Oct 17, 2025, 06:00 AM ET
The Week 7 NFL schedule for the 2025 season brings thrilling matchups.
There’s extra soccer in London with the Jaguars dealing with the Rams. Mike Vrabel makes his return to Nashville because the Patriots go to the Titans. And Cowboys QB Dak Prescott appears to be like to proceed his good document at dwelling (6-0) towards the Commanders.
We’ve you coated with every thing you must know. Our NFL Nation reporters take you contained in the locker room with the perfect factor they heard this week, and ESPN Analysis supplies a key stat to know and a betting nugget for every contest. Plus, analytics author Seth Walder makes a daring prediction for every matchup, and fantasy analyst Eric Moody shares fantasy soccer intel. We even have Soccer Energy Index (FPI) matchup high quality scores (out of 100) and recreation projections, and three analysts — Pamela Maldonado, Moody and Walder — give us remaining rating picks for each recreation.
Let’s get into the complete Week 7 slate, which culminates with “Monday Night Football” matchups between the Buccaneers and Lions (7 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN) and the Texans and Seahawks (10 p.m. ET, ESPN). (Sport instances are Sunday except in any other case famous.)
Leap to a matchup:JAX-LAR | PHI-MIN | LV-KCNO-CHI | NE-TEN | MIA-CLECAR-NYJ | IND-LAC | NYG-DENWSH-DAL | GB-ARI | ATL-SFTB-DET | HOU-SEA
Thursday: PIT-CINBye: BUF, BAL
9:30 a.m. ET | NFL Community | Matchup ranking: 64.2/100ESPN BET: LAR -2.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Jaguars: Count on the Jaguars to try to make WR/CB Travis Hunter a much bigger a part of the offense. Coach Liam Coen stated Wednesday that they should name extra performs the place Hunter is the first choice as a result of they don’t really feel as in the event that they’ve taken benefit of his playmaking capability sufficient. There have been varied causes he hasn’t been concerned extra. Some examples embrace when Trevor Lawrence has opted to go some other place with the ball, Hunter was coated or the playcall didn’t match the protection they received after the snap. However with WR Brian Thomas Jr. struggling and TE Brenton Unusual on injured reserve, Hunter’s involvement has to extend. — Michael DiRocco
What we’re listening to on the Rams: Rams outdoors linebacker Byron Younger has eight video games with not less than half a sack, which is the longest energetic streak within the NFL and the longest streak by a Rams participant since particular person sacks turned an official stat in 1982, based on ESPN Analysis. By six weeks, the Jaguars have the third-best go block win fee within the NFL (71%), based on ESPN Metrics/NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Younger’s success towards this entrance may have a significant impression on the sport. “To see him elevating to the level that he’s capable of is astonishing,” outdoors linebacker Jared Verse stated of Younger. — Sarah Barshop
Editor’s Picks
1 Associated
Stat to know: Lawrence was sacked a career-high seven instances within the Week 6 loss to the Seahawks (essentially the most Jacksonville has allowed in a recreation over the previous 10 seasons). In the meantime, the Rams have 19 sacks this season, which is tied for fourth most. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Rams WR Tutu Atwell will document 50-plus receiving yards. With Puka Nacua (ankle) doubtless sidelined, that leaves loads of targets to be redistributed. And for the reason that begin of final season, Atwell has managed 2.0 yards per route run, a powerful quantity for a depth participant. — Walder
Accidents: Jaguars | Rams
Fantasy nugget: Rams WR Davante Adams ought to see a rise in targets. He has averaged 9.7 targets and 13.9 fantasy factors per recreation this season. However Adams confirmed in his stints with the Packers, Raiders and Jets that he’s greater than able to taking on a recreation when known as upon. The Jaguars’ protection has allowed the third-most receiving yards per recreation and has struggled mightily towards perimeter receivers like Adams. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Maldonado’s choose: Rams 27, Jaguars 21Moody’s choose: Rams 20, Jaguars 17Walder’s choose: Rams 23, Jaguars 21FPI prediction: LAR, 59.6% (by a median of three.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Jaguars rule out Lloyd, NFL’s interceptions chief, vs. Rams … Rams purple zone efficiency: ‘Hasn’t been to our customary’ … Jags eye greater offensive function for Hunter to take advantage of pace
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup ranking: 63.9/100ESPN BET: PHI -1.5 (43.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Eagles: “This team is fine,” stated WR A.J. Brown, following every week of delicate panic concerning the state of affairs amid the Eagles’ first dropping streak since 2023. “This team is motivated, and trying to get on the same page.” A part of that course of was an offensive assembly Monday that QB Jalen Hurts stated was about figuring out a route for this group to move in transferring ahead. That might imply extra play-action or under-center performs, however most significantly, the Eagles need to get Saquon Barkley and the bottom recreation going. Philadelphia’s usually prolific dashing assault ranks twenty fifth in yards per recreation (95.3). — Tim McManus
