The Bengals, Browns and Ravens were all victorious in Week 6, proving once again that the AFC North race will be a photo finish. Here are predictions for Week 7:
Detroit Lions (5-1) at Baltimore Ravens (4-2): The Ravens offense has not had as much success as many believed it would a month and a half into the season. However, the Ravens are slowly finding their groove, ranking as the fifth-best in rushing yards per game (144.8) and the 11th-best in total yards per game (339.2).
Surprisingly, it’s been Baltimore’s young defense, which has allowed the second-least total yards per game (260.8), that has carried the team, and it’s even more impressive with the number of injuries it has seen.
With much of the offensive success coming on the ground, the Week 7 matchup has some worried with the Lions defense is allowing the least rushing yards per game (64.7) in the league. If QB Lamar Jackson can continue being a difference-maker with his legs, Baltimore will have a chance to take down Detroit. If not, it could be another long day for the Ravens offense.
PREDICTION: Lions, 28-20
Cleveland Browns (3-2) at Indianapolis Colts (3-3): Will QB Deshaun Watson play in Week 7? That’s still to be decided, but it doesn’t matter anyway. The Browns defense has been playing lights out, ranking as the best in total yards allowed per game (200.4) and the fifth-best team in points allowed per game (15.4). Most counted Cleveland out when it hosted the then-undefeated 49ers in Week 6, but the team put the rest of the NFL on notice with the upset.
The Colts will also be without QB Anthony Richardson, who is likely to have season-ending surgery, which means Gardner Minshew is the next man up. Minshew hasn’t played bad in Richardson’s absence, throwing for 882 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions, but he hasn’t played a defense like the Browns’ either. Unless there is a whole lot of “Minshew Magic” on Sunday, Cleveland should begin its first win streak of 2023.
PREDICTION: Browns, 24-17
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) at Los Angeles Rams (3-3): The Steelers’ Week 6 bye seems to have treated them well as WR Diontae Johnson, TE Pat Freiermuth and RB Anthony McFarland have all returned to practice. If Pittsburgh’s offense, which ranks as the third-worst in total yards per game (268.2) and points per game (15.8), can’t find success with a full healthy arsenal for second-year QB Kenny Pickett, it never will.
“It’s going to be awesome to get all of our people back,” Freiermuth said via the team’s website. “Hopefully we can get back to the form we were in camp. We are all looking forward to it.”
It won’t be easy, however, as the Rams defense has allowed just 208.2 passing yards per game and 19.5 points per game. L.A.’s pass attack is also the sixth best in the league now that All-Pro WR Cooper Kupp is back in the lineup, and it’ll surely try to take advantage of the Steelers’ eighth-worst pass defense.
Head coach Mike Tomlin is 12-4 in games after bye weeks, and he’ll have his team ready to go and find a way to win once again.
PREDICTION: Steelers, 23-21