Our guide to every Week 7 NFL game: Matchup previews, predictions, picks and nuggets
Oct 17, 2025, 06:00 AM ET
The Week 7 NFL schedule for the 2025 season brings exciting matchups.
There’s more football in London with the Jaguars facing the Rams. Mike Vrabel makes his return to Nashville as the Patriots visit the Titans. And Cowboys QB Dak Prescott looks to continue his perfect record at home (6-0) against the Commanders.
We have you covered with everything you need to know. Our NFL Nation reporters take you inside the locker room with the best thing they heard this week, and ESPN Research provides a key stat to know and a betting nugget for each contest. Plus, analytics writer Seth Walder makes a bold prediction for each matchup, and fantasy analyst Eric Moody shares fantasy football intel. We also have Football Power Index (FPI) matchup quality ratings (out of 100) and game projections, and three analysts — Pamela Maldonado, Moody and Walder — give us final score picks for every game.
Let’s get into the full 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). (Game times are Sunday unless otherwise noted.)
Jump 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-SEAThursday: PIT-CINBye: BUF, BAL9:30 a.m. ET | NFL Network | Matchup rating: 64.2/100ESPN BET: LAR -2.5 (44.5 O/U)What we’re hearing on the Jaguars: Expect the Jaguars to try and make WR/CB Travis Hunter a bigger part of the offense. Coach Liam Coen said Wednesday that they need to call more plays where Hunter is the primary option because they don’t feel as if they’ve taken advantage of his playmaking ability enough. There have been various reasons he hasn’t been involved more. Some examples include when Trevor Lawrence has opted to go somewhere else with the ball, Hunter was covered or the playcall didn’t match the defense they got after the snap. But with WR Brian Thomas Jr. struggling and TE Brenton Strange on injured reserve, Hunter’s involvement has to increase. — Michael DiRoccoWhat we’re hearing on the Rams: Rams outside linebacker Byron Young has eight games with at least half a sack, which is the longest active streak in the NFL and the longest streak by a Rams player since individual sacks became an official stat in 1982, according to ESPN Research. Through six weeks, the Jaguars have the third-best pass block win rate in the NFL (71%), according to ESPN Metrics/NFL Next Gen Stats. Young’s success against this front could have a major impact on the game. “To see him elevating to the level that he’s capable of is astonishing,” outside linebacker Jared Verse said of Young. — Sarah BarshopEditor’s Picks1 RelatedStat to know: Lawrence was sacked a career-high seven times in the Week 6 loss to the Seahawks (the most Jacksonville has allowed in a game over the past 10 seasons). Meanwhile, the Rams have 19 sacks this season, which is tied for fourth most. — ESPN ResearchBold prediction: Rams WR Tutu Atwell will record 50-plus receiving yards. With Puka Nacua (ankle) likely sidelined, that leaves plenty of targets to be redistributed. And since the start of last season, Atwell has managed 2.0 yards per route run, an impressive number for a depth player. — WalderInjuries: Jaguars | RamsFantasy nugget: Rams WR Davante Adams should see an increase in targets. He has averaged 9.7 targets and 13.9 fantasy points per game this season. But Adams showed in his stints with the Packers, Raiders and Jets that he’s more than capable of taking over a game when called upon. The Jaguars’ defense has allowed the third-most receiving yards per game and has struggled mightily against perimeter receivers like Adams. See Week 7 rankings. — MoodyMaldonado’s pick: Rams 27, Jaguars 21Moody’s pick: Rams 20, Jaguars 17Walder’s pick: Rams 23, Jaguars 21FPI prediction: LAR, 59.6% (by an average of 3.3 points)Matchup must-reads: Jaguars rule out Lloyd, NFL’s interceptions leader, vs. Rams … Rams red zone performance: ‘Hasn’t been to our standard’ … Jags eye bigger offensive role for Hunter to exploit speed1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 63.9/100ESPN BET: PHI -1.5 (43.5 O/U)What we’re hearing on the Eagles: “This team is fine,” said WR A.J. Brown, following a week of mild panic about the state of affairs amid the Eagles’ first losing streak since 2023. “This team is motivated, and trying to get on the same page.” Part of that process was an offensive meeting Monday that QB Jalen Hurts said was about