Scully's NFL Week 7 picks: Patriots will control Jets again

Six NFL teams will be on a bye, and Week 7 does not feature an abundance of marquee matchups, as only one game matches teams with a winning record.

But there are still several attractive options from a wagering perspective, so let’s examine some of those opportunities.

New York Jets vs. New England Patriots

After they faced three playoff contenders in the last four weeks, the Patriots will get a reprieve against the New York Jets. New England crushed its divisional foe in Week 2 and has covered six of the last eight games in the series.

Expect an inspired defensive performance from the Patriots, following an overtime loss Dallas, in which they surrendered 35 points and 567 yards. Bill Belichick’s defenses always respond when humbled. Since 2017, New England has won and covered five consecutive games after it yielded 35 points or more.

New York exits a poor showing against Atlanta, when the Jets scored twice late to make the final score respectable, but the offense was ineffective and only gained 64 rushing yards.

They won’t get the ground game going against New England, which intercepted rookie quarterback Zach Wilson four times in the first meeting, and the Patriots should control the clock in a convincing win.

NFL pick: New England -7

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Philadelphia rushed for 100 yards against Tampa Bay last week, and both of its wins have come on the road. The Eagles held Tampa Bay scoreless over the final 22 minutes last week, scored 15 unanswered points to get back in the game, and their fifth-ranked pass defense is legit.

After they rallied around interim coach Rich Bisaccia last week, the Raiders will get bogged down by Philly’s defense. Chicago pushed them around in a recent low-scoring setback, and the last couple weeks have been an emotional roller coaster.

The Eagles will exploit Las Vegas’ 25th-ranked run defense run defense (130.7 yards per game) and keep it close throughout. The points are attractive with Philadelphia.

NFL pick: Philadelphia +3

Indianapolis Colts vs. San Francisco 49ers

Following a bye week, San Francisco will get a few key contributors back from the sideline, including quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, and the 49ers will snap a three-game losing streak Sunday night.

Running back Jonathan Taylor led the way for Indianapolis last week, with 145 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns against lowly Houston, but the Colts can’t get their star running back the ball enough. They ran 48 plays in Week 6, compared to 74 for Houston, and Taylor has not had more than 17 carries in a game this year, for an average of 78.5 rushing yards per game.

Indianapolis is often forced to lean upon quarterback Carson Wentz, who can be erratic against quality defenses, and the Colts are banged up entering this matchup.

Following a tough second-half performance against Seattle, San Francisco responded with an admirable defensive effort against Arizona, held Kyler Murray mostly in check, and outgained the Cardinals by a 338-304 margin.

The 49ers will carry their improving form forward and record a convincing win.

NFL pick: San Francisco -4