NFL Nation
NFL Nation
- NFL Nation is made up of 32 team-specific reporters who cover the NFL year-round across ESPN.com, ESPN television shows, ESPN Radio, ESPN+ and social media platforms. It was established ahead of the 2013 season.
Pamela Maldonado
Pamela Maldonado
Sports Betting Analyst
- Pamela Maldonado is a sports betting analyst for ESPN.
Eric Moody
Eric Moody
ESPN Writer
- Eric Moody is a writer for fantasy football, men's and women's basketball, and sports betting at ESPN. Eric joined ESPN in 2021 after working as a senior fantasy analyst at Pro Football Network. Prior to that, he spent much of his career as a manager at a Fortune 100 financial services company.
Seth Walder
Seth Walder
ESPN Analytics
- Seth Walder is an analytics writer at ESPN, specializing in quantitative analysis. He is also a regular on "ESPN Bet Live" and helps cover sports betting. Seth has been at ESPN since 2017. He previously worked at the New York Daily News covering the Jets and Giants. You can follow Seth on X via @SethWalder.
Oct 23, 2026, 06:00 AM ET
Week 7 of the 2026 NFL season is here. We can expect a great AFC North showdown between the Bengals and Ravens -- and a great NFC North showdown between the Packers and Lions. We will have a rivalry game brewing between the Chiefs and Seahawks, as Kenneth Walker III makes his return to Seattle. We have the Steelers and Saints facing off in Paris. And we will get J.J. McCarthy's first start with the Giants, as New York plays Houston.
We're here to get you ready for the action. First, 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. Then, analytics writer Seth Walder makes a bold prediction for each matchup, fantasy analyst Eric Moody shares fantasy football intel and betting analyst Pamela Maldonado hits betting insights for each contest. We also have Football Power Index (FPI) game projections, and Maldonado, Moody and Walder all give us final score picks for every game.
Let's get into the full Week 7 slate, which culminates with a "Monday Night Football" matchup between the Cowboys and Eagles on ESPN. (Game times are Sunday unless otherwise noted, and all odds are via DraftKings.)
Jump to a matchup:
PIT-NO | CIN-BAL | SF-ATL
NYG-HOU | IND-MIN | TB-CAR
CLE-TEN | MIA-NYJ | DEN-ARI
GB-DET | LAR-LV | KC-SEA
DAL-PHI
Thursday: NE-CHI
Bye: BUF, LAC, WSH, JAX
What ESPN Analytics says ...
Steelers (4-2) vs. Saints (2-4) in Paris
9:30 a.m. ET | NFL Network | PIT -3.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Steelers: Despite the return of running back Rico Dowdle from a toe injury, Jaylen Warren will remain a major factor in the Steelers' offense. Players are sold on him as the alpha, and as tight end Pat Freiermuth recently told me, great things happen when Warren gets the ball -- and he's going to get the ball a lot. The Steelers want to use two backs, though, because it's a long season and Dowdle complements Warren's burst with a bruising style. Expect that to continue, with a slant toward Warren. -- Jeremy Fowler
What we're hearing on the Saints: The Saints spent the entire week practicing in Paris leading up to the game, and they're thankful for it. Several Saints players said it took them several days to acclimate to the six-hour time change after the plane ride from New York -- where they played the Giants -- to their practice facility in Versailles. "That's a great part of how we do it here, by today I felt normal," LB Kaden Elliss said Thursday afternoon in France. -- Katherine Terrell
Stat to know: The Saints have made the most of their red zone trips, scoring a touchdown on 84% of their red zone drives, the second-highest rate in the NFL (49ers: 85%). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Steelers LB Payton Wilson will record 12 or more tackles. Wilson ranks second in vertical distance traveled in the first second after the snap on a run play, and that has helped him accrue a strong 16% tackle rate this season (ninth best in the NFL among players with at least 150 defensive snaps). -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Steelers WR Germie Bernard has seen at least nine targets and scored 14 or more fantasy points in each of his past two games. With Roman Wilson (finger) on injured reserve, Bernard should continue seeing a ton of targets. He also has a favorable matchup against a Saints defense that has allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game over the past three weeks. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: The Steelers have hit the over in four straight games, and New Orleans gives them ways to keep scoring. The Saints allow 4.8 yards per carry and struggle to pressure QBs, which should give Warren running room and Aaron Rodgers time to throw. Meanwhile, Saints WR Chris Olave matches up well against Pittsburgh's zone coverages, giving New Orleans a way to answer offensively. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Steelers 27, Saints 20
Moody's pick: Saints 24, Steelers 21
