Any hope for Pats to cover vs. Bills?

NBC Sports Boston’s Week 7 picks: Any hope for Pats to cover vs. Bills? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Ted Johnson’s perfect record in Week 6 brought him just a half-point away from Amina Smith (2-1) for the top spot in the league. You can watch our picks video to see how confident he is about reclaiming first place. (Note: due to his impressive track record and 0-3 week, the interviewer had no grounds to challenge Ted’s comments).

Amina, on the other hand, remains unfazed.

“Giles, receiving that email every week, where I’m in FIRST PLACE and where I plan to stay, brings me so much joy,” Smith said.

Meanwhile, the Boston Sports Tonight crew (past and present) have proven unreliable in sharing picks, as they currently occupy the bottom four spots.

Here’s a look at the current standings:

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Let’s get to this week’s picks:

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Week 7 Trends

Can you pay my bills?

As in Bills, Bills, Bills. Destiny’s Child. The hit song back in 8th grade, and also how the panel feels about Buffalo -9 at New England. In case you missed it, this is the first time the Patriots are home underdogs by more than seven points since 2001 when Tom Brady made his eighth career start.

We have four bets on the Bills (3-3 ATS) and only one on the Patriots (1-5 ATS). Michael Holley is once again the lone representative for the Patriots, but let’s be fair, Holley’s bet on the Patriots was a winner until Mac Jones took that safety against the Raiders last week.

You’re gonna hear me roar

As in louder than a Lion. Katy Perry. The hit song from 2013, and also how three of our experts are betting with Detroit +3 at Baltimore.

This is an intriguing matchup between two teams that have been favorable to bettors this year, with the Lions at 5-1 ATS and the Ravens at 4-2 ATS. The Ravens are coming off a close game against the Titans in London, where they almost blew the cover. Our panel does not support the Ravens in this game.

The Will Smith Bowl

“Party in the city where the heat is on” versus “West Philadelphia, born and raised”. Popular songs from the 90’s representing the most hyped game of the weekend. Miami +2.5 at Philadelphia.

The Dolphins (5-1 ATS) are underdogs for the third time this season (covered WK 1 at LAC; didn’t cover at BUF). The Eagles (3-2-1 ATS) are looking to bounce back from a loss to the Jets. Philly has been favored in every game this season, but this is the smallest line they’ve had all year.

We have three bets on the Eagles and two on the Dolphins.

Other one-sided action

Is there any connection between pop music and the Chiefs? … Anyway, we have three bets on KC -5.5 and only one (yours truly) on the Chargers. And three Seahawks -7.5 backers as they host the Cardinals (good luck, Phil).

Can’t touch this

• WAS -2.5 AT NYG

• ATL +2.5 AT TB