Sunday's Week 7 late games: Jared Hackmyer picks Bucs vs Raiders, 49ers vs Patriots, Chiefs vs Broncos, Chargers vs Jags, Seahawks vs Cards
Buccaneers (-3.5) RAIDERS (52.5)
Jared’s Pick: Buccaneers
Breakout Player: WR Chris Godwin
Tampa Bay clearly has better weapons than Las Vegas does on offense, but Vegas' has been putting up way better numbers. QB Derek Carr is having a great season with Vegas, throwing for 1442 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Not only is this offense dominating in the passing game, but RB Josh Jacobs has been crushing it in the running game. Jacobs already has almost 500 yards from scrimmage, and 5 touchdowns. Going against a defense like Tampa Bay‘s, Vegas might have to step things up even more.
The Bucs D has dominated in almost every category. They’re rushing defense ranks first in the NFL in yards allowed. Their secondary is also playing extremely well. I would not be surprised to see Carr, Jacobs, and Darren Waller have an off week. Las Vegas's offense is scoring about 30 points per week, and Tampa Bay‘s defense is letting up about 20 points per week. This should be the best of the late games.
49ers (+2) PATRIOTS (44)
Jared’s Pick: 49ers
Breakout Player: TE George Kittle
This game definitely will not be high scoring, with two of the top defenses in the NFL. Both offenses have been average, struggling with a lot of missing players from injuries and opt-outs. QB Jimmy Garoppolo has not been impressive. In four games, he has thrown for 735 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Now, with RB Raheem Mostert on IR, the 49ers will likely be more active in the passing game. TE George Kittle is a freak of nature, and is clearly the biggest part of this offense. He has been Garoppolo’s favorite target for the past few seasons, and I can see him having a big game against New England.
New England‘s defense has been the brightest part of their season. they are currently ranked 7th in total yards, and 9th in passing yards allowed per game. I don’t see Patriots letting up an absurd amount of points against the Niners. With OT Trent Williams out for San Francisco, The Patriots will likely be aggressive in the pass rush.
Chiefs (-9.5) BRONCOS (46)
Jared’s Pick: Chiefs
Breakout Player: WR Tyreek Hill
Denver’s defense hasn’t been bad, but the Chiefs are a different level of offense. QB Patrick Mahomes has thrown for 1699 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 1 interception, and we are not even halfway through the season. Denver’s rushing defense has looked pretty good, so this might be a week we could see an off-day from RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Maybe the Chiefs will use their new backup RB to see if he's got anything. Like the Chiefs need another weapon.
Denver is definitely going to have to step things up on offense if they want to be in this game as Kansas City is arguably the best team in the NFL.
CHARGERS (-8) Jaguars (49)
Jared’s Pick: Chargers
Breakout Player: TE Hunter Henry
This is the week I can see QB Justin Herbert getting his first career win. Herbert has looked amazing for a rookie quarterback, but he hasn’t had much luck. Jacksonville’s defense is among the NFL’s worst, and I can see Herbert having a huge day in the air. In just four games, Herbert has thrown for 1195 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. With star RB Austin Ekeler out, Herbert has been very aggressive in the passing game, and Los Angeles’ offense hasn’t had much trouble moving the ball down the field, ranking 9th in the NFL in total yards per game. Herbert has loved his tight and Hunter Henry. That should continue against the Jags.
Jacksonville’s defense ranks bottom six in the NFL in most categories. They are allowing an average of 273 passing yards per game. Both teams only have one win, but L.A. has clearly looked better than Jacksonville on both sides of the ball.
Seahawks (-3.5) CARDINALS (56)
Jared’s Pick: Seahawks
Breakout Player: QB Russell Wilson
this game will definitely be a shootout between two of the best offenses in the league. QB Russell Wilson has stood out more than anyone else this season. Wilson has thrown for 1502 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. this offense is loaded with weapons, especially at receiver. WRs Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf have combined for 638 yards, and 9 touchdowns. It is no surprise that this offense is first in the NFL in points per game at 34. It should be interesting to watch this offense go against Arizona's defense.
The Cardinals D ranks second in the NFL in least amount of points allowed per game. If Arizona’s defense can hold down Seattle's offense, I think Arizona’s offense can do the job against Seattle’s struggling defense. But that will be a tough ask.
Jared Hackmyer is the founder of GOATNYG on Instagram.