Walder's pick: Steelers 23, Saints 22
FPI prediction: PIT, 59.9% (by an average of 2.6 points)
Matchup must-reads: Can the Saints carry their winning momentum into Paris? ... Steelers bring back veteran Valdes-Scantling amid receiver injury woes ... Saints GM Loomis asks for patience with 'young developing team' ... PSG unveil jersey for Steelers vs. Saints NFL game in Paris
Bengals (3-2) at Ravens (4-2)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | BAL -1.5 (48.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Bengals: Last season's 24-0 shutout loss at home against Baltimore isn't carrying any extra weight in QB Joe Burrow's mind. But he's well aware of how crucial a win over the Ravens is for a Cincinnati squad looking to regain AFC North supremacy. "You don't want to be 0-2 in the division," Burrow said. "That's certainly not a place of comfort." The Bengals have lost six of their past eight regular-season games against Baltimore. -- Ben Baby
What we're hearing on the Ravens: Heading into his reunion with the Bengals, Baltimore edge Trey Hendrickson has the NFL's third-best pass rush win rate at 30%, according to ESPN Analytics. Hendrickson will look to get past Cincinnati left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who has allowed two sacks in five games this season. The pass rush has proved pivotal because the Ravens have won four of six meetings against Burrow when they have sacked him three or more times. "I believe that this game for him is about to be like one of those multiple-sack games," LB Trenton Simpson said of Hendrickson. "I'm calling it, [and] I'm excited to see the celebration he does." -- Jamison Hensley
Stat to know: In 10 career regular-season games versus the Ravens, Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase has 1,204 receiving yards (120.4 receiving yards per game, most by any player against any team since 1970). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Bengals DT Dexter Lawrence II will record a sack. If Cam Jurgens (concussion) is back, I think Baltimore could actually be in worse shape in pass protection at center because Olaivavega Ioane has done so well there -- he posted a 94th percentile pass block win rate at center. Ioane would still be on the field at guard, of course, but John Simpson (9th percentile) has struggled in pass block win rate. -- Walder
1:26
What a win over the Ravens would mean for the Bengals
Fantasy nugget: Ravens TE Mark Andrews has disappointed fantasy managers over the past two weeks, totaling just nine targets and 6.2 fantasy points. He has a great opportunity to bounce back against a Bengals defense that has allowed the fourth-most receptions and eighth-most fantasy points per game to TEs. This game also has one of the highest projected point totals of the week. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: The Bengals have lost three straight against the spread, but their pass rush can make QB Lamar Jackson uncomfortable on a recovering ankle, assuming he plays. If he can't move normally, escaping pressure gets harder. On the other side, Burrow comes off a bye week with three straight games completing over 70% of his passes. He can keep Cincinnati scoring. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Bengals 27, Ravens 24
Moody's pick: Ravens 27, Bengals 24
Walder's pick: Bengals 26, Ravens 24
FPI prediction: CIN, 54% (by an average of 1 point)
Matchup must-reads: Ravens QB Jackson returns to practice but status remains unclear ... Hendrickson on facing Bengals: 'It's not about me' ... 'It's Groundhog Day': Why Ravens lead the NFL in blown double-digit leads
49ers (6-0) at Falcons (2-4)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | SF -2.5 (49.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the 49ers: While defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is returning to Atlanta -- where he spent the past two seasons as coach -- he and the Niners don't view this as any sort of revenge game. Of more pressing concern? Slowing down Falcons RB Bijan Robinson, who is second in the NFL in rushing yards (106.8 per game) and third in yards from scrimmage per game (130.8). "He's as good as advertised, pass game and run game," coach Kyle Shanahan said. "He doesn't have any weakness, so huge challenge for our linebackers, huge challenge for our whole defense and also a huge challenge for the whole team." -- Nick Wagoner
What we're hearing on the Falcons: TE Kyle Pitts Sr. has had a quiet season thus far but might finally be heating up after catching five passes for 60 yards and two touchdowns against the Bears last week. Pitts is averaging a career-low 1.4 yards per route run this season. But he has historically been great -- 3.2 yards per route -- on National Tight Ends Day, which coincides with Sunday's game. -- Marc Raimondi
