- Colts, Chargers in one of the best games of Week 7: Two competitive teams in the AFC face off on Sunday.
- Lions vs. Buccaneers is a likely showdown of the week: The Buccaneers and Lions clash in what should be the best game in this slate.
- Unlock your edge with PFF+: Access Premium Stats, dominate fantasy with in-season tools and projections and make smarter bets with the new PFF Player Prop Tool.
Estimated Reading Time: 19 minutes
We're diving into every matchup in Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season — including key storylines, matchups to watch, and injury news. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns kick things off on Thursday Night Football.
Click below to jump to a game:
PIT@CIN | LAR@JAX | NO@CHI | MIA@CLE | LV@KC | PHI@MIN | CAR@NYJ | NE@TEN | NYG@DEN | IND@LAC | GB@ARZ | WAS@DAL | ATL@SF | TB@DET | HOU@SEA
Pittsburgh Steelers (-5.5) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Storyline of the game: Can the Bengals’ offense find another gear?
Joe Flacco compiled a 77.4 overall PFF grade in his first game as the Bengals’ starter, and though the overall performance from the offense wasn’t exceptional (0.031 EPA per play), it was a significant improvement from the last few games with Jake Browning under center. Ja’Marr Chase (78.8 grade) and Tee Higgins (72.0 grade) were frequently involved, and with a week of practice in the offense under his belt, can Flacco help a struggling offense find a rhythm and get its season back on track?
Matchup to watch: Steelers’ pass rush vs. Bengals pass-protection
The Bengals' offensive line has struggled in pass protection early in the season, and is currently allowing a 37.8% pressure rate, fifth-highest in the NFL. Flacco was pressured on just 26.1% of his dropbacks, though, and had a quick average time to throw (2.35 seconds). That’ll have to sustain, as the Steelers are pressuring opposing quarterbacks at the 12th-highest rate in the league and are third in total sacks (25).
Additional News
- The Bengals reportedly have no interest in trading EDGE Trey Hendrickson, who is questionable this week (hip).
Los Angeles Rams (-3.0) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Storyline of the game: How will the Rams’ offense cope without Puka Nacua?
Puka Nacua has arguably been the best wide receiver in the NFL in 2025. He’s caught 54 passes for 616 yards and two touchdowns in six games, and his 92.6 overall PFF grade leads all receivers. However, Nacua will be missing from the Rams' lineup in Week 7 after suffering an ankle injury against the Ravens, and Los Angeles’ offense lost a little bit of its edge without him on the field. LA is also up against a defense that ranks fifth in EPA per play allowed. Matthew Stafford is still playing at an elite level (90.5 grade; 4th), but how will he cope without his top receiver?
Matchup to watch: Rams QB Matthew Stafford vs. Jaguars’ pass coverage
Stafford has been performing at an MVP caliber in 2025, and he’s been excellent at targeting down the field and creating explosive plays with his arm. His 96.2 deep PFF passing grade is fourth among quarterbacks, as he’s tied for the most deep completions (15) and has the second-most big-time throws (14) in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are excellent in pass coverage, permitting the sixth-lowest EPA per passing play, in part thanks to the fact that they’ve forced 11 interceptions — the most in the NFL.
Additional News
- WR Puka Nacua (ankle) is out for the game, but could return after the Rams’ Week 8 bye.
New Orleans Saints vs. Chicago Bears (-5.0)
Storyline of the game: The continued development of Caleb Williams
Williams struggled last time out against the Commanders, earning a 46.1 overall PFF grade, but progression isn’t always linear. It’s clear that the former No. 1 overall pick has taken strides in his second season in the NFL, his first with Ben Johnson. His 68.8 overall PFF grade is 20th among quarterbacks, and he’s only thrown two interceptions while improving his big-time throw rate to 5.2% (8th).
Williams and the Bears take on a Saints team playing above expectations, even with a 1-5 record. Games like this will be the perfect setting for Williams to show the league his continued development in Year 2.
