The upcoming Week 7 contests in the NFL’s 2025 season present captivating gridiron battles.
Continuing the international series, the Jaguars will clash with the Rams in London. Meanwhile, Mike Vrabel is slated to journey back to Nashville as the Patriots contend with the Titans. Lastly, Cowboys’ QB Dak Prescott aims to prolong his unblemished home record (6-0) facing the Commanders.
We’ve gathered all the essential details for you. Our NFL Nation beat reporters deliver firsthand insights direct from the team environments, encapsulating noteworthy remarks overheard during the week, and ESPN Research furnishes crucial statistics and betting insights pertinent to each duel. Furthermore, data analyst Seth Walder articulates audacious forecasts for every game, while fantasy guru Eric Moody bestows fantasy football advice. Comprehensive Football Power Index (FPI) evaluations, including quality metrics (scored out of 100) and potential outcomes, are available, alongside final score projections from three analysts – Pamela Maldonado, Moody, and Walder.
Let’s delve into the full Week 7 roster, which culminates in “Monday Night Football” events featuring the Buccaneers squaring off against the Lions (7 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN), and the Texans pitted against the Seahawks (10 p.m. ET, ESPN). (Game timings are for Sunday unless otherwise stated.)
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
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: The Jaguars are anticipated to integrate WR/CB Travis Hunter more extensively into their offensive strategies. As confirmed by Coach Liam Coen on Wednesday, they intend to introduce more offensive plays where Hunter is the primary receiver, based on the feeling that his dynamic playmaking capabilities haven’t been fully exploited. Diverse reasons have historically contributed to his sporadic involvement, encompassing scenarios where Trevor Lawrence directed his focus elsewhere, instances of Hunter being closely defended, and play calls that weren’t in sync with the defense. However, given the challenges faced by WR Brian Thomas Jr. and TE Brenton Strange’s placement on injured reserve, bolstering Hunter’s offensive contribution becomes crucial. — Michael DiRocco
What we’re hearing on the Rams: According to ESPN Research, Rams outside linebacker Byron Young boasts an impressive streak of eight consecutive games with a minimum of half a sack, currently the longest running streak in the NFL and the most extended streak achieved by a Rams player since individual sacks became an official statistic in 1982. Over the initial six weeks, ESPN Metrics/NFL Next Gen Stats indicate that the Jaguars exhibit the third-best pass block win rate within the NFL (71%). Thus, Young’s performance against this robust defensive front could heavily influence the game’s outcome. Fellow outside linebacker Jared Verse shared that Young’s elevation to his potential level has been simply “astonishing”. — Sarah Barshop
Stat to know: Lawrence absorbed a career-high seven sacks in Week 6’s loss to the Seahawks, marking the highest number Jacksonville has conceded in a game throughout the past decade. Simultaneously, the Rams have notched 19 sacks this season, ranking them in a tie for fourth place among all teams. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Rams WR Tutu Atwell is poised to accumulate over 50 receiving yards. The likely absence of Puka Nacua (due to an ankle injury) will redistribute a multitude of targets. Since the onset of the prior season, Atwell has impressively secured 2.0 yards per route run, which is considerable for a depth player. — Walder
Injuries: Jaguars | Rams
Fantasy nugget: Rams WR Davante Adams is expected to see a rise in target opportunities. This season, he has averaged 9.7 targets and 13.9 fantasy points per game. Past performances with the Packers, Raiders, and Jets highlight his proficiency in dominating a game when called upon. With the Jaguars’ defense conceding the third-most receiving yards per game and encountering difficulties against perimeter receivers like Adams, expect a notable performance. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Jaguars have demonstrated a strong ATS (against the spread) record of 10-4 since the beginning of last season when given 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 sideline Lloyd, NFL’s interceptions leader, facing Rams … Rams evaluate red zone efficiency: ‘Fallen short of expectations’ … Jags aim for expanded offensive contribution from Hunter to maximize speed
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: Following a period of minor concern surrounding the Eagles’ situation after their initial losing sequence since 2023, WR A.J. Brown commented that “This team is fine.” He elaborated, noting that “This team is motivated, and trying to get on the same page.” Integral to this reconciliation was an offensive review conducted on Monday, intended to specify a collective direction for future progress, as detailed by QB Jalen Hurts. This could potentially translate to a heightened usage of play-action schemes or under-center formations. However, prioritizing the activation of Saquon Barkley alongside bolstering the ground game remains the foremost objective. The usually formidable rushing prowess of Philadelphia’s offense currently stands ranked 25th, averaging 95.3 yards per game. — Tim McManus
What we’re hearing on the Vikings: A significant part of the Vikings’ bye week involved an in-depth analysis of defensive frailties that may impact the game. They are currently ranked 24th in terms of defending against rushing plays, which is a factor in opponents holding possession for an average of 31:04 each game (ranking 10th worst in the league). Despite the Eagles’ struggles in rushing, employing Barkley as a rusher presents a more favorable strategy compared to consistently throwing against coordinator Brian Flores’ blend of blitzes and cleverly concealed defensive setups. Flores has emphasized the unglamorous nature of the necessary fixes, and iterated on the importance of fundamental aspects such as tackling, disengaging from blocks, and setting the defensive perimeter. — Kevin Seifert
Stat to know: According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Hurts averages 2.98 seconds from snap to throw, the third-longest duration in the league, trailing only Caleb Williams and Justin Fields. Simultaneously, Hurts will face a Vikings defense with an average of 2.53 seconds to exert first pressure, positioning them as the fifth quickest. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Eagles DT Jalen Carter is set to record his initial sack of the season. While Philadelphia is only registering sacks on 4% of opposing pass attempts (a comparatively low percentage), they are poised to capitalize on a favorable scenario in Week 7 when facing the Vikings. Regardless of whether J.J. McCarthy or Carson Wentz occupies the QB position, both have shown double-digit sack rates this season. — Walder
0:57
Why Kurt Warner is worried about the Eagles
Kurt Warner joins “The Rich Eisen Show” to explain why he fears the Eagles have lost their identity.
