The New Orleans Saints make their way to Paris to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7 as part of the NFL’s International Game series, the first ever in France. The Saints enter this pivotal game coming off an uneven win over the Giants, while the Steelers enter this showdown fresh off an overtime win in Tampa. The second and third quarters last week showed the Saints looking their very best this season, while the fourth quarter almost saw the Saints squander it all away. It was thankfully more
good than bad in the end, but the Saints need to be good for four quarters this Sunday in France.
The famously known Louisiana French phrase: “Laissez les bon temp rouler” means “Let the good times roll”, but good times have not rolled in New Orleans this season, and honesty haven’t for quite some time now. It has gotten to the point that team owner Gayle Benson has publicly stated dissatisfaction with the coaching staff and front office recently. If Mrs. Benson and the Saints aren’t rolling in good times following a statement win in Paris on Sunday, it may be heads that roll on Airline Drive on Monday.
Now let’s take a look at this and all of the matchups in Week 7.
Last week, I went 8-6
I told you so: Broncos over Seahawks!
What do I know: Ravens over Browns?
***
WEEK 7
Thursday, October 22nd – Thursday Night Football
Patriots(4-2) at Bears(4-2)
This should be an offensive showdown between Drake Maye and Caleb Williams but this one will surprisingly turn out to be a defensive affair in the Windy City. New England wins 24-17.
Pick: Patriots
***
Sunday, October 25th – Very Early Game
Steelers(4-2) at* Saints(2-4) – Stade de France – Paris, France
The New Orleans Saints being the ambassador team to be the first to take the NFL to France is as much of a no-brainer decision as you can get. The city, founded by France, named after the Duke of Orléans, is famous for its French Quarter and French influences that permeates every part of its being. As obvious as the choice was, it was apparently a choice that Gayle Benson had to work extremely hard to secure, and she absolutely wants to leave Paris with a great showing from her team, highlighted by a win. A win for a city and franchise that has seen few of them in big moments in recent years. The Steelers themselves may not represent a monumental win, but what the game represents is even more important than the opponent being faced.
The Saints and Steelers are almost mirror-image middle of the road NFL offenses this season. Both are average at passing and below average at rushing. Neither have inspired confidence for their fanbases, but the differences between the teams become clear when you look at their defenses, and it is there where this game will ultimately be won. Pittsburgh’s top-ten passing defense will make the difference in this close contest as the game tightens up in the fourth quarter. Thankfully, the Saints won’t embarrass their fans or their owner in a big game this time, but they simply won’t have enough to pull out this win in a big spot. Do they want to win? Certainly. Are all parts of this team motivated to win this game? Absolutely. Unfortunately, want and motivation aren’t enough to win football games, no matter how badly that win is needed. We’ll soon see if close is enough for Mrs. Benson. Pittsburgh wins 27-23.
Pick: Steelers
***
Sunday, October 25th- Early Games
49ers(6-0) at Falcons(2-4)
Atlanta’s winless streak at home continues here against the NFC’s top team. San Francisco wins 26-12.
Pick: 49ers
***
Bengals(3-2) at Ravens(4-2)
This AFC North showdown will come down to a game-winning field goal in the closing moments for Cincy. Cincinnati wins 20-17.
Pick: Bengals
***
Buccaneers(1-5) at Panthers(3-2)
Another week without Baker Mayfield, another loss for Tampa, as Carolina widens their lead in the division. Carolina wins 21-14.
Pick: Panthers
***
Giants(3-2-1) at Texans(2-4)
After losing their first four games, Houston will win three-straight with a home win over JJ McCarthy and the Giants. Houston wins 24-21.
Pick: Texans
***
Colts(2-4) at Vikings(5-0)
The front office shake-up in Indy won’t provide any help yet this week at undefeated Minnesota, as the Vikings stay on a roll. Minnesota wins 30-24.
Pick: Vikings
***
Dolphins(0-5) at Jets(2-4)
The Jets get their first layup win since Week 1, in the form of the Dolphins. New York wins 31-16.
Pick: Jets
***
Browns(4-2) at Titans(1-5)
Fresh off a huge win over the Ravens last week, Cleveland gets an easy win over the Titans. Cleveland wins 28-17.
Pick: Browns
***
Sunday, October 25th – Late Games
Broncos(4-2) at Cardinals(2-4)
Arizona is fresh off a massive win over the Rams, and could catch Denver overlooking them as well, as the Broncos are eyeing their showdown against Kansas City next week, but they won’t. Sean Payton will have his team well prepared for a definitive win in Arizona. Denver wins 30-14.
Pick: Broncos
***
Packers(4-2) at Lions(3-2)
Since their low-point home loss to Atlanta, Green Bay has been on a roll, and that roll continues in Detroit against their NFC North rivals. Green Bay wins 30-20.
Pick: Packers
***
Rams(2-4) at Raiders(3-3)
Sean McVay and Klint Kubiak could have an offensive show on their hands in Sin City, but it will be the defenses that control this game, as the Rams defense finds a way to hold off Vegas in the end. Los Angeles wins 19-14.
Pick: Rams
***
Sunday Night Football
Chiefs(5-0) at Seahawks(3-3) – Game of the Week
Seattle has been struggling as of late, losing their last two games. To be fair, those losses came to two of the NFL’s best teams this season, but it doesn’t get any easier, as now they face arguably the NFL’s best team this season. Kansas City has impressed, looking again like the team that has dominated the AFC for almost a decade now, but the reigning Super Bowl Champions will fight them all the way through in this showdown. Ultimately, Patrick Mahomes finds a way to seal the win in the end. Kansas City wins 28-24.
Pick: Chiefs
***
Monday, October 26th – Monday Night Football Doubleheader
Cowboys(2-4) at Eagles(2-4)
Tanner McKee has been thrust in the spotlight, on Monday Night Football no less, but despite a solid effort, his Eagles will lose at home to their bitter NFC East rivals. Dallas wins 21-20.
Pick: Cowboys
***
That’s how I see Week 7 shaping up. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below!
