Week 7 NFL Picks Against the Spread (Woodhull)

Here are my Week 7 NFL picks against the spread:

Washington Redskins -1 (over Chicago Bears)

After last week’s loss to the Cowboys, I’m fairly certain there is no one left in the country who still believes in Washington’s chance of making the postseason. As much as I hate to concede, my pick for the Redskins’ winning the NFC East is a lost cause.

That said, I still like Washington to win this weekend. The Bears are visiting and contrary to what most fans may expect, the Bears defense has been suspect for most of the season, ranking 22nd in total defense. The Chicago defense has been downright awful the past couple of weeks, ever since losing Henry Melton to a knee injury. It was so bad, the Bears gave up over 100 yards to Brandon Jacobs and the Giants last week. Jacobs who had just been on the street and without a job less than a month ago.

The Redskins can still run effectively with Alfred Morris and I think this is the week they begin a turnaround.

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Houston Texans +7 (over Kansas City Chiefs)

So the Chiefs resurgence this year has been a nice little story, but do we seriously expect them to go undefeated until the Week 11 showdown against the Broncos? [Interestingly enough, that's a question we tackled in our power rankings this week.]

After this week, KC has Cleveland and Buffalo. Also, everybody is down on the Texans – and rightfully so as Houston has lost four straight games and is starting Case Keenum this weekend. Despite the turmoil in Houston, they still have a few things going for them.

The Texans are the No. 1 in total defense and in pass defense in the NFL and J.J. Watt is the best defensive player in the NFL. And their running game is still one of the best in the NFL (currently 6th). The game plan will be reduced for Keenum, and this will be a defensive struggle with only a handful points scored.

I’d expect the Texans to win on the field, but we should see a close game, decided by a field goal either way.

St. Louis Rams +7 (over Carolina Panthers)

I can’t quite understand why the two-win Panthers would be giving a touchdown to any team not based in north Florida. Carolina has become a very good defensive team, led by second-year linebacker Luke Kuechly, and anchored on the line with rookie defensive tackle Star Lotulelei.

Carolina is top-five in rush defense, which is going to make it exceptionally difficult for a Rams team that has struggled to find success on offense, but the Rams are a frisky team this year. Jeff Fisher is a good coach and is building a solid young team.

The defensive line of the Rams should be able to control Panthers up front and force Cam Newton to try and throw the ball downfield, where they have struggled this season. St. Louis will make it three straight wins with the upset over Carolina.

Five of our contributors make three weekly picks ATS every week and they will be posted here.

Week 7 fantasy rankings: Quarterbacks – Running Backs – Wide Receivers – Tight Ends

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