What we’re listening to on the Vikings: The Vikings spent their bye week, partially, taking a deep dive right into a defensive vulnerability that might impression this recreation. They rank No. 24 in success fee towards the run, a part of why opponents have held the ball for a median of 31:04 per recreation (tenth worst within the league). The Eagles aren’t dashing effectively, however feeding Barkley is a stronger choice than throwing towards coordinator Brian Flores’ mixture of blitzes and disguised coverages. Flores has stated there isn’t something “sexy” concerning the obligatory options. This week he added: “It’s fundamentals. It’s tackling. It’s getting off blocks, setting edges, things right in that kind of realm. It’s not the flashy stuff.” — Kevin Seifert
Stat to know: Hurts is averaging 2.98 seconds earlier than a throw, which is the third-longest time within the league behind Caleb Williams and Justin Fields. Hurts faces a Vikings protection that averages 2.53 seconds to first stress (fifth-fastest mark), per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Eagles DT Jalen Carter will get his first sack of the season. Philadelphia is producing sacks on solely 4% of opposing go rushes (that’s low!) however will get the right antidote for that in Week 7: the Vikings, no matter who’s at QB. Each J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz have sustained double-digit sack charges this season. — Walder
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0:57
Why Kurt Warner is anxious concerning the Eagles
Kurt Warner joins “The Rich Eisen Show” to elucidate why he fears the Eagles have misplaced their id.
Accidents: Eagles | Vikings
Fantasy nugget: Vikings RB Jordan Mason has logged not less than 16 touches in 4 of 5 video games this season. He ought to see an identical workload because the Vikings face a defensive entrance that ranks twenty sixth in run cease win fee (28.6%). Philadelphia additionally permits the seventh-most dashing yards per recreation and simply gave up large fantasy performances to the Giants’ Cam Skattebo (31) and the Broncos’ J.Okay. Dobbins (15.4) in its previous two outings. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Maldonado’s choose: Eagles 24, Vikings 21Moody’s choose: Eagles 26, Vikings 20Walder’s choose: Eagles 20, Vikings 17FPI prediction: PHI, 52.2% (by a median of 0.9 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Eagles’ pass-rush depth takes hit as Smith retires … Why Vikings want Flores’ protection to play lights-out to win … What can we glean from Vikings’ journey to Dublin, London?
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup ranking: 60.0/100ESPN BET: KC -12.5 (45.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty carried the ball for a season-high 23 instances final week. Coach Pete Carroll expects that to be the norm transferring ahead. “I don’t think there’s any doubt,” Carroll stated. “… It’s a long haul, and we have to make sure that we’re managing him right. But I think that being normal for him is what we should expect, around 20 carries a game.” Jeanty’s manufacturing has picked up in latest weeks, as he ranks fourth within the league in dashing yards (343) since Week 3. — Ryan McFadden
What we’re listening to on the Chiefs: Everybody within the Chiefs’ facility is aware of how excited WR Rashee Rice is to make his return from a six-game suspension, together with QB Patrick Mahomes. “He’s going to want to be out there every single play. … It’s going to be our job, as teammates and coaches, to build him back the right way.” stability for Rice could possibly be getting him the ball early and conserving him on the sector for roughly 50% of snaps. — Nate Taylor
Stat to know: Jeanty is averaging 3.07 yards per rush after first contact this season, which is fifth most within the league. — ESPN Analysis
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Daring prediction: Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco will rush for 60-plus yards for the primary time this season. The Chiefs run inside zone 32% of the time (second most), and the Raiders are permitting 4.7 yards per carry (fourth most). — Walder
Accidents: Raiders | Chiefs
Fantasy nugget: Chiefs WRs Xavier Worthy and Rice are positioned for big performances. Mahomes is on hearth, averaging 28.4 fantasy factors over his previous three video games. The Raiders’ protection has allowed the fourth-most receptions and fifth-most fantasy factors per recreation to WRs this season. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Maldonado’s choose: Chiefs 35, Raiders 13Moody’s choose: Chiefs 34, Raiders 16Walder’s choose: Chiefs 30, Raiders 14FPI prediction: KC, 78.8% (by a median of 12.0 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Rice practices, to play vs. Raiders … Moore had Sunday to recollect in win vs. Lions
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup ranking: 29.4/100ESPN BET: CHI -4.5 (46.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Saints: Saints gamers and coaches downplayed the thought of a “revenge” recreation towards Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who was with New Orleans from 2015 to 2024 as a senior defensive assistant, defensive coordinator and head coach. “I don’t hold any malice against DA,” edge rusher Cameron Jordan stated. “If anything, I’m grateful for all the years that we had such high success.” This would be the Saints’ first recreation towards Allen since he was fired halfway via final season. — Katherine Terrell