Stat to know: Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. has an 81 Total QBR versus man coverage (sixth in the NFL) and a 39 Total QBR against zone coverage (23rd). Meanwhile, the 49ers use zone coverage on 68% of opponents' dropbacks (ninth highest). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey will average under 3.5 yards per carry. The Falcons' defense is allowing 3.6 yards per carry on the season, and it ranks second in the NFL in run stop win rate. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Niners WRs Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) are dealing with injuries, and both could sit with the 49ers' Week 8 bye approaching. San Francisco could heavily lean on QB Brock Purdy against a Falcons defense allowing the fifth-most passing yards per game. WRs Brandin Cooks and Christian Kirk, if activated, could benefit. Atlanta also ranks second in run stop win rate, increasing McCaffrey's receiving upside. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: The Falcons are 0-3 against the spread at home this season, and San Francisco can keep that going. Penix has struggled when defenders get near him, and the 49ers' pass rush has picked up lately. Meanwhile, Purdy can use quick throws to McCaffrey and TE George Kittle against an Atlanta defense that has struggled to stop short passes. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: 49ers 27, Falcons 20
Moody's pick: 49ers 27, Falcons 23
Walder's pick: 49ers 23, Falcons 16
FPI prediction: SF, 78.7% (by an average of 8.3 points)
Matchup must-reads: Morris is back in Atlanta -- and he's bringing his surging 49ers defense ... Falcons sign veteran QB Dalton, release QB Rush
Giants (3-2-1) at Texans (2-4)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | HOU -10.5 (42.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Giants: QB J.J. McCarthy makes his first start for the Giants in place of Jameis Winston. That will allow the Giants to open up the playbook, with the hope of jump-starting their running game against a tough Texans defense that is ranked third against the run. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said that McCarthy's skill set "is very similar to Jaxson [Dart]." It brings back a decent percentage of the playbook that the Giants had to put on the back burner when Dart was injured. Expect more of the zone-read game, rollouts and options, plays where the QB's legs and athleticism can be an asset. -- Jordan Raanan
What we're hearing on the Texans: The biggest storyline is that Tank Dell is finally back. It has been 22 months since his gruesome knee injury, but the Texans wideout is ready to return. Coach DeMeco Ryans doesn't have any expectations besides seeing Dell have fun. -- DJ Bien-Aime
Stat to know: The Giants' defense has allowed 135.5 rushing yards per game (29th in the NFL) and 75% red zone TD percentage (tied 27th) this season. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Texans edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter will combine for at least 3.5 sacks. McCarthy has a career 9.2% sack rate, well above the roughly 6% average for the position. -- Walder
1:04
McCarthy to start at QB for Giants for 'foreseeable future'
Fantasy nugget: Texans QB C.J. Stroud has scored at least 20 fantasy points in three consecutive games while completing 71.6% of his passes over that stretch. He has an abundance of receiving playmakers, and the Texans have even more reason to lean on their passing game with a rushing attack that ranks 25th in yards per game and an offensive line that ranks 22nd in run block win rate. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: The Texans have failed to cover three of their past four games as a double-digit favorite dating back to 2013. Houston has allowed 24 passes of at least 20 yards, which should give WR Malik Nabers and TE Isaiah Likely chances to help New York keep up. Houston also struggles to run, making it harder to drain the clock and protect a big lead. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Texans 24, Giants 17
Moody's pick: Texans 27, Giants 14
Walder's pick: Texans 26, Giants 9
FPI prediction: HOU, 84.5% (by an average of 10.5 points)
Matchup must-reads: Giants turning to McCarthy as QB1 against Texans ... Dell says he won't fear being hit in return ... Winston vs. McCarthy: Pros and cons of Giants' QBs
Colts (2-4) at Vikings (5-0)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | MIN -6.5 (41.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Colts: The Colts are under the microscope following this week's firing of GM Chris Ballard, which potentially foreshadows a shakeup. And things could get worse, given the matchup they face against Minnesota. The Colts, with nine turnovers from QB Daniel Jones, rank last in the NFL in turnover margin (minus-8). Meanwhile, the Vikings are tied for third with 10 takeaways. Coordinator Brian Flores' defense has been sizzling as it leads the NFL in opposing QBR (47.1). -- Stephen Holder
