Bill Parcells once famously said, “You are what your record says you are”. We are at the point of the season where teams are cementing their identity. There is still plenty of time to rise and fall, but if you are a contender this is the point of the season where you have to start consistently showing it.
The NFL is an ever changing league with teams rising and falling each week. This past week’s results gave us a better glimpse into the state of each team.
Check out last week’s Strength Rankings
- Scroll down to see the game by game picks for this week.
- See the game by game results of the pick results from last week at the bottom of the page as well as the picks for this week.
Win/Loss Records of the picks for Week 5:
| Picker | Rivalry Sports – Dustin Kirby | Guest Picker |
| Win – Loss Record Week 5 | 11 – 4 | 8 – 7 |
| Overall Won/Loss Record on Picks | 31 – 14 | 27 – 18 |
Guest Picker Won/Loss Records
| Guest Picker | Week | Won/Loss Record on Picks | Winning Percentage |
| Brandon Kirby | 4 | 11 – 5 | 68.75% |
| Jarrod Kirby | 5 | 8 – 6 | 57.14% |
| Stephanie Kirby | 6 | 8 – 7 | 53.33% |
Rivalry Sports Lock Pick of the Week
| Week | Rivalry Sports Game Score Pick | Actual Result |
| 4 | San Francisco Over Arizona 27 -13 | San Francisco won 35 – 16 |
| 5 | Detroit Lions Over Carolina Panther 31 – 17 | Detroit Over Carolina 42 – 24 |
| 6 | Buffalo Bills Over New York Giants 34 – 20 | Buffalo over New York 14 – 9 |
| 7 | Buffalo Bills Over New England Patriots 31 – 17 |
Take a look at each division to see where Rivalry Sports currently has your team ranked within the division.
NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles (5 – 1)
The Eagles lost to the Jets by the score of 20 -14. The Eagles were not the only undefeated team to lose this past week, but they were the last making sure that all teams have at least one loss this year.
Particulary frustrating for the Eagles was the fact that the loss came against a Jets team that didn’t even gain 250 yards on offense.
The Jets Defense however, showed up and showed out and caused QB Jalen Hurts to throw three interceptions and RB D’Andre Swift to lose a fumble.
The Eagles will look to get back on track this week, but it is a tall task with a talented Miami Dolphins team coming to town.
Strengths: With a strong collection of offensive playmakers including QB Jalen Hurts and WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and a loaded defensive front seven, the team is built to compete now and for years to come.
Weaknesses: An aging offensive line has not shown signs of regression, but could be an area to watch. The chemistry could be tested this year as sideline arguments have already been seen between star players.
Week 7 Opponent: Miami Dolphins at 8:20pm EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Dallas Cowboys (4-2)
The Cowboys earned a much needed win against a talented, but struggling Chargers team last Monday night.
Dallas outgained LA by 70 yards and the turnover battle was a tie, which is usually a win for Dallas as they struggle with turning the ball over too much.
In order to set their heights higher, the Cowboys will need to start getting more from the ground game, because running back Tony Pollard is really struggling running the ball.
The Boys will take the Bye Week to regroup and get ready for the remainder of the season.
Strengths: When healthy, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tony Pollard form a strong base of skill position offensive players. The Defense is one of the NFL’s best with perennial Defensive Player of the Year Candidate Micah Parsons rushing the passer or manning the running lanes.
Weaknesses: Age on the offensive line and injuries. The devastating injury to CB Trevon Diggs as well as the injuries across the Offensive Line could derail the season.
Week 7 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
Washington Commanders (3-3)
The Commanders beat the Atlanta Falcons 24 – 16 this past weekend. It was a good win for Washington against a good team and got the Commanders back to .500 on the season.
QB Sam Howell didn’t throw for a lot of yards, but he was efficient and threw three TD passes.
The Defense also intercepted Atlanta three times and had three sacks as well.
