By Will Glover | October 17, 2024
Photo by Chris Unger - Getty Images
Good morning loyal TYB Supporters! So sorry for the lack of posts recently... hopefully today's post will make it up to y'all! As we dive into Week 7 of the NFL season, some intriguing matchups are shaping the season's narrative. Tonight’s Broncos-Saints game might lack the excitement, but Drake Maye’s potential masterclass vs Jacksonville and the high-stakes Lions-Vikings rivalry are set to steal the spotlight. With division dominance and league supremacy on the line, fans should be ready for a thrilling week of football. Lastly, we will be breaking down the best bets to place, fantasy players to start, and highlighting the major games you won't want to miss. There honestly aren't too many exciting games on the calendar for this week; however, that doesn't mean that there won't be some good watches and games that deserve poking fun at. Let's begin!
Thursday Night Football
Denver Broncos at New Orleans Saints
7:15 CDT Start - Amazon Prime
Photo from ESPN
Yeah... great job, Amazon. Another mediocre Thursday night football game for Amazon. I'm not sure if Amazon intentionally gets these miserable games or if the NFL just loves to shaft Bezos and company (would make sense as to why Amazon is investing heavily into the NBA and MLB now lol). Anyways, the Broncos will be making the trip down to The Big Easy this week, taking on a struggling New Orleans team that at one time earlier this season looked like a serious contender (lol). Not only will this Saints team be without Rashid Shaheed for an extended time, but they will also most likely have Chris Olave and Derek Carr sit this one out too - leaving the rookie, Spencer Rattler, behind center against one of the best defenses in the NFL. Oh, did I also mention that the Saints have the WORST defense in the NFL? Bo Nix and the Broncos by a million, sorry NOLA.
Bet to Tail: Spencer Rattler - Under 174.5 Passing Yards (personal vendetta against him... plus the Broncos are top 3 in passing yards allowed - a great combo)
Fantasy Start: Broncos Defense - I'm not even joking... Kamara is the only guy I am scared of on that team. Look for a few Broncos picks and a low-scoring affair.
NFL London Games
New England Patriots vs Jacksonville Jaguars
8:30am CDT Start - NFL Network
Photo by Danny Jaillet - USA TODAY Sports
How does this keep happening to London? Does the NFL want to sabotage their fanbase in Europe by putting some of the WORST talent out for display for the entire continent to see? Not only that, BUT JACKSONVILLE CONTINUES TO PLAY THERE! WHY ARE THE JAGS STAYING IN LONDON FOR ANOTHER WEEK??? DOES THE NFL HATE ITS FANS? Come on, NFL, please do better. The good news about this game is that European American Football fans get to see another future star QB in Drake Maye play. There really isn't much else to watch, and I promise you that unless you are a Patriots and Jags fan, if there are any left, there is no point in getting up early on a Sunday morning (unless you have church of course). Drake Maye by a billion.
Bet to Tail: Drake Maye - Over 203.5 Passing Yards
Fantasy Start: Drake Maye - the Jags' defense is HORRENDOUS and Maye is coming off a great game against one of the best defenses in the league.
Finally a Good Game
Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers
12:00 CDT Start - Streameast (LOL)
Photo by Cole Thompson - USA TODAY Sports
No one owns a CBS subscription let's be honest - you will be watching this game on Streameast. Finally... a good game to watch. Jordan Love vs C.J. Stroud - two elite QBs of the future with great supporting casts. I couldn't tell you which team has the edge here. The Texans have the better roster, but the Packers have Lambeau and those unrelenting fans. Unfortunately for the Packers, the Texans will be bringing the heat with them, so they can't use the brutal Green Bay weather to their advantage. Speaking of heat, Stroud is beginning to finally heat up after an uncharacteristic ice-cold start to the season. I'm leaning Green Bay in this game even after all the Texans glazing... it doesn't help that Houston is out their leading receiver, Nico Collins for a while. Fortunately, they boast the likes of Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, and Robert Woods - all highly respected threats. Should be an exciting watch to kick off the weekend!
Bet to Tail: Dalton Schultz - Over 34.5 Rec. Yards
Fantasy Start: Tank Dell - Nico Collins is out, time for Tank to step up again.