Matchup to watch: Bears WR Luther Burden III vs. Saints CB Alontae Taylor
Bears receiver Luther Burden III was the big beneficiary for the team coming out of the Week 5 bye. Burden caught 4-of-4 passes for 51 yards and posted an 81.1 grade in the 25-24 win against the Commanders in Week 6, and could make a sizable impact against Saints corner Alontae Taylor. Taylor’s 67.5 PFF coverage grade is 31st among cornerbacks, and he’s played most of his snaps in the slot, but he’s allowed 200 yards in coverage so far. Taylor is also the most targeted player on the Saints’ defense (31 targets). Expect Ben Johnson to move his rookie receiver all over the field.
Additional News
- Bears CB Jaylon Johnson (groin) still hasn’t practiced after being placed on injured reserve after Week 2.
Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns (-2.0)
Storyline of the game: Can the Dolphins' defense stop the run?
A myriad of issues have cropped up across the board for the Dolphins in 2025, but the defense's inability to stop the run might be the most pressing. The Dolphins are currently allowing the most rushing yards per game in the NFL (168.5) and are 27th in rushing EPA per play allowed as well as 25th in PFF run-defense grade (60.2). They’ll take on a Browns offense that hasn’t been up to much, but at least has a young stud in Quinshon Judkins (74.1 grade; 10th) at running back.
Matchup to watch: Browns CB Denzel Ward vs. Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle
With Tyreek Hill injured and out for the year, Jaylen Waddle is going to draw the toughest matchups every week. Although Browns corner Denzel Ward (50.9 grade; 90th) is struggling in 2025, he’ll prove to be a tough test for the Dolphins’ receiver. Waddle’s 80.3 grade is 12th among wideouts, and he’s caught 12 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown since Hill has been absent.
Additional News
- Browns TE David Njoku (knee) is questionable.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs (-12.0)
Storyline of the game: The Chiefs get Rashee Rice back
The Chiefs' offense has been rounding into form in recent weeks and is currently fourth in EPA per play after the team’s 30-17 win against the Lions in Week 6. The unit is about to get even better, with the return of star WR Rashee Rice from a six-game suspension and injury. Rice caught 24 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns in 2024, generating an 85.1 grade in four games.
His presence in the lineup will likely give Patrick Mahomes his No. 1 target back. For an offense that’s already starting to hit its stride, we’ll see just how good the signs will be against the Raiders.
Matchup to watch: Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby vs. Chiefs T Jawaan Taylor
Despite the Raiders' struggles, Maxx Crosby has still been one of the best defenders in the NFL. His 82.5 overall PFF grade is 16th among edge rushers; his 25 pressures are 11th at the position; and his 15 stops are sixth.
Crosby will look to disrupt Chiefs tackle Jawaan Taylor this week. Taylor has been up-and-down in 2025, allowing eight pressures but zero sacks through six games, but has been assessed for more penalties (eight) than any other tackle in the NFL.
Additional News
- The Chiefs will have WR Rashee Rice back from suspension, and he is expected to get a heavy workload.
- Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is now the MVP favorite (+200).
- Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers is a strong candidate to be traded before the deadline.
Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings
Storyline of the game: Will the Eagles get back on track?
The Eagles have now lost back-to-back games and are 4-2. At the end of the day, they remain Super Bowl contenders, but the offense has struggled to consistently move the ball in 2025 and is 15th in EPA per play. There feels like a lack of connectivity across the board, as Philadelphia’s offense can’t seem to get its playmakers rolling at the same time. Both Saquon Barkley (57.2 grade; 45th) and A.J. Brown (70.0 grade; 35th) have struggled to impact games for large stretches, and they’ll have a tough task against a Vikings defense that ranks second in EPA per play allowed.
