NFL spread picks, Week 7: Injuries, trades and international games moved so many lines
Week 6 was an absolute godsend for bettors. On Sunday, the favorites went 9-3-1 against the spread, the overs went 9-3-1 and the road favorites were 8-0.
Our panel certainly needed the boost. Cory Woodroof, Prince Grimes and myself each went 10-4 on the week — and don’t look now but Prince is heating up. After four rough Sundays to begin the season, he’s now 19-7-1 in his last two weeks.
But everyone is still chasing Christian and myself at the top of the leaderboard.
We’ve got another 15-game slate this week. Here’s who were going with. Tail responsibly.
| Name | Last Week | YTD |
| Blake Schuster | 10-4 | 53-36-2 |
| Christian D’Andrea | 8-6 | 50-39-2 |
| Cory Woodroof | 10-4 | 46-43-2 |
| Charles Curtis | 9-5 | 44-45-2 |
| Prince Grimes | 10-4 | 43-46-2 |
| Robert Zeglinski | 9-5 | 42-47-2 |
Denver Broncos at New Orleans Saints (Thursday Night)
Opening Line: Saints -3.5
Blake Schuster: Saints +2.5
My colleagues are attempting to use logic with this pick. Thursday Night Football does not adhear to logic. It is a chaotic beast that feeds on anarchy. It’s a short week for both teams but New Orleans is at home. Bo Nix on a super quick turnaround is not something we can trust yet.
Prince Grimes: Broncos -2.5
I worry about how the Saints will generate offense with all the injuries they have between the quarterback and wide receivers.
Charles Curtis: Broncos -2.5
That D is legit and the Saints are very, very banged up.
Cory Woodroof: Broncos -2.5
This is going to come down to the wire, if only because I don’t trust either of these quarterbacks against either of these defenses. However, the Saints’ injuries may make the difference.
Robert Zeglinski: Broncos -2.5
The Saints are free-falling and the Broncos’ defense is a terrible matchup for Spencer Rattler. Stay tuned for classic unwatchable TNF shenanigans.
Christian D’Andrea: Broncos -2.5
I still have no idea what Bo Nix is, but he may just need one or two good quarters to give Denver the lead for good.
New England Patriots at Jacksonville Jaguars (London)
Opening Line: Jaguars -6.5
Blake Schuster: Jaguars -5.5
The benefit of staying in London all week cannot be understated here. Drake Maye goes from facing a Houston defense in his first start to flying international for his second. Meanwhile, Trevor Lawrence has been sipping tea and hanging out with the Peaky Blinders for days now.
Prince Grimes: Patriots +5.5
The Jaguars should win but they haven’t given us any reason to believe they’re a team you can lay 5.5 points with.
Charles Curtis: Patriots +5.5
I’m with Prince. How do you trust the Jags even at their second home in London?
Cory Woodroof: Jaguars -5.5
The Jaguars are severe underachievers. The Patriots are overachieving whenever they win. The key here is the Jaguars won’t have jet lag after being in London since last week.
Robert Zeglinski: Patriots +5.5
The Jaguars look like they’ve quit on Doug Pederson and I’m gonna bet on some new QB energy for the Patriots.
Christian D’Andrea: Jags -5.5
Hate this line, hate this game but Jacksonville didn’t have to deal with a transatlantic flight this week.
Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons
Opening Line: Falcons -3.5
Blake Schuster: Falcons -3
A West Coast team playing a 1 p.m. kickoff out East pretty much negates the extra rest Seattle got after the 49ers crushed them last Thursday.
Prince Grimes: Seahawks +3
I’m not out on Seattle yet. These teams are closer than their recent trends would lead us to believe.
Charles Curtis: Falcons -3
Atlanta is starting to look like a pretty good team.
Cory Woodroof: Falcons -3
Falcons-Seahawks is usually a close game. I’ll take Younghoe Koo knocking down a late field goal to lift Atlanta to its fourth-straight win.