What we’re listening to on the Bears: RB D’Andre Swift‘s endurance paid off in an enormous method towards Washington. His 10.9 yards per contact marked the best fee of any participant this season, which included a 55-yard catch-and-run landing because the Bears charged again within the fourth quarter. The Saints have allowed 18 scrimmage TDs this season (tied for fourth), so one other large day from Swift could possibly be on the horizon. “For him to stick with it and continue to battle, awesome to see him go do what he did, making a number of huge plays that were really important for us to get the win,” offensive coordinator Declan Doyle stated. — Courtney Cronin
Stat to know: The Saints have allowed a number of passing touchdowns in eight straight video games, the longest energetic streak within the NFL. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: The Bears will rating 40 factors. Sure, it’s what I assumed they might do final week. However I’m nonetheless an enormous believer on this offense, and final week we noticed one of many staff’s prior weaknesses appear to be a energy: the operating recreation, which averaged 5.4 yards per carry towards Washington. — Walder
Accidents: Saints | Bears
Fantasy nugget: Bears QB Caleb Williams is in a great spot with Rome Odunze and DJ Moore as his high receivers towards a Saints protection that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy factors per recreation to QBs. Williams has additionally carried out effectively when blitzed this season, and Chicago’s offensive line ranks eighth in go block win fee (66.2%). On high of that, the Saints’ protection has surrendered the fourth-most dashing yards per recreation to opposing QBs. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Maldonado’s choose: Bears 35, Saints 27Moody’s choose: Bears 23, Saints 20Walder’s choose: Bears 40, Saints 17FPI prediction: CHI, 65.7% (by a median of 6.4 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Saints lament missed alternatives in loss towards Patriots … Bears’ Williams ‘could care less’ about outdoors criticism … Bears’ Moore again in Chicago after spending evening in hospital
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup ranking: 27.6/100ESPN BET: NE -6.5 (41.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Patriots: The Patriots will attempt to do one thing they haven’t completed since 1961 (earlier than the AFL-NFL merger in 1967): win three consecutive regular-season highway video games. Coach Mike Vrabel’s return to Tennessee, the place he served as coach from 2018 to 2023, is of course a high storyline as effectively, however Vrabel and gamers downplayed its significance. “Coach was preaching to us about being a ‘road warrior’ — going on that path of least resistance,” WR Stefon Diggs stated. — Mike Reiss
What we’re listening to on the Titans: The Titans will unveil interim coach Mike McCoy, and it simply occurs to be Vrabel’s return to Nissan Stadium. With 14 gamers remaining from Vrabel’s tenure in Tennessee, there’s no confusion about what to anticipate when the Patriots come to city. “On offense, they’re going to try and block longer than the guy with the ball, until the whistle blows,” S Amani Hooker stated. “And on defense, they’re going to try and go full tilt to the tackle and storm the ball.” — Turron Davenport
Stat to know: The Titans’ 35% conversion fee on third down for the reason that begin of final season is the second-worst mark behind the Browns’ (30.9%). In that very same timeframe, the Patriots have allowed a 42.7% third-down conversion fee (fifth worst). — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Patriots QB Drake Maye will throw 4 landing passes. New England is likely one of the heavier go groups within the league, with a plus-3% go fee over expectation that ranks fourth highest. In the meantime, the Titans have the fourth-highest go fee over expectation allowed (plus-1%). On high of that, don’t you assume Vrabel goes to wish to pour it on towards his previous staff? — Walder
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Mike McCarthy: ‘The game goes on’ after midseason firings
Mike McCarthy joins “The Pat McAfee Show” to present his perspective on what it means when an NFL head coach will get fired midseason.
Accidents: Patriots | Titans
Fantasy nugget: Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson has posted solely two video games with double-digit fantasy factors this season, averaging 10.7 touches and simply 3.1 yards per carry. Stevenson, and to a level, TreVeyon Henderson, get a superb matchup behind an offensive line that ranks seventh in run block win fee (73.4%) towards a protection permitting the fourth-most fantasy factors per recreation to RBs. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Maldonado’s choose: Patriots 35, Titans 10Moody’s choose: Patriots 33, Titans 23Walder’s choose: Patriots 38, Titans 16FPI prediction: NE, 66.1% (by a median of 6.5 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Titans interim coach to remain constructive for rookie QB Ward … Vrabel dealing with Titans first time since firing, says he’s unfazed … Titans hearth coach Callahan: What’s subsequent for Tennessee?