What we're hearing on the Vikings: Sunday will mark the end of a four-game "preseason" of sorts the Vikings have faced before heading into a much meatier portion of their schedule. Their four most recent opponents, including the Colts on Sunday, have a combined record of 5-18. Their next four opponents, which will include the Bills (5-1) and 49ers (6-0), are a combined 18-5. The Vikings want to take care of business Sunday if for no other reason than to give themselves some breathing room as they approach the upcoming gauntlet. -- Kevin Seifert
Stat to know: Jones has not thrown two passing touchdowns in a game this season. The last Colts QB to start the first seven games of a season and fail to throw multiple TDs in any of those games was Chris Chandler in 1988. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Colts will win. It doesn't make sense: The Vikings are undefeated, and the Colts literally just fired their general manager. But football doesn't always make sense. And I can't get over the fact that the Vikings have recorded a minus-0.09 EPA per play with QB Kyler Murray on the field this season. One of these games, Flores' defense won't be able to secure a win on its own. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Murray scored a season-high 18.2 fantasy points against the Saints in Week 5 before the Vikings' bye. He also rushed 10 times for 51 yards in that game, both season highs. Murray and WR Justin Jefferson should find success against a Colts defense that has allowed the 11th-most fantasy points per game to QBs. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: The Vikings have hit the under in four straight games, the NFL's longest active streak. Their relentless blitzing could make Jones rush throws and struggle to keep drives going. Minnesota has allowed only one passing touchdown since Week 1. Meanwhile, the Vikings' offense keeps needing third-down conversions to stay on the field, making another game of limited scoring likely. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Vikings 24, Colts 13
Moody's pick: Vikings 24, Colts 14
Walder's pick: Colts 23, Vikings 20
FPI prediction: MIN, 65.4% (by an average of 3.9 points)
Matchup must-reads: The case for (and against) the Colts keeping Steichen ... Vikings praise Jones Sr.'s heart with Mason out
Buccaneers (1-5) at Panthers (3-2)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | CAR -3 (44.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Buccaneers: The expectation is that barring any setbacks, QB Baker Mayfield will return after missing three weeks with a dislocated right thumb. "[We have] to take it one game at a time, and our opponent this week is the one leading the division, and so we [have] to take care of business this week, and that's all that matters," Mayfield said. He has been practicing this week with a glove that the AL champion Tampa Bay Rays helped put together. The glove contains metal for reinforcement to keep the thumb from bending in the wrong direction. Mayfield told ESPN that it feels just like a normal glove. -- Jenna Laine
What we're hearing on the Panthers: Entering Week 7, Panthers rookie safety Zakee Wheatley has become a key cog for the defense. With Mayfield likely to air it out in his return, the fifth-round pick will be the last line of defense in the secondary. DC Ejiro Evero said Thursday that with CBs Jaycee Horn (calf) and Mike Jackson (groin) on injured reserve, Wheatley's role has increased. He has picked up the slack in coverage on the back end. -- Mike Kaye
Stat to know: Each of the Buccaneers' past 12 games has been decided by one score (eight points or less), the longest active streak in the NFL and tied for the second-longest streak in NFL history, trailing only the 1989-90 Chargers (14). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Panthers WR Jalen Coker will record 90-plus receiving yards for the second straight game. Coker is currently tied for eighth in ESPN's open score, and I think he has plenty of production ahead of him. -- Walder
0:47
Carolina Panthers navigating multiple injuries
Injuries: Buccaneers | Panthers
Fantasy nugget: Mayfield is expected to play, and the Bucs might lean on a run-heavy game plan as they ease the veteran back in. Bucky Irving has had at least 15 carries in five consecutive games and is averaging 4.7 yards per carry this season. Carolina has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to RBs. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: The Panthers are favored for just the sixth time in five seasons, the fewest in the NFL. Bryce Young has thrown for at least 281 yards in every one of those games, and Tampa Bay struggles to pressure QBs. The Bucs have also struggled to move the ball, and Mayfield's expected return comes with questions. Carolina has the steadier offense. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Panthers 24, Buccaneers 20
Moody's pick: Panthers 24, Buccaneers 20
Walder's pick: Panthers 23, Buccaneers 17
FPI prediction: CAR, 56.6% (by an average of 1.8 points)
Matchup must-reads: Barring setbacks, QB Mayfield expected to start ... Panthers LB Phillips (hamstring) set to miss Week 7
