Bing Predicts - NFL Week 7

Denver Broncos @ Arizona Cardinals

Game time: Thursday, Oct 18 8:20 PM EST

Historical matchup: Denver Broncos lead series 8-1-1

Both the Denver Broncos and the Arizona Cardinals have been disappointing through the first third of the 2018 season. The Broncos were close last week against the NFL’s only remaining undefeated team (Los Angeles Rams), but failed to recover an onside kick late in the contest and eventually lost 23-20.

Arizona followed up its first win of the season with a 27-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in yet another game where the team did not eclipse 300 yards of total offense. The Cardinals remain ranked last in the NFL in yards, first downs, third-down conversions, and time of possession and currently sit second-to-last in points scored.  

It’ll be a quick turnaround for both of these squads. The Broncos' offensive line is thin after guard Ron Leary suffered what could be a season-ending Achilles injury in Sunday’s loss. Tackle Jared Veldheer missed his second-consecutive game Sunday, and it’s unclear if he’ll be ready on Thursday. The Cardinals also lost an offensive lineman: guard Justin Pugh broke his left hand Sunday.

The Broncos were gutted on the ground last week, relinquishing 270 yards, including a career-high 208 yards to Rams running back Todd Gurley. Luckily for them, the Cardinals have only rushed for 384 yards through six games (ranked last in the league) and had just 61 yards on Sunday.

Bing Predicts Winner: Denver Broncos (61% chance)

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Tennessee Titans @ Los Angeles Chargers

Game time: Sunday, Oct 21 9:30 AM EST

Historical matchup: Los Angeles Chargers lead series 27-17-1

Wembley Stadium in London will host an NFL game for the second-consecutive week, this time featuring the Tennessee Titans and the Los Angeles Chargers. Tennessee, a team that has looked impressive in spurts this season and was blanked by the Ravens 21-0 last week: the offense gave up 11 sacks in the game, which is more than the amount they had relinquished in the previous five weeks combined (nine).

The Chargers have built a three-game winning streak, and after Kansas City’s loss, now sit just a game back in the AFC West. Los Angeles dominated the Browns 38-14 behind an impressive three-touchdown performance from running back Melvin Gordon. The fourth-year pro out of Wisconsin also added 132 rushing yards.

The Chargers look to continue their winning ways, whereas the Titans look to halt their two-game losing skid. The two squads haven’t faced off since 2016 when the then-San Diego Chargers won 43-35.

Bing Predicts Winner: Los Angeles Chargers (61% chance)

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New England Patriots @ Chicago Bears

Game time: Sunday, Oct 21 1:00 PM EST

Historical matchup: New England Patriots lead series 9-4

Tom Brady's latest game-winning drive was as impressive as it was historic. Brady engineered a seven-play, 65-yard drive—capped off by a Stephen Gostkowski 28-yard field goal as time expired—to hand the Kansas City Chiefs their first loss of the season. It was a drive filled with milestones as Brady moved into a third-place tie for the most game-winning drives in NFL history and eclipsed 300 yards passing to move to third all-time with 84 career 300-yard games. As Brady's legend grows, the Patriots seem to be finding their stride.

The Bears, on the other hand, are looking to rebound from an overtime stunner in which they fell to backup quarterback Brock Osweiler and the Miami Dolphins. For the first time this season, Chicago's vaunted pass rush failed to register a sack, and while they did intercept Osweiler twice, they surrendered 380 yards and three touchdowns to the journeyman and were gashed on the ground as 35-year-old running back Frank Gore racked up 101 yards on just 15 carries.

Chicago will need to get back to generating pressure in order to get Brady off of his spot and have a chance to put an end to New England's three-game winning streak.

Bing Predicts Winner: New England Patriots (63% chance)

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Buffalo Bills @ Indianapolis Colts

Game time: Sunday, Oct 21 1:00 PM EST

Historical matchup: Buffalo Bills lead series 37-31-1

The Bills are hoping for the best when it comes to the health of rookie quarterback Josh Allen’s arm. He exited in the third quarter of their game against the Texans last Sunday, giving way to Nathan Peterman, who would go on to throw a game-ending pick six.

If Allen is not healthy enough to play, it may be a toss-up as to who will start in Indianapolis. In limited action, Peterman seems to have a chronic interception problem (nine interceptions on just 79 career passing attempts) but the alternative is Derek Anderson, who has only been with the team since last week.

