We're in the midst of spooky season, and the NFL has never been shy about giving fans a jump scare. Every week, there are results that we didn't see coming around the corner, and they essentially jump out in front of us like a villain in a horror movie. McCarthy essentially coming back from the dead like a zombie, reviving his career with New York and rolling into Houston to upset the Texans?
The McCarthy-led Giants pulling off the upset was our best call in last week's column, but not our only victory. We also pinpointed the 49ers as a favorite on upset alert, and they ended up falling to the Falcons. There was more trick than treat, as our three other predictions didn't come to fruition, but we'll take what we can get.
Now, it's time to look forward to Week 8 and identify a handful of favorites who are officially on upset alert. Baker Mayfield made his return in Week 7, but he didn't have to do much to ensure the win for Tampa Bay. He threw just 11 passes for 64 yards and a touchdown during a 43-13 win over the Panthers.
Carolina largely tripped over itself in the losing effort, and self-inflicted mistakes helped create a 33-6 hole at halftime. I'm not sure Atlanta will give the Bucs that type of gift for the second week in a row, and it could force Mayfield to prove he's healthy in this NFC South matchup. The Falcons are allowing the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game (88.9) in the NFL this season, so Bucky Irving may not have the same level of success he's had on the ground, rushing for over 100 yards in two of Tampa's previous three games.
That puts even more emphasis on Mayfield dropping back to pass. When he does, he'll face an Atlanta pass rush that ranks fourth in pressure rate (41.4) coming into Week 8. There's a recipe here for Mayfield to struggle through the air as he works his way back from that right thumb injury and the Falcons feast.
Raymond James Stadium also hasn't been the strongest home-field advantage for the Bucs either, as they've struggled to secure a win at home this season (0-4). The Raiders are reeling right now. They've lost four straight, and their defense has completely cratered over that stretch, allowing 35.8 points per game and 11 passing touchdowns.
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