Matchup to watch: Eagles RB Saquon Barkley vs. Vikings’ run defense
If there’s any game for a bounce-back for Barkley, it could be this week. As good as the Vikings’ defense is in pass coverage (65.6 grade; 8th), the unit has been inconsistent against the run. Minnesota slots 23rd in EPA per play allowed against the run, and 61.8% of its plays against the run have received a negative grade. Barkley is averaging just 3.4 yards per attempt, but is still eighth in runs of 10 yards or more.
Additional News
- Eagles EDGE Za’Darius Smith has been placed on the Reserve/Retired List.
Carolina Panthers (-2.0) vs. New York Jets
Storyline of the game: Can the ground game lift the Panthers again?
The Panthers' offense has generated 828 yards of offense in the last two weeks, and 455 of those yards have come on the ground. That’s largely thanks to the impressive performance of HB Rico Dowdle, whose 84.6 PFF rushing grade in that time leads the NFL. With Chuba Hubbard expected to return in Week 7 — and head coach Dave Canales non-committal on a starter — can the Panthers replicate the same rushing success against the Jets, a defense that has the eighth-highest grade against the run (74.1)?
Matchup to watch: Panthers’ pass rush vs. Jets’ pass protection
The Panthers‘ defense has played above expectations in 2025, but the pass rush is still one of, if not the worst, in the NFL. Carolina is pressuring opposing quarterbacks at the lowest rate in the league (25.7%) and has just five sacks, the fewest in football. But, the Panthers take on a Jets offensive line that’s allowing more pressure than any unit in the NFL (43.7%) and has given up the second-most sacks in the league (14). Two bad groups trying to figure things out will match up.
Additional News
- Jets WR Garrett Wilson (knee) is expected to miss time.
- Jets HB Breece Hall could be traded, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
New England Patriots (-7.0) vs. Tennessee Titans
Storyline of the game: Can Drake Maye build a legitimate MVP case?
Drake Maye has ascended in his second season, as his 83.9 grade is sixth among quarterbacks in the NFL. Importantly, he’s led the Patriots to a 4-2 record. The discourse surrounding early MVP candidates has begun, and Maye has played himself into that conversation. He can further solidify his case with a strong performance against a struggling Titans team.
Matchup to watch: Patriots G Mike Onwenu vs. Titans DI Jeffery Simmons
The Titans' defense has been a mess in 2025 — but the lone bright spot, as he often is, is defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Simmons’ 85.3 overall PFF grade is sixth among defensive tackles; he leads the position with 27 pressures, while his five sacks are second. The former first-round pick has been a game-wrecker throughout his career and is having a massive impact in 2025.
He’ll face off against Mike Onwenu, who has allowed nine pressures and zero sacks this season. Onwenu’s 80.5 PFF pass-blocking grade is fourth among guards, and he’ll give Simmons a tough test.
Additional News
- Teams are keeping tabs on Titans DI Jeffery Simmons before the Nov. 4 trade deadline, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
- Titans WR Calvin Ridley (hamstring) could miss time after suffering the injury in Week 6.
New York Giants vs. Denver Broncos (-7.0)
Storyline of the game: Can Jaxson Dart and the Giants show up against an elite defense?
The Giants have looked like a more compelling team since bringing in Jaxson Dart at quarterback, and are 2-1 through the first three weeks of this era. But Dart and the New York offense will face its toughest test in Week 7 against the Broncos defense, a unit that is first in EPA per play allowed in 2025. Dart’s 67.4 grade ranks 23rd among quarterbacks, but the Broncos will aim to make life tough for the rookie first-round pick.
Matchup to watch: Giants RB Cam Skattebo vs. Broncos’ run defense
Like Dart, rookie HB Cam Skattebo has been a revelation for the Giants’ offense in 2025. His 82.1 overall PFF grade is second at the position, and his five touchdowns through six games are third in the league — propelling the Giants to sit ninth in rushing EPA per play. The Broncos’ defense, as anticipated, is one of the better units against the run, ranking seventh in EPA per play allowed per rush. Denver’s defense has playmakers across the board, as its 70.7 grade against the run is 11 in the NFL. Skattebo will have his work cut out.