Robert Zeglinski: Falcons -3
The Falcons have put up nearly 1,000 total yards of offense over the last two weeks. Their reward is a walking wounded Seatttle team that can’t stop anyone.
Christian D’Andrea: Falcons -3
Seattle is backsliding and the Falcons offense has put up nearly 1,000 total yards the last two weeks.
Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills
Opening Line: Bills -7.5
Blake Schuster: Bills -9
The Bills pummel bad teams. Tennessee is a bad team. Expect plenty of garbage time.
Prince Grimes: Bills -9
Will Levis is still starting for Tennessee, right?
Charles Curtis: Bills -9
The Titans are bad.
Cory Woodroof: Bills -9
The Bills playing at home gives me confidence in the spread. I’m not sure the Titans’ offensive woes will be fixable on the road this week.
Robert Zeglinski: Bills -9
That first Amari Cooper touchdown will warm Bills fans’ cold, dead hearts.
Christian D’Andrea: Titans +9
That’s a lot of points for a team that plays ugly but generally keeps things close.
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
Opening Line: Bengals -1
Blake Schuster: Bengals -6.5
The Browns are headed for rock bottom and the front office doesn’t seem to have much incentive to stop it. This game will feature nonstop gross vibes.
Prince Grimes: Browns +6.5
The extra two points added to this line after the Amari Cooper trade flipped my pick. But I also think Cleveland will get an emotional boost from the return of Nick Chubb.
Charles Curtis: Browns +6.5
The Bengals are iffy defensively and the Browns keep finding ways to cover.
Cory Woodroof: Bengals -6.5
The Bengals’ defense gets a boost this week going against Deshaun Watson. Sure, division games are weird, but Cincinnati is better than its record
Robert Zeglinski: Bengals -6.5
Whatever is clearly wrong with the Bengals pales in comparison to the broken Browns. Fade them every damned week.
Christian D’Andrea: Browns +6.5
Cleveland’s defense is playing mean and Nick Chubb’s return suggests they may be able to keep the ball out of Joe Burrow’s hands long enough to cover.
Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers
Opening Line: Packers -2.5
Blake Schuster: Packers -2.5
This feels like a pretty standard homefield advantage line. We know the Packers are going to score enough to win. If the Green Bay defense can stop this from becoming a shootout, we should be OK here.
Prince Grimes: Packers -2.5
Anything over a field goal, give me Houston. But that half point is the difference between me riding the Packers at home.
Charles Curtis: Packers -2.5
Got to take the Pack at home even against a good Texans team.
Cory Woodroof: Packers -2.5
This game will be as close as Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, but Green Bay having the home advantage is key.
Robert Zeglinski: Texans +2.5
Jordan Love is talented but prone to boneheaded mistakes that will cost him dearly against an opportunistic Houston defense. We’re also probably still overrating Green Bay’s meager defense.
Christian D’Andrea: Packers -2.5
I have no idea how this one is going to turn out. Stay the hell away from it.
Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts
Opening Line: Dolphins -1
Blake Schuster: Dolphins +3.5
Anthony Richardson will probably be a bit rusty and this is not the defense you want to miss throws against. Jot me down for a Miami D/ST score.
Prince Grimes: Colts -3.5
The Dolphins remain in cryostasis until their quarterback returns.
Charles Curtis: Colts -3.5
Anthony Richardson’s return actually makes me a little nervous about this. But we’ll see if he’s going to live up to the hype after a return from injury.
Cory Woodroof: Dolphins +3.5
I’ll go against the grain here and say the Dolphins steal a win against a Colts team that may struggle with Miami’s speed.
Robert Zeglinski: Colts -3.5
I can lay points to Tyler freakin’ Huntley. Sorry not sorry.
Christian D’Andrea: Colts -3.5
I cannot abide a Miami pick as long as Tua Tagovailoa is out. Not that I love backing Anthony Richardson right now.