Browns (4-2) at Titans (1-5)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | CLE -1.5 (37.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Browns: Their offense, which has scored the sixth-fewest points in the first halves of games (43), is trying to get off to faster starts, but that could be tough against All-Pro DT Jeffery Simmons. "I've been playing against Simmons since my Houston days, so we have a lot of history going back," QB Deshaun Watson said. "And he's a game wrecker, and he makes that defense go. So, we definitely have to make sure we watch out for him and just make sure that we control him as much as possible to get the ball out." -- Daniel Oyefusi
What we're hearing on the Titans: Rookie Carnell Tate has emerged as the Titans' No. 1 WR. Tate's 344 receiving yards are the most by a rookie receiver through six games in the Titans era. "I just see a kid that has the game come to him so easily," veteran Calvin Ridley said of Tate. This week will be a tough matchup for Tate, who is facing Browns CB Denzel Ward. -- Turron Davenport
Stat to know: Titans QB Cam Ward has a 19.7 Total QBR versus zone defense. That's the second-lowest of 33 qualified QBs, ahead of only Baker Mayfield (11.9). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Titans WR Wan'Dale Robinson will record at least seven receptions, tying his season high. Robinson has one of the largest gaps between open score (63) and catch score (39), which suggests he has underproduced based on how open he has been. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Browns WR Denzel Boston disappointed fantasy managers with a season-low 2.5 fantasy points last week after scoring at least 12 in four of his previous five games. He has a great opportunity to bounce back against a Titans defense that has allowed the fourth-most receptions and ninth-most fantasy points per game to WRs. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: Entering the week, the Browns are one of two teams yet to be favored this season, but this matchup supports why that changed. Cleveland plays more man coverage, and Ward struggles against it. Meanwhile, Watson faces a Tennessee defense allowing plenty of completions, giving Cleveland the better chance to move the ball and score enough to win. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Browns 20, Titans 16
Moody's pick: Browns 20, Titans 17
Walder's pick: Browns 19, Titans 16
FPI prediction: TEN, 50% (by an average of 0.1 points)
Matchup must-reads: How Browns' past two draft classes are catching the NFL's attention ... How productive are the Titans under center? ... Solak's seven things: Browns are a QB away from contending ... Titans' Saleh defends Elliott: Gun incident was not 'criminal act'
Dolphins (0-5) at Jets (2-4)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | NYJ -4.5 (39.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Dolphins: Wide receiver Caleb Douglas returned to practice this week after missing the team's past three games with an ankle injury. Coach Jeff Hafley was noncommittal about the rookie's availability this week but called him a "bright spot" for the team early in the season; his 94 yards in Week 1 remains the best single-game output of any Dolphins pass catcher in 2026. The third-round pick answered confidently when asked Wednesday if he still feels explosive after his injury, responding: "I always feel explosive." -- Marcel Louis-Jacques
What we're hearing on the Jets: The Jets are hopeful WR Adonai Mitchell (finger) and RB Breece Hall (quadriceps) can return from injuries on Sunday, which would give them a full complement of targets for the first time since Week 1. The offense could use a boost; it has produced only four touchdowns the past three games. A big problem is the red zone -- no TDs in the past seven trips inside the 20. -- Rich Cimini
Stat to know: Dolphins LB Jacob Rodriguez ranks fourth in the NFL in tackles (57), which is the most in a player's first five career games since Shaquille Leonard in 2018 (62). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Dolphins WR Chris Bell will record at least 50 receiving yards. Bell has run a route on more than 50% of the Dolphins' dropbacks in Weeks 3, 4 and 5. And now that the team is post-bye, I think Miami will continue to give him more work. It's going to result in a big game sometime soon. -- Walder
0:46
Why Tristan H. Cockcroft likes the Jets defense in Week 7
Fantasy nugget: If Hall isn't back, the Jets would be wise to lean on RB Braelon Allen against a defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to the position. Miami's defensive front also ranks near the bottom of the league in run stop win rate. Allen has had at least 16 touches in three consecutive games, averaging 13.2 fantasy points per game over that stretch. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: Four straight meetings between the Dolphins and Jets have gone over, but Miami could struggle to score. QB Malik Willis has only two passing touchdowns, and the Jets can stop the run and make him throw. New York hasn't been finishing drives either, scoring touchdowns on only six of 16 red zone trips. That could mean more field goals and fewer touchdowns for both teams. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Jets 23, Dolphins 13
