Sweet Science Sports | NFL Week 7 | October 25–26, 2026
Week 7 presents several intriguing matchups, but three games stand above the rest.
San Francisco puts its undefeated record on the line against an Atlanta team uniquely equipped to exploit its secondary. Kansas City travels to Seattle with a depleted receiving corps against a Seahawks defense capable of taking over a football game. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings look to remain undefeated against Indianapolis.
Elsewhere, Houston has an opportunity to enter its bye riding a three-game winning streak, Los Angeles faces a potential season-defining game in Las Vegas, and Tennessee looks to turn a difficult week into an emotional victory.
S³ isn't picking games based solely on records. We're evaluating performance, strength of competition, personnel availability and individual matchups.
Here are our official Week 7 predictions.
GAME 1 | STEELERS AT SAINTS
Pittsburgh 34, New Orleans 21
Pittsburgh enters this matchup with the superior defensive numbers.
The Steelers allow 21.3 points and 307.5 yards per game, compared to New Orleans surrendering 29.7 points and 377.7 yards.
Jaylen Warren could be a significant factor against a Saints defense allowing 138 rushing yards per game. Warren enters averaging 5.5 yards per attempt.
The quarterback comparison is interesting. Aaron Rodgers and Tyler Shough have identical touchdown and interception totals entering Week 7, although Shough holds the completion-percentage advantage.
New Orleans has enough offensive talent, particularly Chris Olave, to create problems. Pittsburgh's defensive consistency and ability to control possession should ultimately separate these teams.
S³ PICK: STEELERS 34–21
GAME 2 | COLTS AT VIKINGS
Minnesota 27, Indianapolis 7
The Vikings have one of the NFL's most formidable defenses, allowing just 12.8 points and 259.8 total yards per game.
Indianapolis faces a particularly difficult matchup with Jonathan Taylor attempting to establish the running game against a defense surrendering only 86.6 rushing yards per contest.
The Colts' injury situation creates additional problems, including the absence of tight end Tyler Warren.
Minnesota has the personnel to take away Indianapolis' primary offensive strengths and force the Colts into unfavorable passing situations.
We're predicting a dominant defensive performance.
S³ PICK: VIKINGS 27–7
GAME 3 | DOLPHINS AT JETS
New York 24, Miami 10
Miami's offensive struggles make this a favorable matchup for New York.
The Dolphins enter averaging only 14 points per game, while the Jets have demonstrated greater defensive consistency, particularly against the pass.
Geno Smith also presents the more dependable quarterback option entering this matchup.
Miami's best opportunity is establishing its rushing attack and keeping the game manageable. The Dolphins cannot afford to become one-dimensional against New York's defense.
The Jets should control this game.
S³ PICK: JETS 24–10
GAME 4 | BENGALS AT RAVENS
The Lamar Jackson Factor
This prediction depends entirely on Lamar Jackson's availability.
Baltimore's defense has shown improvement, but there are still weaknesses Cincinnati can exploit. Joe Burrow has the ability to attack those vulnerabilities and generate scoring opportunities.
Lamar changes the matchup considerably.
His presence makes Baltimore's entire rushing attack more dangerous. Cincinnati must account for the quarterback keeper, designed runs and Lamar's ability to extend broken passing plays.
That additional responsibility creates opportunities for Baltimore's running backs and passing attack.
Lamar doesn't necessarily have to match Burrow's passing statistics. He needs to match his ability to create scoring opportunities.
IF LAMAR PLAYS: RAVENS 27–20
IF LAMAR SITS: BENGALS 23–17
Without Jackson, Baltimore loses an offensive dimension that Cincinnati can exploit.
GAME 5 | BROWNS AT TITANS
S³ UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK
Tennessee 28, Cleveland 14
Tennessee is coming off its first victory of the season, defeating Indianapolis 26–20.
But there is another element to this prediction.
The Jordan Elliott situation created an unwanted distraction for the Titans. We're predicting an emotional response from Tennessee as the team attempts to turn a difficult week into a collective performance.
Jeffery Simmons and the defensive front have an opportunity to disrupt a Cleveland offense that has struggled with pass protection.
The Titans recorded six sacks against Indianapolis. That defensive intensity will be critical against Cleveland.
And finally, Cam Ward.