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Opening Line: Lions -3.5
Blake Schuster: Lions +2.5
Minnesota is the best-coached team in the league, but Detroit might be No. 2 on that list and the Lions’ roster has a much higher talent floor.
Prince Grimes: Vikings -2.5
The Lions’ loss of Aidan Hutchinson isn’t insignificant.
Charles Curtis: Lions +2.5
It’s going to be a close one even with Hutchinson out.
Cory Woodroof: Lions +2.5
I’ll bet Dan Campbell’s team will rally after Aidan Hutchinson’s loss to grit this one out on the road.
Robert Zeglinski: Lions +2.5
The Lions are better in every meaningful way even without Aidan Hutchinson.
Christian D’Andrea: Vikings -2.5
Minnesota had a full bye to prepare for this. Detroit did too, judging by the outcome of its trip to Dallas. Still, I expect Brian Flores cooked up something maddening for the Lions.
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
Opening Line: Eagles -4.5
Blake Schuster: Giants +3
If Malik Nabers plays, this line is a gift. If not, expect NFC East chaos to step in and do the rest. I don’t think the Giants can win this outright necessarily, but the Eagles can sure give it away.
Prince Grimes: Giants +3
Somehow, the Eagles will find a way to make this game closer than it should be.
Charles Curtis: Giants +3
If Malik Nabers is back, this will absolutely be a close game.
Cory Woodroof: Eagles -3
The Giants losing Andrew Thomas will not help Daniel Jones avoid this Eagles’ defensive line.
Robert Zeglinski: Eagles -3
Philadelphia is set to be the most uninspiring 4-2 team of all time. (Citation needed.) Oh, well, at least Eagles fans should handle this rationally.
Christian D’Andrea: Eagles -3
Nick Sirianni is coaching for his job and facing a team that’s only beaten him once… in Week 18 when Marcus Mariota took the majority of Philly’s snaps.
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams
Opening Line: Rams -4.5
Blake Schuster: Rams -6.5
I’d advise not touching this one, but the vibes in Vegas are really rough. I’m not sure what to expect when the Raiders take the field, but I don’t feel good about it.
Prince Grimes: Raiders +6.5
It’s not like Davante Adams was playing anyway. Vegas plays enough defense to keep this interesting.
Charles Curtis: Rams -6.5
Los Angeles isn’t THAT good, but the Raiders are that bad.
Cory Woodroof: Rams -6.5
These are the games where Sean McVay can conjure some magic to take advantage of a struggling Raiders team.
Robert Zeglinski: Rams -6.5
Maxx Crosby will request a trade before the November 5 deadline. Don’t be naive.
Christian D’Andrea: Rams -6.5
Vegas went to LA in Week 1 and had a solid contingent in the stands and still lost to the Chargers by 12. I don’t think the Rams are better than their roommates, but I don’t think they’re six points worse.
Carolina Panthers at Washington Commanders
Opening Line: Commanders -3
Blake Schuster: Commanders -7.5
After losing a close one to Baltimore, the Commanders get to take out their frustration on a hapless Panthers team. We might even see Bryce Young back on the field at the end of this one.
Prince Grimes: Commanders -7.5
The Washington football franchise has never looked as good as it will against Carolina this week.
Charles Curtis: Commanders -7.5
What’s the over/under on rushing yards for Washington? Take the over.
Cory Woodroof: Commanders -7.5
The Panthers defense isn’t built for what the Commanders like to do on offense.
Robert Zeglinski: Commanders -7.5
Jayden Daniels keeps getting defenses that allow him to cut them up on the first read. He will, for now, keep getting away with it.
Christian D’Andrea: Commanders -7.5
All five of the Panthers losses have come by double digits. Washington’s defense is a concern, but probably won’t be on Sunday.
Kansas City Chiefs at San Francisco 49ers
Opening Line: 49ers -1.5
Blake Schuster: 49ers -1.5
This line is no fun. The 49ers had extra time to prep for this one after playing on Thursday, but the Chiefs are coming off a bye. If you’re looking for a golden metric to help you here, you won’t find it. My gut says the Chiefs lose to a Niners defense that keeps getting stronger.
