NFL Week 7: Key Games, Predictions, and Expert Analysis

NFL Week 7: Key Games and Analysis

The NFL’s 2025 season Week 7 presents exciting and promising matchups. We highlight the London encounter between the Jaguars and the Rams. In addition, Mike Vrabel returns to Nashville, now as a rival, when the Patriots visit the Titans. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will seek to maintain his perfect home record (6-0) against the Commanders. In Alofoke Deportes, we provide you with all the essential information. Our reporters take you to the locker room with the highlights of the week. In addition, we offer you a key statistic and a betting prediction for each game. Our data analyst, Seth Walder, presents a bold prediction for each matchup, and fantasy analyst, Eric Moody, shares crucial information for your teams. We also include Football Power Index (FPI) quality ratings for matchups and game projections. Pamela Maldonado, Moody, and Walder give us their outcome predictions for each game. The week culminates with the “Monday Night Football” games between the Buccaneers and the Lions (7 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN) and the Texans and Seahawks (10 p.m. ET, ESPN). (Game times are on Sunday, unless otherwise noted.)

Jump to a confrontation:

• 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

Break: BUF, BAL

Analysis of Key Matches

Jaguars (4-2) vs. Rams (4-2) in London9:30 a.m. ET | NFL Network | Matchup Rating: 64.2/100ESPN BET: LAR -2.5 (44.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing about the Jaguars: The Jaguars are expected to try to get WR/CB Travis Hunter more involved in the offense. Coach Liam Coen commented that they need to design more plays where Hunter is the primary option, as they feel they haven’t utilized his playmaking ability enough. There have been several reasons why he hasn’t been more involved. Examples include when Trevor Lawrence has opted to throw the ball elsewhere, Hunter was covered, or the play didn’t match the defense they found after the snap. With WR Brian Thomas Jr. struggling and TE Brenton Strange on the injured list, Hunter’s involvement should increase.

What We’re Hearing About the Rams: Rams outside linebacker Byron Young has eight games with at least a half-sack, the longest active streak in the NFL and the longest streak by a Rams player since individual sacks became an official statistic in 1982, according to ESPN Research. After six weeks, the Jaguars have the third-best pass-blocking success rate in the NFL (71%), according to ESPN Metrics/NFL Next Gen Stats. Young’s success against this line could have a big impact on the game. “It’s amazing to watch him elevate to the level he’s capable of,” said outside linebacker Jared Verse about Young.

Key stat: Lawrence was sacked seven times in the Week 6 loss to the Seahawks (the most Jacksonville has allowed in a game in the last 10 seasons). Meanwhile, the Rams have 19 sacks this season, tied for fourth.Bold Prediction: Rams WR Tutu Atwell will record over 50 receiving yards. With Puka Nacua (ankle) likely out, there are plenty of targets to redistribute. And since the start of last season, Atwell has managed 2.0 yards per route run, an impressive number for a depth player.

Injuries: Jaguars | Rams

Fantasy Tip: 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 proved in his stints with the Packers, Raiders, and Jets that he is more than capable of dominating a game when called upon. The Jaguars defense has allowed the third-most receiving yards per game and has struggled against perimeter receivers like Adams.Betting tip: Since the start of last season, the Jaguars are 10-4 ATS (against the point spread) when they are receiving at least three points.Maldonado’s Prediction: Rams 27, Jaguars 21Moody’s Prediction: Rams 20, Jaguars 17Walder’s Prediction: Rams 23, Jaguars 21FPI Prediction: LONG, 59.6% (by an average of 3.3 points)Must-reads for the matchup: Jaguars rule out Lloyd, NFL interception leader, vs. Rams … Rams’ red zone performance: ‘It hasn’t been up to our standard’ … Jaguars seek a bigger offensive role for Hunter to exploit his speedEagles (4-2) vs. Vikings (3-2)1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup Rating: 63.9/100ESPN BET: PHI -1.5 (43.5 O/U)What we’re hearing about the Eagles: “This team is alright,” WR A.J. Brown said after a week of mild panic about the state of things amid the Eagles’ first losing streak since 2023. “This team is motivated and trying to be on the same page.” Part of that process was an offensive meeting on Monday that QB Jalen Hurts said was about identifying a direction for this group to head in the future. That could mean more play-action or under-center plays, but most importantly, the Eagles need to get Saquon Barkley and the running game going. Philadelphia’s normally prolific rushing attack ranks 25th in yards per game (95.3).

