NFL predictions: Las Vegas Raiders-Los Angeles Rams clinging to postseason relevance in Week 7 matchup

(Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Rams are two of the most surprising teams in the NFL so far this season, but for different reasons. Not much was expected of the Raiders heading into the campaign, but a 3-0 start gave the organization and

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AP News

Mike Evans ruled out by the 49ers for Week 7 game against the Falcons

USA Today

Justin Jefferson expected to play in Week 7

USA Today

Jordan Mason listed as questionable

What is the story about?

The Las Vegas Raiders

and the Los Angeles Rams are two of the most surprising teams in the NFL so far this season, but for different reasons. Not much was expected of the Raiders heading into the campaign, but a 3-0 start gave the organization and fanbase playoff hopes. Meanwhile, the Rams were widely considered Super Bowl favorites, but a 2-4 start has cast a lot of doubt.

Regardless, both teams enter Week 7 desperately needing a win to stay relevant in their respective postseason races. Las Vegas

sits at 3-3 after dropping its last three games, while Los Angeles can’t afford to take any more losses in the competitive NFC Wild Card chase.

Also, we have Silver and Black Pride’s Pick’em Competition to get to! So, let’s make some picks!

Odds below are provided by FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change.

Raiders vs. Rams

Spread: LA -4.5
O/U: 48.5
LA ML: -215
LV ML: +180

Holder’s picks: LV +4.5, Under 48.5, LV ML

I got burned by assuming Las Vegas could take advantage of the New England Patriots suffering several key injuries a few weeks ago, but I’m crazy enough to do it again! Los Angeles is down nearly its entire starting defensive line, while top cornerback Trent McDuffie missed last week’s contest and is questionable (at least) for this Sunday again. That’s on top of losing wide receiver Davante Adams to a ruptured hamstring, and the Rams struggling even with their stars in the lineup. To me, that’s more than enough reason to roll with the home-dog.

Pick’em Competition

Moving on to S&BP’s Pick’em competition, below is a look at how our writers finished last week.

Ray Aspuria 57-31-1 (62%)
Bill Williamson 42-35-1 (58%)
Matt Holder 50-42-1 (54%)

Man, I’m getting my butt kicked this season! Once again, I finished in last place among the writers with a hardly respectable 7-7 performance. Every week I know the upsets are coming; I just pick the wrong ones. I’m running out of time as Ray keeps pulling away, and Bill was the top dog of the three of us by going 9-5 in Week 6. Time for me to pick it up!

Community Standings

1. Mooniac 61-31

t-2. Running With the Night 59-33

t-2. FanSince76 59-33

t-2. TV Raider 59-33

t-5. AElizalde87 58-34

t-5. Sin City Saviors 58-34

t-7. OrangeGauchoPicks 57-35

t-7. Chattanooga Benny 57-35

t-7. radrntn 57-35

t-7. Knoxian 57-35

Week 6 Top Picker

OrangeGauchoPicks 11-3

We have a new leader! A big shout-out to Mooniac for taking control of the community standings with a two-game lead after getting nine picks last week. Mooniac helps me run the group by sending over the standings every week so that I don’t have to take a spot from y’all. So, I’ll be honest, I’m rooting for him (sorry!). Also, shout-out-worthy, OrangeGauchoPicks stands alone as the Week 6 top picker, while UnoReversepick had 10 and we had eight other people with nine winners.

Keep up the good work, and best of luck with your picks this weekend!