The NFL season hits full stride as Week 7 delivers high-stakes divisional duels, overseas showdowns, and primetime battles that could shape the playoff picture. Here’s a breakdown of the weekend’s action — grouped by date and time.
Thursday Night – Oct. 16
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals (8:15 p.m. ET)
Week 7 kicks off with a classic AFC North rivalry. The Steelers come in riding momentum behind a fierce pass rush and improved quarterback play. Cincinnati, still battling offensive injuries, must rely on its veteran leadership to stay competitive. The Bengals’ offensive line faces a tall task against Pittsburgh’s relentless front seven.
Prediction: Steelers edge out a physical win in a low-scoring contest.
Sunday Morning (London) – Oct. 19
Los Angeles Rams @ Jacksonville Jaguars (9:30 a.m. ET)
The NFL returns to London with two playoff contenders squaring off. The Rams’ offensive rhythm has been inconsistent, especially with key absences at wide receiver. Jacksonville will look to control the tempo through Travis Etienne and short passing routes. This could come down to turnovers and red zone efficiency.
Prediction: Rams win narrowly as their defense seals the deal late.
Sunday Afternoon Slate
The Week 7 Sunday window features several must-watch matchups that could shake up divisional races.
- New Orleans Saints @ Chicago Bears – The Bears’ young defense faces a disciplined Saints offense led by veteran leadership. Expect a battle in the trenches.
- Miami Dolphins @ Cleveland Browns – Miami’s high-powered offense meets Cleveland’s gritty defensive front in a matchup of speed vs strength.
- Las Vegas Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs – Patrick Mahomes will look to exploit a Raiders defense that has struggled with big plays. The Raiders’ only hope is controlling the clock and keeping Mahomes off the field.
- Philadelphia Eagles @ Minnesota Vikings – Minnesota’s defense will be tested by the Eagles’ explosive playbook. This could turn into an offensive shootout.
- Carolina Panthers @ New York Jets – Both teams have shown flashes but need offensive consistency. Expect a grind-it-out defensive affair.
- New England Patriots @ Tennessee Titans – A battle of old-school football. The Patriots’ physicality will be tested against Derrick Henry and Tennessee’s rushing attack.
- New York Giants @ Denver Broncos – Denver’s elite defense aims to frustrate a young Giants offense still searching for rhythm.
- Indianapolis Colts @ Los Angeles Chargers – The Chargers’ air attack faces a tough Colts defense. Whichever quarterback limits turnovers likely gets the win.
- Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals – Green Bay’s balanced approach will challenge Arizona’s young secondary.
- Washington Commanders @ Dallas Cowboys – A classic NFC East battle. Dallas’ defense remains the difference-maker.
Sunday Night Football – Oct. 19
Atlanta Falcons @ San Francisco 49ers (8:20 p.m. ET)
Under the primetime lights, the Falcons bring their run-heavy approach to Levi’s Stadium. Bijan Robinson will be key if Atlanta hopes to control the pace. The 49ers’ defense, one of the league’s best, will look to force the Falcons into third-and-long situations. Expect San Francisco’s offense to rely heavily on play action and yards after the catch.
Prediction: 49ers win behind their defense and home-field advantage.
Monday Night Doubleheader – Oct. 20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions (7:00 p.m. ET)
Detroit has been strong at home and continues to thrive on physical football. The Buccaneers will need to find balance on offense to keep up.
Prediction: Lions win comfortably behind their dominant offensive line.
Houston Texans @ Seattle Seahawks (10:00 p.m. ET)
A clash of styles caps off Week 7. The Texans’ young offense faces a Seattle defense that thrives on crowd energy. Expect a few big plays but also growing pains.
Prediction: Seahawks pull away late in the fourth quarter.