The commanders will look to continue their winning ways this week against a reeling New York Giants team.
Strengths: Their Defensive line can wreak havoc when healthy and they have playmakers at the WR position.
Weaknesses: The Defensive line will soon become too expensive to keep all of the pieces. Sam Howell is a gutsy QB, but can he be the QB to lead the Commanders to dominance in the NFL?
Week 7 Opponent: @ New York Giants at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
New York Giants (1-5)
The Giants are in sole place of last place in their division.
They actually played the Buffalo Bills surprisingly tough this past weekend and with a great defensive effort they outgained the Bills in yardage, but still lost the game.
If the Giants hope to climb out of the hole that they have dug they have to start with winning against the Commanders this coming week, but easier said than done…
Strengths: Brian Daboll is a good coach that has the Giants play hard each week. Daniel Jones has some dual threat talent that he is still tapping into and when healthy Saquon Barkley is a great RB.
Weaknesses: Saquon Barkley has a hard time staying healthy which throws off the entire offense. The other offensive playmakers have not stepped up enough to take the pressure off when Barkley is out.
Week 7 Opponent: Washington Commanders at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
NFC North
Detroit Lions (5-1)
The Lions are continuing to re-write the narrative that has surrounded this organization for decades. They are a not a flash in the pan, this team is well-built and ready to compete for the playoffs.
This past week was another good win for the Lions when they dominated a good Tampa Bay team by the score of 20 – 6.
With a surging Defense and a strong Offense, the Lions will look to continue their winning ways against the Ravens with weekend.
Strengths: Young defensive stalwarts such as Aidan Hutchinson, Brian Branch, and Jack Campbell have a bright future. On offense, the strong offensive line provides protection for underrated QB Jared Goff and the running game.
Weaknesses: The Lions have a great slot receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown and a talented young TE in Sam LaPorta, but they need production from their outside receiving crew which is holding this team back from reaching even higher heights.
Week 7 Opponent: @ Baltimore Ravens at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Green Bay Packers (2-3)
The Packers are hoping that Star RB Aaron Jones will be ready to go this week against a struggling Denver Broncos team.
Young QB Jordan Love needs RB Aaron Jones to come back so that the running game takes some pressure off of him and the passing game.
Green Bay has an opportunity to get back on track going against a Broncos team that only has one win on the year.
Strengths: Green Bay is a well run team from the front office to the coaching staff. They have talent across the board and their young QB Jordan Love looks like he may have what it takes to be the “answer” at QB.
Weaknesses: The age/injury history of the offensive line is concerning, especially when it comes to Pro Bowl Left Tackle David Bakhtiari. Also they have a young star WR in Christian Watson, but he has failed to stay healthy so far in his career.
Week 7 Opponent: @ Denver Broncos at 4:25pm EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Minnesota Vikings (2-4)
The Vikings are a team stuck in mediocrity that will be without their best player in WR Justin Jefferson for at least the next few weeks if not longer.
They play in a division with a rising Lions team and two other teams in the Packers and the Bears that have young QBs and therefore a brighter future.
Now is the time for the Vikings to start their rebuild and look to draft one of the star QBs from the 2024 draft in what is expected to be a draft loaded with quality QBs.
This week they will go against a very good San Francisco team.
Strengths: Justin Jefferson is an All-Pro WR and T.J. Hockenson is a talented TE for steady and underatted QB Kirk Cousins.
Weaknesses: Kirk Cousins is now 35 years old and the Vikings have not committed to him past this year. Too much money is spent on a defense that is not dominant and the run game fails to hold up their end of the bargain on offense.
Week 7 Opponent: San Francisco 49ers at 8:15pm EDT, Monday 10/23/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Chicago Bears (1-5)
Sometimes things just seem to get worse even when you think a team has hit their lowpoint.
Young QB Justin Fields that is being assessed as to his ability to be the long-term QB, was injured toward the end of a game where he and the Bears had already been playing horribly.