Moody's pick: Jets 23, Dolphins 16
Walder's pick: Jets 20, Dolphins 17
FPI prediction: NYJ, 66% (by an average of 4.2 points)
Matchup must-reads: Dolphins, Jets have clear plans for future success ... Jets' Glenn backs Reich despite team's struggles to score points ... Dolphins release K Patterson after kickoff issues
Broncos (4-2) at Cardinals (2-4)
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | DEN -4.5 (43.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Broncos: As the Broncos continue to search for answers for QB Bo Nix and the offense, the expected return of rookie RB Jonah Coleman (ankle) from injured reserve could be a much-needed boost. Coleman's decisiveness with the ball, ability in pass protection and overall physicality are sorely needed in a run game that is 28th in yards after contact. The Broncos are 22nd in rushing yards on first down and 29th in rushing yards over expected on first down. That has resulted in many second-and-longs, situations where Nix has struggled mightily. -- Jeff Legwold
What we're hearing on the Cardinals: The Cardinals have some confidence coming off their first win since Week 1, and part of that is due to how the offense fared versus man coverage by the Rams, which had been an issue for Arizona in Weeks 4 and 5. Overall, QB Jacoby Brissett and coach Mike LaFleur were pleased with how the WRs and TEs did but said there's still room for improvement. "Thought we had separation. We made some plays. It's obviously a work in progress because it's going to be man [coverage] every game, but I thought we made improvements and created some separation on some key plays," Brissett said. -- Josh Weinfuss
Stat to know: Brissett has thrown four passing TDs on play-action, tied for second in the NFL behind Kirk Cousins (seven). The Broncos have allowed the fewest play-action TDs (two), and fewest yards per attempt on play-action in the league (6.0). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Nix will have a top-10 QBR in Week 7. Nix is ice cold right now, but there's no better antidote to poor QB play than the Cardinals' defense. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Nix continues to struggle this season, averaging fewer than 6.0 yards per attempt in four consecutive games and scoring double-digit fantasy points just three times this season. However, he has a great opportunity to bounce back against a Cardinals defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to QBs. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: The Broncos are 1-5 ATS (against the spread) as road favorites since last season, third worst in the NFL. Nix has thrown for only 230 yards combined over his past two games, and Denver struggles to run the ball. Arizona's defense gives up plenty, but the Broncos haven't shown they can take advantage. That makes pulling away on the road difficult. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Cardinals 20, Broncos 17
Moody's pick: Broncos 24, Cardinals 20
Walder's pick: Broncos 29, Cardinals 17
FPI prediction: DEN, 68.8% (by an average of 5 points)
Matchup must-reads: What's wrong with Nix? Breaking down Broncos QB's struggles, long-term status ... Cooper on absence due to arrests: 'No excuses'
Packers (4-2) at Lions (3-2)
4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | DET -3 (53.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Packers: The Packers hope the return of RB Josh Jacobs provides a "spark" -- coach Matt LaFleur's word. Green Bay is averaging fewer than 60 rushing yards per game and hasn't hit 100 rushing yards as a team. While Jacobs couldn't practice during his time on the commissioner exempt list, he was allowed to work out at the team facility and attend meetings. "I've been watching him work out and prepare and getting ready for whenever that moment was going to come," safety Xavier McKinney said. "And now that it's here, obviously it might be some rust here and there, but a fresh-legged Josh is going to be a monster, so it's going to be good to see." -- Rob Demovsky
What we're hearing on the Lions: Coming off their bye, the Lions are approaching this matchup with urgency. Detroit went 2-4 against the NFC North last season -- including two losses to Green Bay -- so it understands the significance of winning these contests. QB Jared Goff said, "It always feels like it counts for two," but he also thinks the Lions are prepared for the challenge. Indeed, Detroit will get a boost with the returns of center Cade Mays and defensive back Brian Branch. "I think we're coming into that stretch at the right time where our team feels like, 'OK, now we know who we are and we can move forward in the right direction,'" Goff said. -- Eric Woodyard
