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NFL Week 7 Picks: Odds and Predictions Before Thursday Night
- Updated: October 20, 2016
The Kansas City Chiefs faced a critical game in Week 6 when they went to Oakland to take on the Raiders.
They were 2-2 going into that game against a Raiders team that had been quite resurgent. Oakland appeared to have more offensive weapons with Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, but the Chiefs were professional and played a first-rate road game to earn a 26-10 victory.
The game was reminiscent of the way the Chiefs played in 2015 when they closed the regular season with a 10-game winning streak. Alex Smith and his offensive teammates were not spectacular, but they were efficient and got the job done.
The Kansas City defense kept the Raiders’ offense in check.
Now the Chiefs have a chance to establish some momentum against the offensive-minded New Orleans Saints. New Orleans hung on to earn a 41-38 victory over the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers in Week 6.
Drew Brees has been on top of his game this season, completing 66.7 percent of his passes with a 14-4 TD-interception ratio. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks is an explosive target who has the speed to burn any defense, while Michael Thomas looks like a fine complementary receiver.
The Saints may have a top-of-the-line offensive team, but they have big problems on defense once again. They rank 31st in yards allowed, and that’s the same position they finished last year.
The Saints have split two road games, losing a close encounter with the New York Giants and registering an impressive comeback effort to beat the San Diego Chargers.
While the Saints are noted for their strength on offense and their weakness on defense, the Chiefs are a much more consistent team when they are playing their best football. The win against the Raiders indicates the Chiefs are getting close to that form.
They will run the ball with Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West and Jamaal Charles. Smith has targeted Jeremy Maclin and Travis Kelce 72 times, and both are …
