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-KC
NO-CHI | NE-TEN | MIA-CLE
CAR-NYJ | IND-LAC | NYG-DEN
WSH-DAL | GB-ARI | ATL-SF
TB-DET | HOU-SEA
Thursday: PIT-CIN
Bye: BUF, BAL
Jaguars (4-2) at Rams (4-2) in London
9:30 a.m. ET | NFL Network | Matchup rating: 64.2/100
ESPN 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 DiRocco
What 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 Barshop
Stat 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 Research
Bold 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. -- Walder
Fantasy 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. -- Moody
Betting nugget: Since the start of last season, the Jaguars are 10-4 ATS (against the spread) when getting at least three points. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Rams 27, Jaguars 21
Moody's pick: Rams 20, Jaguars 17
Walder's pick: Rams 23, Jaguars 21
FPI 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 speed
Eagles (4-2) at Vikings (3-2)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 63.9/100
ESPN 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 McManus
What 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 Seifert
Stat 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 Research
Bold 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. -- Walder
Fantasy 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. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Vikings are 3-0 ATS as home underdogs since the start of last season. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Eagles 24, Vikings 21
Moody's pick: Eagles 26, Vikings 20
Walder's pick: Eagles 20, Vikings 17
FPI 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?
Raiders (2-4) at Chiefs (3-3)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 60.0/100
ESPN 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 McFadden
What 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 Taylor
Stat to know: Jeanty is averaging 3.07 yards per rush after first contact this season, which is fifth most in the league. -- ESPN Research
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). -- Walder
Fantasy 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. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Raiders are 4-0 ATS as double-digit underdogs since 2022. They have covered in three straight meetings against the Chiefs. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Chiefs 35, Raiders 13
Moody's pick: Chiefs 34, Raiders 16
Walder's pick: Chiefs 30, Raiders 14
FPI 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. Lions
Saints (1-5) at Bears (3-2)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 29.4/100
ESPN 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 Terrell
What 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 Cronin
Stat to know: The Saints have allowed multiple passing touchdowns in eight straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL. -- ESPN Research
Bold 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. -- Walder
Fantasy 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. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Saints are 1-4 ATS as underdogs this season. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Bears 35, Saints 27
Moody's pick: Bears 23, Saints 20
Walder's pick: Bears 40, Saints 17
FPI 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 hospital
Patriots (4-2) at Titans (1-5)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 27.6/100
ESPN 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 Reiss
What 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 Davenport
Stat 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 Research
Bold 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? -- Walder
Fantasy 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. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Titans are 0-10 ATS in their past 10 home games. With another such loss, it would tie the 1988-89 Cowboys for the second-longest losing streak against the spread in the Super Bowl era. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Patriots 35, Titans 10
Moody's pick: Patriots 33, Titans 23
Walder's pick: Patriots 38, Titans 16
FPI 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?
Dolphins (1-5) at Browns (1-5)
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 25.1/100
ESPN 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-Jacques
What 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 Oyefusi
Stat 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 Research
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%. -- Walder
Fantasy 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. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Browns are 1-8 ATS in their past nine games following a loss (5-12 ATS since start of last season). Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Browns 23, Dolphins 17
Moody's pick: Browns 21, Dolphins 17
Walder's pick: Dolphins 20, Browns 16
FPI 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 Park
Panthers (3-3) at Jets (0-6)
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 23.1/100
ESPN 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 Newton
What 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 Cimini
Stat to know: Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan leads all rookies with 22 receiving first downs this season. -- ESPN Research
Bold 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. -- Walder
Fantasy 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. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Panthers are 3-0 ATS against teams with losing records with all three games going over the total. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Panthers 21, Jets 6
Moody's pick: Panthers 24, Jets 10
Walder's pick: Panthers 26, Jets 23
FPI 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 time
Colts (5-1) at Chargers (4-2)
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 69.7/100
ESPN 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 Holder
What 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 Rhim
Stat 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 Research
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. -- Walder
Fantasy 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. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Chargers are 16-7 ATS since the start of last season, tied with the Lions for the best record in the NFL in that span. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Chargers 19, Colts 17
Moody's pick: Colts 28, Chargers 27
Walder's pick: Chargers 23, Colts 22
FPI prediction: LAC, 50.8% (by an average of 0.3 points)
Matchup must-reads: Is Taylor the best RB in the NFL?
Giants (2-4) at Broncos (4-2)
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 52.7/100
ESPN 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 Raanan
What 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 Legwold
Stat 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 Research
Bold 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. -- Walder
Fantasy 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. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Broncos are 6-0 ATS against NFC teams since the start of last season. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Giants 26, Broncos 23
Moody's pick: Broncos 23, Giants 20
Walder's pick: Broncos 19, Giants 16
FPI 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 release
Commanders (3-3) at Cowboys (2-3-1)
4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 69.2/100
ESPN 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 Keim
What 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 Archer
Stat 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 Research
Bold 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. -- Walder
Injuries: Commanders | Cowboys
Fantasy 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. -- Moody
Betting nugget: This is the third straight meeting in which the Commanders are favored over the Cowboys, the longest streak since 2001-02 (three games). Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Commanders 45, Cowboys 42
Moody's pick: Commanders 34, Cowboys 28
Walder's pick: Cowboys 37, Commanders 28
FPI 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?
Packers (3-1-1) at Cardinals (2-4)
4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup rating: 62.9/100
ESPN 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 Demovsky
What 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 Weinfuss
Stat 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 Research
Bold 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. -- Walder
Fantasy 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. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Cardinals are 0-3 ATS at home this season. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Packers 27, Cardinals 21
Moody's pick: Packers 28, Cardinals 21
Walder's pick: Packers 31, Cardinals 17
FPI 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?
