Tucker’s Top 5 NFL Games: Week 7
By Tucker Harlin
I’m a day late on my Top 5 NFL games of Week 7, but I had no intent of sticking that Broncos and Saints game in my list this week. Nothing that happened Thursday makes me regret that decision.
I’ll give myself a 3.5/5 on Week 6. Bucs at Saints was competitive for a half but I completely whiffed on Lions at Cowboys.
5. CHIEFS (5-0) @ 49ERS (3-3)- SF -2, 4:25 FOX SUNDAY
The rematch of Super Bowl LVII is in the #5 spot on my list this week.
The 49ers now lead the NFC West following a 36-24 victory in Seattle last Thursday. As the record indicates, the season has begun in an up and down fashion for the defending the NFC champs, but the 49ers are now the healthiest they’ve looked all season without Christian McCaffrey.
I’m wondering if this is the game where Kansas City finally gets burnt from all the fire its been playing with.
Outside of the win over the Saints two weeks ago, the Chiefs have one every game by a touchdown or less. The defense looks legit, but Patrick Mahomes isn’t playing like the guy that threw for over 50 touchdowns two seasons ago.
I’m expecting a classic on FOX in the late afternoon window.
4. SEAHAWKS (3-3) @ FALCONS (4-2)- ATL -3, 1 PM FOX
Offense is the reason I believe they’ll have a fun one in Atlanta Sunday.
The Seahawks lost their lead of the NFC West to the 49ers last week.
Geno Smith and the Seattle offense have balled out all season, but the defensive struggles are beginning to rear their ugly visage to the rest of the league. Seattle’s opponents are scoring just shy of 36 points per game the last three weeks.
Atlanta has come out of three straight divisional matchups with a win, putting itself atop the NFC South.
The Kirk Cousins redemption tour is a sight to behold as it appears the Falcons were in fact a competent quarterback away from contending for a playoff berth. The trouble with this matchup is the Falcons are also suspect on defense, something that should lead to a high scoring game in the Mercedes-Benz Dome.
3. TEXANS (5-1) @ PACKERS (4-2)- GB -2.5, 1 PM CBS
It’s not often the Texans and Packers meet, but this October matchup at Lambeau Field should provide fireworks on both ends.
Houston is on top of what is suddenly a very weak AFC South.
The Texans got the unfortunate break of losing Nico Collins right before they got Joe Mixon back, but that didn’t matter in a 41-21 win at New England. They have one of the best third receivers in the league in Tank Dell, so I don’t foresee a step back on offense.
Green Bay’s defense has been for consistent through six games than Houston’s, and the offense has showcased versatility when the opportunity presented itself.
The Packers ran the ball effectively in their wins while Jordan Love was out, and Love brought the passing output right back to its high production once he returned/.
2. RAVENS (4-2) @ BUCCANEERS (4-2)- BAL -3.5, 8:15 PM ESPN MONDAY
By now, you’re probably sensing the pattern of strong offenses in this list.
The Ravens have scored no less than 20 points in a game this season. The threat of both Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson on the ground is terrifying for any defense. The Buccaneers have been suspect on defense all season so I see no issue for the Ravens’ offense on Monday.
On the other side, I fully expect Tampa Bay to have its way on offense. Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin have been in sync with each other all season.
Outside of the win over the Bills, the Ravens haven’t played with the stout defense you’d anticipate from an AFC North power. I don’t think that changes Monday.
1. LIONS (4-1) @ VIKINGS (5-0)- MIN -1.5, 1 PM FOX
There were four matchups in my Top 5 this week that could’ve made a case for the #1 spot, but the Lions and Vikings fighting for the top of the NFC North takes the cake.
The Lions have it rolling on offense right now. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs comprise one of the most fearsome running back tandems in the NFL while Jared Goff is playing mistake free football at quarterback.
The Lions improved on defense last week, but the loss of Aidan Hutchinson is a devastating one.
Minnesota feels like it’s due a bad week at some point in the near future. It feels like we’ve just been waiting for the day the Sam Darnold magic dies out.
I never thought I’d see the lovable losers that are the Vikings and Lions go at it for the NFC North crown but here we are.