We're predicting Ward delivers the breakthrough performance Tennessee has been waiting for.
This isn't a prediction built solely around emotion. It's a prediction that Tennessee's defensive talent creates opportunities for its young quarterback to capitalize.
S³ UPSET PICK: TITANS 28–14
GAME 6 | BUCCANEERS AT PANTHERS
Carolina 24, Tampa Bay 21
Baker Mayfield returns, making Tampa Bay considerably more competitive.
But a quarterback returning from a throwing-hand injury must rediscover his rhythm, especially in a divisional matchup.
Carolina has an opportunity to take another important step in the NFC South.
We're expecting a competitive game with Tampa Bay remaining within striking distance throughout the afternoon.
Ultimately, Carolina does just enough to secure the victory.
S³ PICK: PANTHERS 24–21
GAME 7 | 49ERS AT FALCONS
S³ UPSET ALERT: THE HIDDEN WEAKNESS
Atlanta 27, San Francisco 21
San Francisco enters undefeated, but the 49ers have a defensive vulnerability that Atlanta is uniquely equipped to exploit.
The key isn't simply that San Francisco allows approximately 225 passing yards per game.
Those aren't necessarily bad defensive numbers.
The important question is what happens to those numbers when the defense faces Bijan Robinson.
San Francisco must account for Bijan's ability to influence the game as both a runner and receiver. That responsibility creates opportunities for Michael Penix Jr.
If the 49ers commit additional defenders to stopping Bijan, Penix can attack the secondary through play-action and favorable coverage matchups.
Drake London becomes particularly dangerous when San Francisco is forced into single-high coverage.
And if the 49ers prioritize defending the pass, Atlanta can return to Bijan.
This is why matchup analysis matters more than simply evaluating a team's record.
The 49ers have earned their undefeated start, but Atlanta possesses the personnel to expose an otherwise manageable defensive weakness.
We're predicting Penix and Bijan hand San Francisco its first defeat.
S³ UPSET PICK: FALCONS 27–21
GAME 8 | GIANTS AT TEXANS
Houston 38, New York 13
Houston cannot afford to waste this opportunity.
Following an 0–4 start, the Texans have won consecutive games, including an impressive 34–31 victory over Jacksonville.
Now consider what's at stake.
Defeat the Giants and Houston enters its Week 8 bye riding ... a THREE-GAME WINNING STREAK!
The Texans would be 3–4, carrying momentum into their scheduled break with an opportunity to rest, evaluate personnel and prepare for the second portion of their season.
J.J. McCarthy showed promise replacing Jameis Winston against New Orleans, but Houston presents a significantly different defensive challenge.
The Texans haven't consistently performed to their defensive potential. That doesn't mean the potential has disappeared.
We're predicting Houston finally puts together the type of defensive performance its personnel is capable of producing.
Win Sunday, rest during the bye, and return in Week 9 with something resembling a clean slate.
S³ PICK: TEXANS 38–13
GAME 9 | BRONCOS AT CARDINALS
Denver 20, Arizona 13
This is one of the more unusual matchups on the schedule.
Arizona appears to be dealing with considerable organizational instability, yet the Cardinals remain remarkably competitive.
Denver, meanwhile, has struggled offensively.
But there's an important distinction when evaluating the Broncos: their recent level of competition has been elite.
Playing difficult opponents every week can expose offensive inconsistencies without necessarily indicating that a team is incapable of winning against lesser competition.
Bo Nix and Denver still have offensive problems to address, and Arizona shouldn't be dismissed.
We're expecting a competitive, relatively low-scoring game in which Denver finds enough offense to secure the victory.
S³ PICK: BRONCOS 20–13
GAME 10 | RAMS AT RAIDERS
THE SEASON-SAVING PERFORMANCE
Los Angeles 34, Las Vegas 20
There are numerous reasons to select Las Vegas in this matchup.
The Rams are 2–4. Their offense struggled against Arizona at home. Davante Adams is injured, Puka Nacua's availability remains uncertain, and the defensive front has suffered significant personnel losses.
The Raiders are also better than their record might suggest.
Las Vegas head coach Klint Kubiak has recent experience preparing against the Rams, giving him familiarity with their defensive personnel and concepts.
The Raiders possess a strong passing offense and a defense capable of generating quarterback pressure.