identifying a direction for this group to head in moving forward. That could mean more play-action or under-center plays, but most importantly, the Eagles have to get Saquon Barkley and the ground game going. Philadelphia’s normally prolific rushing attack ranks 25th in yards per game (95.3). — Tim McManusWhat we’re hearing on the Vikings: The Vikings spent their bye week, in part, taking a deep dive into a defensive vulnerability that could impact this game. They rank No. 24 in success rate against the run, part of why opponents have held the ball for an average of 31:04 per game (10th worst in the league). The Eagles aren’t rushing well, but feeding Barkley is a stronger option than throwing against coordinator Brian Flores’ mix of blitzes and disguised coverages. Flores has said there isn’t anything “sexy” about the necessary solutions. 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 SeifertStat to know: Hurts is averaging 2.98 seconds before a throw, which is the third-longest time in the league behind Caleb Williams and Justin Fields. Hurts faces a Vikings defense that averages 2.53 seconds to first pressure (fifth-fastest mark), per NFL Next Gen Stats. — ESPN ResearchBold prediction: Eagles DT Jalen Carter will get his first sack of the season. Philadelphia is generating sacks on only 4% of opposing pass rushes (that’s low!) but will get the perfect antidote for that in Week 7: the Vikings, regardless of who is at QB. Both J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz have sustained double-digit sack rates this season. — Walderplay0:57Why Kurt Warner is worried about the EaglesKurt Warner joins “The Rich Eisen Show” to explain why he fears the Eagles have lost their identity.Injuries: Eagles | VikingsFantasy nugget: Vikings RB Jordan Mason has logged at least 16 touches in four of five games this season. He should see a similar workload as the Vikings face a defensive front that ranks 26th in run stop win rate (28.6%). Philadelphia also allows the seventh-most rushing yards per game and just gave up big fantasy performances to the Giants’ Cam Skattebo (31) and the Broncos’ J.K. Dobbins (15.4) in its past two outings. See Week 7 rankings. — MoodyMaldonado’s pick: Eagles 24, Vikings 21Moody’s pick: Eagles 26, Vikings 20Walder’s pick: Eagles 20, Vikings 17FPI prediction: PHI, 52.2% (by an average of 0.9 points)Matchup must-reads: Eagles’ pass-rush depth takes hit as Smith retires … Why Vikings need Flores’ defense to play lights-out to win … What can we glean from Vikings’ trip to Dublin, London?1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 60.0/100ESPN BET: KC -12.5 (45.5 O/U)What we’re hearing on the Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty carried the ball for a season-high 23 times last week. Coach Pete Carroll expects that to be the norm moving forward. “I don’t think there’s any doubt,” Carroll said. “… 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 production has picked up in recent weeks, as he ranks fourth in the league in rushing yards (343) since Week 3. — Ryan McFaddenWhat we’re hearing on the Chiefs: Everyone in the Chiefs’ facility knows how excited WR Rashee Rice is to make his return from a six-game suspension, including 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.” A good balance for Rice could be getting him the ball early and keeping him on the field for roughly 50% of snaps. — Nate TaylorStat to know: Jeanty is averaging 3.07 yards per rush after first contact this season, which is fifth most in the league. — ESPN ResearchAll of ESPN. All in one place.Watch your favorite events in the newly enhanced ESPN App. Learn more about what plan is right for you. Sign Up Now
Bold prediction: Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco will rush for 60-plus yards for the first time this season. The Chiefs run inside zone 32% of the time (second most), and the Raiders are allowing 4.7 yards per carry (fourth most). — WalderInjuries: Raiders | ChiefsFantasy nugget: Chiefs WRs Xavier Worthy and Rice are positioned for huge performances. Mahomes is on fire, averaging 28.4 fantasy points over his past three games. The Raiders’ defense has allowed the fourth-most receptions and fifth-most fantasy points per game to WRs this season. See Week 7 rankings. — MoodyMaldonado’s pick: Chiefs 35, Raiders 13Moody’s pick: Chiefs 34, Raiders 16Walder’s pick: Chiefs 30, Raiders 14FPI prediction: KC, 78.8% (by an