Division Rivals Fight For First
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
12:00 CDT Start - FOX
Photo from ESPN.com
Now everyone has access to FOX somehow... I don't know, man. Anyways, Sam Darnold's MVP campaign continues on Sunday and the only one in his way is known MVP conquerer and Rams legend, Jared Goff. Unfortunately for Detroit, they will be out their star DE, Aidan Hutchinson, after that brutal leg injury sustained in garbage time during the Cowboys game. Knowing Dan Campbell and that resilient Lions bunch, this is only a speedbump for them - still an absolutely devastating loss for the Lions. Regardless of Hutchinson's absence, this game should still be a great watch from two great offenses and two solid defenses. Give me Detroit to give Minnesota their first loss of the season.
Bet to Tail: Sam Darnold - Under 248.5 Passing Yards
Fantasy Start: Aaron Jones (if he starts) - with Aiden Hutchinson out, should be interesting how their rush defense looks.
Super Bowl LVIII Rematch
Kansas City Chiefs at San Francisco 49ers
3:25 CDT Start - FOX
Photo by Steve Sanders - Kansas City Chiefs
It feels like forever ago that these two teams played each other in the Super Bowl, and both of these teams look very different than they did last season. By the grace of God (and the refs), the Chiefs are 5-0, even with Rashee Rice, Isiah Pacheco, and Charles Omenihu out for the season (Pacheco is expected to potentially return). Doesn't matter who is injured when you have Patrick Mahomes apparently. It also helps that every team they have played has either been severely injured or has pissed away games because of the hex that Taylor Swift puts on others. This week is no different. The Niners literally have NO ONE healthy (sorry CMC owners) it seems, and I wasn't even going to mention this game at first... unfortunately these two did play in the Super Bowl last season so this game has to be mentioned. Chiefs by a million.
Bet to Tail: Xavier Worthy - Over 0.5 Rush/Rec. TD
Fantasy Start: Patrick Mahomes - always seems like a safe bet, and even though he hasn't been a good fantasy QB this season... it's Patrick Mahomes. He is due.
Sunday Night Football, Russell Wilson, and Davante Adams
New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers
7:20 CDT Start - NBC/Peacock
Photo by Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
Had Justin Fields been starting and the Jets hadn't traded for Adams, I wouldn't be mentioning this game either. I'm still pissed that the Steelers are favoring Wilson over Fields, who has been serviceable and has led this team to a 4-2 record (the Cowboys loss was brutal for his resume though). But since those things did happen, I am obligated to watch and write about this game. Should be interesting for fans, fantasy owners, and bettors alike to see how Davante works in this newly revitalized Jets offense. Would be a sight to see if the Jets can turn around this season after the firings and demotions of their HC and OC. Would just be another ironic Aaron Rodgers moment that would eventually amount to an embarrassing playoff loss. Another interesting watch is to see how Russell Wilson plays in his first game as a Steeler - will the passing game begin to take off? How will this affect Pickens, Harris, and company? Gotta watch to game to have your questions answered.
Bet to Tail: Aaron Rodgers - Over 224.5 Passing Yards
Fantasy Start: Davante Adams - I mean he was probably drafted in the first 2 rounds in your fantasy team and you finally get to play him. Hurts no one to see him get some points for your squad finally.
High-Powered Offenses Take On Monday Night Football
Baltimore Ravens at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7:15 CDT Start - ESPN/ABC
Photo by Michael Conroy - Associated Press
Just watch the Manningcast. Buck has gone senile again...
What's interesting in this matchup isn't about the teams but about the potential showing from the crowd just a week removed from Hurricane Milton's impact in Tampa. This game is good for the city to revitalize a morally down city. The Bucs have a lot more to play for on Monday night and I believe they use this to boost the city's morale. It also helps when you have a solid team, as the Bucs have one of the best offenses in the NFL, led by Baker Mayfield (lol Browns). The Ravens are no snooze; however, boasting a top 5 offense, led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. The kicker for the Ravens (and for the Bucs) is that their defenses are miserable. Not much else to say... should be an exciting offensive game for both squads.
Bet to Tail: Baker Mayfield - Over 249.5 Passing Yards
Fantasy Start: Mark Andrews - the Bucs got no one to stop him, plus he is due. Do it.
That wraps up the Week 7 preview! While some matchups may not initially scream excitement, the NFL always has a way of delivering unexpected twists. Whether you're in it for the bets, fantasy plays, or just some good old-fashioned football, there's something for everyone this week. Be sure to stay tuned for Week 8 picks and previews and don't forget to join our mailing list to stay up-to-date on our latest posts!