After a brief hiatus, my NFL picks are back for this week. My record is now 60-35 after going 11-3 in Week 6. I had 10 correct picks in a row before the later games broke that streak. Maybe a new streak will begin with this week’s games. There’s also been a lot of streaky NFL teams, but with lots of bye weeks occurring, it could impact the momentum of certain teams. Which teams will stay hot? Keep reading to find out what I think.

Lock of the Week

This Cardinals offense continues to improve. After losing TE Maxx Williams for the season, they went out to acquire an even better TE in Zach Ertz. Look for QB Kyler Murray to have a field day against a rebuilding Texans defense. The Texans won’t even be able to come close despite putting up some points.

Upset of the Week

The 49ers are still figuring out their QB situation, and I’m expecting even less from this offense without TE George Kittle and against a strong Colts run defense. QB Carson Wentz won’t have to do anything special to pull off the upset here.

TNF (Actual Result: 17-14 Browns)

With a good portion of the Browns offense including QB Baker Mayfield out, this could be close. The Broncos have yet to prove themselves capable of taking down contenders though. While I expect their run game to thrive, they will fall just short against a well-rounded Browns squad.

The Other Games

	Look for QB Mac Jones and his receivers to put up an impressive game against a young Jets secondary. Meanwhile, Bill Belichick will be able to outsmart another rookie QB, making it 3 wins over rookies despite none over veteran QBs.
	With several receivers missing, I think QB Tua Tagovailoa is going to have a hard time putting up enough points here. He’ll be no match for a well rested QB Matt Ryan and a fully loaded Falcons offense that already looked sharp headed into their bye.
	The Bengals have exceeded expectations thus far this season. While I expect the Ravens to win this game after establishing the run, Cincinnati will make this closer than usual. QB Joe Burrow and his reliable trio of receivers are fueling their explosive offense.
	Look for this Chiefs defense to rebound against QB Ryan Tannehill and a banged up Titans receiving corps. Meanwhile, I’m expecting both QB Patrick Mahomes and his speedy, reliable WR Tyreek Hill to meet their typical high standards.
	This Giants offense is really lacking the personnel to put up many points, regardless of opponent. I do not think we’ll see a full bounce back from QB Sam Darnold as RB Christian McCaffrey remains on IR. However, Darnold will put up enough points to outperform QB Daniel Jones with depleted surroundings.
	I don’t expect this to be an amazing game by Aaron Rodgers standards, but he’ll still put up a respectable amount of points as he relies on RB Aaron Jones and WR Davante Adams. It’ll be hard for Washington to compete with that trio as RB Antonio Gibson continues to deal with a shin injury and WR Curtis Samuel remains out.
	QB Jalen Hurts is likely going to help the Eagles establish the run. That will be enough to make it close in Las Vegas, especially if TE Darren Waller sits. However, I expect QB Derek Carr to come up clutch and hold on for another victory, keeping the Raiders in the race for this competitive AFC West.
	Look for QB Jared Goff to rely on TE T.J. Hockenson to stay in this game. Goff is still no match for his former team, now led by QB Matthew Stafford and his former head coach in Sean McVay. I’m expecting an explosive game out of Stafford as he turns to WRs Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods in a high scoring victory.
	QB Tom Brady will be missing some familiar faces in WR Antonio Brown and TE Rob Gronkowski. Look for WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to step up and allow the Buccaneers to remain comfortable favorites over the Bears. The Bucs secondary may have trouble against Bears WRs Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney, but there is still little chance QB Justin Fields can keep up with the G.O.A.T.
	WR Marquez Callaway was a preseason standout, likely due to light competition. Most of this year, he’s had to fend off star cornerbacks. However, this matchup against an inexperienced Seahawks secondary could allow him to finally blow up for a big game. Look for QB Jameis Winston and Callaway to connect for several big plays. The Seahawks offense will struggle to match that performance with QB Russell Wilson sidelined. Wilson is a big part of what makes these Seahawks special, so it could be difficult to win without him.

That’s all for my picks this week. Stay tuned for more content to come, both about the NFL and other sports.