Putting it on the Line: Eric Fisher's weekly NFL picks | Philly Phanatics - THE online community for Philly sports fanatics

Putting it on the Line

Posted by Eric Fisher On October 16

WEEK 7

I finished 8-6 last week. I lost my “best bet” and went 2-2 in “other top picks.” This is not a recording.

I have gone 8-6, lost my best bet and went 2-2 in my other top picks for two straight weeks. We always strive for consistency, but, I’d like to be consistently better, particularly with my “best bet.”

I can guarantee I won’t go 8-6 for a third straight week. … That’s because there are only 13 games on this week’s schedule.

As for the best bet, it won’t take long to find out if I’ve broken my three-week losing streak in that category. My best bet is the 49ers (-7) over the visiting Seahawks on Thursday night.

The Seahawks pulled out an emotional 24-23 victory over the visiting Patriots on Sunday. The 49ers were on the receiving end of a 26-3 thumping by the visiting Giants. I envision the 49ers responding to that loss by making a statement. The Seahawks, who are tied with the 49ers (4-2) and Cardinals atop the NFC West, are the perfect team against which to make that statement. Add in that the short week before a Thursday game favors the home team, and it adds up to a decisive 49ers victory.

My winning margin last week was provided by two last-minute picks: the Broncos (-2) at the Chargers and the Lions (+4½) at the Eagles. I was tempted to take the Eagles, but, at the last minute, I decided I couldn’t give that many points with a team that hadn’t won by more than two points all season. I also was tempted to pick the Chargers at home, but I didn’t believe Peyton Manning would allow his team to fall to 2-4. My logic turned out to be correct in both cases.

Similarly, I can’t imagine the Saints, coming off a bye week, falling to 1-5. Therefore, I’m picking the Saints (-3) as a road favorite over the Buccaneers as one of my “other top picks.” I like another 1-4 team, the Raiders (-4) against the visiting Jaguars. The Raiders have a win over the Steelers and they battled the undefeated Falcons down to the wire last week, losing on a 55-yard field goal as time expired. The Bills and Titans are both coming off big wins last week. I’m taking the Bills (-3) over the Titans because the game is in Buffalo and because I think the Bills are the better team.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, I think the Giants (-6½) will cover the spread against the visiting Redskins, putting some daylight between the Giants and Eagles during the Eagles’ bye week.

The following are my complete Week 7 selections:

(Home team in CAPS)

(Winning team against the line in bold)

49ERS -7 vs. Seahawks

BILLS -3 vs. Titans

Cardinals +6 at VIKINGS

COLTS -3 vs. Browns

Ravens +6½ at TEXANS

Packers -5½ at RAMS

Cowboys -2 at PANTHERS

GIANTS -6½ vs. Redskins

Saints -3 at BUCS