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup ranking: 25.1/100ESPN BET: CLE -2.5 (37.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Dolphins: In his first season as a full-time starter, LT Patrick Paul has lived as much as his potential as a second-round choose. He ranks sixteenth in go block win fee (92%) and has allowed two sacks. He will get an “exciting” problem towards Myles Garrett — though coach Mike McDaniel stated it’s going to take a whole staff effort to include Garrett, who ranks fifth amongst edge rushers in go rush win fee (22.5%). “You could watch him, a tackle could be in great position, and he still wins,” Paul stated. “He’s a very, very good football player, so this is going to be really fun, and I’m very excited.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques
What we’re listening to on the Browns: If there may be any matchup for the Browns’ offense to get on observe, maybe it’s towards a Dolphins protection that ranks Twenty ninth in factors allowed per recreation (29.0) and thirty first in yards per play allowed (6.3). Nonetheless, Cleveland’s gamers proceed to emphasise the necessity to reduce self-inflicted errors earlier than they will reap the benefits of alternatives. “If one guy messes up, all hell breaks loose for the offense,” WR Jerry Jeudy stated. — Daniel Oyefusi
Stat to know: The Dolphins have been outgained by 602 yards this season, which is the third worst within the NFL, and the worst via their first six video games since 2021. — ESPN Analysis
Breaking Information from Adam Schefter
Daring prediction: Dolphins LB Jordyn Brooks will lead all gamers in mixed tackles in Week 7. Brooks has recorded a sort out or help on 18% of his defensive performs, fourth highest amongst all LBs this season. My sort out mannequin provides him the best probability of any participant to hit double-digit mixed tackles this week at 44%. — Walder
Accidents: Dolphins | Browns
Fantasy nugget: Browns RB Quinshon Judkins is effectively positioned to bounce again after a disappointing 3.6 fantasy factors in Week 6. The rookie has had 19 or extra touches and scored not less than 13 fantasy factors in three of his previous 4 video games. He now faces a protection that was eviscerated in back-to-back weeks by Rico Dowdle (32.4) and Kimani Vidal (22.8). See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Maldonado’s choose: Browns 23, Dolphins 17Moody’s choose: Browns 21, Dolphins 17Walder’s choose: Dolphins 20, Browns 16FPI prediction: MIA, 51.7% (by a median of 0.7 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Tagovailoa apologizes to teammates for feedback … Browns’ offensive struggles spotlight offseason missteps … Haslams, Cleveland attain deal to maneuver Browns to Brook Park
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup ranking: 23.1/100ESPN BET: CAR -1.5 (41.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Panthers: “He’s earned the right to help this team,” coach Dave Canales stated of RB Rico Dowdle after Dowdle compiled a staff two-game-record 473 scrimmage yards whereas Chuba Hubbard was out with a calf harm. Canales stated this after being requested if Dowdle earned the fitting to start out with Hubbard returning Sunday. Each backs stated it doesn’t matter who begins, however it appears unlikely Canales will mess with the chemistry as he tries to place collectively a three-game profitable streak for the primary time since 2021. It’s price noting that the 2021 staff misplaced 4 straight after a 3-0 begin and completed with simply 5 wins. — David Newton
What we’re listening to on the Jets: Justin Fields, sacked 9 instances final week (generally as a result of he held the ball too lengthy), acknowledges he must be extra aggressive together with his decision-making. By his personal admission, he’s enjoying “too conservative.” He has thrown a Twenty ninth-ranked 799 yards with 4 TDs and nil interceptions this season. The Panthers are thirty first in stress share, so Fields ought to have time to throw. One downside: Fields, who could possibly be enjoying to maintain his beginning job, gained’t have star WR Garrett Wilson (knee). — Wealthy Cimini
Stat to know: Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan leads all rookies with 22 receiving first downs this season. — ESPN Analysis
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1:53
Stephen A.: ‘Aaron Glenn has been awful’
Stephen A. Smith explains why the Jets look worse than ever after hiring Aaron Glenn to be their head coach.