Injuries: Eagles | Vikings
Fantasy nugget: Vikings RB Jordan Mason has amassed at least 16 touches in four out of five games this season and is projected to experience a similar workload against a defensive line that ranks 26th in run stop win rate (28.6%). Additionally, Philadelphia is allowing the seventh-most rushing yards per game and recently yielded significant fantasy performances to Cam Skattebo from the Giants (31) and J.K. Dobbins from the Broncos (15.4) in their latest two encounters. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Vikings hold a 3-0 record ATS as home underdogs since the commencement 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’ defensive pass-rush intensity diminishes with Smith’s departure … Vikings need Flores’ defensive strategy to execute flawlessly for victory … Insights from Vikings’ endeavors across Dublin, London?
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 anticipates this becoming routine going 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 output has increased recently, ranking fourth in the league in rushing yards (343) since Week 3. — Ryan McFadden
What we’re hearing on the Chiefs: WR Rashee Rice’s excitement regarding his return from a six-game suspension resonates throughout the Chiefs’ facility, and QB Patrick Mahomes is aware of this sentiment. Mahomes noted that Rice will “want to be out there every single play” and emphasized that it would be the responsibility of both coaches and teammates to facilitate his re-integration properly. Strategically, securing early receptions for Rice and maintaining his presence on the field for around 50% of plays could be beneficial. — Nate Taylor
Stat to know: Jeanty is averaging 3.07 yards per rush after initial contact in the current season, positioning him fifth highest across the league. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco is set to surpass 60 rushing yards for the first occasion this season. The Chiefs execute inside zone runs 32% of the time (ranking second highest), whereas the Raiders permit 4.7 yards per carry (ranking fourth highest). — Walder
Injuries: Raiders | Chiefs
Fantasy nugget: Chiefs WRs Xavier Worthy and Rice are positioned for substantial performances. Mahomes has been performing optimally, securing an average of 28.4 fantasy points in his latest three outings. This Raiders’ defense has permitted the fourth-most receptions and fifth-most fantasy points per game to WRs this season. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Since 2022, the Raiders have a 4-0 record ATS when entering as double-digit underdogs. They have also successfully covered in their three latest clashes 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 attends practice, set to play against Raiders … Moore has Sunday to commemorate after win against Lions
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 coaching staff have minimized the potential for a “revenge” narrative regarding Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who was associated with New Orleans from 2015-2024 in the capacity of a senior defensive assistant, defensive coordinator, and head coach. Cameron Jordan, an edge rusher, commented that he harbors no ill feelings toward Allen and rather expresses gratitude for the years of “high success” achieved together. This game signifies the Saints’ inaugural contest against Allen since his dismissal midway through the previous season. — Katherine Terrell
What we’re hearing on the Bears: D’Andre Swift’s perseverance yielded significant gains against Washington. His 10.9 yards per touch marked the highest value for any player this season, which included a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown while the Bears rallied during the fourth quarter. As the Saints have allowed 18 scrimmage touchdowns this season (tied for fourth), Swift could be on course for another significant day. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle remarked on Swift’s commitment and battle which were evident in his pivotal plays that were “really important” for securing their victory. — Courtney Cronin
Stat to know: The Saints have conceded multiple passing touchdowns in eight consecutive games, which is the NFL’s current longest streak. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Bears are poised to score 40 points. This mirrors my expectations from last week. I continue to have unwavering faith in this offense, and last week’s encounter displayed the transformation of a prior deficiency into a strength, where the running game secured an average of 5.4 yards per carry against Washington. — Walder
Injuries: Saints | Bears
Fantasy nugget: Bears QB Caleb Williams occupies a favorable position, with Rome Odunze and DJ Moore as his top receivers, when facing a Saints defensive unit that has conceded the fourth-most fantasy points per game to QBs. Additionally, Williams has performed strongly when blitzed this season, and Chicago’s offensive line currently ranks eighth in pass block win rate (66.2%). The Saints’ defensive lineup has also given up the fourth-most rushing yards per game to opposing QBs. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Saints hold a 1-4 record 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 express regret over squandered chances in loss against Patriots … Bears’ Williams remains unconcerned by criticisms … Bears’ Moore returns to Chicago following overnight hospital stay
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 are set to accomplish something not achieved since 1961, pre the 1967 AFL-NFL merger; achieving three successive regular-season road game victories. The natural focus resides around Coach Mike Vrabel’s homecoming to Tennessee, where he was head coach from 2018 to 2023, despite Vrabel and the players downplaying the significance. WR Stefon Diggs mentioned the coach emphasized adopting a “road warrior” mindset, pursuing the “path of least resistance.” — Mike Reiss
