NFL Week 7: 5 teams that must win this weekend
The NFL season is no longer young. While we remain in the October portion of the slate, the playoff picture is just starting to materialize, with some teams well out of the race. Others are clinging for dear life, while a select few are already considering seed more than anything else.
So which five teams have to find a win this week? Let’s look at the crew (all lines per OddsShark):
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are three-point underdogs on the road against the Buffalo Bills up in New Era Field, and it’s going to be a tough task. James Winston left in the first half of Tampa Bay’s 38-33 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, but is expected to play through some shoulder pain this weekend. However, he takes on a tough Buffalo defense which should be rested after a bye. At 2-3, the Buccaneers have to win or face being in the NFC South basement for the foreseeable future.
4. Los Angeles Chargers
After starting the season 0-4, the Chargers have rallied with a pair of road wins over the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders. Los Angeles now hosts the Denver Broncos, and are favored by two points at StubHub Center. With Emmanuel Sanders out, the Broncos have little to no offense. If Philip Rivers can find a way to penetrate the Denver defense, the Chargers have a great shot to make it three straight.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are getting five points on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which seems about right. After losing their first three games, the Bengals beat the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills before getting last weekend off. With a win in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati would be both 3-3 and only a half-game behind the Steelers with a home game in December awaiting as the rematch. A loss, and the Bengals are 2-4 and falling behind in the postseason race.
2. Atlanta Falcons
What is going on with the Falcons? After starting 3-0, the Falcons lost at home to both the Bills and Miami Dolphins. Now, Atlanta travels to take on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, hoping to exorcise the demons of blowing a 28-3 lead in Super Bowl LI. A win, and the Falcons are feeling great at 4-2. A loss, and its three consecutive defeats and perhaps the symptoms of a larger issue.
1. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have to win this Thursday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City is 5-1 and leading the Raiders (2-4) by three games, with the Chiefs favored by a field goal at the Oakland Coliseum this week. For Derek Carr and Co., a loss would make the AFC West a pipe dream, and just might do the same for a wild card spot. Losers of four straight, it’s now or never for the Raiders.