For Indianapolis, a 1-5 start has them at the bottom of the AFC South with the rest of the division sitting at 3-3. It was “death by paper cut” last Sunday against the Jets with kicker Jason Myers converting all seven of his field goal attempts to set a Jets franchise record. The bright side is that the Colts’ red zone defense stood tall. They allowed New York to convert on just one of its six trips inside the red zone.

Regardless of who starts for the Bills, the Colts will need Andrew Luck to limit his turnovers. He enters this game tied for a league-worst eight interceptions on the season already.

Bing Predicts Winner: Indianapolis Colts (57% chance)

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Cleveland Browns @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Game time: Sunday, Oct 21 1:00 PM EST

Historical matchup: Cleveland Browns lead series 6-3

Rather than debating whether or not Jameis Winston should have gotten his starting job back over Ryan Fitzpatrick, the focus in Tampa Bay is on the Buccaneers' defense following their Week 6 loss to the Falcons. Defensive coordinator Mike Smith was let go after five games, in all of which his unit surrendered more than 400 yards.

Bucs coach Dirk Koetter, an offensive mind, has his unit ranked second in yards-per-game, but they have been unable to overcome their defensive woes. They’re ranked dead-last in points and passing yards allowed per game, and have registered only nine sacks so far this season.

The Browns have their own defensive issues to sort out, which came to light after the Chargers gashed them for 246 rushing yards in a 38-14 beatdown in Cleveland. Still, Cleveland will seemingly sink or swim with rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield, who looks to rebound from the worst performance of his young career in which he threw two interceptions and completed just under 48% of his passes.

Bing Predicts Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (67% chance)

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Minnesota Vikings @ New York Jets

Game time: Sunday, Oct 21 1:00 PM EST

Historical matchup: New York Jets lead series 8-2

The Jets struck out in the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes this past offseason and instead have the first rookie quarterback to reach three wins this year in Sam Darnold. This is the second straight week that Minnesota will face a rookie quarterback. Last week, they gave Cardinals' signal caller Josh Rosen fits, holding him to an astounding 0-10 on third downs.

They hope to replicate that defensive success against Darnold, who is coming off of a 280-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Colts.  Darnold’s stats had the potential to produce much more had the Jets not been forced to settle for field goals seven times and converted on just one of their six opportunities in the red zone.

Even without running back Dalvin Cook, who re-aggravated his hamstring injury during pregame warmups, the Vikings put together an impressive performance on the ground which included a career-high 155 yards from Latavius Murray. If the Vikings can build on that success on the ground and bring balance to an offense that is already one of the most potent through the air, then the Jets will have to hope to continue to generate turnovers (second in the league in takeaways with 15) to have a chance to hang with Cousins and company.

Bing Predicts Winner: Minnesota Vikings (53% chance)

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Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Game time: Sunday, Oct 21 1:00 PM EST

Historical matchup: Houston Texans lead series 19-13

The AFC South was thought to be a hyper-competitive division coming into the 2018 season, and it has been that with three teams boasting identical 3-3 records. Either the Texans or Jaguars will relinquish a share of first place after Sunday.

The first four weeks of the season treated Jacksonville well, as they boasted a 3-1 record and had already beaten the Patriots in Foxboro in a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship game. Since then, they have lost back-to-back games and their much-heralded defense has faltered in dramatic fashion. In those two losses to the Chiefs and Cowboys, the Jaguars have been outscored 70-21.

While the Texans come in having turned an 0-3 start into a .500 record with three straight wins, the victories haven’t exactly come in convincing fashion. They were bailed out last Sunday by Bills backup quarterback Nathan Peterman after rookie Josh Allen left the game with an injury, and the week prior, they snuck by the Cowboys with a field goal in overtime.

In fact, every game Houston has played this season has been decided by seven points or less. That could be the case again as two teams that have struggled to put the ball in the end zone (each has only 11 offensive touchdowns) battle for mid-season, AFC South supremacy.  

Bing Predicts Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars (61% chance)

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Detroit Lions @ Miami Dolphins

Game time: Sunday, Oct 21 1:00 PM EST

Historical matchup: Miami Dolphins lead series 7-4

Ryan Tannehill was a surprise inactive last week as the Dolphins decided during pregame that his shoulder was not healthy enough for him to start against the Bears. Brock Osweiler stepped in and went on to torch one of the league's best defenses for 380 yards (granted, many of those on short passes extended for long gains) and three touchdowns, and then orchestrated a game-winning field goal drive in overtime to sink Chicago.

