2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 7

Atlanta Falcons (3-3) @ Cincinnati Bengals (3-3)

Sunday, October 23, 1:00 PM ET

This game might mess around and be arguably the best one of the week. Let’s start by taking a look at the Atlanta Falcons, who have been one of the NFL’s most interesting teams through six games so far. Although they don’t have Cordarrelle Patterson right now, the Falcons’ offense is dynamic.

Yes, I said it — they are dynamic. They are fun to watch, and they are operating at a high level with Marcus Mariota under center. They have the 9th-best scoring offense in the league and Mariota is coming off of a game in which he scored three total touchdowns, finally getting Kyle Pitts involved in the action. In this particular matchup, the Falcons also have a very important equalizer for Ja’Marr Chase in cornerback AJ Terrell, thought by many to be one of the three or five best corners in the game right now.

That matchup will be outstanding to watch, but so will this duel of quarterbacks. Joe Burrow is coming off of his best game of the season with three passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in a win against the Saints. Coming back home, the Bengals have a chance to seize some control in the AFC North with the Ravens and Browns coming off losses last week.

As exciting as the Falcons have been, I think the Bengals are a little too good offensively to lose this one at home if they can take care of the ball. The Falcons have done a tremendous job of taking the ball away despite having a porous pass defense overall, so Joe Burrow can’t be reckless out there or it will burn him.

Prediction: Bengals win 27-24