NFL Week 7 predictions, best bets: Picks against the spread for every game

The Jets certainly have had an interesting first six weeks of the 2026 season.

The record of 2-4 is probably what most people would have expected — with the wins predictably coming against the Titans and Browns, and the losses to the Packers, Lions, Bears, and Patriots.

Still, there’s been much consternation among the fans and criticism in the media about how they’ve gotten here.

The talent level of the team clearly has risen since the beginning of 2025. They should have enough game-breakers on offense and playmakers on defense to have a chance to win every week and at least get themselves on the “In the Hunt” graphic for the playoffs. We’ve seen 100-yard games from Garrett Wilson, Kenyon Sadiq, Omar Cooper Jr., Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, a three-sack day from David Bailey and even an interception from Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Most of the arrows have been directed at the coaching staff. The debilitating penalties keep coming — although the one on Tim Patrick that nullified Cooper’s touchdown in New England was a travesty. And one stat is so bad, it’s mind-boggling: The Jets have been outscored 100-6 in the final two minutes of the first half over Aaron Glenn’s first 23 games.

A lot of people have already written off offensive coordinator Frank Reich as a dinosaur who’s still coaching in the game that was played 15 years ago. He does appear married to the shotgun run up the middle in short yardage that continues to produce shorter yardage than the Jets need.

But I still have some hope for Reich. He deserves some of the credit for the breakout performances a few players have had. As the offense gets a couple of more players back (Adonai Mitchell, Dylan Parham), I believe Reich will do a better job of getting the ball to Wilson and Sadiq, and using the other weapons to better effect.

The Dolphins come in 0-5 but are rested off a bye. They have some good rookies who will be dying to get their first win, but with De’Von Achane out and Jaylen Waddle in Denver, there’s not much left to their offense. Miami has scored more than 13 points just once in five games.

This one should be all Jets. If it’s not, back up the U-Hauls to the coaching wing at One Jets Drive.

The pick: Jets -4.5.

New York Giants (+10.5) over HOUSTON TEXANS

This line steamed from nine points into double digits. Not sure why there’s so much love for the 2-4 Texans, who should have blown their game vs. the Jaguars last Sunday in London on C.J. Stroud’s late-game end zone interception. There’s also not much respect for Houston having to play the week after going across the pond and back.

The Giants’ recent tightrope walk — two final-play interceptions for wins and a colossal Commanders blunder for a tie — finally caught up with them last week. But I like what John Harbaugh is doing in these early days, holding Cam Skattebo accountable and sending Najee Harris packing for complaining about his carries. Eventually Harbaugh will have the Giants team he wants. In the meantime, I think he’ll have it ready to compete alongside J.J. McCarthy and stay within this huge number.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5) over New Orleans Saints

From his postgame comments last Sunday, it didn’t sound as if Aaron Rodgers wanted any part of traveling to France to play football amid the violence that’s happening there. Still, he has way more experience and a better supporting cast than does Tyler Shough, and the spread feels light enough even with the hook.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (-6.5) over Indianapolis Colts

GM Chris Ballard has been canned, coach Shane Steichen is on the hot seat, Sauce Gardner is hurt, and there’s talk of a fire sale of Jonathan Taylor and Quenton Nelson. Throw in that Daniel Jones will be under siege by Brian Flores’ defense and Justin Jefferson should be healthy, and it adds up to a Skol picnic.

ATLANTA FALCONS (+2.5) over San Francisco 49ers

This is one of the worst NFL betting situations imaginable for the 49ers — an undefeated West Coast team playing a 10 a.m. body-clock game after a Monday night overtime win. While that dynamic is factored into the spread, which is light for a 6-0 vs. a 2-4 team, a first loss is coming for Kyle Shanahan’s team sometime soon.

Cleveland Browns (-1.5) over TENNESSEE TITANS

Nice job by Robert Saleh and the Titans getting us a “W” last week. Wondering if that’s a “Win of the Month” type thing for them, though. The Browns are coming off a win over the Ravens and could have five in a row if not for a fumbled punt snap against the Jets.

CAROLINA PANTHERS (-3) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay blew a 16-3, fourth-quarter lead to the Steelers last week. Was the lead a sign they can have at least some success against a good team, or the result just the dying coughs of the Todd Bowles regime? The Panthers, who score 29.2 ppg, will help provide the answer.

Cincinnati Bengals (+1.5) over BALTIMORE RAVENS

This line flipped four points from Ravens -3 to +1, then back to -1.5 when Lamar Jackson practiced Thursday. Not sure Tyler Huntley was the only reason they scored just 10 points last week in a loss to the Browns. Willing to back Joe Burrow here off a bye against a Baltimore team that’s had adventures each week after blowing out the Colts in the opener.

Denver Broncos (-4.5) over ARIZONA CARDINALS

The Cardinals had given up 37 ppg over four straight losses before beating the Rams at SoFi, 18-16. Figuring that result had more to do with the Rams’ plight. Scary line as all of Denver’s victories are by seven points or fewer.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (+4.5) over Los Angeles Rams

The Raiders are 1-2 straight up but 3-0 against the spread at home thanks to Kirk Cousins’ bomb to Tre Tucker for the backdoor cover against the Bills. Davante Adams is out for the Rams, who will now have to over-rely on Puka Nacua. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak is an expert on attacking the Rams defense from his time as Seahawks offensive coordinator.

DETROIT LIONS (-3) over Green Bay Packers

The Lions get two big pieces back in safety Brian Branch and center Cade Mays. This should enable them to get back to doing the things they like to do on both sides of the ball, and they’re rested off a bye. Packer backers can lean on Jordan Love’s four-TD, zero-INT game last Thanksgiving in Detroit, and Josh Jacobs is eligible to return at running back. Tough call.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (-2.5) over Kansas City Chiefs

Like with the 49ers, a first loss is coming for the Chiefs. It’s just a matter of when. Though Sam Darnold has not been as good as in his past two seasons, he will benefit from Zach Charbonnet returning at running back for the first time this season. Is this a Super Bowl prelude?

Monday

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (+4.5) over Dallas Cowboys

Though most of the Eagles’ once-vaunted offensive line is gone, the expected return of Saquon Barkley should at least put their offensive in better run-pass balance against a Cowboys team that has allowed the most rushing yards in the NFL. The Eagles need a good start, though, because the home fans could make this an ugly night.

Betting on the NFL?

BEST BETS: Raiders, Vikings, Broncos.

Lock of the week: Raiders (Locks 3-3 in 2026).

Last week: 6-8 overall, 0-3 Best Bets.

Thursday: Patriots (L).

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Dave Blezow’s one of the longest tenured NFL handicappers at the Post with picks dating back to 1994. He won the Post’s NFL betting standings in 2021 and the Playoffs most recently in 2023.