average of 12.0 points)Matchup must-reads: Rice practices, to play vs. Raiders … Moore had Sunday to remember in win vs. Lions1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 29.4/100ESPN BET: CHI -4.5 (46.5 O/U)What we’re hearing on the Saints: Saints players and coaches downplayed the idea of a “revenge” game against 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 said. “If anything, I’m grateful for all the years that we had such high success.” This will be the Saints’ first game against Allen since he was fired midway through last season. — Katherine TerrellWhat we’re hearing on the Bears: RB D’Andre Swift’s patience paid off in a big way against Washington. His 10.9 yards per touch marked the highest rate of any player this season, which included a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown as the Bears charged back in the fourth quarter. The Saints have allowed 18 scrimmage TDs this season (tied for fourth), so another big day from Swift could 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 said. — Courtney CroninStat to know: The Saints have allowed multiple passing touchdowns in eight straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL. — ESPN ResearchBold prediction: The Bears will score 40 points. Yes, it’s what I thought they would do last week. But I’m still a big believer in this offense, and last week we saw one of the team’s prior weaknesses look like a strength: the running game, which averaged 5.4 yards per carry against Washington. — WalderInjuries: Saints | BearsFantasy nugget: Bears QB Caleb Williams is in an excellent spot with Rome Odunze and DJ Moore as his top receivers against a Saints defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to QBs. Williams has also performed well when blitzed this season, and Chicago’s offensive line ranks eighth in pass block win rate (66.2%). On top of that, the Saints’ defense has surrendered the fourth-most rushing yards per game to opposing QBs. See Week 7 rankings. — MoodyMaldonado’s pick: Bears 35, Saints 27Moody’s pick: Bears 23, Saints 20Walder’s pick: Bears 40, Saints 17FPI prediction: CHI, 65.7% (by an average of 6.4 points)Matchup must-reads: Saints lament missed opportunities in loss against Patriots … Bears’ Williams ‘could care less’ about outside criticism … Bears’ Moore back in Chicago after spending night in hospital1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 27.6/100ESPN BET: NE -6.5 (41.5 O/U)What we’re hearing on the Patriots: The Patriots will try to do something they haven’t done since 1961 (before the AFL-NFL merger in 1967): win three consecutive regular-season road games. Coach Mike Vrabel’s return to Tennessee, where he served as coach from 2018 to 2023, is naturally a top storyline as well, but Vrabel and players downplayed its importance. “Coach was preaching to us about being a ‘road warrior’ — going on that path of least resistance,” WR Stefon Diggs said. — Mike ReissWhat we’re hearing on the Titans: The Titans will unveil interim coach Mike McCoy, and it just happens to be Vrabel’s return to Nissan Stadium. With 14 players remaining from Vrabel’s tenure in Tennessee, there’s no confusion about what to expect when the Patriots come to town. “On offense, they’re going to try and block longer than the guy with the ball, until the whistle blows,” S Amani Hooker said. “And on defense, they’re going to try and go full tilt to the tackle and storm the ball.” — Turron DavenportStat to know: The Titans’ 35% conversion rate on third down since the start of last season is the second-worst mark behind the Browns’ (30.9%). In that same time frame, the Patriots have allowed a 42.7% third-down conversion rate (fifth worst). — ESPN ResearchBold prediction: Patriots QB Drake Maye will throw four touchdown passes. New England is one of the heavier pass teams in the league, with a plus-3% pass rate over expectation that ranks fourth highest. Meanwhile, the Titans have the fourth-highest pass rate over expectation allowed (plus-1%). On top of that, don’t you think Vrabel is going to want to pour it on against his old team? — Walderplay1:38Mike McCarthy: ‘The game goes on’ after midseason firingsMike McCarthy joins “The Pat McAfee Show” to give his perspective on what it means when an NFL head coach gets fired midseason.Injuries: Patriots | TitansFantasy nugget: Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson has posted only two games with