NFL Week 7 Game-by-Game Predictions

Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings (3-2) at Detroit Lions (1-5)

Sunday 10/25 at 1:00PM EST

The outcome of this game could come down to one very simple question: Do the Lions have a single player who could stop Adrian Peterson from running all over Detroit’s defense? My answer: No. While Ziggy Ansah has been an expert at taking down opposing quarterbacks, that could also be attributed to the fact that he’s been in the game far longer than other players at his position. Detroit simply can’t hold onto the ball on offense, and even if the Lions can get going on O, the Vikings’ defense is strong enough to hold the Lions off. While Teddy Bridgewater hasn’t been great, the emergence of Stephon Diggs should help out, given his rapport with the second-year quarterback. The Vikes should run away with this one; if they don’t, Minnesota’s playoff hopes could be in trouble.

Atlanta Falcons (5-1) at Tennessee Titans (1-4)

Sunday 10/25 at 1:00PM EST

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to pick against home teams, but I’ve got to take the Falcons in this matchup. The Titans have absolutely no solution to stopping the run, and Devonta Freeman is running like he’s the best back in football. With all of the Falcons’ 2015 success, Julio Jones has been relatively quiet in the past couple of weeks. Matched up with a Titans secondary that is mightily struggling, Jones could have himself a career day. The Titans don’t play like they even want to win football games, so the Falcons are the obvious favorite in this matchup.

New Orleans Saints (2-4) at Indianapolis Colts (3-3)

Sunday 10/25 at 1:00PM EST

Oct 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass against the New England Patriots during the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Before the season started, these two teams were expected to have about five wins each. But after six weeks of NFL action, the two teams have five wins combined. Neither of these two teams are particularly good; the Colts can’t run the ball, their defense stinks and their coaching isn’t much better. The Saints can’t run, they can’t pass and they can’t play defense. Both quarterbacks were highly touted before the season’s start, but Drew Brees and Andrew Luck alike have disappointed. Because the game is in Indianapolis and because the Saints have an overall weaker roster, I’m giving this one to the Colts. The Saints, however, could easily steal this. The Colts aren’t a good football team.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3) at Washington Redskins (2-4)

Sunday 10/25 at 1:00PM EST

Oct 4, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) carries the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Before the season’s start, most people probably wouldn’t have guessed that Tampa Bay and Washington would have two wins each at this point of the season–but here we are. The Redskins are only a game out of first place in the NFC East, so a win against the Buccaneers could go a long way for Washington. Kirk Cousins hasn’t been spectacular, and the coaches will need to find a way to utilize Alfred Morris in the offense if this team is going to contend; however, the Redskins are a good enough team to win this game at home and stay in the hunt within the NFC East.

Next: Sunday Afternoon Games, Part 2