Whether or not Osweiler will have another crack at the starting job remains to be seen as Tannehill's health remains a mystery. In the meantime, Lions coach Matt Patricia says he'll be prepared for both options.

Detroit is fresh off of a bye week and sports one of the better passing defenses in the league (222 yards per game, seventh best) but conversely, has struggled to defend the run (145.8 yards per game, third worst). A rejuvenated Miami offensive line may be looking to take advantage of Detroit's weakness on the ground, having just paved the way for 35-year old Frank Gore to rush for 101 yards, and Kenyan Drake added 57 more.

The Lions seek their first road win of the year, but Hard Rock Stadium has proven to be a difficult place to be a visitor, as Miami is 3-0 at home.

Bing Predicts Winner: Detroit Lions (55% chance)

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Carolina Panthers @ Philadelphia Eagles

Game time: Sunday, Oct 21 1:00 PM EST

Historical matchup: Philadelphia Eagles lead series 7-4

The Eagles had the fortune of enjoying a “mini bye week” after smacking the Giants 34-13 last Thursday night behind a three-touchdown performance from Carson Wentz. The added rest heading into Sunday may even be enough to prevent starting left tackle Jason Peters from missing any playing time, despite having suffered a serious biceps injury in their win. Still, they opened as less than a touchdown favorite at home against Carolina, as they continue to be plagued by injuries in the secondary.

For the Panthers, Sunday brings a chance to rebound after a disappointing loss to Washington. They trailed by six when Cam Newton orchestrated a potential game-winning drive that ultimately fell short when they failed to convert a fourth-and-five at the Washington 16-yard line with 38 seconds remaining. Carolina outgained Washington, but turned the ball over three times, including two fumbles from rookie wide receiver D.J. Moore.

The ground game should be telling on Sunday, as it is a matchup of two strengths. The Panthers boast the NFL’s fourth-ranked rushing attack in terms of yards per game (139.4), while the Eagles’ defense is allowing just 79.8 yards per game on the ground, good for the second-best total in the league.   

Bing Predicts Winner: Philadelphia Eagles (67% chance)

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New Orleans Saints @ Baltimore Ravens

Game time: Sunday, Oct 21 4:05 PM EST

Historical matchup: Baltimore Ravens lead series 5-1

With a week off to celebrate his record-setting moment, a well-rested Drew Brees leads the Saints’ potent passing attack into Baltimore, where they will square off with the NFL’s best defense. The Saints and Ravens each have their sights set on another Super Bowl, powered by their offense and defense respectively.

The Ravens embarrassed the Titans last Sunday with an historic defensive display that included a franchise-record 11 sacks and ended in a 21-0 shutout. Marcus Mariota and the Titans' offense barely eclipsed 100 total yards (106), which enabled the Ravens to control the ball for nearly two-thirds of the game.

That was the third of three straight games on the road for John Harbaugh’s club, which will now enjoy the comforts of home for the first time since mid-September.

Though the Ravens will be on home turf, it goes without saying that the Saints will present a challenge. They’re averaging 424 yards per game (third in the NFL), while Brees is not only shattering all-time passing records, but is also the league’s most efficient passer this season. He is completing an NFL-best 77.9 percent of his throws, boasting the highest quarterback rating of all qualified passers (122.3), and ranked #1 this season by Pro Football Focus.

It’s best-on-best in one of the most tantalizing games that the Week 7 slate has to offer.

Bing Predicts Winner: Baltimore Ravens (60% chance)

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Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

Game time: Sunday, Oct 21 4:25 PM EST

Historical matchup: San Francisco 49ers lead series 69-65-3

On a day where Jared Goff completed only half of his passes and threw one interception with no touchdowns, running back Todd Gurley rushed for a career-high 208 yards and two scores to beat the Broncos and keep Los Angeles’ perfect record intact. The Rams are now the only unbeaten team remaining, and have proven that their balance on offense can help them win, even on an off day from their quarterback.

Now, they face their third-straight road test. Oddsmakers appear less than impressed by the 49ers’ valiant effort at Green Bay on Monday night as the Rams are 11-point road favorites. That’s a high total, considering it took a heroic comeback from Aaron Rodgers to top San Francisco 33-30 at Lambeau Field, but the Rams have proven that they’re in a different class than Rodgers and the Packers through the first six weeks.

No matter how hard road wins within the division may be, the 49ers would need C.J. Beathard to be near-perfect to keep pace with the Rams' top-ranked offense. Given the fact that San Francisco is the 26th-best passing defense in the league, it would seem unlikely that they can slow the Rams’ prolific attack. And sportsbooks clearly agree.

