I don’t know how to feel. The hope is that this is just the beginning. Is it possible for our success to continue? In Week 6 that was certainly the case. By no means are we resting on our laurels though. Just because we had success with our picks and the favorites won, it doesn’t mean we have completely figured everything out. The NFL is never static. Of course that is the intention each week, but things never go according to plan. Regardless, let’s continue with our process and put in the work. Now, let’s jump into the games we are targeting for our Week 7 NFL Survivor Picks.
How Did We Do?
This is not the week to bury the lede. By no means though do we want to, or should we, get cocky. The intention each and every week is to hit across the board with our picks. In Week 6, everyone cooperated and we do want to take a moment to acknowledge that.
It was an interesting second quarter in New Orleans when Spencer Rattler found some fleeting success, but things ultimately regressed to the mean. Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ultimately had no issues dispatching the Saints after Chris Olave also left due to injury.
The Houston Texans were also facing a rookie quarterback making his first career start in New England. Drake Maye had a few highlight-worthy moments for the Patriots but led by a Joe Mixon return, the Texans were simply too strong.
Perhaps the cleanest victory last week, from start to finish, came as the Atlanta Falcons took care of business against the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons simply controlled the game on the ground and the Panthers never really had a chance.
Unfortunately the same can’t be said for the Philadelphia Eagles home victory against the Cleveland Browns. Despite getting AJ Brown and Devonta Smith back, it was still almost not enough. Ultimately the Eagles did emerge victorious, but they did some with more sweat and stress than was necessary.
We didn’t have the same level of success with our fade though as the Washington Commanders ultimately came up short. They lost by a touchdown to the Baltimore Ravens, but it wouldn’t have been surprising to see Jayden Daniels lead Washington to a victory.
Check out all of our Week 7 Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | Flex
Week 7 NFL Survivor Picks
We get a slight reprieve this week as there are just two teams on bye. Monday is also interesting as we get a second game to close out the week. That comes in addition to another game in England to begin our Sunday. Exciting football action, and opportunities with our survivor picks, are not in short supply.
Each week, we’ll continue to pick four games to target along with one that we are fading. They will be ranked in order of our preference along with the lines that we hope to see building off each other each week. Let’s jump right into those survivor picks.
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – Bengals -5.5
What’s interesting, is that this point spread actually came down a point since earlier in the week. While it does introduce a little more concern, it’s still not enough to change our minds about this game. Perhaps the biggest cause for concern here, is that it is a divisional game, and that truly means anything can happen.
At this point, it’s only a matter of time before Jameis Winston replaces Deshaun Watson under center. Through the first six games of the season, Watson is averaging less than 200 yards per game passing with 1,020 in total. With only five touchdown passes, Watson hasn’t exactly made an impact. Now with Amari Cooper in Buffalo, things will get even harder for Watson to move the ball down the field.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase appear to truly be finding their groove. Between the trade of Cooper, Watson’s struggles, and Jerome Ford dealing with a hamstring, offense will be in short supply for a Cleveland team ranked last with 270 yards per game. They are also worst in the league at converting third downs while scoring the third-fewest points per game.
While the Bengals defense has struggled to this point, this is a great situation for them. And do we really trust Watson over Burrow in a shootout?
Los Angeles Rams vs. Las Vegas Raiders – Rams -6.5
The Raiders got some pickup from hiring Antonio Pierce last year, but there isn’t much in the way of optimism at the moment. Devante Adams was just traded to the Jets and nothing is really working for the Raiders. They are now turning to Aidan O’Connell to help fix a team ranked 26th with 316 yards per game. The problem though, is that the issue isn’t strictly quarterback driven.
With only 79.5 rushing yards per game, the Raiders haven’t been able to establish any momentum or time of possession. The Rams haven’t been much better, especially on the defensive end, but this week they get a reprieve. Las Vegas is simply not good enough to take advantage of things.
Washington Commanders vs. Carolina Panthers – Commanders -8
After drafting Jayden Daniels, should it really be surprising to see the Commanders having success with their rookie quarterback? They have eased into relevancy, and facing the Panthers should allow that to continue. If things had gotten differently, would it really have been surprising if Washington upset the Ravens last week?
The Commanders return home this week to face a Panthers team that has allowed the third most rushing yards per game (153.5). The switch to Andy Dalton briefly worked for Carolina, but ultimately, they aren’t very good. Washington has been quite explosive this season scoring the second most points per game at 29.7. Both the passing and the running game is running smoothly, and the Panthers aren’t set up to take advantage of either. Returning home also benefits Washington in what should be the Jayden Daniels show. Brian Robinson also shouldn’t have any issues moving the ball on the ground.
Buffalo Bills vs. Tennessee Titans – Bills -9
It’s a short week for the Bills, but I’m not concerned. Yes, things could have gotten either way on Monday against the Jets, but Josh Allen and company should be more careful this week. James Cook was sidelined on Monday, but with Ray Davis, and also Ty Johnson, taking control, the offense didn’t miss a beat. While the impacts might not be truly felt this week, Buffalo has also added Amari Cooper which gives them a legitimate receiving option.
Will Levis has more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (five) while only passing for 699 yards to begin the season. It shouldn’t be surprising then that the Titans have the second fewest yards per game this year at 275. From a yardage standpoint, the Bills have had similar concerns, but they also rank seventh overall with 27.5 points per game. The Titans and their strong defense, they are allowing the fewest yards per game and are ranked 13th with 22 points per game, will keep things close though. However, it’s hard to see Allen losing to Levis on his home field.
Week 7 NFL Survivor Fade
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New England Patriots – 5.5
We get another England game, and its the second in a row for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Any advantage that they had on a rookie quarterback making an unfair matchup quickly went out the window. Caleb Williams truly outclassed Trevor Lawrence in what was a resounding Chicago victory.
Lawrence hasn’t looked sharp this season, but it’s the defense that was really been brutal. Jacksonville is allowing the third most yards per game, 404, along with the second most points at 29.7 per game. That is not how you win games.
Drake Maye did show some flashes against Houston in his debut, and things will be a lot easier for him this week. The Jaguars won’t exactly offer much in the way of resistance, and Maye could surprise some people in Week 7.
Line 1
Houston/Kansas City/Philadelphia/Buffalo
Line 2
Washington/Atlanta/Los Angeles Rams
Line 3
Houston/Washington
Line 4
Tampa Bay/Cincinnati
Make sure to check out all of our Week 7 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!