double-digit fantasy points this season, averaging 10.7 touches and just 3.1 yards per carry. Stevenson, and to a degree, TreVeyon Henderson, get an excellent matchup behind an offensive line that ranks seventh in run block win rate (73.4%) against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to RBs. See Week 7 rankings. — MoodyMaldonado’s pick: Patriots 35, Titans 10Moody’s pick: Patriots 33, Titans 23Walder’s pick: Patriots 38, Titans 16FPI prediction: NE, 66.1% (by an average of 6.5 points)Matchup must-reads: Titans interim coach to stay positive for rookie QB Ward … Vrabel facing Titans first time since firing, says he’s unfazed … Titans fire coach Callahan: What’s next for Tennessee?1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 25.1/100ESPN BET: CLE -2.5 (37.5 O/U)What we’re hearing on the Dolphins: In his first season as a full-time starter, LT Patrick Paul has lived up to his potential as a second-round pick. He ranks 16th in pass block win rate (92%) and has allowed two sacks. He gets an “exciting” challenge against Myles Garrett — although coach Mike McDaniel said it will take a complete team effort to contain Garrett, who ranks fifth among edge rushers in pass rush win rate (22.5%). “You could watch him, a tackle could be in great position, and he still wins,” Paul said. “He’s a very, very good football player, so this is going to be really fun, and I’m very excited.” — Marcel Louis-JacquesWhat we’re hearing on the Browns: If there is any matchup for the Browns’ offense to get on track, perhaps it’s against a Dolphins defense that ranks 29th in points allowed per game (29.0) and 31st in yards per play allowed (6.3). However, Cleveland’s players continue to emphasize the need to minimize self-inflicted mistakes before they can take advantage of opportunities. “If one guy messes up, all hell breaks loose for the offense,” WR Jerry Jeudy said. — Daniel OyefusiStat to know: The Dolphins have been outgained by 602 yards this season, which is the third worst in the NFL, and the worst through their first six games since 2021. — ESPN ResearchBreaking News from Adam SchefterDownload the ESPN app and enable Adam Schefter’s news alerts to receive push notifications for the latest updates first. Opt in by tapping the alerts bell in the top right corner. For more information, click here.
Bold prediction: Dolphins LB Jordyn Brooks will lead all players in combined tackles in Week 7. Brooks has recorded a tackle or assist on 18% of his defensive plays, fourth highest among all LBs this season. My tackle model gives him the highest chance of any player to hit double-digit combined tackles this week at 44%. — WalderInjuries: Dolphins | BrownsFantasy nugget: Browns RB Quinshon Judkins is well positioned to bounce back after a disappointing 3.6 fantasy points in Week 6. The rookie has had 19 or more touches and scored at least 13 fantasy points in three of his past four games. He now faces a defense that was eviscerated in back-to-back weeks by Rico Dowdle (32.4) and Kimani Vidal (22.8). See Week 7 rankings. — MoodyMaldonado’s pick: Browns 23, Dolphins 17Moody’s pick: Browns 21, Dolphins 17Walder’s pick: Dolphins 20, Browns 16FPI prediction: MIA, 51.7% (by an average of 0.7 points)Matchup must-reads: Tagovailoa apologizes to teammates for comments … Browns’ offensive struggles highlight offseason missteps … Haslams, Cleveland reach deal to move Browns to Brook Park1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 23.1/100ESPN BET: CAR -1.5 (41.5 O/U)What we’re hearing on the Panthers: “He’s earned the right to help this team,” coach Dave Canales said of RB Rico Dowdle after Dowdle compiled a team two-game-record 473 scrimmage yards while Chuba Hubbard was out with a calf injury. Canales said this after being asked if Dowdle earned the right to start with Hubbard returning Sunday. Both backs said it doesn’t matter who starts, but it seems unlikely Canales will mess with the chemistry as he tries to put together a three-game winning streak for the first time since 2021. It is worth noting that the 2021 team lost four straight after a 3-0 start and finished with just five wins. — David NewtonWhat we’re hearing on the Jets: Justin Fields, sacked nine times last week (sometimes because he held the ball too long), acknowledges he needs to be more aggressive with his decision-making. By his own admission, he’s playing “too conservative.” He has thrown a 29th-ranked 