Accidents: Panthers | Jets
Fantasy nugget: Jets TE Mason Taylor completed with only one reception for 1.2 fantasy factors in Week 6 in a recreation the place the Jets managed solely 82 complete yards of offense, the third-lowest single-game complete in franchise historical past. One silver lining is that Taylor performed over 90% of snaps for the primary time in his profession. He ought to have extra success towards a protection that has given up essentially the most receiving yards and the second-most fantasy factors per recreation to TEs. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Maldonado’s choose: Panthers 21, Jets 6Moody’s choose: Panthers 24, Jets 10Walder’s choose: Panthers 26, Jets 23FPI prediction: CAR, 51.5% (by a median of 0.8 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Panthers’ Dowdle hitting stride again dwelling in Carolina … Jets’ Fields seems like he’s been ‘too conservative’ … Panthers face alternative between Hubbard, Dowdle … Supply: Jets’ Wilson hyperextends knee, to overlook time
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup ranking: 69.7/100ESPN BET: LAC -1.5 (41.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Colts: Like most Chargers opponents, the Colts are cautious of S Derwin James Jr., who has dominated the dialog of their conferences this week. “[No.] 3, Derwin running around,” RB Jonathan Taylor stated when requested what stands proud concerning the Chargers. “They’ve got him in a lot of different spots, so you’ve got to keep an eye on him. He can wreck the game. He’s a great player playing at a high level.” It’ll be fascinating to see if James takes any accountability for Colts TE Tyler Warren, who leads all gamers on the place with 370 receiving yards. — Stephen Holder
What we’re listening to on the Chargers: Thirty years in the past, coach Jim Harbaugh’s greatest NFL season got here because the quarterback of the Colts. He completed fourth in MVP with the league’s highest passer ranking and earned the moniker “Captain Comeback.” Upon dealing with his former staff this week, Harbaugh stated it was “one of my favorite ball teams I’ve ever been on.” — Kris Rhim
Stat to know: Taylor leads the NFL with 4 dashing touchdowns outdoors the tackles this season. In the meantime, the Chargers have allowed essentially the most dashing scores outdoors the tackles (5) this season. — ESPN Analysis
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Daring prediction: Colts edge Laiatu Latu will document a sack. Indianapolis’ go rush hasn’t been nice, with a 28.2% go rush win fee that ranks Twenty ninth greatest. However the Chargers, who’re with out Rashawn Slater and have been with out Joe Alt (and could possibly be once more), are struggling in safety with a 52.3% go block win fee that ranks twenty eighth greatest on that facet of the ball. Latu has the perfect go rush win fee amongst Colts edge rushers this season. — Walder
Accidents: Colts | Chargers
Fantasy nugget: Chargers WR Ladd McConkey has performed effectively over the previous two video games, recording not less than seven targets and 15.0 fantasy factors in every. He now faces a Colts protection that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy factors per recreation to extensive receivers. Extra importantly, the protection has been particularly susceptible to fit receivers, which bodes effectively for McConkey. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Maldonado’s choose: Chargers 19, Colts 17Moody’s choose: Colts 28, Chargers 27Walder’s choose: Chargers 23, Colts 22FPI prediction: LAC, 50.8% (by a median of 0.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Is Taylor the perfect RB within the NFL?
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup ranking: 52.7/100ESPN BET: DEN -7.5 (40.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Giants: “We’ve got a really good defense to go against. So that’s what’s keeping me up [at night].” These had been the phrases of rookie QB Jaxson Dart. He is aware of what to anticipate with this Denver protection. The Broncos lead the league in sacks and stress share (46.1%), and their 30 sacks are 10 greater than another staff. “The sacks stand out,” coach Brian Daboll stated. Because of this, anticipate him to attempt to get the ball out of Dart’s hand rapidly. — Jordan Raanan
What we’re listening to on the Broncos: Dart would be the second of the 2 QBs chosen within the first spherical of the 2025 draft to face the Broncos protection this season. Denver vexed Titans QB Cam Ward in Week 1, because the Broncos restricted him to 12-of-28 passing for 112 yards and sacked him six instances. The Broncos lead the league in defensive EPA, sacks (30), third-down protection and purple zone protection — they’re No. 2 in scoring protection. This recreation options two of the 4 most penalized groups within the league — the Giants are tied for second, the Broncos are fourth — and that may all the time muddy the waters. — Jeff Legwold
Stat to know: Dart is one in all two gamers this season with 150 passing yards and 50 dashing yards in consecutive video games. (Patrick Mahomes did it in Weeks 1-2.) A 3rd straight recreation can be the longest streak in Giants historical past. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Giants CB Paulson Adebo will document an interception. Adebo has an 18% goal fee — seventh highest amongst outdoors corners with not less than 100 protection snaps — which isn’t supreme. However the extra passes that head in his route, the higher his possibilities to choose one off. — Walder
Accidents: Giants | Broncos
Fantasy nugget: Broncos WR Courtland Sutton completed with a disappointing 2.7 fantasy factors in Week 6 because of a mixture of dealing with Jets’ Sauce Gardner and the sport script. Nonetheless, he had 17 or extra fantasy factors in every of the three earlier video games. Sutton is QB Bo Nix‘s No. 1 receiver and will bounce again properly towards a Giants protection that has allowed essentially the most receiving yards and the third-most fantasy factors per recreation to WRs. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Maldonado’s choose: Giants 26, Broncos 23Moody’s choose: Broncos 23, Giants 20Walder’s choose: Broncos 19, Giants 16FPI prediction: DEN, 65.2% (by a median of 6.0 factors)
