Munaf Manji, Mackenzie Rivers and Dave Essler talk NFL contests for Week 7.
Munaf Manji (0:08–1:17) Munaf kicks off the Week 7 discussion noting recent contest success and previewing Survivor and ATS picks from the Westgate Super Contest. He sets expectations for stats, strategy, and a coupon for Pregame.com, introducing Mackenzie Rivers and Dave Essler to break down a “tricky week.” Mackenzie Rivers (1:18–1:30) Mackenzie jokes about focusing on NBA preseason but says it’s good to switch gears to “the second biggest sport in the world,” bringing humor and energy to start. Dave Essler (1:58–2:36) Dave returns from a week off, admitting Week 7 feels unpredictable—“I could flip a coin right now.” He expects several tough calls and values hearing multiple viewpoints. Munaf Manji (2:37–6:16) He reviews contest standings: in Circa Survivor, 4,418 entries remain, each worth $4,237. In the “Grandissimo,” 15 entries survive at $460K value. Munaf observes that fading the top five most-picked teams has been profitable, with Super Contest entries 11-18-1 and Circa Millions 9-21. He previews notable storylines—Vrabel vs his old team, Wentz starting against Philadelphia, and Kansas City’s double-digit spread vs Las Vegas—then hands it to Mackenzie for his pick. Mackenzie Rivers (6:17–8:35) Mackenzie cites historical data on “dead-cat-bounce” games: after a coach firing, overs hit 28 of 46 times (≈61%). He compares interim coaches to substitute teachers—“things loosen up a little.” He favors Over 42 Patriots-Titans, predicting offensive freedom under interim Mike McCoy and a tired New England defense on its third straight road game. Munaf Manji (8:35–10:34) Munaf disagrees, seeing a mismatch. He expects the Patriots to win big—“by double digits”—and calls -7 a fair line, citing better coaching and talent. He praises New England’s receiver depth and labels Tennessee’s offense inconsistent. Dave Essler (10:35–12:30) Dave counters that Tennessee’s defense “held the Raiders to 226 yards.” He warns against overvaluing New England’s wins over weak opponents and leans Titans +7, noting Cam Ward’s poor metrics but potential upside. Dave Essler (13:23–14:57) For his main pick, Dave takes Carolina Panthers over Jets, highlighting New York’s “less than 100 yards of offense” last week and Carolina’s superior third-down defense. He expects Carolina to reach 4-3 and officially end the Jets’ quarterback experiment. Munaf Manji (14:58–18:45) Munaf supports the logic, adding Bryce Young’s 10 TDs (tied 9th NFL) and possible Jets injury to Garrett Wilson. He then picks Giants +7 at Denver, citing rest from a Thursday game, momentum with Jackson Dart, and Denver’s fatigue after travel. Mackenzie Rivers (18:45–20:29) Mackenzie calls both New York bets risky, warning that bettors are “buying high” on the Giants and “selling low” on the Jets. He notes the Jets’ 3-3 ATS record and predicts Dart will regress versus Denver’s defense. Dave Essler (20:58–23:01) Dave sides mildly with Munaf, liking the Giants’ confidence and Denver’s offensive limits: “How do you hold a team to 90 yards and win by two?” He also favors the under 40.5 total. Dave Essler (32:42–34:42) Later, he picks Cleveland Browns over Dolphins for Survivor, citing Miami’s poor defense—only once allowing under 27 points—and Cleveland’s rest advantage after weeks on the road. He predicts Cleveland will hold Miami’s offense in check. Munaf Manji (34:43–37:04) Munaf agrees, saying the Dolphins “feel lost,” expecting big production from Corson Jenkins and noting trade rumors around Jalen Waddle. He lists other Survivor options—Chiefs, Packers, Steelers—but calls Cleveland the best value. Mackenzie Rivers (37:04–37:43) Mackenzie teases the Survivor Pod, admitting a dilemma: saving the Chiefs for Thanksgiving or using them now. He may pivot to Patriots or Broncos depending on risk tolerance.
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