Week 7 NFL predictions highlight key injuries and matchups across the league
Analysts weigh injuries, recent performances and defensive strengths as they forecast outcomes for Week 7 games, including the Patriots-Bears, Steelers-Saints and Chiefs-Seahawks contests.
Analysts preview Week 7 of the NFL season, focusing on injury reports and recent form to justify their picks. Dan argues that the New England Patriots face a short week and missing key players such as right guard, left guard and cornerback Carlton Davis III, while the Chicago Bears will be without running back Kyle Monangai. He expects the Bears’ defense to challenge Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who is also without leading receiver Romeo Doubs.
Jeremy notes the first NFL game in Paris features the Pittsburgh Steelers, who recovered from a 13-point deficit to win in overtime, against a Saints team that built a 24-point lead late but relied on a third-string quarterback. He highlights Pittsburgh’s third-ranked defensive takeaways versus New Orleans’ 28th-ranked turnover rate, and anticipates a strong rushing effort from Steelers backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle against a run defense ranked 30th.
Dan favors the San Francisco 49ers over the Atlanta Falcons, citing San Francisco’s overall strength and Atlanta’s defensive lapses, including consecutive games allowing over 30 points. He points to limited touches for Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and recent fumbles by rookie returner Zachariah Branch as concerns.
Gennaro backs the Cincinnati Bengals, emphasizing the impact of recent defensive upgrades, particularly the addition of defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, which helped the team lead the league in run-stop percentage. He also mentions the Baltimore Ravens’ strong rushing attack despite Lamar Jackson’s recent absence.
Dan picks the Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, noting the Buccaneers may be without quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka due to injuries, while Carolina’s defense appears more consistent.
Brooke selects the Houston Texans over the New York Giants, highlighting quarterback C.J. Stroud’s improved play and the Texans’ recent defensive resurgence under DeMeco Ryans, as well as the Giants’ struggles with an inconsistent running game.
Bobby chooses the Minnesota Vikings to defeat the Indianapolis Colts, citing the Vikings’ strong defense against both the run and pass, and the Colts’ quarterback struggles with turnovers.
Jeremy backs the New York Jets against the Miami Dolphins, pointing to the Jets’ recent success against weaker opponents and a healthy receiving corps.
Brooke favors the Tennessee Titans over the Cleveland Browns, noting both teams’ low scoring averages but trusting the Titans’ defensive line anchored by Jeffery Simmons.
Bobby predicts a win for the Denver Broncos against the Arizona Cardinals, focusing on the Broncos’ defensive consistency and the need for quarterback Bo Nix to improve his performance.
Gennaro expects the Green Bay Packers to beat the Detroit Lions, emphasizing the Packers’ defensive improvements under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon and the Lions’ reliance on quarterback Jared Goff’s efficient play.
Brooke backs the Las Vegas Raiders over the Los Angeles Rams, citing the Rams’ special-teams struggles and injuries, while the Raiders have a more reliable kicker and a productive offense.
Gennaro projects the Kansas City Chiefs to defeat the Seattle Seahawks, highlighting the Chiefs’ newly strong rushing attack led by Kenneth Walker III and the Seahawks’ ongoing ground-game issues.
Bobby picks the Dallas Cowboys against the Philadelphia Eagles, noting the Eagles’ injuries, including quarterback Jalen Hurts’ absence, and the Cowboys’ offensive weapons surrounding quarterback Dak Prescott.