Matchup must-reads: NFL, NFLPA reviewing concussion protocol for Giants’ Dart … How the Broncos rapidly constructed contender post-Wilson launch
4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup ranking: 69.2/100ESPN BET: WSH -1.5 (54.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Commanders: The Commanders’ inconsistent protection might be challenged to sluggish the Cowboys’ offense, which ranks third in scoring and first in yards per recreation. That’s fairly a problem for a protection that ranks twenty sixth in yards (and thirteenth in scoring). One of the simplest ways Washington can counter is by exposing a Dallas protection that’s final in yards and thirty first in scoring. The Commanders’ offense continues to supply regardless of quite a few accidents, however it might want to management the ball and end with touchdowns. An enormous key to observe right here is the gap wanted for a primary down: The Commanders have wanted seven yards on 55% of their third downs. If they will have fewer of these, they’ve an opportunity to manage the ball Sunday. — John Keim
What we’re listening to on the Cowboys: Perhaps enjoying an NFC East foe can save the 2-3-1 Cowboys. QB Dak Prescott has an 11-2 document towards Washington, profitable seven of his previous eight begins towards the Commanders, and has 27 landing passes and simply 5 interceptions. At AT&T Stadium, he has been even higher, posting a 6-0 mark towards Washington with 17 landing passes and no interceptions. The Cowboys will want extra of that in the event that they wish to keep within the chase. — Todd Archer
Stat to know: The Cowboys’ Jake Ferguson leads all TEs with 44 receptions, which is tied for the third most ever via the primary six video games of a season. That trails Zach Ertz (48 in 2018) and Eric Johnson (45 in 2004). — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Prescott will throw for 400 or extra passing yards. As with most Cowboys video games, it’s honest to anticipate a factors bonanza. And that’s very true for this matchup, with a Commanders offense that ought to be capable of rating simply towards Dallas, forcing the Cowboys to maintain throwing to maintain up towards a protection with fairly a couple of query marks. — Walder
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Stephen A.: Cowboys want a win greater than Commanders
Stephen A. Smith explains why the Cowboys want a win extra in Week 7 than the Commanders.
Accidents: Commanders | Cowboys
Fantasy nugget: Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt led the backfield in snaps, routes run and touches in Week 6. He completed with simply 5.8 fantasy factors, however the utilization was very encouraging. Croskey-Merritt now faces a protection that has allowed the third-most fantasy factors per recreation to RBs. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Maldonado’s choose: Commanders 45, Cowboys 42Moody’s choose: Commanders 34, Cowboys 28Walder’s choose: Cowboys 37, Commanders 28FPI prediction: WSH, 49.9% (by a median of 0.4 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Commanders place WR Brown on IR with groin harm … Torrid begin for Cowboys’ Prescott harking back to 2023 … Does Cowboys’ offense need to be good to win?
4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup ranking: 62.9/100ESPN BET: GB -6.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Packers: Rookie WR Matthew Golden‘s opportunities are still on the low side, but that doesn’t imply QB Jordan Love doesn’t belief him. In truth, Love has began to throw to Golden in essential spots. Love hit Golden for a 31-yard completion in Week 6 to transform a fourth-quarter third down that helped arrange the sector objective that put the sport out of attain. “I think it’s all the stuff that he’s done since he got here in practice that gives you that confidence in him,” Love stated. — Rob Demovsky
What we’re listening to on the Cardinals: The Cardinals’ go protection, which is permitting 6.23 yards per play, might be examined towards the Packers, who common 8.07 yards per play. The important thing for Arizona might be rookie CB Will Johnson, who has given up simply 12 passes on 24 targets for 103 yards and one landing. “He’s doing a good job of obviously assignment-sound stuff, but just his one-on-one battles, whether the ball goes to him or not, he’s doing a good job of taking away access,” defensive coordinator Nick Rallis stated. — Josh Weinfuss
Stat to know: Love has 15 video games with a number of passing touchdowns with out an interception since turning into the full-time starter in 2023, tied for third most within the NFL. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Packers WR Romeo Doubs will document 80-plus receiving yards. Final week was Golden’s flip for the large recreation, however Doubs nonetheless acquired 9 targets. He’s tied with the Bears’ Rome Odunze for seventh amongst WRs in ESPN’s open rating with a 75. — Walder
Accidents: Packers | Cardinals
Fantasy nugget: Cardinals TE Trey McBride completed with a season-high eight receptions and 21.2 fantasy factors in Week 6 with Jacoby Brissett beneath middle. Whether or not it’s Brissett or Kyler Murray at QB, McBride is effectively positioned for fulfillment this week. Inexperienced Bay’s protection provides up essentially the most receptions and the third-most fantasy factors per recreation to TEs. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Maldonado’s choose: Packers 27, Cardinals 21Moody’s choose: Packers 28, Cardinals 21Walder’s choose: Packers 31, Cardinals 17FPI prediction: GB, 64.2% (by a median of 5.7 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Packers searching for repair for defensive woes in second halves … Cardinals so shut, however thus far on a four-game dropping streak … Packers snap winless streak, however at 3-1-1 how good are they?