Additional News
- Giants C John Michael Schmitz is still in concussion protocol.
- Giants WR Darius Slayton (hamstring) is questionable.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Los Angeles Chargers (-1.5)
Storyline of the game: Two division leaders look to stay ahead
The Colts (5-1) and Chargers (4-2) have started the season emphatically, and currently sit atop the AFC South and AFC West, respectively. The Colts' offense leads the league in EPA per play, while Daniel Jones (80.0 grade; 10th) and Justin Herbert (81.4 grade; 9th) are both playing well at quarterback. Two strong teams go face-to-face in Week 7, and both will be looking to win and build leads on their division rivals. However, only one can prevail.
Matchup to watch: Colts’ pass coverage vs. Chargers WR Ladd McConkey
On top of a strong offensive performance, the Colts’ defense has quietly gone about its business. Two of Indianapolis’ starting corners, Charvarius Ward (83.4 grade; 2nd) and Kenny Moore II (80.8 grade; 6th), are playing extremely well.
That defense will take on a stud receiver in Ladd McConkey, who is coming off his best performance of the season in Week 6. McConkey primarily lines up in the slot and will face off against Moore (barring a return to action), who has allowed eight catches for 82 yards and a touchdown when targeted in the slot.
Additional News
- Chargers WR Quentin Johnston (hamstring) could return after missing Week 6.
Green Bay Packers (-6.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals
Storyline of the game: Will the Packers play down to another opponent?
Not to slight the Cardinals, but with the line opening at -6.5, the Packers are expected to clean up on Sunday against a Cardinals team that could be missing Kyler Murray again. However, in recent weeks, the Packers have struggled to dispose of opponents in a lower tier, losing to the Browns and scraping by the Bengals in Week 6. The Packers' 84.5 team PFF grade is fourth in the NFL, and they’ll be hoping to effectively get the job done against a Cardinals group that has lost four straight games.
Matchup to watch: Packers RB Josh Jacobs vs. Cardinals’ run defense
Josh Jacobs remains one of the more consistent running backs in the NFL, as his 82.1 overall PFF grade is tied for second-highest in the NFL. Jacobs has carried the ball 98 times for 359 yards and six touchdowns, and his 10 rushes of 10 yards or more are 11th in the league. He’ll take on a Cardinals defense that has allowed the ninth-most explosive runs (17) in the NFL through six games.
Additional News
- Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is still in concussion protocol.
- QB Kyler Murray (foot) could return after missing the team’s Week 6 game vs. the Colts.
Washington Commanders (-2.5) vs. Dallas Cowboys
Storyline of the game: Can the Cowboys' offense continue to cover their defense?
The difference in impact between the Cowboys’ offense and defense in 2025 has been vast. The offense is currently second in EPA per play, while the defense is dead last in EPA per play allowed. Dak Prescott (91.3 grade; 3rd) and the Dallas offense are holding up their end of the bargain, but have been consistently let down by the worst defense in the NFL. At some point, something will change. Will it be the defense starting to break through, or the offense losing some steam against a tough Commanders team?
Matchup to watch: Cowboys RB Javonte Williams vs. Commanders’ run defense
The Cowboys' run game has excelled in 2025, in part due to the play of RB Javonte Williams and the offensive line. Williams’ 72.1 overall PFF grade is 16th among running backs, and he’s rushed for 476 yards (4th) and five touchdowns (3rd) while averaging 5.2 yards per carry (7th). The Cowboys’ offensive line places seventh in PFF run-blocking grade (68.8), and the unit opposes a Commanders defense that is third in PFF run-defense grade (78.1).
Additional News
- Commanders placed WR Noah Brown (groin) on IR, sidelining him for at least four games.