799 yards with four TDs and zero interceptions this season. The Panthers are 31st in pressure percentage, so Fields should have time to throw. One problem: Fields, who could be playing to keep his starting job, won’t have star WR Garrett Wilson (knee). — Rich CiminiStat to know: Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan leads all rookies with 22 receiving first downs this season. — ESPN ResearchBold prediction: Fields will record at least 60 rushing yards. The good news for Fields is that the Panthers have absolutely no pass rush, ranking last in the league in pass rush win rate (27.2%). The bad news is that the receiving options for the Jets are rough without Wilson. Fields could have plenty of time, but no one to throw to, so he might just take off. — Walderplay1:53Stephen 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.Injuries: Panthers | JetsFantasy nugget: Jets TE Mason Taylor finished with just one reception for 1.2 fantasy points in Week 6 in a game where the Jets managed only 82 total yards of offense, the third-lowest single-game total in franchise history. One silver lining is that Taylor played over 90% of snaps for the first time in his career. He should have more success against a defense that has given up the most receiving yards and the second-most fantasy points per game to TEs. See Week 7 rankings. — MoodyMaldonado’s pick: Panthers 21, Jets 6Moody’s pick: Panthers 24, Jets 10Walder’s pick: Panthers 26, Jets 23FPI prediction: CAR, 51.5% (by an average of 0.8 points)Matchup must-reads: Panthers’ Dowdle hitting stride back home in Carolina … Jets’ Fields feels like he’s been ‘too conservative’ … Panthers face choice between Hubbard, Dowdle … Source: Jets’ Wilson hyperextends knee, to miss time4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 69.7/100ESPN BET: LAC -1.5 (41.5 O/U)What we’re hearing on the Colts: Like most Chargers opponents, the Colts are wary of S Derwin James Jr., who has dominated the conversation in their meetings this week. “(No.) 3, Derwin running around,” RB Jonathan Taylor said when asked what sticks out about 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 interesting to see if James takes any responsibility for Colts TE Tyler Warren, who leads all players at the position with 370 receiving yards. — Stephen HolderWhat we’re hearing on the Chargers: Thirty years ago, coach Jim Harbaugh’s best NFL season came as the quarterback of the Colts. He finished fourth in MVP with the league’s highest passer rating and earned the moniker “Captain Comeback.” Upon facing his former team this week, Harbaugh said it was “one of my favorite ball teams I’ve ever been on.” — Kris RhimStat to know: Taylor leads the NFL with four rushing touchdowns outside the tackles this season. Meanwhile, the Chargers have allowed the most rushing scores outside the tackles (five) this season. — ESPN ResearchWeekly NFL game expert picks• Game picks from our NFL experts »• Betting notes » | More NFL coverage »
Bold prediction: Colts edge Laiatu Latu will record a sack. Indianapolis’ pass rush hasn’t been great, with a 28.2% pass rush win rate that ranks 29th best. But the Chargers, who are without Rashawn Slater and have been without Joe Alt (and could be again), are struggling in protection with a 52.3% pass block win rate that ranks 28th best on that side of the ball. Latu has the best pass rush win rate among Colts edge rushers this season. — WalderInjuries: Colts | ChargersFantasy nugget: Chargers WR Ladd McConkey has played well over the past two games, recording at least seven targets and 15.0 fantasy points in each. He now faces a Colts defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. More importantly, the defense has been especially vulnerable to slot receivers, which bodes well for McConkey. See Week 7 rankings. — MoodyMaldonado’s pick: Chargers 19, Colts 17Moody’s pick: Colts 28, Chargers 27Walder’s pick: Chargers 23, Colts 22FPI prediction: LAC, 50.8% (by an average of 0.3 points)Matchup must-reads: Is Taylor the best RB in the NFL?4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 52.7/100ESPN BET: DEN -7.5 (40.5 O/U)What we’re hearing on the Giants: “We’ve got a really good defense to go against. So that’s what’s keeping me up (at night).” Those were the words of rookie QB Jaxson Dart. He knows what to expect with this Denver defense. The Broncos lead the league in sacks and pressure percentage (46.1%), and