Blazin' 5: Colin Cowherd Gives His Five Best NFL Bets For Week 7 (October 24th)
(VIDEO SEGMENT ABOVE)
Last Week's Blazin' 5 record: 1-4
2021 Blazin' 5 record: 12-19-1) (Colin made bonus picks in Week 4 & 5)
Bengals (4-2) at Ravens (4-2) (SPREAD: BAL -6.5)
“Bengals get 6.5, I’m going to take Cincinnati and here’s why. Analytics matter, especially on defense, and the Bengals defense is allowing 18 points per game, the 5th best in the league, but analytically they’re a top 3 to 4 run defense. We know the Bengals can score, Joe Burrow is top 6 and 7 in completion percentage and passer rating. The offense is excellent, Ja'Marr Chase is a home run, we know they’ll score, that’s not the question. Cincinnati is averaging 9 yards per attempt, the fourth highest in the league. But for the Ravens, four of their last six games have been decided on one possession, three of their five wins have come on the last drive of the game, and the Ravens have played back-to-back-to-back highly emotional games. I think the Ravens narrowly win, my daughter is going to be at this game, but I’m going to take the Bengals to cover 30-27, Ravens field goal late to win it.”
Colin's prediction: Ravens 30, Bengals 27.
Colin's pick: Cincinnati +4.5
Panthers (3-3) at Giants (1-5) (SPREAD: CAR -2.5)
“I’m going to take Carolina -2.5 and here’s why. The Panthers defense is excellent, it forces you to three-and-out 38% of the time, the highest in the league. Carolina is also second on third-down percentage defensively so you have a lot of quick drives. The Giants are physically a disaster. Saquon Barkley, Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, Kadarious Toney, Evan Engram, Andrew Thomas – probably all out – Darious Slayton practiced and he may play. The Giants are also a team, and this is rare, who is worse at home. The Giants are 0-3 at home. This is going to be an ugly, low-scoring game, but I trust Carolina, the healthier offense, to win by more than 3. Panthers and Sam Darnold get the W, 26-20.”
Colin's prediction: Panthers 26, Giants 20.
Colin's pick: Carolina -2.5
Eagles (2-4) at Raiders (4-2) (SPREAD: LV -3)
“Like it? I LOVE IT. I love the Eagles +3. First of all, their rushing offense is averaging three yards before contact. What does that mean? Good offensive line. They’re averaging 5.2 yards per carry, top 3. What does that mean? Good offensive line. They get Lane Johnson back this week, their best offensive lineman. Jalen Hurts has 3.1 seconds to throw per pass. What does that mean? Great offensive line that gets better. I love the Eagles' now-healthy offensive line dominating time of possession against the Raiders’ defensive front. By the way, the Eagles defense this year is not terrible. It has played pretty well with good corners. It’s top 6 in fewest yards per play and fewest yards per play per attempt. The Raiders defense is a mess, bottom five in the league, and its pass rush is one guy, Maxx Crosby. Eagles win and upset them, 24-23.”
Colin's prediction: Eagles 24, Raiders 23.
Colin's pick: Philadelphia +3
Bears (3-3) at Buccaneers (5-1) (SPREAD: TB -12.5)
“I’m taking Tampa Bay -12.5. I hate big numbers, but for Chicago to win they have to run the football. The Bears are near the bottom of every passing statistic and have a TERRIBLE offensive line. You cannot run on Tampa, Vita Vea and the defensive interior for the Buccaneers is outstanding; NOBODY runs on Tampa. It’s the number one rush defense in the league, they give up 54 yards rushing per game, so Chicago is going to have to pass. Since Week 3, Justin Fields is LAST in everything passing. Bad offensive line, inconsistent run game, was sacked four times against the Packers last week alone, and he’s been sacked 16 times in four starts. There’s a reason the line is big, there is a reason I like the matchup, I think Tampa wins this game 33-17, and it could be worse.”
Colin's prediction: Buccaneers 33, Bears 17.
Colin's pick: Tampa Bay -12.5
Colts (2-4) at 49ers (2-3) (SPREAD: SF -4)
“Like it? I LOVE IT. I’m going to take the 49ers. The line has now moved in our favor, it’s now San Francisco -4. Offensive coaches who I respect off a bye are great – Andy Reid, Sean McVay, Sean Payton – and now KYLE SHANAHAN off a bye. The Niners are the only team in the NFL with a losing record who has outgained their opponents. This is a good team that can’t get the quarterback healthy, and now he’s healthy. Garoppolo since 2017 is 24-10 as their quarterback, with a 98 passer rating, and 67 percent completion percentage. Meanwhile, now the Colts are banged up, they lost a safety [Julian Blackmon], and TY Hilton might not play. The Colts defense is giving up 6 yards per play, bottom third in the NFL. This is a TV game, standalone game, and I like the Niners to win and cover, 30-23.”
Colin's prediction: 49ers 30, Colts 23.
Colin's pick: San Francisco -4
**All spreads are provided by Fox Bet.