What we’re hearing on the Titans: The Titans are set to debut interim coach Mike McCoy at Nissan Stadium, against Vrabel. With 14 players still on the roster from Vrabel’s Tennessee tenure, expectations remain distinct. Safety Amani Hooker noted that offensively, the Patriots would attempt to block longer than the player carrying the ball, until the whistle, while defensively, they would go “full tilt to the tackle and storm the ball.” — Turron Davenport
Stat to know: Since last season, the Titans’ third-down conversion rate is 35%, second worst behind the Browns’ 30.9%. During the same time, the Patriots’ allowed third-down conversion rate is 42.7% (fifth worst). — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Patriots QB Drake Maye will make four touchdown passes. New England is a heavy-pass team, with a plus-3% pass rate over expectation which is ranked fourth highest. Likewise, the Titans have the fourth-highest pass rate over expectation allowed at plus-1%. Vrabel is also expected to “pour it on” against his former team. — Walder
1:38
Mike McCarthy: ‘The game goes on’ after midseason firings
Mike McCarthy joins “The Pat McAfee Show” to give his perspective on what it means when an NFL head coach gets fired midseason.
Injuries: Patriots | Titans
Fantasy nugget: Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson has only posted two games with double-digit fantasy points this season, averaging 10.7 touches and just 3.1 yards per carry. Stevenson, alongside TreVeyon Henderson, is matched excellently with an offensive line that is ranked 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, tying the 1988-89 Cowboys for the second-longest losing streak in the Super Bowl era with another such loss. 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 remain positive for rookie QB Ward … Vrabel faces Titans for the first time since being fired, remaining unfazed … Titans fire coach Callahan: What’s next for Tennessee?
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 realized his potential as a second-round pick. He is ranked 16th in pass block win rate (92%) and has allowed two sacks. He is set to face Myles Garrett, a significant challenge, however, Coach Mike McDaniel says that a team effort is needed to contain Garrett who is ranked fifth among edge rushers in pass rush win rate (22.5%). Paul noted that Garrett can still win, even when a tackle is in a great position and added that he is a great football player and that he is “very excited” for the challenge. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
What we’re hearing on the Browns: With the Dolphins defense ranked 29th in points allowed per game (29.0) and 31st in yards per play allowed (6.3), it may be the perfect matchup for the Browns’ offense to find its stride. However, Cleveland’s players continue to emphasize that they need to minimize self-inflicted errors before capitalizing on opportunities. WR Jerry Jeudy remarked that the offense struggles when “one guy messes up.” — Daniel Oyefusi
Stat to know: The Dolphins have been outgained by 602 yards this season, ranking as 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 a tackle or assist on 18% of his defensive plays, placing him fourth among all LBs this season. My tackle model shows that he has a 44% chance of hitting double-digit combined tackles this week, the highest out of any player. — Walder
Injuries: Dolphins | Browns
Fantasy nugget: Browns RB Quinshon Judkins is positioned to rebound after a disappointing 3.6 fantasy points in Week 6. He has had 19 or more touches and scored at least 13 fantasy points in three of his past four games. Now, he will face a defense that was hurt by Rico Dowdle (32.4) and Kimani Vidal (22.8) in back-to-back weeks. See Week 7 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Browns are 1-8 ATS in their past nine games after a loss (5-12 ATS since the 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 errors … Haslams, Cleveland reach deal to move Browns to Brook Park
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: Coach Dave Canales said RB Rico Dowdle “earned the right to help this team,” following Dowdle compiling a team two-game-record 473 scrimmage yards while Chuba Hubbard was sidelined with a calf injury. Canales made this comment after being asked if Dowdle earned the right to start with Hubbard returning Sunday. While both running backs indicated that it doesn’t matter who starts, it is unlikely that Canales will disrupt their chemistry as he attempts to secure a three-game win streak for the first time since 2021. It is worth noting that the 2021 team lost four straight following a 3-0 start and finished with five wins. — David Newton
What we’re hearing on the Jets: Justin Fields, who was sacked nine times last week, acknowledged that he needs to be more aggressive in his decision-making, admitting that he is playing “too conservative.” He has passed for 799 yards, with four touchdowns and zero interceptions. The Panthers are ranked 31st in pressure percentage, which suggests that Fields should have more time to throw, but will not have star WR Garrett Wilson. — Rich Cimini
Stat to know: Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan has had 22 receiving first downs this season, leading all rookies in this category. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Fields will record at least 60 rushing yards. The good news for Fields is that the Panthers have a weak pass rush, ranking last in the league in pass rush win rate (27.2%). Due to the receiving options for the Jets, Fields could take off to run if he has the time. — Walder