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | Matchup ranking: 57.8/100ESPN BET: SF -2.5 (47.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Falcons: Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich labored beneath present 49ers DC Robert Saleh with the Jets, and was on the identical workers as coach Kyle Shanahan on the 2016 Falcons staff that went to the Tremendous Bowl. Ulbrich has helped Atlanta’s protection grow to be probably the greatest within the league, as it’s permitting an NFL-low 253.4 yards per recreation. However enjoying a Shanahan offense is totally different, Ulbrich stated, and Atlanta wants to grasp the holes it has placed on tape as a result of Shanahan will exploit them. — Marc Raimondi
What we’re listening to on the 49ers: The league’s two best RBs might be in motion, because the 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey and the Falcons’ Bijan Robinson are on reverse sides. Robinson (822 scrimmage yards) and McCaffrey (780 scrimmage yards) skilled collectively within the offseason. “I watch him move, watch him make a lot of these plays and it’s inspiring,” McCaffrey stated. “He’s definitely somebody that when you watch him play, any chance you get, you can try to emulate some of the stuff he does.” The Niners hope getting TE George Kittle again ought to assist unlock McCaffrey and a run recreation that’s averaging a league-worst 3.1 yards per carry. — Nick Wagoner
Stat to know: Falcons WR Drake London is one in all three gamers with 10 receptions and 150 receiving yards in a recreation this season. (The others are the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase and the Rams’ Puka Nacua.) — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: 49ers CB Deommodore Lenoir will enable 20 receiving yards or fewer when dealing with London. Lenoir enters Week 7 permitting the bottom yards per protection snap (0.5) amongst outdoors corners with not less than 100 protection snaps, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. — Walder
Better of NFL Nation
• Rodgers vs. Flacco: Battle of QBs over 40• A particular season for Steelers’ Jonnu Smith• Dak Prescott on one other torrid begin in Dallas• Conservative Justin Fields able to let it rip• Rico Dowdle hitting stride again dwelling in NC
Accidents: Falcons | 49ers
Fantasy nugget: Robinson has averaged 21.4 touches and 24.8 fantasy factors per recreation this season. The 49ers are a good protection however are with out Fred Warner (ankle) and Nick Bosa (knee). The Falcons lead the league in dashing makes an attempt per recreation, which supplies Robinson much more upside. Tyler Allgeier can be seen as a flex choice in deeper codecs. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Maldonado’s choose: 49ers 23, Falcons 20Moody’s choose: Falcons 23, 49ers 21Walder’s choose: 49ers 26, Falcons 23FPI prediction: SF, 54.5% (by a median of 1.7 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Falcons’ Robinson talks LeBron James X shoutout, connection after large evening … How will the 49ers exchange Warner in 2025?
Monday, 7 p.m. ET | ABC | Matchup ranking: 76.6/100ESPN BET: DET -5.5 (52.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Buccaneers: Coach Todd Bowles was requested concerning the staff’s buzz from an NFC-best 5-1 begin. He acknowledged it but in addition is aware of, as he put it, “You can [go] from the penthouse to the outhouse” as they did with midseason slumps in 2023 and 2024. “I’m aware of quite everything, but it’s Week 7. You don’t pay that any mind. You try to get better and you try to make it a stretch run. If the season was seven games, I would be extremely happy. The season is 17 games. We have a long way to go. … But from a football standpoint, we got a lot of work to do with ourselves and it’s a long season.” — Jenna Laine
What we’re listening to on the Lions: Detroit’s protection has given up not less than 24 factors in three of its first six video games and might be enjoying with out DB Brian Department, who was suspended one recreation for unsportsmanlike conduct. Nonetheless, the Lions ought to get a lift as DL Alim McNeill is predicted to make his season debut after being out since December 2024 with a torn ACL. McNeill says he’s “100% locked in right now and ready to go.” He anticipates it taking a couple of snaps to get his legs beneath him, however he has visualized the second he would return since his harm. “One-thousand percent I expect to play the same way,” McNeill stated. “At least that’s how I feel and that’s the work I’ve been putting in to be the same exact way, if not better.” — Eric Woodyard
Stat to know: The Lions have scored 30-plus factors in 5 consecutive dwelling video games courting to final season, which is tied for the longest streak in franchise historical past (1952-53 and 2021-22). — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: The Buccaneers will rating a number of touchdowns utilizing movement on the snap. Tampa Bay used movement on the snap 62% of the time in Week 6 — the second-highest fee by any staff in a recreation this season. The Lions are 0.17 EPA per play towards movement — fourth most within the league. — Walder
play
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Watt to McAfee: Baker Mayfield’s abilities are underrated
J.J. Watt joins “The Pat McAfee Show” to interrupt down what Baker Mayfield has dropped at the Buccaneers this season.