Stat to know: The Lions are averaging 32.80 points per game, the second most in the NFL (Bills, 32.83). It is also the second-most points they've scored through five games in franchise history, behind only last season (34.8 PPG). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Packers edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton will record a sack. Dennis-Sutton has the 12th-fastest pass rush get-off in the NFL (min. 60 pass rushes), per NFL Next Gen Stats, along with a 75th percentile pass rush win rate at edge. -- Walder
0:48
Jordan Love's sore back not a concern for the QB
Fantasy nugget: Packers TE Tucker Kraft has averaged 6.1 targets per game but has scored double-digit fantasy points only twice this season. He has a great matchup against a Lions defense that has allowed seven TEs to score at least 13 fantasy points this season. Detroit has also given up the most receptions and fantasy points per game to the position. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: The Lions are the only team whose games have all gone over this season. Detroit's defense struggles against play-action, where QB Jordan Love has thrown five touchdown passes without an interception. Green Bay's defense presents a tougher test for Goff, but he returns home after a bye with an offense averaging nearly 33 points per game. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Lions 27, Packers 26
Moody's pick: Lions 30, Packers 24
Walder's pick: Packers 34, Lions 27
FPI prediction: DET, 58.4% (by an average of 2.4 points)
Matchup must-reads: Packers' D shines versus Cowboys as Parsons nears return ... Lions hoping DB Branch's return will be game changer ... Packers RB Jacobs says he is trying to learn from 'mistake,' move forward ... TE LaPorta not feeling contract 'love' from Lions
Rams (2-4) at Raiders (3-3)
4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | LAR -3.5 (48.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Rams: WR Davante Adams, who is on IR with a hamstring injury, has 18 touchdowns since joining the Rams last season, which is the most in the NFL during that time frame. All but three of them have come in the red zone, which is more than double the next-closest Rams player (Colby Parkinson, seven), according to ESPN Research. QB Matthew Stafford called it a "team effort" to replace Adams' production in the red zone: "You're not going to one-for-one sub a guy that's going to be wearing a gold jacket one day." -- Sarah Barshop
What we're hearing on the Raiders: The Raiders are getting after the QB, with 80 pressures and 15 sacks. However, the time it takes for their defenders to get home is problematic. Through six games, the Raiders are 29th in the league in time to pressure (2.81 seconds). Maxx Crosby is frequently dealing with chips and double-teams, so the others have to do a better job of generating pressure when the majority of the attention is on slowing down Crosby. Las Vegas has a pass rush win rate of 44.7% -- 26th in the league. "It's getting the players home, and then when we do get home, making sure we get the ball out," coach Klint Kubiak said. "So, that's the cat-and-mouse game of the NFL." -- Ryan McFadden
Stat to know: Crosby has two sacks this season, tying his fewest through six games in his career (his rookie season in 2019). But Crosby has faced a double-team on 49% of his pass rushes, double any other rate through six games of his career, per ESPN Analytics/NFL Next Gen Stats. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Rams will win by double digits. I know it's all gone wrong for the Rams this season and now they don't have Adams. But they've been a top-12 team on both sides of the ball this season by EPA per play, and our preseason prior on them -- that they were the best team in football -- should still carry some weight, too. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Rams TE Tyler Higbee should see more targets. Before finishing with just four targets and 4.2 fantasy points in Week 6, Higbee had three consecutive games with at least six targets and 11 fantasy points. He has a great matchup against a Raiders defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to TEs. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: The over has hit in four straight Raiders games, as their defense keeps giving opponents chances to score. Las Vegas has allowed multiple touchdown passes in four straight games, giving Stafford a chance to bounce back. Kirk Cousins has thrown for multiple touchdowns in five of six games, and injuries across the Rams' defense could help him keep pace Sunday. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Rams 27, Raiders 24
Moody's pick: Rams 27, Raiders 20
Walder's pick: Rams 30, Raiders 20
FPI prediction: LAR, 66.7% (by an average of 4.4 points)
Matchup must-reads: Six games in, are the Rams undisciplined or unlucky? ... Why are the Raiders struggling in the second half of games?
