We always have this debate in our green room on NFL Sundays: What do people care about when it comes to picks — straight-up record or picks against the spread?
I say it’s picks against the spread.
This week, I will gladly say that. That’s because I was better against the spread in Week 6 than I was straight up. Go figure.
It was 9-6 ATS and 8-7 straight up for me last week. That brings my season record straight up to 56-37 and my ATS record to 45-45-3. Yes, I finally climbed back to .500.
Now it’s time to get over the top with a stellar Week 7. Here goes.
Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET (Amazon Prime Video)
This is a tough game on a short week on the road for the Jaguars. It’s even tougher when Trevor Lawrence is banged up. He is expected to play, but how limited will he be? He’s not the only Jaguars player hurting. The Saints have some injury issues as well. The Jaguars have been playing the better football of the two and that carries over.
Pick: Jaguars 23, Saints 20
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo)
This is one of the better games of the week. The Lions are playing back-to-back road games, but the Ravens are coming off a London trip. The Ravens haven’t clicked yet on offense, but it’s coming. The problem is the Detroit defense is really good. Even so, look for the Ravens and Lamar Jackson to find a way to win this one as the offense actually shows better.
Pick: Ravens 23, Lions 17
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo)
This could be a game between backup quarterbacks. It will be rookie Tyson Bagent for the Bears and probably Brian Hoyer for the Raiders, although Jimmy Garoppolo still could go. Even so, it’s a big edge for the Raiders. They have been playing better and their defense is better. Raiders keep winning.
Pick: Raiders 27, Bears 14
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The Browns are coming off an impressive home victory over the 49ers with P.J. Walker playing quarterback. They might have Deshaun…
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