Whether Fields can come back soon or not, the Bears are in for a lot more losses this year and will be assessing whether they need to draft another QB next year or not.
Strengths: This team is a mess. They have some good players, but none of their units stand out on either side of the ball. The good news is that they will have two high first round picks in the upcoming draft.
Weaknesses: Justin Fields is in his third year in the NFL, but does not seem to be progressing at a rate to show that he is the future for the Bears at QB. Without a good QB in the NFL, you will be stuck in mediocrity or worse. Now Fields has publicly questioned the coaching so we will see where this goes.
Week 7 Opponent: Las Vegas Raiders at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
The Bucs are a good team, that is probably a few players from being a “great” team. They were dominated to the score of 20 – 6 by the Detroit Lions this past weekend and the score doesn’t show just how badly the Bucs were beaten.
QB Baker Mayfield has exceeded expectations and is gritty, but struglled in this game and threw an interception while barely completing 50% of his passes. It didn’t help that just like last year, Tampa Bay’s running game failed to help out the passing game.
The Bucs will look to get back on track against Division foe Atlanta this week.
Strengths: The Bucs have a strong D and a great 1 – 2 punch at WR with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Weaknesses: Tampa Bay is an aging team that must decide if they want to keep the band together, or trade some veterans now to reload instead of having to rebuild later. With many veteran core players that will need a new contract, now is the time to go all in or to trade them for young assets.
Week 7 Opponent: Atlanta Falcons at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
New Orleans Saints (3-3)
The Saints lost a game that they should have won this weekend against a surprisingly good Houston Texans team.
new Orleans outgained the Texans by over 130 yards, but they turned the ball over twice compared to once for the Texans and even worse they missed two of their four field goal attempts.
The Saints showed how talented they are, but you have to do the little things to win and they will look to get back on track against a very good Jacksonville team this weekend.
Strengths: The Saints have a good offensive line, a star RB in Alvin Kamara, a star young WR in Chris Olave, a steady veteran QB in Derek Carr and a steady and strong defense.
Weaknesses: The heart and soul of the D is Cam Jordan and while Jordan is still a good player, he is 34 years old. Kamara will need a new contract soon or the Saints will need to replace the talented RB. Do they have enough young talent on Defense to make some noise in the playoffs?
Week 7 Opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars at 8:15pm EDT, Thursday 10/19/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Atlanta Falcons (3-3)
A week after QB Desmond Ridder showed so much promise he went out and threw three inception which probably cost the Falcons the game in which they lost by the score of 24 – 16 to the Washington Commanders.
Ridder has to take care of the ball while continuing to feed his weapons the ball, but he needs more help from a run game that features two talented ballcarriers in Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson.
Strengths: The Falcons have a lot of young talent on offense including RB Bijan Robinson, TE Kyle Pitts, and WR Drake London, but can QB Demond Ridder get the ball to the TE and WRs?
Weaknesses: The Falcons need to continue to add to their D and offensive line, but most importantly, they need QB Desmond Ridder to prove that he can be a dangerous passer in the NFL.
Week 7 Opponent: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Carolina Panthers (0-6)
The Panthers actually started off well against the Dolphins and took a 14 – 0 lead, but ended up losing 42 – 21.
Bryce Young played well enough to win, but the Panthers D couldn’t hold back the powerful offense of the Miami Dolphins.
The Bye Week comes at a great time when QB Bryce Young can build upon some success and the Panthers can regroup for the second half of the season.
Strengths: Bryce Young will be a good QB in the league, but it takes time. They have some young talent on defense including star DE Brian Burns.
Weaknesses: The Panthers need more playmakers to help Young out and they will need to continue to build a stronger offensive line.
Week 7 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
NFC West
San FRancisco 49ers (5-1)
The 49ers lost an ugly game to the Browns this past weekend by the score of 19 -17.
