Here’s the hard copy addition of Week 7 Cold Hard Locks. GO BIRDS!      

Sunday Slate

Titans at Chargers – Line: LAC -7

Decent line in our first matchup of the week for the Chargers. Over the past few weeks they have looked like a real contender in the AFC and Joey Bosa’s eventual return will only strengthen them. The Titans on the other hand appears heading in the wrong direction and their defense will struggle to hold up against the multi-faceted attack of Los Angeles featuring Melvin Gordon and Keenan Allen.

Los Angeles over Tennessee – 27 to 17

Patriots at Bears – Line: NE -3

Big time matchup in the Windy City as the Bears try to bounce back from their stunning loss last week and show they are a real threat in the NFC. But in comes a Patriots team flexing its might after a powerful offensive victory on Sunday Night. Can Khalil Mack get to Tom Brady? More importantly can Mitch and Co score enough points to keep up with the AFC’s best?

New England over Chicago – 24 to 17

Bills at Colts – Line: IND -7.5

Somewhat of a snoozer here, particularly with Derek Anderson starting and not Nathan “INT” Peterman for Buffalo. Indy really could use a pick-me-up victory as they may have the least talented roster in the NFL surrounding Andrew Luck. Luck will pull this one out but it’s much closer than the line indicates as the Buffalo defense has woken up over the past few weeks.

Indianapolis over Buffalo – 16 to 10

Lions at Dolphins – Line: DET -3

Would anyone have expected this game to be as important as it is? Both teams are still very much so in the playoff hunt and are pleasant surprises. I would have taken Miami here but with Tannehill’s injury I am siding with a Lions team that is scrappier than given credit for. Kudos to Matt Patricia who has started to change the culture in Detroit.

Detroit over Miami – 23 to 14

Vikings at Jets – Line: MIN -3.5

J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS! Hope does live in the Big Apple as the Jets now have the best QB in the entire state. That’s right, Sam over Eli (and Derek Anderson). This Jets team has a future but with that being said it is not ready to handle this Vikings squad or Adam Thielen who has a record six 100 yard games to start the season. The passing attack has been carrying the run game with Dalvin Cook’s injury and the defense is beginning to gel again. The Vikings lock up an important road victory thanks to a late INT from Darnold, but the future is bright!

Minnesota over New Jersey I – 24 to 17

Panthers at Eagles – Line: PHI -4.5

Critical bout for these two squads as the Panthers limp into the Linc after a stunning loss to the upstart Redskins. They will need all of their tricks to beat this excellent Philly run defense. Expect this to be a low scoring affair but the swing vote is Carson vs Cam. Wentz has proven he comes up big when needed most so I am siding with the hometown team here. Pay attention to Zach Ertz, he is quietly stacking his claim as best TE in football. GO BIRDS!

Philadelphia over Carolina – 20 to 17

Browns at Buccaneers – Line: TB -3.5

Toughest game to figure out this week in terms of defensive struggle vs offensive show. The Buccaneers have shown they can score on anyone but couldn’t stop blindfolded mice. The Browns on the other hand have an underrated defense but their offense lacks any explosive capabilities. So shootout or slugfest? I am siding with slog. Mistake-filled matchup that has the Browns squeaking out the victory thanks to a late Jameis gaffe. Fitzmagic return anyone?

Cleveland over Tampa Bay – 23 to 20

Texans at Jaguars – Line: JAX -4.5

Didn’t think we would find either of these teams in this situation but it’s a must win for these divisional foes. The Texans are limping through this year as Watson looks to find some magic. The defense seems to have solidified with J.J. Watt returning in force. But this team still needs to find its swagger if it wants to be playing meaningful football in December. The Jaguars are even more disappointing and since their decisive thumping of the Patriots in Week 2, they’ve gone 1-3 culminating in a blowout loss to Dallas last week where their defense gave up 40 points. For an AFC favorite, they need to stabilize the ship on both sides of the ball and Blake Bortles needs to step up. I expect Jalen Ramsey and company to roar and squeeze out a divisional victory in a low scoring affair.

Jacksonville over Houston – 17 to 14

Sunday Afternoon Specials

Saints at Ravens – Line: BAL -2.5

Massive matchup to kick off the afternoon slate. The Saints are coming off a bye looking strong in a surprisingly weak NFC South while the Ravens are on notice with the Steelers rise. Baltimore is the home favorite which makes sense with their excellent defense and underrated offense. But I feel like the addition of Mark Ingram to an already loaded weapons cache pushes the Saints over the top in an early playoff seeding showdown.

New Orleans over Baltimore – 28 to 24

Rams at 49ers – Line: LAR -9.5

Lock of the week although the 49ers performance on Monday Night was enticing. The Rams are loaded even with some of their wideouts hurt. Todd Gurley is the difference here but the game is close as all divisional games are. Niners cover.

Los Angeles over San Francisco – 31 to 27

Cowboys at Redskins – Line: WSH -1

This game actually means something as both clubs are battling for divisional supremacy. Tough pick as well with both squads surprisingly last week but the Cowboys’ Top 10 defense is the difference on the road as they sneak one by the Redskins.

Dallas over Washington – 20 to 16

Sunday Night Football

Bengals at Chiefs – Line: KC -5.5

This could be a wild one if the Red Rifle can keep pace with Showtime. Tune in for this one as both teams are loaded with weapons but Kansas City is too strong and too high octane to be stopped at home as they cover in this shootout.

Kansas City over Chiefs – 35 to 28

Monday Night Football

Giants at Falcons – Line: ATL -4

This line is somewhat disrespectful to just how awful the Giants are. OBJ is sounding off, their quarterback is terrible, and their defense has forgotten about the idea of hustle. Only reason this is even watchable is Saquad Barkley. Falcons offense lights it up under the Monday Night Lights.

Atlanta over New Jersey II – 38 to 23