their 30 sacks are 10 more than any other team. “The sacks stand out,” coach Brian Daboll said. As a result, expect him to try to get the ball out of Dart’s hand quickly. — Jordan RaananWhat we’re hearing on the Broncos: Dart will be the second of the two QBs selected in the first round of the 2025 draft to face the Broncos defense this season. Denver vexed Titans QB Cam Ward in Week 1, as the Broncos limited him to 12-of-28 passing for 112 yards and sacked him six times. The Broncos lead the league in defensive EPA, sacks (30), third-down defense and red zone defense — they are No. 2 in scoring defense. This game features two of the four most penalized teams in the league — the Giants are tied for second, the Broncos are fourth — and that can always muddy the waters. — Jeff LegwoldStat to know: Dart is one of two players this season with 150 passing yards and 50 rushing yards in consecutive games. (Patrick Mahomes did it in Weeks 1-2.) A third straight game would be the longest streak in Giants history. — ESPN ResearchBold prediction: Giants CB Paulson Adebo will record an interception. Adebo has an 18% target rate — seventh highest among outside corners with at least 100 coverage snaps — which is not ideal. But the more passes that head in his direction, the better his chances to pick one off. — WalderInjuries: Giants | BroncosFantasy nugget: Broncos WR Courtland Sutton finished with a disappointing 2.7 fantasy points in Week 6 due to a combination of facing Jets’ Sauce Gardner and the game script. However, he had 17 or more fantasy points in each of the three previous games. Sutton is QB Bo Nix’s No. 1 receiver and should bounce back nicely against a Giants defense that has allowed the most receiving yards and the third-most fantasy points per game to WRs. See Week 7 rankings. — MoodyMaldonado’s pick: Giants 26, Broncos 23Moody’s pick: Broncos 23, Giants 20Walder’s pick: Broncos 19, Giants 16FPI prediction: DEN, 65.2% (by an average of 6.0 points)Matchup must-reads: NFL, NFLPA reviewing concussion protocol for Giants’ Dart … How the Broncos quickly built contender post-Wilson release4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 69.2/100ESPN BET: WSH -1.5 (54.5 O/U)What we’re hearing on the Commanders: The Commanders’ inconsistent defense will be challenged to slow the Cowboys’ offense, which ranks third in scoring and first in yards per game. That’s quite a challenge for a defense that ranks 26th in yards (and 13th in scoring). The best way Washington can counter is by exposing a Dallas defense that is last in yards and 31st in scoring. The Commanders’ offense continues to produce despite numerous injuries, but it will need to control the ball and finish with touchdowns. A big key to watch here is the distance needed for a first down: The Commanders have needed seven yards on 55% of their third downs. If they can have fewer of those, they have a chance to control the ball Sunday. — John KeimWhat we’re hearing on the Cowboys: Maybe playing an NFC East foe can save the 2-3-1 Cowboys. QB Dak Prescott has an 11-2 record against Washington, winning seven of his past eight starts against the Commanders, and has 27 touchdown passes and just five interceptions. At AT&T Stadium, he has been even better, posting a 6-0 mark against Washington with 17 touchdown passes and no interceptions. The Cowboys will need more of that if they want to stay in the chase. — Todd ArcherStat to know: The Cowboys’ Jake Ferguson leads all TEs with 44 receptions, which is tied for the third most ever through the first six games of a season. That trails Zach Ertz (48 in 2018) and Eric Johnson (45 in 2004). — ESPN ResearchBold prediction: Prescott will throw for 400 or more passing yards. As with most Cowboys games, it’s fair to expect a points bonanza. And that’s especially true for this matchup, with a Commanders offense that should be able to score easily against Dallas, forcing the Cowboys to keep throwing to keep up against a defense with quite a few question marks. — Walderplay1:43Stephen A.: Cowboys need a win more than CommandersStephen A. Smith explains why the Cowboys need a win more in Week 7 than the Commanders.Injuries: Commanders | CowboysFantasy nugget: Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt led the backfield in snaps, routes run and touches in Week 6. He finished with just 5.8 fantasy points, but the usage was very encouraging. Croskey-Merritt now faces a defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to RBs. See Week 7 rankings. — MoodyMaldonado’s pick: Commanders 45, Cowboys 42Moody’s pick: Commanders 34, Cowboys 28Walder’s pick: Cowboys 37, Commanders 28FPI prediction: WSH, 49.9% (by an average of 0.4 points)Matchup must-reads: Commanders place WR Brown on IR with groin injury … Torrid start for Cowboys’ Prescott reminiscent of 2023 … Does Cowboys’ offense have to be perfect to win?4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 62.9/100ESPN BET: GB -6.5 (44.5 O/U)What we’re hearing on the Packers: Rookie WR Matthew Golden’s opportunities are still on the low side, but that doesn’t mean QB Jordan Love doesn’t trust him. In fact, Love has started to throw to Golden in critical spots. Love hit Golden for a 31-yard completion in Week 6 to convert a fourth-quarter third down that helped set up the field goal that put the game out of reach. “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 said. — Rob DemovskyWhat we’re hearing on the Cardinals: The Cardinals’ pass defense, which is allowing 6.23 yards per play, will be tested against the Packers, who average 8.07 yards per play. The key for Arizona will be rookie CB Will Johnson, who has given up just 12 passes on 24 targets for 103 yards and one touchdown. “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 said. — Josh WeinfussStat to know: Love has 15 games with multiple passing touchdowns without an interception since becoming the full-time starter in 2023, tied for third most in the NFL. — ESPN ResearchBold prediction: Packers WR Romeo Doubs will record 80-plus receiving yards. Last week was Golden’s turn for the big game, but Doubs still received nine targets. He is tied with the Bears’ Rome Odunze for seventh among WRs in ESPN’s open score with a 75. — WalderInjuries: Packers | CardinalsFantasy nugget: Cardinals TE Trey McBride finished with a season-high eight receptions and 21.2 fantasy points in Week 6 with Jacoby Brissett under center. Whether it’s Brissett or Kyler Murray at QB, McBride is well positioned for success this week. Green Bay’s defense gives up the most receptions and the third-most fantasy points per game to TEs. See Week 7 rankings. — MoodyMaldonado’s pick: Packers 27, Cardinals 21Moody’s pick: Packers 28, Cardinals 21Walder’s pick: Packers 31, Cardinals 17FPI prediction: GB, 64.2% (by an average of 5.7 points)Matchup must-reads: Packers seeking fix for defensive woes in second halves … Cardinals so close, but so far on a four-game losing streak … Packers snap winless streak, but at 3-1-1 how good are they?8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | Matchup rating: 57.8/100ESPN BET: SF -2.5 (47.5 O/U)What we’re hearing on the Falcons: Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich worked under current 49ers DC Robert Saleh with the Jets, and was on the same staff as coach Kyle Shanahan on the 2016 Falcons team that went to the Super Bowl. Ulbrich has helped Atlanta’s defense become one of the best in the league, as it is allowing an NFL-low 253.4 yards per game. But playing a Shanahan offense is different, Ulbrich said, and Atlanta needs to understand the holes it has put on tape because Shanahan will exploit them. — Marc RaimondiWhat we’re hearing on the 49ers: The league’s two most productive RBs will be in action, as the 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey and the Falcons’ Bijan Robinson are on opposite sides. Robinson (822 scrimmage yards) and McCaffrey (780 scrimmage yards) trained together in the offseason. “I watch him move, watch him make a lot of these plays and it’s inspiring,” McCaffrey said. “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 back should help unlock McCaffrey and a run game that is averaging a league-worst 3.1 yards per carry. — Nick WagonerStat to know: Falcons WR Drake London is one of three players with 10 receptions and 150 receiving yards in a game this season. (The others are the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase and the Rams’ Puka Nacua.) — ESPN ResearchBold prediction: 49ers CB Deommodore Lenoir will allow 20 receiving yards or fewer when facing London. Lenoir enters Week 7 allowing the lowest yards per coverage snap (0.5) among outside corners with at least 100 coverage snaps, per NFL Next Gen Stats. — WalderBest of NFL Nation• Rodgers vs.
প্রকাশিত: 2025-10-17 23:08:00
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