For Week 7 of the NFL’s regular season, we’ll preview several great matchups, including a repeat of Super Bowl LI. The Falcons will be looking for redemption, while the Patriots aim to stay atop the AFC East
Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots (-3.5), Sunday at 8:30 PM ET
After a game-ending interception that resulted in their second loss of the season, Matt Ryan and the 3-2 Atlanta Falcons land in New England hoping to end their two-game losing streak. For the first time in recent memory, the Falcons’ offense has been a source of concern; they’ve managed only 17 points in each of the last two games. Ryan has thrown for just 490 yards over those two games, and registered a lackluster two touchdowns. Similarly, wide receiver Julio Jones has managed just 102 receiving yards over that same period. Atlanta faced Buffalo and Miami in those two weeks; neither the Bills nor Dolphins have top-10 defenses, so it will be interesting to see how the Falcons respond to the league’s worst defense in Week 7.
New England defeated the New York Jets in Week 6. They were the beneficiary of a controversial call by the referees, who ruled a fumble by TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins on a play that could have been ruled a touchdown. The Pats went on to win 24-17, and improve their record to 4-2. Tom Brady finished with two touchdowns on 257 passing yards, while tight end Rob Gronkowski had another strong game, pulling in two touchdowns and registering 83 receiving yards. New England continues to be the favourites to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2018 at +400 odds.
Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles (-4.5), Monday at 8:30 PM ET
The Monday nighter this week features two NFC East teams that have their eyes on the top spot in the division. With a win, the 3-2 Washington Redskins would pull to just one game behind the Eagles for the division lead. The ‘Skins have fallen to Philadelphia once already this season, losing 30-17 in Week 1. In that game, the Eagles’ defense stymied Washington to only one touchdown, and sacked Kirk Cousins four times.
Eagles’ quarterback Carson Wentz has continued to get better in 2017-18; he’s currently fifth in the league in passing yards (1,584) and is tied for second in passing touchdowns (13). Washington’s defense sits firmly in the middle of the pack in the league, so they’ll be challenged by Wentz’s play calling and accurate arm.
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-5), Sunday at 4:25 PM ET
The AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers are favoured by five points in Sunday’s matchup against their divisional foes, the Cincinnati Bengals. Pittsburgh has had success playing hard-nosed football through the first six weeks. They’ve come out with a mixture of solid defensive play and a dominant running game, ranking well in the league in both categories.
The Bengals, meanwhile have won two straight games after dropping their first three. Cincinnati’s best game so far this season came last week against the Buffalo Bills, where they won 20-16; they’ll aim to build on that momentum as they look for a big divisional win on the road.
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*Odds as of October 20, 2017