Prince Grimes: Chiefs +1.5
Kansas City’s defense is up to this task. And Patrick Mahomes is coming off maybe his best game of the season.
Charles Curtis: Chiefs +1.5
Off the bye, they can win this game.
Cory Woodroof: 49ers -1.5
This Chiefs team is going to lose a couple of games. A Super Bowl rematch on the road feels like the team’s first loss this season.
Robert Zeglinski: 49ers -1.5
Speaking of teams that, for the love of all that is holy, can’t keep getting away with it.
Christian D’Andrea: 49ers -1.5
San Francisco got a long week to prepare for Kansas City and won’t be fooled by whatever deep pulls Patrick Mahomes grabs from his bag of tricks. Losing rematches of big playoff games a year later is a fairly regular occurence for the Chiefs (Bills in 2021, Bills and Bengals in 2022, Eagles in 2023).
New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday Night)
Opening Line: Jets -1.5
Blake Schuster: Steelers +1.5
Pittsburgh as a home dog? Sign me up. Putting the number of Russell Wilson drives at 5.5 before Justin Fields replaces him.
Prince Grimes: Jets -1.5
This game could be a struggle for both offenses, but if I have to trust one of these teams to orchestrate a game-winning drive, it’s the Jets.
Charles Curtis: Jets -1.5
If Russell Wilson is starting, I like this pick more.
Cory Woodroof: Jets -1.5
I don’t like the Steelers trying to open a quarterback door for Russell Wilson this late into the season after Justin Fields has been solid for them.
Robert Zeglinski: Jets -1.5:
(Puts on tin foil hat) The Steelers benched Justin Fields so the NFL could get Russell Wilson vs. Aaron Rodgers in a night game … right? It’s so obvious. No one look at the year.
Christian D’Andrea: Steelers +1.5
Pittsburgh thrives at dragging you into the muck and beating you there. This Jets team? Grimy as hell.
Baltimore Ravens at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Monday Night)
Opening Line: Ravens -5
Blake Schuster: Ravens -3.5
Tampa’s middling run defense is about to have it’s confidence smashed by Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson.
Prince Grimes: Ravens -3.5
The Ravens are averaging 33.5 points over their four-game winning streak. They’re a Mack truck about to steamroll the Bucs.
Charles Curtis: Ravens -3.5
The Bucs are a fun team but the Ravens are legit contenders.
Cory Woodroof: Buccaneers +3.5
The Bucs are legit, and I’m curious how much the Ravens can throw the ball on Tampa Bay on the road. If Todd Bowles sells out to limit Derrick Henry, this one will get interesting.
Robert Zeglinski: Ravens -3.5
Is no one else really gonna say it? Fine. Is this MNF battle a … Super Bowl preview? GASP
Christian D’Andrea: Buccaneers +3.5
A home primetime game a week after a hurricane hits? Tampa’s gonna be LOUD (and the Baltimore defense isn’t the fire blanket it once was).
Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona Cardinals (Monday Night)
Opening Line: Cardinals -1
Blake Schuster: Chargers -3
It’s COD SZN.
Prince Grimes: Chargers -3
Arizona’s offense was already a bit underwhelming before it lost Marvin Harrison Jr.
Charles Curtis: Chargers -3
I love this pick. Los Angeles plays good defense and will run all day.
Cory Woodroof: Chargers -3
I don’t think either of these teams are contenders, but I like L.A. to come out ahead.
Robert Zeglinski: Chargers -3
The Chargers’ ability to pound the ball against everyone commendably masks an otherwise flawed roster. Say what you will about Jim Harbaugh — the man can coach.
Christian D’Andrea: Cardinals +3
Arizona’s starting to look like the team we expected during the preseason. But the Chargers defense isn’t as good as its No. 1 rank in points allows suggests, and this is a decent chunk of points to lay on the road.