, who is out 4-6 weeks with more knee issues. Cleveland lost TD David Njoku (ankle) who is likely to miss the next game and possibly more.
CINCINNATI (-6.5) over Atlanta 35-17
The Bengals are back! At least it appears that away as Joe Burrow took advantage of an already-decimated secondary to throw for 481 yards and three TDs. Atlanta lost starting CB A.J. Terrell in the first quarter due to a hamstring injury. Once the Falcons get behind big, they don’t have the quick-strike offense to rebound. Marcus Mariota threw for just 124 yards and ran for 31, but the offense tallied just 214 yards. The corner for Atlanta is at corner where Casey Hayward (shoulder) was placed on the IR and Terrell is probably going to miss the next game or two.
NY Jets (+1) over DENVER 16-9
The line moved late to make Denver a favorite, but either way, this was another strong effort by the Jets’ defense. Rookie Breece Hall ran for a 62-yard TD in the first quarter and that was the only Jets’ TD in the game. Unfortunately for New York and Hall, is out for the year with an ACL injury. Denver had Brett Rypien at QB for an injured Russell Wilson and he threw for 225 yards with a pick. Wilson is expected to return from a shoulder injury this week when the Broncos fly to England to play Jacksonville. The Jets also just picked up RB James Robinson from Jacksonville for a conditional sixth-rounder.
LAS VEGAS (-7) over Houston 38-20
This was a tie game (10-all) at the half. The Raiders were down 20-17 going into the fourth quarter so it was a tough beat for Houston bettors. Texans’ QB Davis Mills had just one turnover, but it was a costly one at the end as Duron Harmon picked him off and returned it 73 yards with 3:26 left in the game. Josh Jacobs had a monster game for the Raiders with 143 yards and three touchdowns, which all took place in the second half. Derek Carr passed for 241 yards and a TD with no picks. Rookie RB Dameon Pierce rushed for 92 yards to lead Houston.
Kansas City (-1.5) over SAN FRANCISCO 44-23
This was a beatdown by the Chiefs that started out with the 49ers leading 10-0. The game turned with the Chiefs up 14-13 late in the first half when Jimmy Garoppolo was picked off in the end zone by Justin Reid. The Chiefs dominated the second half, scoring 30 points against one of the best defenses in the league. Patrick Mahomes passed for 423 yards with three TDs and a pick. JuJu Smith-Schuster added seven catches for 124 yards and a TD. In his first game in a San Francisco uniform, Christian McCaffrey ran for 38 yards and caught two passes for 24 yards. WR Deebo Samuel (hamstring) is now questionable. KC just lost DE Frank Clark (suspension) for two games.
Seattle (+7.5) over LA CHARGERS 37-23
Give Pete Carroll credit. The Seahawks could go the tanking route, but his team is a player in the NFC West. That’s due to a much-improved running game. Rookie RB Kenneth Walker III ran for 168 yards and two TDs including a 74-yarder. Geno Smith also found Marquise Goodwin for two scores. However, WR D.K. Metcalf (knee) is likely to miss a game or two, but fortunately it’s not serious. Speaking of serious, the Chargers need help on both ends. Unfortunately, they lost top defensive free agent pickup CB J.C. Jackson to a knee injury for the season. WR Kennan Allen (hamstring) could only play in the first half and WR Mike Williams (ankle) is going to miss some time. Justin Herbert had a decent game statistically with 293 yards passing with two TDs and a pick, but he’s not getting the job done.
MIAMI (-6.5) over Pittsburgh 16-10
This was a tough one for those who bet the favorite. Miami had 372 total yards with Tua Tagovailoa back at QB. He threw for 261 yards, but produced just one TD and three field goals. All 26 points were scored in the first half. Kenny Pickett gave the Steelers a chance to win before Jevon Holland picked him off at the Steelers’ 49 to give the Fins the win with 2:57 left in the game, although Miami went three-and-out and gave the Steelers another chance. Pickett threw for 257 yards and one TD, but with three picks.
Monday, Oct. 27
Chicago (+8.5) over NEW ENGLAND 33-14
Mac Jones got the start at QB for the Patriots and lasted three series before he threw a pick. Rookie Bailey Zappe came in and gave the Pats a lift before throwing two picks. The story of this game was the Bears’ offense, who amassed 243 rushing yards led by 82 from Justin Fields. That was an impressive effort against a very good defense. Chicago LB Roquan Smith had a great game with one sack, one pick and 12 tackles.