Falcons (3-2) at 49ers (4-2)
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | Matchup rating: 57.8/100
ESPN 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 Raimondi
What 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 Wagoner
Stat 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 Research
Bold 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. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Robinson has averaged 21.4 touches and 24.8 fantasy points per game this season. The 49ers are a decent defense but are without Fred Warner (ankle) and Nick Bosa (knee). The Falcons lead the league in rushing attempts per game, which gives Robinson even more upside. Tyler Allgeier can also be viewed as a flex option in deeper formats. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: Three straight 49ers games have gone over the total. Since the start of last season, overs are 11-0 in 49ers games following a loss. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: 49ers 23, Falcons 20
Moody's pick: Falcons 23, 49ers 21
Walder's pick: 49ers 26, Falcons 23
FPI prediction: SF, 54.5% (by an average of 1.7 points)
Matchup must-reads: Falcons' Robinson talks LeBron James X shoutout, connection after big night ... How will the 49ers replace Warner in 2025?
Buccaneers (5-1) at Lions (4-2)
Monday, 7 p.m. ET | ABC | Matchup rating: 76.6/100
ESPN BET: DET -5.5 (52.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Buccaneers: Coach Todd Bowles was asked about the team's buzz from an NFC-best 5-1 start. He acknowledged it but also knows, 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 hearing on the Lions: Detroit's defense has given up at least 24 points in three of its first six games and will be playing without DB Brian Branch, who was suspended one game for unsportsmanlike conduct. However, the Lions should get a boost as DL Alim McNeill is expected 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 few snaps to get his legs under him, but he has visualized the moment he would return since his injury. "One-thousand percent I expect to play the same way," McNeill said. "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 points in five consecutive home games dating to last season, which is tied for the longest streak in franchise history (1952-53 and 2021-22). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Buccaneers will score multiple touchdowns using motion at the snap. Tampa Bay used motion at the snap 62% of the time in Week 6 -- the second-highest rate by any team in a game this season. The Lions are 0.17 EPA per play against motion -- fourth most in the league. -- Walder
Injuries: Buccaneers | Lions
Fantasy nugget: Bucs RB Rachaad White is set up to see a massive workload with Bucky Irving (foot) not expected to play, and with receivers Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) and Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula) dealing with injuries. White has had 18 or more touches and scored 17 or more fantasy points in consecutive games. The Lions' defensive front ranks 32nd in run stop win rate (24%), so White should shine not only as a runner but also as a receiver out of the backfield. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Lions are 11-0 ATS in their past 11 games after a loss. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Lions 31, Buccaneers 27
Moody's pick: Buccaneers 27, Lions 24
Walder's pick: Lions 28, Buccaneers 21
FPI prediction: DET, 61.6% (by an average of 4.4 points)
Matchup must-reads: Godwin, Irving, Egbuka out for Buccaneers in Week 7 ... Suspension of Lions' Branch upheld upon appeal ... Buccaneers' Mayfield tempers MVP talk ... McNeill expected to play vs. Bucs, coach says
Texans (2-3) at Seahawks (4-2)
Monday, 10 p.m. ET | ESPN | Matchup rating: 62.5/100
ESPN BET: SEA -3.5 (41.5 O/U)
What we're hearing on the Texans: One of the bigger matchups will be All-Pro CB Derek Stingley Jr. against WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Seahawks' pass catcher has 696 receiving yards, the most in the NFL. Coach DeMeco Ryans said, "Whether you're covering him or not, he's making explosive plays game after game." So expect the Texans to deploy their best corner in Stingley to follow Smith-Njigba in hopes of limiting him. -- DJ Bien-Aime
What we're hearing on the Seahawks: The Seahawks' secondary might finally be at full strength against Houston. That hasn't been the case since the season opener, when rookie S Nick Emmanwori went down on the first drive with a high ankle sprain. He missed the next three games. S Julian Love (hamstring) missed three games, while CB Devon Witherspoon (knee) missed four. Neither played Sunday against Jacksonville, nor did CB Riq Woolen (concussion). But all three were back at practice by the end of the week, and all three practiced Wednesday. -- Brady Henderson
Stat to know: The Seahawks have scored 168 points this season, tied with the 1987 season for the third-most points over the first six games of a season in the franchise's history (203 in 2020, 168 in 2005). The only season in team history with at least 200 points through the first seven games was 2020 (240). -- ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Texans edge Will Anderson Jr. will record multiple sacks. Don't let the 3.0 sacks fool you: Anderson is off to a scorching start to the season with a 32.8% pass rush win rate at edge that ranks second at the position. Seahawks QB Sam Darnold has done a good job avoiding sacks, but this will be a particularly challenging matchup to keep that up. My sack model gives Anderson a 24% chance to record multiple sacks against Seattle, highest among all players in Week 7 by a substantial margin. -- Walder
Fantasy nugget: Texans QB C.J. Stroud finished with a season-high 28.7 fantasy points before the bye week. Now, he faces a secondary that has allowed the ninth-most passing yards per game (235.5) this season. It's a solid spot for Stroud and his No. 1 receiver, Nico Collins. Managers considering Kenneth Walker III or Zach Charbonnet may want to look elsewhere, as the Texans' defense has been stingy against opposing RBs. See Week 7 rankings. -- Moody
Betting nugget: The Seahawks are 3-9 ATS in home games under coach Mike Macdonald, the second-worst record in that span. Read more. -- ESPN Research
Maldonado's pick: Seahawks 26, Texans 21
Moody's pick: Seahawks 24, Texans 13
Walder's pick: Seahawks 20, Texans 17
FPI prediction: SEA, 52.1% (by an average of 0.6 points)
Matchup must-reads: Texans looking to 'flip the script' after win streak, bye ... Seahawks' Smith-Njigba is emerging as a top WR in NFL