Chiefs (5-0) at Seahawks (3-3)
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | SEA -3 (42.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Chiefs: For the Chiefs, Sunday's primetime showdown against the Seahawks can be called The Kenneth Walker III Classic. With Walker facing his former team for the first time, many of the Chiefs' veterans, including QB Patrick Mahomes, want to see him excel in a victory. "I know it's going to be a special moment for him," Mahomes said of Walker. "You get to go back to the place where you kind of built your career, where you [won] a Super Bowl. Just like anything, you've got to win a game, and he knows that we have his back." -- Nate Taylor
What we're hearing on the Seahawks: Seattle has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 35 straight games, a franchise record and the longest active streak in the NFL. This might be the toughest test the Seahawks have faced since the streak began in Week 9 of 2024. Former Seahawk Walker leads the league in rushing, despite the Chiefs having already had their bye, and he ran for at least 117 yards in four of their five games. Said coach Mike Macdonald: "I think there's mixed emotions in terms of, you're happy for him, but also, we're trying to figure out ways to stop this guy, too, because he's playing at a really high level." -- Brady Henderson
Stat to know: The Seahawks are tied with the Chargers and Saints for the most games with three-plus turnovers. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Chiefs CB Nohl Williams will allow at least 1.5 yards per coverage snap, well above his season average (0.6) and the league average (1.1). Williams has put up some impressive numbers, but my not-quite-finished player-tracking CB metrics suggest his success has been driven by catch results rather than pre-throw positioning. And that the latter is the stickier skill. -- Walder
1:04
Xavier Worthy proving to be an important piece for Chiefs
Fantasy nugget: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce was started in 62.2% of ESPN leagues last week. But after scoring at least 10 fantasy points in each of his first three games, Kelce has finished with single digits in each of his past two. His only game with double-digit targets came in Week 2 against the Colts, when he scored a season-high 25.1 fantasy points. Kelce now faces a Seahawks defense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to TEs. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: Seattle has failed to cover in five straight games as a home favorite. Its running game could struggle against a Chiefs defense allowing just 3.5 yards per carry, putting more pressure on QB Sam Darnold. He has seven interceptions, and Seattle struggles on third down. Mahomes has taken only six sacks, giving Kansas City a chance to avoid those stalled drives. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Chiefs 20, Seahawks 17
Moody's pick: Seahawks 24, Chiefs 20
Walder's pick: Seahawks 26, Chiefs 24
FPI prediction: KC, 52.8% (by an average of 0.7 points)
Matchup must-reads: Chiefs place LT Simmons on IR ... Seahawks sticking with QB Darnold as starter despite INTs ... WR Worthy thriving in expanded role
Cowboys (2-4) at Eagles (2-4)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN | DAL -4.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Cowboys: The Cowboys face an Eagles offense that will be without QB Jalen Hurts (calf/lungs) and might not have a 100% Saquon Barkley, but a defense that has struggled through six games is focused on what it needs to do. "How can the Cowboys' defense just play a clean football game?" LB DeMarvion Overshown said. "... You want to win, so we're going to do whatever it takes to do that. And really don't matter how we feel, whether we come in here smiling or whether we come in here punching the walls, the result's not going to change until we take it upon ourselves to do what we got to do to change them." -- Todd Archer
What we're hearing on the Eagles: Barkley is expected to return to the lineup following a two-week absence due to a hamstring injury. The running game was subsequently held to 35 or fewer yards in back-to-back games for the first time since 2005. With three-fifths of the original starting offensive line missing for most of the season, the issues go beyond whether Barkley is in the lineup. But he'll provide a needed boost, especially with Hurts being ruled out for the season because of blood clots. Barkley has 761 career rushing yards on "Monday Night Football," the most since 2018. -- Tim McManus
Stat to know: The Cowboys are allowing 6.0 yards per play, have only three takeaways and have allowed a 54.7% opposing third-down conversion percentage this season. They rank last or tied for last in the NFL in each category. -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: CB Joey Porter Jr. will record his first interception as a Cowboy. Porter has yet to allow a reception since joining Dallas, per NFL Next Gen Stats, though he has been penalized for defensive pass interference. He'll also probably allow his first reception in this game, but I'm banking on him picking off QB Tanner McKee, too. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Eagles WR DeVonta Smith and TE Dallas Goedert belong in fantasy lineups even with McKee under center. McKee attempted 45 passes last week, with Smith and Goedert combining for 22 targets and 32.6 fantasy points. They also have a favorable matchup against a Cowboys defense that has allowed the third-most total yards per game, fifth-most fantasy points per game to QBs and seventh-most fantasy points per game to WRs. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting insight: The under has hit in four of the past five Cowboys-Eagles meetings, but Dallas' defense gives Philadelphia a chance to score. The Cowboys struggle to pressure QBs and get off the field on third down, which could help McKee settle in. Meanwhile, Philadelphia's quiet pass rush should give QB Dak Prescott time to find WRs CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens downfield. Read more. -- Maldonado
Maldonado's pick: Cowboys 27, Eagles 23
Moody's pick: Cowboys 24, Eagles 20
Walder's pick: Cowboys 26, Eagles 17
FPI prediction: DAL, 69.2% (by an average of 5.1 points)
Matchup must-reads: Cowboys' season looks bleak but schedule offers some hope ... Hurts' blood clot diagnosis explained: What it means for the QB
Source: ESPN · NFL Nation, Pamela Maldonado, Eric Moody, Seth Walder
At a glance
- Topic
- Sports
- Country
- 🇺🇸 US
- Publisher language
- EN
- Added to Allnira