This was QB Brock Purdy’s first loss in a game he started as a professional and it seemed like everything went wrong.
Rookie Kicker Jake Moody had been a perfect 9 for 9 coming into the game and he missed two of his three field goals, including the final attempt that lost the game.
Superstar RB Christian McCaffrey and star WR Deebo Samuel were both injured during the game and they both left the game, although the hope is that neither is seriously injured.
The 49ers are a loaded team and will look to get back on track against a struggling Minnesota team on Monday Night.
Strengths: This team is loaded. They have superstar RB Christian McCaffrrey at RB, George Kittle at TE, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk at Wr and 2nd year surpise QB Brock Purdy leading the offense. The D is just as impressive with Nick Bosa and Jason Hargrave leading what might be the best D-line in the NFL.
Weaknesses: The only true “weakness” for the 49ers is the injury bug. For years now their starting QB seems to get injured and throw the season off the rails, but last year they had 4 QBs injured which led them to not being able to pass in the playoffs.
Week 7 Opponent: @ Minnesota Vikings at 8:15pm EDT, Monday 10/23/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
The Seahawks lost a tough game against the Cincinnati Bengals that they should have won this past weekend.
They outgained the bengals by over 150 yards, but lost the turnover battle by one and the Seahawks are a team that usually wins the turnover battle.
Seattle will look to get another win this weekend when they play the rebuilding Arizona Cardinals.
Strengths: Seattle is a well run team led by coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider. They seem to always fill out the roster with talented players and Carroll gets the team to play smart, tough football. They have a very talented WR and RB room this year.
Weaknesses: The offensive line has improved, but remains an area in need of an upgrade. Can career backup QB Geno Smith replicate his great season last year? They are near the bottom of the league in pressuring the QB and continuing to win without getting to the QB will be difficult.
Week 7 Opponent: Arizona Cardinals at 4:05pm EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Los Angeles Rams (3-3)
Every time we count out the Rams they get back to .500. This team still have some Championship level players and they aren’t going to go quietly into the night.
With WR Cooper KuPP back to compliment rookie WR Puka Nacua, the Rams offense is starting to come together.
If the running game can help out and the Defense continue to grow, then don’t be surprised if the Rams make a run for the playoffs.
Strengths: Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, and Matthew Stafford. Those three still have star level talent even though they are all in their 30’s.
Weaknesses: An older core of star players and not enough blue chip young players since so many of their draft picks were traded away in pursuit of a Super Bowl.
Week 7 Opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers at 4:05pm EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Arizona Cardinals (1-5)
It was another game and another loss for the Cardinals this past weekend against the Rams by the score of 26 – 9.
The rebuilding cardinals are trying to set a foundation that stresses competing all four quarters and they have done a good job of that this year, but the losing may begin to eventually take a toll.
It is hard to see many winnable games ahead for Arizona, but they will try to defeat division foe Seattle this weekend.
Strengths: The Cardinals have a decent offensive line, but need to continue to add new talent to it. They also have some talented young players that can help with the rebuild such as WR Marquise Brown and LB Zaven Collins.
Weaknesses: The Cardinals need more impact players across the board. What do the Cardinals currently hang their hat on as a team?
Week 7 Opponent: @ Seattle seahawks at 4:05pm EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
AFC EAST
Miami Dolphins (5-1)
We have a new team in first place in the strength rankings in the AFC East!
The Dolphins are not only deadly on offense, their Defense is solid and if they can keep playing offense like they have been it will be hard for anyone to stop them.
The only blemish on the Dolphins record is their loss earlier this year to Buffalo, but they have been more consistent than the Bills and therefore get moved into the first position in the Division.
We will see if the Dolphins can keep their winning ways going against the Defending NCF Champion Eagles this weekend.
Strengths: Speed, Speed, Speed! When healthy Tua has become a top QB in the league and with weapons like WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and then speedy RBs Raheem Mostert and De’von Achane make it hard on any defense.