- However, Commanders WR Terry McLaurin (quad) is expected to practice this week.
- The Cowboys could have WR CeeDee Lamb (ankle) back in time for Sunday.
Atlanta Falcons vs. San Francisco 49ers (-3.0)
Storyline of the game: Can the Falcons find consistency on offense?
The Falcons’ offense excelled against the Bills in Week 6, with Drake London (85.6 grade) and Bijan Robinson (70.1 grade) combining for 396 yards of total offense in the 24-14 win. However, the unit has been inconsistent in 2025, with QB Michael Penix Jr. compiling two grades below 65.0, as well as three grades above it. Penix doesn’t need to be the best quarterback in the league; he just needs to effectively get the ball to his top playmakers. Can the Falcons put together back-to-back strong performances against a banged-up 49ers defense?
Matchups to watch: Falcons’ pass rush vs. 49ers’ pass protection
For the first time in forever, the Falcons’ pass rush has some juice to it. The unit is fourth in pressure-rate (42.4%) and 11th in sacks (17) through six games, and takes on a 49ers offensive line that’s 12th in PFF pass-blocking grade (62.8) and 10th in pressure-rate allowed (30.3%). There’s been an emphasis on getting the ball out of Mac Jones’ hands fast, but if Brock Purdy returns on Sunday, the Atlanta defense might have more of an opportunity to pin its ears back.
Additional News
- TE George Kittle (hamstring) could return to practice this week.
- The 49ers have interest in Bengals EDGE Trey Hendrickson, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions (-4.5)
Storyline of the game: Can Baker Mayfield continue playing at an MVP level despite injuries?
Baker Mayfield has been the MVP favorite through six weeks, registering an 82.6 overall PFF grade (12th) while tossing 12 touchdowns and leading the Buccaneers to a 5-1 record despite the team’s offense racking up a ton of injuries. However, the Buccaneers will likely be without rookie WR Emeka Egbuka (74.6 grade; 22nd) on Monday, and Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin and potentially Mike Evans could be out for one more week. Can Mayfield continue to play at an extremely high level against one of the top defenses in the NFL?
Matchup to watch: Buccaneers’ run defense vs. Lions’ run offense
As two of the best teams in the NFL in their respective areas, the Buccaneers are second in the NFL in rushing EPA per play allowed, while the Lions have routinely been among the top rushing teams in the league — they’re currently 12th in rushing EPA per play. Offenses continue to struggle to move the ball against the Bucs’ defense, which surrenders the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game. But the Lions, who are eighth in rushing yards per game, will provide a tough test with the one-two punch of Jahmyr Gibbs (72.9 grade; 14th) and David Montgomery (76.4; 7th).
Additional News
- The Buccaneers will be without WR Chris Godwin (fibula) and RB Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder).
- WR Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) has his status in doubt.
- WR Mike Evans (hamstring) could return for Monday.
Houston Texans vs. Seattle Seahawks (-3.5)
Storyline of the game: The Texans are looking for growth offensively
The Texans had high expectations in 2025, looking to bounce back from a poor offensive performance a year ago, but have started the season slowly. Houston currently ranks 17th in EPA per play on offense and has scored a combined 70 points in the last two games, but has yet to really convince that the unit has turned a corner. The Texans take on a Seahawks defense that ranks 14th in EPA per play allowed, and has given up over 20 points in a game just twice in 2025. Can the Texans put together a good performance?
Matchup to watch: Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. vs. Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been one of the best receivers in the NFL in 2025, catching 42 passes (3rd) for 696 yards (1st) and three touchdowns, compiling a 91.4 overall PFF grade (3rd). He’ll likely face off with Stingley, who has struggled at times in 2025, generating a 47.6 overall PFF grade. Stingley has allowed 13 receptions for 205 yards, but has permitted only a 71.2 passer when targeted. Two of the best in their positions collide.
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