What we’re hearing about the Vikings: The Vikings spent their bye week, in part, diving into a defensive vulnerability that could impact this game. They rank 24th in success rate against the run, part of the reason opponents have held the ball for an average of 31:04 per game (the 10th-worst in the league). The Eagles aren’t running well, but feeding Barkley is a stronger option than throwing against coordinator Brian Flores’ mix of blitzes and disguised coverages. Flores has said there’s nothing “sexy” about the necessary solutions. This week he added: “It’s fundamentals. It’s tackling. It’s getting off blocks, setting edges, right things in that realm. It’s not the flashy stuff.”

Key statistic: 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 for the first pressure (the fastest mark), according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

Bold Prediction: Eagles DT Jalen Carter will get his first sack of the season. Philadelphia is generating sacks on just 4% of opponents’ pass attempts (that’s low!) but will get the perfect antidote for that in Week 7: the Vikings, regardless of who’s at QB. Both J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz have maintained double-digit sack rates this season.

Injuries: Eagles | Vikings

Fantasy Tip: Jordan Mason of the Vikings has recorded at least 16 touches in four of five games this season. He should see a similar workload as the Vikings face a defensive line that ranks 26th in run stop win rate (28.6%). Philadelphia also allows the seventh-most rushing yards per game and just allowed big fantasy performances to Cam Skattebo of the Giants (31) and J.K. Dobbins of the Broncos (15.4) in their last two outings.

Betting tip: The Vikings are 3-0 ATS as home underdogs since the start of last season.Maldonado’s Prediction: Eagles 24, Vikings 21Moody’s Prediction: Eagles 26, Vikings 20Walder’s Prediction: Eagles 20, Vikings 17FPI Prediction: PHI, 52.2% (by an average of 0.9 points)Must-reads for the matchup: Eagles’ pass-rush depth impacted by Smith’s retirement … Why the Vikings need Flores’ defense to play perfectly to win … What can we deduce from the Vikings’ trip to Dublin, London?Raiders (2-4) vs. Chiefs (3-3)1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup Rating: 60.0/100ESPN BET: KC -12.5 (45.5 O/U)

What we heard about the Raiders: Ashton Jeanty ran the ball 23 times last week, the most this season. Coach Pete Carroll expects that to be the norm going forward. “I don’t think there’s any doubt,” Carroll said. “… It’s a long haul, and we have to make sure we’re handling it right. But I think being normal for him is what we should expect, around 20 carries a game.” Jeanty’s production has increased in recent weeks, as he ranks fourth in the league in rushing yards (343) since Week 3.

What we’re hearing about the Chiefs: Everyone in the Chiefs facility knows how excited WR Rashee Rice is to return from a six-game suspension, including QB Patrick Mahomes. “He’s going to want to be out there on every play. … It’s going to be our job, as teammates and coaches, to build him back up the right way.” A good balance for Rice could be to give him the ball early and keep him on the field for about 50% of the plays.

Key stat: Jeanty is averaging 3.07 yards per carry after first contact this season, the fifth-most in the league.Bold Prediction: Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco will run for over 60 yards for the first time this season. The Chiefs run in the interior zone 32% of the time (second-most), and the Raiders are allowing 4.7 yards per carry (fourth-most).

Injuries: Raiders | Chiefs

Fantasy Tip: Chiefs WRs Xavier Worthy and Rice are positioned for big performances. Mahomes is on a roll, averaging 28.4 fantasy points in his last three games. The Raiders’ defense has allowed the fourth-most receptions and the fifth-most fantasy points per game to WRs this season.Betting Tip: The Raiders are 4-0 ATS as double-digit underdogs since 2022. They have covered in three straight meetings against the Chiefs.Maldonado’s Prediction: Chiefs 35, Raiders 13Moody’s Prediction: Chiefs 34, Raiders 16Walder’s Prediction: Chiefs 30, Raiders 14FPI Prediction: KC, 78.8% (for an average of 12.0 points)Must-reads of the matchup: Rice practices, will play against the Raiders … Moore had a Sunday to remember in the victory against the LionsSaints (1-5) vs. Bears (3-2)1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup Rating: 29.4/100ESPN BET: CHI -4.5 (46.5 O/U)

What we hear about 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 harbor no ill will toward DA,” said defensive end Cameron Jordan. “If anything, I’m grateful for all the years we had so much success.” This will be the Saints’ first game against Allen since he was fired midway through last season.