Weaknesses: The biggest obstacle to success for the Dolphins stands to be the injury bug. Star CB Jalen Ramsey has missed the first part of the year and the only thing that can hold QB Tua back is an injury.
Week 7 Opponent: @ Philadephia Eagles at 8:20pm EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Buffalo Bills (4-2)
The Bills were surprising losing going into the fourth quarter of their game with the Giants this past weekend.
Buffalo ended up winning 14 – 9, to a depleted and desperate New York team, but they could have easily lost the game.
The Bills want to prove this year that their Championship window is still open, but they need to avoid their inconsistent play that has plagued them up to this point of the season.
They have a chance to further their case as one of the best teams in the league when they visit their old Division foe New England this weekend.
Strengths: Franchise QB Josh Allen is one of the best QBs in the NFL, but he is not the only talent on the team. With talented TEs and WRs Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Allen has a lot of weapons. The Defense is still solid and if Von Miller can get back to his old self by the end of the year, the Bills will be tough to beat.
Weaknesses: Advancing age of the Defense and possibly chemistry issues between star WR Diggs and QB Allen.
Week 7 Opponent: @ New England Patriots at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
New York Jets (3-3)
The Jets are a really impressive team in that they lost a future Hall of Fame QB at the beginning of the year and their former first round QB puts them at a disadvantage in the passing game each week and yet they are still a .500 team.
Their Defense is talented and can change a game and they have a star young RB in Breece Hall.
If QB Aaron Rodgers can make the unprecedented return this year like he is trying to do, then the Jets might just be able to chase the playoffs.
The next few weeks after the Bye Week will determine if New York has a shot at the playoff this year or not.
Strengths: This team is strong with a very good receiving and running back group and an exceptionally strong Defense. They added QB Aaron Rodgers and when healthy, he could be the missing piece to the team.
Weaknesses: The offensive line and the QB room now that Rodgers is out. The Jets are counting on former first round pick Zach Wilson to lead the team and he has not shown himself to be an NFL quality QB up to this point.
Week 7 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
New England Patriots (1-5)
How the Patriots have fallen. One of the greatest Dynasties in football histories is officially over even though coach Bill Belichick is still there.
Unless the Pats end up with a high first round pick and get a Franchise Altering QB in next years draft I don’t see them turning it around for years.
They lost to the Raiders last weekend and they play a tough Buffalo team this Sunday.
Strengths: A solid cast of veterans dots the roster, but they are spread pretty thin across the Roster. You don’t see any unit on the team and say that it is a glaring weakness. They are well coached and play hard.
Weaknesses: While the Patriots don’t have a unit across the board with a glaring weakness, they also don’t have a unit that stands out unless it is the TE’s. Can QB Mac Jones take the reigns of the offense and show that he is the QB of the present and the future?
Week 7 Opponent: Buffalo Bills at 1:ooPM EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
Coming out of the Bye Week, the Steelers have an opportunity to hit the ground running and get a win with a game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams are a tough team, but with T.J. Watt leading the Defense they can make life hard for Matthew Stafford and the Rams and if QB Kenny Pickett and the offense can show growth the Steelers have a good chance to get a win.
Strengths: All-Pro LB T.J. Watt leads a Defense that is loaded with playmakers at every level. Coach Tomlin knows how to push the right buttons and he has a good WR room to build around on offense.
Weaknesses: The offensive line is still not as strong as it needs to be, QB Kenny Pickett needs to take the next step in his career and offensive coordinator Matt Canada has failed to build a cohesive offense during his tenure.
Week 7 Opponent: @ Los Angeles Rams at 4:05PM EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: bye Week
Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
The Ravens will be a tough team as long as John Harbaugh is the coach.
They beat the aging Tennessee Titans this past weekend by the score of 24 – 16 behind a strong Defense and a solid running game led by QB Lamar Jackson.