Bing Predicts Winner: Los Angeles Rams (74% chance)

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Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins

Game time: Sunday, Oct 21 4:25 PM EST

Historical matchup: Dallas Cowboys lead series 70-44-2

There’s a logjam in the NFC East, and Sunday’s showdown in Washington will, at least, have a share of first place on the line.

Amidst rumors about his job security, Jason Garrett got a vote of confidence from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, and his team responded in kind with a 40-7 blowout win over the Jaguars. Dak Prescott found his stride as a dual-threat quarterback, throwing two touchdowns while rushing for 82 yards and another score. Ezekiel Elliott added 106 yards and a touchdown. All of this came against one of the league’s best defenses, providing Dallas hope that they can return to the form of Dak Prescott’s rookie season in 2016.

The Redskins have been inconsistent. They have traded wins and losses every other game so far this season but are looking to finally put together two straight victories after capitalizing on the Panthers’ mistakes last week. Despite being outgained, Alex Smith played mistake-free football, and Washington won the turnover battle with three takeaways.

Running back Chris Thompson and wideout Jamison Crowder each missed that game with injuries and they remain questionable this week. However, Adrian Peterson continues to gut out injuries and should provide stability in the backfield should Thompson need another week to get right.

With the Eagles having sputtered to a 3-3 start, both the Cowboys and Redskins are right in the thick of the division race and well-aware of the added importance in this Week 7 rivalry game.

Bing Predicts Winner: Washington Redskins (53% chance)

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Cincinnati Bengals @ Kansas City Chiefs

Game time: Sunday, Oct 21 8:20 PM EST

Historical matchup: Cincinnati Bengals lead series 15-13

Both the Bengals and Chiefs were on the losing side of thrilling, last-second finishes in Week 6. After battling back to tie the Patriots 40-40, the Chiefs left 3:03 on the clock for Tom Brady, which is an eternity for one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Brady would break the hearts of the Kansas City faithful and orchestrate a game-winning drive capped by a Stephen Gostkowski field goal as time expired to put an end to the Chiefs' run at perfection.

The Bengals didn't quite fall in walkoff fashion, but only 10 seconds remained on the clock after Steelers wideout Antonio Brown got loose for a 31-yard eventual game-winner.

Now, this primetime meeting will be about which team will be able to respond after an emotional letdown. It would appear that Patrick Mahomes II has a good chance to continue his dominant play as Cincinnati's pass defense ranks near the bottom of the league (28th) and their defense as a whole has allowed more than 400 yards per game.

Kansas City has been overcoming its own defensive issues for much of this season, too. Their defense is the worst in the league (468.2 yards per game) and they are the 27th-ranked scoring defense (28.7 points per game). Expect Mahomes (18) and Andy Dalton (14) to build on their impressive touchdown totals in a potential AFC playoff preview that figures to be a shootout.
 

Bing Predicts Winner: Kansas City Chiefs (63% chance)

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New York Giants @ Atlanta Falcons

Game time: Monday, Oct 22 8:15 PM EST

Historical matchup: Series is tied 12-12

After the Falcons opened as 3.5 point favorites, Bettors acted in a hurry, knowing full well that the Giants’ season is close to going off the rails completely. Now, the Falcons, who have been disappointing in their own right, are six-point favorites on their home turf and look to continue to dig their way out of the basement of the NFC South.

Matt Ryan helped Atlanta snap its three-game losing skid by throwing for 354 yards and three touchdowns against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay fell short after a head-scratching final play from QB Jameis Winston, who had thrown for 395 yards and four touchdowns but opted to run with their final chance of pulling out a victory.

The Falcons win came at a price as injuries continued to pile up. Kicker Matt Bryant will likely miss the game due to a hamstring injury, and wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Mohamed Sanu are both questionable with ankle and hip injuries, respectively.

As many question whether or not Eli Manning should remain the starting quarterback for the Giants, the two-time Super Bowl champion is hoping to restore confidence with a strong performance against one of the worst pass defenses in football. Atlanta has allowed 16 passing touchdowns this season, the most in the NFL. That’s welcome news for Manning, who has only four touchdowns this season.

The Giants figure to be getting tight end Evan Engram back from a knee injury, which will help them diversify their passing attack that has targeted either Odell Beckham Jr. or rookie running back Saquon Barkley on more than half of all pass attempts this season (120 targets).
 

Bing Predicts Winner: Atlanta Falcons (69% chance)

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