Accidents: Buccaneers | Lions
Fantasy nugget: Bucs RB Rachaad White is ready as much as see an enormous workload with Bucky Irving (foot) not anticipated to play, and with receivers Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) and Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula) coping with accidents. White has had 18 or extra touches and scored 17 or extra fantasy factors in consecutive video games. The Lions’ defensive entrance ranks thirty second in run cease win fee (24%), so White ought to shine not solely as a runner but in addition as a receiver out of the backfield. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Maldonado’s choose: Lions 31, Buccaneers 27Moody’s choose: Buccaneers 27, Lions 24Walder’s choose: Lions 28, Buccaneers 21FPI prediction: DET, 61.6% (by a median of 4.4 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Godwin, Irving, Egbuka out for Buccaneers in Week 7 … Suspension of Lions’ Department upheld upon attraction … Buccaneers’ Mayfield tempers MVP discuss … McNeill anticipated to play vs. Bucs, coach says
Monday, 10 p.m. ET | ESPN | Matchup ranking: 62.5/100ESPN BET: SEA -3.5 (41.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Texans: One of many greater matchups might be All-Professional CB Derek Stingley Jr. towards WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Seahawks’ go catcher has 696 receiving yards, essentially the most within the NFL. Coach DeMeco Ryans stated, “Whether you’re covering him or not, he’s making explosive plays game after game.” So anticipate the Texans to deploy their greatest nook in Stingley to comply with Smith-Njigba in hopes of limiting him. — DJ Bien-Aime
What we’re listening to on the Seahawks: The Seahawks’ secondary would possibly lastly be at full energy towards Houston. That hasn’t been the case for the reason that season opener, when rookie S Nick Emmanwori went down on the primary drive with a excessive ankle sprain. He missed the subsequent three video games. S Julian Love (hamstring) missed three video games, whereas CB Devon Witherspoon (knee) missed 4. Neither performed Sunday towards Jacksonville, nor did CB Riq Woolen (concussion). However all three had been again at follow by the tip of the week, and all three practiced Wednesday. — Brady Henderson
Stat to know: The Seahawks have scored 168 factors this season, tied with the 1987 season for the third-most factors over the primary six video games of a season within the franchise’s historical past (203 in 2020, 168 in 2005). The one season in staff historical past with not less than 200 factors via the primary seven video games was 2020 (240). — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Texans edge Will Anderson Jr. will document a number of sacks. Don’t let the three.0 sacks idiot you: Anderson is off to a scorching begin to the season with a 32.8% go rush win fee at edge that ranks second on the place. Seahawks QB Sam Darnold has completed a superb job avoiding sacks, however this might be a very difficult matchup to maintain that up. My sack mannequin provides Anderson a 24% probability to document a number of sacks towards Seattle, highest amongst all gamers in Week 7 by a considerable margin. — Walder
Accidents: Texans | Seahawks
Fantasy nugget: Texans QB C.J. Stroud completed with a season-high 28.7 fantasy factors earlier than the bye week. Now, he faces a secondary that has allowed the ninth-most passing yards per recreation (235.5) this season. It’s a stable spot for Stroud and his No. 1 receiver, Nico Collins. Managers contemplating Kenneth Walker III or Zach Charbonnet might wish to look elsewhere, because the Texans’ protection has been stingy towards opposing RBs. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Maldonado’s choose: Seahawks 26, Texans 21Moody’s choose: Seahawks 24, Texans 13Walder’s choose: Seahawks 20, Texans 17FPI prediction: SEA, 52.1% (by a median of 0.6 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Texans seeking to ‘flip the script’ after win streak, bye … Seahawks’ Smith-Njigba is rising as a high WR in NFL
