2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 7

New York Jets (4-2) @ Denver Broncos (2-4)

Sunday, October 23, 4:05 PM ET

The New York Jets are playing like one of the most confident teams in the NFL right now. Heading into a Week 7 matchup against the Denver Broncos, they are one of the most surprising teams in the league right now and they’re making huge strides thanks to their stellar 2022 NFL Draft class.

Led by top pick Sauce Gardner, the Jets are getting some great contributions from the rookie class on both sides of the ball, but Gardner has been exactly what Robert Saleh’s defense needed as the team’s CB1 and a shutdown player on the outside, not unlike the guy the Broncos took with their top pick in 2021, Pat Surtain II. Those two are looking like two of the best corners in the game early on this season, and their teams are going to need them to keep it up in this game.

The Denver Broncos offense has been absolutely pathetic this season. Led by Russell Wilson, the Broncos simply can’t get anything going and have averaged right around 15 points per game through six games, worst in the NFL. Nobody really expected that from a Russell Wilson-led offense, but that’s what we’re seeing in Denver with constant three-and-outs, Russell Wilson getting sacked, no running game to speak of, and really no passing game to write home about, either.

Can the Broncos find a way to outscore the Jets? As dismal as Denver’s offense has looked, they are playing at home here and the Denver defense has been arguably the best in the NFL through six weeks. The Broncos are so beaten and battered, and Russell Wilson apparently suffered a hamstring injury against the Chargers. The Denver defense will have to come through once again. This is one of the tougher NFL picks of the week but the Broncos get back on the saddle.

Prediction: Broncos win 20-16