The NFL Roundup 2022: Week 7 Preview

Written by John Edward Betancourt

One thing that’s come up often in everyone’s discussions of the NFL recently, is the subpar quality of play. In part because we’ve been treated to some serious stinkers on Thursday Night Football, but also because… there have been a lot of rough games as of late and sadly, it would seem we are about to endure a few more. After all, there are A LOT of lopsided matchups on the schedule this weekend and some brutal games with bad teams as well. Which will make for an interesting weekend of football for certain, one that still harbors hope. Simply because, there are still juicy storylines to be found and the potential for games that might not be as bad as they look on paper. So, with that in mind, let’s dig right in and preview all the ups and downs that Week 7 in the NFL may send our way.

How short of a leash will Mac Jones be on this weekend?
Whether the Patriots want to admit it or not, they have a true quarterbacking controversy on their hands. Because Mac Jones started the season off in a sour manner through and through, and was supplanted by Bailey Zappe whilst injured and well… Bailey just lit it up and kept this team in the mix, and while Big Mac is pushing to start on Monday Night, if he does… how short of a leash will he be on? Because Bill Belichick loves to win and if he’s got a QB in waiting that can do just that, he’ll bench a guy no problem. So, while it is hard to say what would push Bill to make a change, keep an eye on this game. Because something tells me a low scoring first half or one riddled with turnovers, will result in a halftime change and a continued controversy.
 
Can the Baltimore Ravens get back to their winning ways this weekend?
Make no mistake about it, the Ravens are in a rough place right now. For they simply cannot close out close games, or they keep getting stunned in the closing minutes of a matchup and well, that leaves one to wonder if they can get back to their winning ways by winning big this weekend. After all, they’re hosting the Browns… who are playing old-school crappy Cleveland ball. But then again, this team is so rattled and so out of sorts… that opens a window for the Browns to step in and snag a huge win and don’t be surprised if they do. Because the Ravens really are lacking confidence right now, and that is going to be problematic in a divisional matchup.
 
Expect Dak Prescott to light up the Lions.
Sunday is a big day for Dallas. For they get to host the always awful Lions and they get their franchise quarterback back on the field and that’s great news for Dallas. Because their amazing defense will easily neutralize the wash out that is Jared Goff and while Dak Prescott might be rusty, he will undoubtedly have a great day on the field. Simply because that Lions ‘defense’ is nothing more than a pop-warner practice squad, and they will allow for Dak to shake off the rust before he carves them up akin to a Thanksgiving Turkey. So, expect this one to be a blowout as the Cowboys get back to business with their star QB at the helm.

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The Most Interesting Games to Watch This Weekend

Indianapolis Colts (3-2-1) at Tennessee Titans (3-2)
Nissan Stadium – Nashville Tennessee
Sunday, October 23, 2022 – 1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

​The schedule isn’t exactly awash with juggernaut teams taking on juggernaut teams, but a divisional matchup between two AFC South squads that boast a similar record, should make for an entertaining game. Simply because the Colts and Titans are fairly and evenly matched since they both feature off kilter running games and inconsistent quarterbacks, and mediocre defenses. Which means that whichever team gets a run game going, plays solid under center and locks down their opponent from a defensive standpoint, will walk away the winner and it is hard to say who that will be. But my guess is it will be the Titans, since they tend to shore up their defense at just the right time, but don’t be surprised if Matt Ryan goes off and robs this one from them. Either way, this could be quite the solid game and is worth keeping an eye upon.

Seattle Seahawks (3-3) at Los Angeles Chargers (4-2)
SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, California
Sunday, October 23, 2022 – 4:25 p.m. EST – FOX

​It wasn’t that long ago, that everyone left the Seattle Seahawks for dead and understandably so. For no one expected them to do much without a franchise quarterback. But they have pleasantly surprised and boast a solid record and they are taking on an opponent that is coming off of a big divisional win that not everyone thought they were capable of. Which means this is that kind of game where both sides will be working to prove something to the masses and that in turn, will lead to some intense competition. The kind where the quarterbacks will work to make big plays happen and where surprises will come out of nowhere from men that want to be heroes. So, expect a solid game here, one that could go either way.

Kansas City Chiefs (4-2) at San Francisco 49ers (3-3)
Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California
Sunday, October 23, 2022 – 4:25 p.m. EST – FOX

​It is definitely safe to say that the teams involved in this game are a little fired up right now. For the Chiefs aren’t happy with that ugly loss from last week in the slightest and are eager to shake off those bad feelings with a big win and the Niners, well they just want to prove to everyone they’re better than their record shows. Because they have been a disappointment this year, regardless of injury. So, expect this one to be a knockdown, drag it out brawl between two teams that really want everyone to understand they’re better than they are and as to who wins this one, well my guess would be KC. Simply because they want it more right now.