NFL Week 7 Game-by-Game Predictions

Oct 18, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le-Veon Bell (26) runs the ball as he receives a block from fullback Roosevelt Nix (45) on Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-5)

Sunday 10/25 at 1:00PM EST

No Ben Roethlisberger? No Michael Vick? No problem. Landry Jones stepped in and did as good as a third-string quarterback could do, leading the Steelers to a rare home upset victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The Steelers are dangerous on both sides of the ball, while the Kansas City Chiefs are just plain boring. And with Jamaal Charles on injured reserve for the Chiefs, it’s hard to see Kansas City doing anything against the Steelers’ stingy defense.

Houston Texans (2-4) at Miami Dolphins (2-3)

Sunday 10/25 at 1:00PM EST

Oct 18, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) passes during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. The Dolphins won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

This matchup in Miami could be the worst quarterback matchup of the week, or even the season. Ryan Tannehill simply isn’t getting things done in Miami, and his lucrative contract looks like more and more of a mistake for the Dolphins. That being said, he’s still a vastly superior quarterback to Brian Hoyer. And with Miami’s defense finally figuring things out, the Dolphins could come out of Week 7 with a 3-3 record after an extremely disappointing start. Dan Campbell’s team was fired up in Week 6; let’s see the Phins can bring some more energy in Week 7. If they come out ready to play, the Dolphins should blow by the Texans.

Cleveland Browns (2-4) at St. Louis Rams (2-3)

Sunday 10/25 at 1:00PM EST

Oct 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles (5) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

A matchup with the Cleveland Browns is a great opportunity for this Rams team to show what it’s truly made of. While St. Louis has managed to beat Seattle and Arizona, it somehow lost to the Washington Redskins in Week 2. The Rams have played a difficult schedule to this point of the season, but unfortunately, good teams are going to have to win tough games. The Browns have concerns all over their defense, and while the offense is impressing, Cleveland’s lack of a run game is a serious issue. Nick Foles could carve up the Browns’ injury-plagued secondary with ease, and Todd Gurley should be able to trample the Browns’ porous defensive line. But this is just the kind of game that Rams teams of the past would lose, dampening expectations and leaving fans disappointed. Let’s see if St. Louis can pull out a win in Week 7–it isn’t just necessary, it’s expected. Jeff Fisher only has so long of a leash.

New York Jets (4-1) at New England Patriots (5-0)

Sunday 10/25 at 1:00PM EST

Oct 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski (87) leaves the field after the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Who would’ve thought that the New York Jets would be a legitimate threat to the New England Patriots at this point of the season? It’s only been about six or seven weeks since IK Enemkpali punched Geno Smith, yet since the notorious incident, the Jets have won four of five games. Better yet, Chris Ivory and Brandon Marshall are playing like Pro Bowlers and Sheldon Richardson is somehow back on the field after an offseason incident that had people thinking his entire career could be in jeopardy. But enough about the Jets–I can’t pick against the Patriots until they lose their first game of the season. New England has been unstoppable in 2015, and while the Jets have a fantastic defense, they still don’t have an answer for Rob Gronkowski. And with the possibility of Brandon LaFell returning to action, New England’s offense could be even better than it’s been so far this season–that’s a scary thought.

Next: Late Games on Sunday and Monday