But we're going in the opposite direction.
This is a season-saving opportunity for Los Angeles.
Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald are the type of veteran players capable of delivering exceptional performances when their team's season begins slipping away.
Donald has shown signs of regaining his disruptive form, while Stafford remains capable of producing an outstanding game despite injuries within his receiving corps.
We're predicting legendary performances from both veterans.
Los Angeles refuses to allow its season to unravel.
S³ PICK: RAMS 34–20
GAME 11 | PACKERS AT LIONS
NFC NORTH RIVALRY
Detroit 34, Green Bay 31
This matchup has significant NFC North implications following Chicago's Thursday night victory.
Detroit possesses one of the NFL's most explosive offenses, averaging 32.8 points per game.
Green Bay counters with the superior defense.
The Packers are particularly effective against the pass, while Detroit has struggled defensively, especially in its secondary.
Jordan Love has an opportunity to generate substantial passing production against the Lions.
But Detroit has an important advantage of its own: offensive balance.
Jared Goff's efficiency, combined with the Lions' ability to threaten defenses through the running game, makes Detroit difficult to contain for four quarters.
We're expecting a shootout at Ford Field.
The Packers will make this competitive, but Detroit's offense produces enough points to survive a close divisional contest.
S³ PICK: LIONS 34–31
GAME 12 | CHIEFS AT SEAHAWKS
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Seattle 31, Kansas City 21
Seattle needs this victory for reasons extending beyond the NFC West standings.
The Seahawks must begin stacking wins to strengthen their playoff position.
Kansas City arrives undefeated, but the Chiefs are dealing with significant injuries within their receiving corps.
That creates an opportunity for Seattle's defense.
Mike Macdonald can design a game plan that limits explosive plays, disrupts Kansas City's passing rhythm and forces the Chiefs to sustain difficult possessions.
Xavier Worthy's speed remains a concern, Travis Kelce still demands attention, and Kenneth Walker III presents an additional challenge against his former team.
But we're predicting Seattle's defense takes control.
The Seahawks have the defensive personnel to capitalize on Kansas City's offensive limitations.
A victory moves Seattle back above .500 and creates renewed momentum in its playoff pursuit.
This could become ugly for Kansas City if Seattle establishes an early defensive advantage.
S³ PICK: SEAHAWKS 31–21
GAME 13 | COWBOYS AT EAGLES
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Dallas 24, Philadelphia 10
Health becomes the deciding factor in this NFC East rivalry.
Philadelphia has been dealing with significant personnel problems, particularly at quarterback.
Dallas enters with the healthier roster and an opportunity to take advantage of an Eagles team struggling to establish offensive consistency.
The Cowboys don't need an extraordinary performance to win this game.
They need to avoid unnecessary mistakes, control possession and capitalize on Philadelphia's depleted lineup.
We're predicting Dallas handles business in a relatively comfortable victory.
S³ PICK: COWBOYS 24–10
S³ COMPLETE WEEK 7 PREDICTION BOARD
| Matchup | Official Prediction |
|---|---|
| Steelers at Saints | Pittsburgh 34–21 |
| Colts at Vikings | Minnesota 27–7 |
| Dolphins at Jets | New York 24–10 |
| Bengals at Ravens | Conditional on Lamar |
| Browns at Titans | Tennessee 28–14 |
| Buccaneers at Panthers | Carolina 24–21 |
| 49ers at Falcons | Atlanta 27–21 |
| Giants at Texans | Houston 38–13 |
| Broncos at Cardinals | Denver 20–13 |
| Rams at Raiders | Los Angeles 34–20 |
| Packers at Lions | Detroit 34–31 |
| Chiefs at Seahawks | Seattle 31–21 |
| Cowboys at Eagles | Dallas 24–10 |
Lamar plays: Ravens 27–20.
Lamar sits: Bengals 23–17.
S³ WEEK 7 FEATURED SELECTIONS
Upset Pick of the Week: Tennessee Titans over Cleveland Browns.
Secondary Upset: Atlanta Falcons hand San Francisco its first loss.
Sunday Night Statement: Seattle hands Kansas City its first defeat.
Season-Saving Performance: Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald lead the Rams past Las Vegas.
S³ | SWEET SCIENCE SPORTS
Performance Over Hype.
