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19 October 2025

NFL Week 7 Showdowns Bring Surprises And High Stakes

Key player returns, weather concerns, and shifting lineups add intrigue to a packed Sunday and Monday NFL slate as teams jockey for playoff position and bettors seek an edge.

NFL Week 7 has arrived, and with it comes a slate of matchups brimming with intrigue, playoff implications, and some fascinating betting angles. As fans and bettors alike gear up for Sunday, October 19, 2025, analysts are poring over trends, injuries, and weather forecasts to gain any edge possible. This week’s action features everything from international showdowns in London to divisional rivalries and high-stakes prime-time clashes.

Let’s start with the early window, where the Kansas City Chiefs (3-3) host the Las Vegas Raiders (2-4) at 10 a.m. on CBS. The Chiefs, who’ve struggled with injuries early in the season, get a major boost as wide receiver Rashee Rice returns from a six-game suspension. According to Lou Finocchiaro of GambLou.com, "Kansas City is finding health with the return of several skill players, most notably wide receiver Rashee Rice, who will make his season debut after serving a six-game suspension." The Raiders, meanwhile, bring a top-10 defense into Arrowhead but have been plagued by offensive inconsistency. Despite their recent competitive outings against the Chiefs, the odds are stacked: Kansas City is a 12-point favorite with a total set at 45½. The prediction? Chiefs 23, Raiders 13.

Over in London, the Los Angeles Rams (4-2) and Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) square off at 6:30 a.m. on NFL Network. The forecast calls for a 96% chance of rain, and both teams will contend with the unfamiliarity of artificial turf. The Rams, led by a disciplined ball-control attack, are slight 3-point favorites against a Jaguars squad that boasts a potent defense but has struggled offensively. As Finocchiaro notes, “The Rams should play ball control against a Jaguars team that is potent on defense and relatively inept on offense.” The pick is Rams 20, Jaguars 19, but with the weather in play, anything could happen.

The Cleveland Browns (1-5) take on the Miami Dolphins (1-5) in a battle of struggling teams at 10 a.m. The Browns’ defense ranks third in the league, allowing just 262.3 yards per game, and has been particularly stingy against the run. Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel gets the nod for Cleveland, hoping to spark an offense that’s been searching for answers. The Dolphins, on the other hand, have the league’s 30th-ranked defense, surrendering 389.3 yards per game, and will have to contend with high winds and rain off Lake Erie. The weather could be a great equalizer, but the edge goes to the Browns: 18-16 is the predicted score.

In Tennessee, the New England Patriots (4-2) visit the Titans (1-5) at 10 a.m. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel returns to face his former team, now in transition after the firing of coach Brian Callahan. New England is tied atop the AFC East with the Bills and enters as a 7-point favorite. The Titans, hungry to defend their home turf, are hoping for a bounce-back performance. Finocchiaro observes, “There are many moving parts in this one.” The call: Patriots 23, Titans 19.

The Chicago Bears (3-2) look to extend their three-game winning streak as they host the New Orleans Saints (1-5) at 10 a.m. The Bears are favored by 4½ points, but their 18th-ranked rushing offense (110.8 yards per game) has made them predictable. The Saints, meanwhile, average just 18.5 points per game, and both defenses have struggled to get off the field. As Finocchiaro puts it, “Chicago as a favorite is unfamiliar territory.” The Saints are picked to edge out the Bears, 25-22.

In a marquee NFC matchup, the Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) travel to face the Minnesota Vikings (3-2) at 10 a.m. on Fox. Former Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz starts for Minnesota, seeking redemption despite a nagging shoulder injury. The Vikings’ defense has been a bright spot, compensating for offensive woes. Philadelphia, coming off a long layoff, is a 2-point favorite, but the prediction favors the Vikings: 23-20.

The Carolina Panthers (3-3) visit the winless New York Jets (0-6) at 10 a.m. The Panthers, buoyed by a top rush offense and defense, are slight favorites in what once looked like the Jets’ best chance for a win. The Jets’ only glimmer of hope is their run defense. Prediction: Panthers 17, Jets 16.

Later in the afternoon, the Indianapolis Colts (5-1) take on the Los Angeles Chargers (4-2) at 1:05 p.m. The Colts, boasting a balanced roster and strong skill players, face a Chargers team battered by injuries, especially on the offensive line. The pick: Colts 30, Chargers 24.

The Denver Broncos (4-2) host the New York Giants (2-4) at 1:05 p.m. The Broncos, fresh off a trip to Europe, will have to contend with the effects of altitude. Giants rookies Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo have injected new life into the team. Still, the Broncos are favored to win, 22-18.

At 1:25 p.m. on Fox, the Washington Commanders (3-3) face the Dallas Cowboys (2-3-1) in a matchup that could turn into a shootout. The Cowboys’ defense ranks near the bottom in both scoring (30.7 points per game) and total defense (411.7 yards per game), while Washington has found ways to light up the scoreboard despite injuries. The prediction? Commanders 39, Cowboys 38.

In Arizona, the Green Bay Packers (3-1-1) square off against the Cardinals (2-4) at 1:25 p.m. The Cardinals have shown renewed life with backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, and their defense, ranked 14th in scoring, has kept them competitive. Still, the Packers are 6½-point favorites and are picked to win 25-19.

Sunday night’s matchup features the Atlanta Falcons (3-2) against the San Francisco 49ers (4-2) at 5:20 p.m. on NBC. The 49ers, led by coach Kyle Shanahan, have weathered a storm of injuries and still field a stout defense. Atlanta’s top-ranked rush defense could be the key to an upset if they can contain San Francisco’s 30th-ranked rush offense. The pick: Falcons 26, 49ers 23.

Monday brings two more intriguing contests. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1) travel to face the Detroit Lions (4-2) at 4 p.m. on ABC and ESPN. The Bucs expect to have veteran wide receiver Mike Evans back, which could be crucial against a Lions team with a dynamic passing attack. Both teams feature aggressive defenses, but the Lions’ receivers are projected to dominate. The call: Lions 32, Buccaneers 25.

Finally, the Houston Texans (2-3) head to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Seattle Seahawks (4-2) at 7 p.m. on ESPN. Seattle’s offense, ranked fifth in scoring at 27.7 points per game, will test a Texans defense that’s struggled to stop anyone. Houston’s offense, hampered by what many consider the worst offensive line in football, faces a tough task against a surging Seahawks defense. The prediction: Seahawks 22, Texans 11.

With so many storylines, from player returns like Rashee Rice and Mike Evans to weather challenges and coaching changes, Week 7 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable yet. Bettors and fans should keep a close eye on last-minute developments and enjoy what promises to be a thrilling Sunday and Monday of NFL football.