What we heard about the Bears: RB D’Andre Swift’s patience paid off big against Washington. His 10.9 yards per touch marked the highest rate of any player this season, which included a 55-yard receiving and rushing touchdown as the Bears rallied in the fourth quarter. The Saints have allowed 18 scrimmage touchdowns this season (tied for fourth), so another big day for Swift could be on the horizon. “For him to stick with it and keep fighting, it was incredible to watch him do what he did, making a number of huge plays that were really important for us to win,” said offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.

Key statistic: The Saints have allowed multiple passing touchdowns in eight consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NFL.Bold Prediction: The Bears will score 40 points. Yes, that’s what I thought they would do last week. But I still believe in this offense a lot, and last week we saw that one of the team’s previous weaknesses seemed like a strength: the running game, which averaged 5.4 yards per carry against Washington.

Injuries: Saints | Bears

Fantasy Tip: Bears QB Caleb Williams is in an excellent position with Rome Odunze and DJ Moore as his primary 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 given up the fourth-most rushing yards per game to opposing QBs.

Betting tip: The Saints have a 1-4 ATS record as underdogs this season.Maldonado’s Prediction: Bears 35, Saints 27Moody’s Prediction: Bears 23, Saints 20Walder’s Prediction: Bears 40, Saints 17FPI Prediction: CHI, 65.7% (by an average of 6.4 points)Must-reads from the matchup: Saints lament missed opportunities in loss to Patriots … Bears’ Williams ‘could care less’ about outside criticism … Bears’ Moore returns to Chicago after overnight hospital stayPatriots (4-2) vs. Titans (1-5)1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup Rating: 27.6/100ESPN BET: NE -6.5 (41.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing about 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 games as visitors. Coach Mike Vrabel’s return to Tennessee, where he served as coach from 2018 to 2023, is naturally one of the main stories as well, but Vrabel and the players downplayed its importance. “The coach preached to us about being a ‘road warrior,’ following that path of least resistance,” said WR Stefon Diggs.

What we hear about the Titans: The Titans will present interim coach Mike McCoy, and it turns out to be Vrabel’s return to Nissan Stadium. With 14 players remaining from Vrabel’s tenure in Tennessee, there is no confusion about what to expect when the Patriots come to town. “On offense, they will try to block longer than the guy with the ball, until the whistle blows,” said S Amani Hooker. “And on defense, they will try to go full speed to the tackle and attack the ball.”

Key Stat: The Titans’ third-down conversion rate of 35% since the start of last season is the second-worst mark behind the Browns (30.9%). In that same time period, the Patriots have allowed a third-down conversion rate of 42.7% (the fifth-worst).

Bold Prediction: Patriots QB Drake Maye will throw four touchdown passes. New England is one of the league’s pass-heaviest teams, with a pass rate over expected of plus 3% which ranks the fourth highest. Meanwhile, the Titans have the fourth-highest pass rate over expected allowed (plus 1%). On top of that, don’t you think Vrabel will want to pour it on against his former team?

Injuries: Patriots | Titans

Fantasy Tip: Rhamondre Stevenson of the Patriots has recorded only two games with double-digit fantasy points this season, averaging 10.7 touches and only 3.1 yards per carry. Stevenson, and to some extent, TreVeyon Henderson, get an excellent matchup behind an offensive line that ranks seventh in run block win rate (73.4%) against a defense that allows the fourth-most fantasy points per game to RBs.

Betting Tip: The Titans have a 0-10 ATS record in their last 10 home games. With another loss of this type, they would tie the 1988-89 Cowboys for the second-longest losing streak against the point spread in the Super Bowl era.Maldonado’s Prediction: Patriots 35, Titans 10Moody’s Prediction: Patriots 33, Titans 23Walder’s Prediction: Patriots 38, Titans 16FPI Prediction: NE, 66.1% (by an average of 6.5 points)Must-reads for the matchup: Titans’ interim coach will stay positive for rookie QB Ward … Vrabel faces Titans for the first time since firing, says he’s not affected … Titans fire coach Callahan: What’s next for Tennessee?Dolphins (1-5) vs. Browns (1-5)1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup Rating: 25.1/100ESPN BET: CLE -2.5 (37.5 O/U)

What we hear…