In order to stay near the top of the Division they will have to continue their winning ways, but they have a big test this weekend against a Detroit team that has looked great this year.
Strengths: The running game and the Defense are strong as always. Lamar Jackson is the best running QB the league has ever seen and the defense has star players littered across the roster.
Weaknesses: Passing. This was the reason the Ravens were reluctant to pay QB Jackson the amount of money that they did as good teams have learned how to beat the Ravens by taking away the run. Can Jackson take the next step in passing?
Week 7 Opponent: Detroit Lions at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Cleveland Browns (3-2)
Even without their starting RB and QB, the Browns showed fight and gave San Francisco thier first loss by the score of 19 – 17.
The Browns will have a hard time treading water in a tough division if QB Deshaun Watson doesn’t return and up his game as RB Nick Chubb is out for the season.
their Defense keeps them in most games, but they need the Offense to step up and help out.
They will look to win a winnable game against a Colts team that is also missing their starting QB this week.
Strengths: The Browns have a solid offensive line along with a star RB, until Nick Chubb was hurt, and a good Defense led by DE Myles Garrett.
Weaknesses: It is hard to imagine that the passing game would be a weakness when QB Deshaun Watson was acquired, but he has failed to measure up to his previous self while with the Houston Texans. Can they turn the passing game around and can the running game succeed without the injured Nick Chubb.
Week 7 Opponent: @ Indianapolis Colts at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Cincinnati Bengals (3-3)
Cincinnati got another needed win this past weekend against Seattle, but it was an ugly game where they were actually outplayed in most facets of the game.
It is strange to see the Bengals struggle so much this year after QB Joe Burrow and his teammates have given Bengals fans so much hope over the last couple of years, but if they can keep winning games, ugly or not, and Joe Burrow gets healthy then they will be a threat in the playoffs.
This week they have a Bye and will use it to try to get Joe Burrow Healed up and ready for the remainder of the season.
Strengths: QB Joe Burrow is a star and one of the best QBs in the league. He has great weapons in WRs Ja’marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd along with RB Joe Mixon. The Defense is solid, but will the loss of Pro Bowl Safety Jesse Bates come back to haunt them?
Weaknesses: The offensive line is much improved, but could still use reinforcements and the Bengals could use some more playmakers on defense, but overall this is a strong team.
Week 7 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2)
The Jaguars have been an impressive team that are two games over .500 even though the team spent two weeks in London.
I have a feeling that the travel will catch up to them this weekend when they travel to New Orleans to face a tough Saints team.
If the Jaguars can win on the road again they will further their lead in the Division, but even with a loss the Jags look like the real deal this year and will be the favorite to win their Division.
Strengths: QB Trevor Lawrence, RB Travis Etienne, and WRs Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk represent a strong and talented young offensive core. They have many high draft picks on Defense that they are counting on as well.
Weaknesses: The defense has not had the impact the Jaguars would like, especially with high draft picks Travon Walker and Josh Allen leading the way. The offensive line also needs to be upgraded for more consistency.
Week 7 Opponent: @ New Orleans Saints at 8:15PM EDT, Thursday 10/19/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Indianapolis Colts (3-3)
Rookie QB Anthony Richardson will miss more time than initially thought and although backup QB Gardner Minshew is a top backup QB, he is a backup for a reason.
He will try to keep the Colts in the playoff race for as long as possible, but they suffered an ugly loss to the jaguars this past weekend.
The Colts have a chance to get another win this weekend aginst a Cleveland team that has injuries and has underperformed offensively.
Strengths: The Colts have a strong and steady Defense and a solid offensive line with a couple of talented WRs.
Weaknesses: Missing star RB Jonathon Taylor who is at a stalemate with the organization over his contract. They could also bolster their offensive line and add another offensive playmaker to make life easier for QB Anthony Richardson.
Week 7 Opponent: Cleveland Browns at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Houston Texans (3-3)
Houston continued to exceed expectations with their 20 -13 victory over the Saints this past weekend.
