NFL Week 7 Preview: Predictions, Odds, and Analysis for Every Matchup

Week 7 is officially underway as division leaders clash, London’s favorite team returns home, and a Monday night doubleheader closes out the slate. Here’s a look at every matchup with odds, analysis, and score predictions.

Steelers (4–1) at Bengals (2–4)

Thursday, Oct. 16 – 8:15 p.m. | Line: Steelers -5.5

Mike Tomlin and the Steelers continue to win games and now sit atop the AFC North. Beating the Bengals would give them a full three-game lead in the division despite only playing six games. The classic hard-nosed Pittsburgh defense is back, and the Steelers are cruising.

The Joe Flacco experiment began slowly on Sunday after the Bengals managed just one first down on their first four drives. Cincinnati needs to get rolling early and control the game.

Prediction: Steelers 28, Bengals 20

Joe Flacco and the Steelers have had many epic battles over the years, but unfortunately for Flacco he is 40 now. Pittsburgh should have no issue forcing early throws and making him uncomfortable in the pocket.

Rams (4–2) at Jaguars (4–2)

Sunday, Oct. 19 – 9:30 a.m. | Line: Rams -2.5

The Rams took care of business against a depleted Ravens squad on Sunday. The offense never found much rhythm, but the defense stole the show, forcing three turnovers and holding Baltimore to just three points.

Jacksonville’s usually potent rushing attack vanished in the loss to Seattle. Trevor Lawrence was sacked seven times as the offense sputtered throughout the day. With the Colts winning, the Jaguars will be playing catch-up in the AFC South for now.

Prediction: Jaguars 30, Rams 24

London games are essentially home games for Jacksonville, which should take care of business against Los Angeles, likely without Puka Nacua.

Saints (1–5) at Bears (3–2)

Sunday, Oct. 19 – 1 p.m. | Line: Bears -4.5

The Saints appeared poised for an offensive breakout after scoring on all of their first-half drives against New England, but things unraveled after halftime. They mustered only a field goal the rest of the way and lost by one score. Another chance awaits to find positives and build toward next season.

After an 0–2 start, Chicago has pulled within one game of first place in the NFC North. The Bears leaned on D’Andre Swift and the run game to upset Washington on the road. If they want a playoff shot or a division title, these are the games they must win.

Prediction: Bears 24, Saints 21

Ben Johnson has done a terrific job turning Chicago’s season around and looks to keep it rolling at home.

Dolphins (1–5) at Browns (1–5)

Sunday, Oct. 19 – 1 p.m. | Line: Browns -2.5

Miami has lost back-to-back heartbreakers on last-second field goals, showing they are more competitive than their record suggests. But at 1-5, the margin for error is gone. If this continues, there could be major changes next year.

Cleveland’s offense remains a mess. Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw 52 passes in the loss and was sacked six times. Even the normally reliable ground game disappeared in another uninspiring performance.

Prediction: Dolphins 23, Browns 14

The Dolphins finally pull one out after several close calls, though it may already be too late to salvage the season.

Raiders (2–4) at Chiefs (3–3)

Sunday, Oct. 19 – 1 p.m. | Line: Chiefs -12.5

Las Vegas delivered defensively last week, forcing three turnovers and holding Tennessee to just 10 points. It was a step in the right direction, but the Raiders still have a long way to go before contending.

The Chiefs have clawed back to .500 after a controversial Monday night win over Detroit. They looked like their old selves again, committing zero penalties and executing with confidence. The early-season sluggishness appears gone, and few teams want to face Kansas City now.

Prediction: Chiefs 31, Raiders 21

Andy Reid has the Chiefs humming, and this matchup should not pose many problems for Patrick Mahomes, who is 12–2 against division opponents.

Eagles (4–2) at Vikings (3–2)

Sunday, Oct. 19 – 1 p.m. | Line: Eagles -1.5

Philadelphia’s running game has gone cold, contributing to two straight losses. There’s time to recover, but concern is warranted. The Eagles’ talent is undeniable, yet talent alone won’t fix execution issues.

The Vikings enjoyed their bye week but watched themselves slide to last place in the NFC North. JJ McCarthy remains questionable, setting up a possible revenge game for former Eagle Carson Wentz.

Prediction: Vikings 24, Eagles 20

Minnesota’s defense should contain Saquon Barkley and help secure a critical home win.

Panthers (3–3) at Jets (0–6)

Sunday, Oct. 19 – 1 p.m. | Line: Panthers -1.5

Carolina notched a statement win over Dallas behind another monster outing from Rico Dowdle, who topped 200 rushing yards again. After back-to-back victories, the Panthers finally appear to be finding consistency.

For New York, things hit rock bottom in London, where the Jets totaled just 45 passing yards and lost more yards in sacks than they gained through the air. The offensive line has been a disaster, and even a strong defensive effort wasn’t enough.

Prediction: Panthers 23, Jets 17

The Panthers defense should handle business while Dowdle extends his dominant run.