Rookie QB C.J. Stroud continues to play like a future star and first year Coach DeMeco Ryans has led a quick turnaround to a franchise that had been stuck in mediocrity.
The Texans are competitive this year and the future is bright.
Strengths: With two cornerstone players in Stroud and Anderson joining talented LT Laremy Tunsil and talented WR Nico Collins and CB Derek Stingley Jr., this team is building a strong foundation.
Weaknesses: This year is about experience for their young stars, so while no unit may dominate, they have talented players in each unit that will only get better.
Week 7 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
Tennessee Titans (2-4)
We go from the Texans on an upswing, to the Titans on a downswing.
The writing was already on the wall that Tennessee was an aging team in need of a rebuild, but the start to the season has only verified that.
Veteran QB Ryan Tannehill was having a poor season, but he was injured in this week’s loss to the Ravens and there is no proven QB behind him on the depth chart.
The season looks bleak for Tennessee and their best bet would be trading assets and starting their rebuild before next year’s draft.
Strengths: Mike Vrabel is an excellent coach that gets the most out of his roster. They are a tough team that don’t give up and play hard each week. D lineman Jeffrey Simmons is a star in the league.
Weaknesses: Age and offense. The offense has been hard to watch this year and with an aging core it doesn’t look like it will get much better.
Week 7 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
AFC WeST
Kansas City Chiefs (5-1)
The Defending Champs continue to look like a threat for a repeat.
Patrick Mahomes is in his prime and with star TE Travis Kelce leading the receiving corps, the Chiefs are tough to stop.
Defensive Lineman Chris Jones continues to lead the Defense and they were able to hold the Broncos to nine points in last week’s win.
This week they will look to get another win against Division foe Los Angeles.
Strengths: QB Patrick Mahomes, TE Travis Kelce, and D lineman Chris Jones are all at the top of the league for their respective positions. Along with coach Andy Reid, this team is poised to compete.
Weaknesses: Cost. Anytime you have great players you have to pay them and the Chiefs found that out last year when they had to trade star WR Tyreek Hill before the season. The cost of their star players costs them depth, but as long as the stars are healthy they have been able to overcome it.
Week 7 Opponent: Los Angeles Chargers at 4:25PM EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Los Angeles Chargers (2-3)
The Chargers lost a tough game to a good Cowboys team on Monday night by the score of 20 – 17.
LA keeps underachieving and someone will most likely pay the price for it by the end of the season whether that is Head Coach Brandon Staley or heralded Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore that was supposed to help lift the offense.
With a young star QB, a talented WR corps and some stars on the Offensive Line it is a mystery as to why this team cannot get over the hump.
They have another tough game this week against the Kansas City Chiefs, but if the Chargers put it together they have the talent to win the game.
Strengths: QB Justin Herbert is one of the best QBs in the league and he has a lot of weapons such as WR Keenan Allen and RB Austin Ekeler. The Defense is also loaded with stars such as Joey Bosa, Derwin James, and Khalil Mack.
Weaknesses: This team does not have many weaknesses in talent, but they need more from the defense and they need more consistent production from the offense.
Week 7 Opponent: @ Kansas City Chiefs at 4:25PM EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Las Vegas Raiders (3-3)
QB Jimmy Garoppolo was injured again and did not finish last week’s game, but the Raiders still beat the Patriots.
Rookie TE Michael Mayer had a good game with 5 catches for 75 yds and star DE Maxx Crosby led the team in tackles and contributed a half a sack.
This week the Raiders have another winnable game against a reeling Chicago franchise.
Strengths: The Raiders have star WR Davante Adams and RB Josh Jacobs on offense and then they have pro bowl DE Maxx Crosby on defense so they have pieces to put together a good team.
Weaknesses: The Raiders need a more talent along the offensive line and the back end of the defense. They also need to develop an identiy as a team.