Patriots (4–2) at Titans (1–5)

Sunday, Oct. 19 – 1 p.m. | Line: Patriots -6.5

New England may officially be back after a road win in New Orleans vaulted them into first in the AFC East. The rushing attack remains the team’s weakest link, as four different players have topped 100 yards but none more than 200. Finding a true lead back should be a priority.

Tennessee’s latest offensive dud ended the Brian Callahan era after a 4–19 record. The Titans showed no signs of progress, and Cam Ward’s development has stalled. Interim coach Mike McCoy now inherits a sinking ship.

Prediction: Patriots 33, Titans 21

Drake Maye keeps his red-hot start rolling with another strong performance, while the defense shuts down an abysmal Tennessee offense.

Giants (2–4) at Broncos (4–2)

Sunday, Oct. 19 – 4:05 p.m. | Line: Broncos -7.5

The Giants look revitalized with Jaxson Dart under center. He has led them to two wins, in three starts, over quality teams and elevated the offense with his mobility and playmaking on third down.

Denver’s defense once again carried the load in London, holding the Jets to three field goals and recording nine sacks. Even when the offense sputters, this defense keeps the Broncos in games.

Prediction: Giants 27, Broncos 24

New York has the pieces to challenge Denver’s defense but will need Dart and Cam Skattebo to spark the offense.

Colts (5–1) at Chargers (4–2)

Sunday, Oct. 19 – 4:05 p.m. | Line: Chargers -1.5

The league’s highest-scoring offense keeps rolling, and the Colts now hold the AFC’s top seed. Jonathan Taylor continues to dominate on the ground, while Tyler Warren has emerged as a reliable safety valve for Jones.

The Chargers beat Miami but left points on the field, settling for five field goals and converting just two of seven red-zone trips. That kind of inefficiency could prove costly against better teams.

Prediction: Colts 26, Chargers 24

This one likely comes down to mistakes, and the Colts’ balanced attack gives them the edge.

Packers (3–1–1) at Cardinals (2–4)

Sunday, Oct. 19 – 4:25 p.m. | Line: Packers -6.5

Green Bay took care of Cincinnati behind Josh Jacobs’ 150-yard, two-touchdown performance. Their defense remains elite, led by the relentless edge duo of Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary.

Arizona dropped another one-score heartbreaker, its fourth straight. Backup Jacoby Brissett played well in place of Kyler Murray, which could raise questions about the starter’s long-term future if the offense continues to click without him.

Prediction: Packers 28, Cardinals 24

The Cardinals can hang around at home, but Jordan Love and the Packers should close it out late.

Commanders (3–2) at Cowboys (4–1)

Sunday, Oct. 19 – 4:25 p.m. | Line: Commanders -1.5

The Commanders have been inconsistent this season. Jayden Daniels’ absence earlier in the season hurt, and the defense has regressed from last year’s form.

Dallas looks to rebound after a tough loss to Carolina. George Pickens continues his breakout, but the defense has been leaky. Dak Prescott’s best season yet could be wasted if the Cowboys cannot shore things up on that side of the ball.

Prediction: Cowboys 33, Commanders 31

Both defenses are struggling, but CeeDee Lamb’s probable return should provide the edge Dallas needs.

Falcons (3–2) at 49ers (4–2)

Sunday, Oct. 19 – 8:20 p.m. | Line: 49ers -2.5

Atlanta’s formula was simple in Monday’s win over Buffalo: get the ball to the stars. Bijan Robinson erupted for 238 scrimmage yards and a touchdown, while Drake London added 158 yards and a score. When the defense plays to that level, the Falcons look like dark horse contenders.

Mac Jones suffered his first loss as a starter this season, throwing two interceptions that led directly to 10 Buccaneers points. San Francisco’s defense remains elite but can look vulnerable when the offense stalls.

Prediction: Falcons 24, 49ers 20

Atlanta’s defense held the reigning MVP to just 14 points last week and should build on that momentum.

Buccaneers (5–1) at Lions (4–2)

Monday, Oct. 20 – 7 p.m. | Line: Lions -5.5

Baker Mayfield strengthened his MVP case with another excellent performance, this time without his top three receivers. His resurgence in Tampa Bay has been one of the league’s best stories.

After a primetime thrashing by Kansas City, Detroit faces another difficult test. Jared Goff leads the league in touchdown passes and continues to guide one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses, but the defense must step up.

Prediction: Lions 30, Buccaneers 28

Tampa Bay’s depleted receiving corps could be a concern, and the Bucs may need another dose of Mayfield magic just to stay close.

Texans (2–3) at Seahawks (4–2)

Monday, Oct. 20 – 10 p.m. | Line: Seahawks -3.5

Houston returns from its bye week eager to reestablish rhythm. At 2.5 games back in the AFC South, the Texans remain in the mix but must lean on their defense until the offense finds consistency.

Mike Macdonald deserves credit for Seattle’s turnaround. After years of poor trench play, the Seahawks now rank among the league’s best, allowing only seven sacks while piling up 20 of their own.

Prediction: Seahawks 27, Texans 23

Seattle’s dominant run defense will force C.J. Stroud into high-volume passing, and the Seahawks pass rush should decide the game.

On Bye: Ravens, Bills

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