Week 7 Opponent: @ Chicago Bears at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Denver Broncos (1-5)
Denver may have lost to the Chiefs by the score of 19 – 8 last weekend, but the game was not that close.
QB Russell Wilson threw two interceptions and the team failed to gain even 200 yards of Offense!
This has been an abysmal season for the Broncos and there is not much hope of it getting better as they are now getting rid of their veteran Defensive players.
The Broncos have a chance for a win this week against a talented, but inconsistent Green Bay team, but the offense will have to play much better to have a chance to win.
Strengths: QB Russell Wilson might not be the player he once was, but he is still a talented QB. The secondary is young and talented and Coach Sean Payton has won a Super Bowl and knows how to get the most out of his teams so the Broncos should see progress this year.
Weaknesses: The running game is lacking and the Broncos need more to get more pressure on the opposing QB in order to be a better defense.
Week 7 Opponent: Green Bay Packers at 4:25PM EDT, Sunday 10/22/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Rivalry Sports Fantasy Players of the week (PPR Leagues)
QB – Derek Carr
RB – Brian Robinson
WR – Tyreek Hill
WR – Cooper Kupp
TE – George Kittle
K – Justin Tucker
Defense – Buffalo Bills
Game Picks of the Week for Week 7
Week 5 Picks and Results
| Game (Home Team listed 2nd) | Rivalry Sports Pick – Dustin Kirby | Guest Picker – Lance Kirby | Actual Game Winner |
| Jacksonville Jaguars vs New Orleans Saints | New Orleans Saints | Jacksonville | |
| Las Vegas Raiders vs Chicago Bears | Las Vegas Raiders | Chicago | |
| Cleveland Browns vs Indianapolis Colts | Indianapolis Colts | Cleveland | |
| Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots | Buffalo Bills | Buffalo | |
| Washington Commanders vs New York Giants | Washington Commanders | Washington | |
| Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Atlanta Falcons | Tampa | |
| Detroit Lions vs Baltimore Ravens | Detroit Lions | Detroit | |
| Pittsburgh Steelers vs Los Angeles Rams | Pittsburgh Steelers | LA Rams | |
| Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks | Seattle Seahawsks | Seattle | |
| Green Bay Packers vs Denver Broncos | Green Bay Packers | Green Bay | |
| Los Angeles Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs | Los Angeles Chargers | Kansas City | |
| Miami Dolphins vs Philadelphia Eagles | Miami Dolphins | Miami | |
| San Francisco 49ers vs Minnesota Vikings | San Francisco 49ers | San Francisco | |
| Total Wins | 13 |
Week 6 Picks and Results
| GAME (Home Team listed 2nd) | RIVALRY SPORTS PICK – DUSTIN KIRBY | GUEST PICKER – Stephanie KIRBY PICK | Winning Team |
| Broncos @ Chiefs | Chiefs | Chiefs | Chiefs |
| Ravens @ Titans | Ravens | Titans | Ravens |
| Commanders @ Falcons | Commanders | Falcons | Commanders |
| Vikings @ Bears | Vikings | Vikings | Vikings |
| Seahawks @ Bengals | Bengals | Bengals | Bengals |
| 49ers @ Browns | 49ers | 49ers | Browns |
| Saints @ Texans | Saints | Saints | Texans |
| Colts @ Jaguars | Jaguars | Colts | Jaguars |
| Panthers @ Dolphins | Dolphins | Dolphins | Dolphins |
| Patriots @ Raiders | Patriots | Patriots | Raiders |
| Lions @ Buccaneers | Lions | Lions | Lions |
| Cardinals @ Rams | Rams | Rams | Rams |
| Eagles @ Jets | Eagles | Eagles | Jets |
| Giants @ Bills | Bills | Bills | Bills |
| Cowboys @ Chargers | Cowboys | Cowboys | Cowboys |
| Wins per Picker | 11 | 8 | 15 |
