NFL Week Seven: Breakdown, Predictions for MIN-GB, Other Major Games

After a weekend slate of games that shown a spotlight on the array of violent hits in the NFL, the volume of those dangerous hits will hopefully subside so the fans of the league can enjoy their favorite team’s games at the near halfway point of the season.

As the Brett Favre saga looks to hopefully be ending this season as he rides into the sunset, the legend will look to get one more win in his most notably home during his career in addition to bring the Vikings to .500 for the season after such a poor start to the season in 2010.

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will look to send their NFC North rival back to Minneapolis with a near season breaking loss after a heartbreaking loss to the Miami Dolphins last Sunday in overtime at Lambeau Field.

With that being said, lets get to the breakdowns of the other major games of the weekend schedule…

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Cleveland at New Orleans

Previous Week for NO: 31-6 Win over Tampa Bay

Previous Week for CLE: 28-10 Loss to Pittsburgh

Key Matchup: Drew Brees vs. Cleveland Defense

Analysis:

The Saints will look to keep the ball rolling after New Orleans had their hiccup earlier in the season against a Cleveland team that looks like they won’t be much of challenge for the defending Super Bowl Champions.

Prediction: New Orleans 31-10

San Francisco at Carolina

Previous Week for SF: 17-9 Win over Oakland

Previous Week for CAR: Bye Week

Key Matchup: Matt Moore vs. 49ers Defense

Analysis:

The 49ers have a long way to go and difficult road to get to their goal of division champions but the road trip to Tobacco Road should help get San Francisco back on track for their second win of the season.

Prediction: San Francisco 28-14

Jacksonville at Kansas City

Previous Week for JAC: 30-3 Loss to Tennessee

Previous Week for KC: 35-31 Loss to Houston

Key Matchup: Maurice Jones-Drew vs. KC Defense

Analysis:

Kansas City and Jacksonville both lost two tough games against Houston and Tennesse during Week Six but the surprising Chiefs will look to jump back into the win column with the likelihood of David Garrard being sidelined due to injury after the Monday Night game.

Prediction: Kansas City 21-17

St. Louis at Tampa Bay

Previous Week for STL: 20-17 Win over San Diego

Previous Week for TB: 31-6 Loss to New Orleans

Key Matchup: Sam Bradford vs. Josh Freeman

Rookie Sam Bradford will look to continue his impressive first season in St Louis with a road test against another young QB in Josh Freeman as the Rams will look to continue to rebound from multiple losing seasons in the Show Me State.

Prediction: St Louis 20-17

Pittsburgh at Miami

Previous Week for PIT: 28-10 Win over Cleveland

Previous Week for MIA: 23-20 Win over Green Bay

Key Matchup: Chad Henne vs. Pittsburgh Defense

Analysis:

The arguably best team in the NFL will attempt to corral the Miami Dolphins offense like they have with all their opponents in 2010 as the Steelers will try to make a statement as the team to beat in the AFC.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 34-14

Washington at Chicago

Previous Week for WAS: 27-24 Loss to Indianapolis

Previous Week for CHI: 23-20 Loss to Seattle

Key Matchup: Jay Cutler vs. Donovan McNabb

Analysis:

The Washington Redskins and Chicago Bears will look to keep their division title hopes alive for 2010 with their other division rivals seem to be playing better football as the season passes week by week.

Prediction: Washington 24-14

Cincinnati at Atlanta

Previous Week for CIN: Bye Week

Previous Week for ATL: 31-17 Loss to Philadelphia

Key Matchup: Matt Ryan vs. Cincinnati Defense

The two preseason picks for the playoffs for their respective conferences have feel off track in the earlier part of the season but both clubs can right the ship this weekend with an impressive win this weekend.

Prediction: Atlanta 17-14

Buffalo at Baltimore

Previous Week for Buffalo: Bye Week

Previous Week for Baltimore: 23-20 Loss to New England

Key Matchup: Baltimore’s Ray Rice vs. Buffalo Defense

Analysis:

Baltimore will look to bounce back from their overtime loss to the Patriots last Sunday with an apparent beatdown that will looks to given to Buffalo this Sunday as Buffalo makes a road trip to the Old Line State.

Prediction: Baltimore 30-10

Philadelphia at Tennessee

Previous Week for PHI: 31-17 Win over Atlanta

Previous Week for TEN: 30-3 Win over Jacksonville

Key Matchup: Philadelphia Offensive Line vs. Tennessee Defense

Analysis:

Kevin Kolb will look to keep the Eagles offense rolling as Philadelphia travels to Tennessee in yet another hard hitting game for the two clubs for the second straight week this season.

Prediction: Philadelphia 35-31

Arizona at Seattle

Previous Week for ARI: Bye Week

Previous Week for SEA: 23-20 Win over Chicago

Key Matchup: Matt Hasselbeck vs. Arizona Defense

Analysis:

The division lead for the NFC West will be on the line in the great Northwest as the Pete Carroll lead Seattle will look to continue their winning ways in 2010 with a win over current division leader Arizona.

Prediction: Seattle 21-13

Oakland at Denver

Previous Week for OAK: 17-9 Loss to San Francisco

Previous Week for DEN: 24-20 Loss to New York Jets

Key Matchup: Denver Offense vs. Oakland Defense

Analysis:

Unlike the last several seasons, the Broncos are looking up from the basement in the standings of the AFC West at the Raiders as this game seems to be a must win for both clubs this Sunday.

Prediction: Denver 24-14

New England at San Diego

Previous Week for NE: 23-20 Win over Baltimore

Previous Week for SD: 20-17 Loss to St Louis

Key Matchup: Tom Brady vs. Philip Rivers

Analysis:

After the Patriots beat the Ravens last Sunday, New England will make a trip to budding rival San Diego as the two teams have seemed to heading in the opposite directions so far this season.

Prediction: New England 27-24

Minnesota at Green Bay

Previous Week for MIN: 24-21 Win over Dallas

Previous Week for GB: 23-20 Loss to Miami

Key Matchup: Brett Favre vs. Green Bay Defense

Analysis:

Brett Favre will look to get on final win against his former team this Sunday as the Vikings try to get back to .500 after a meager start to 2010.

Prediction: Minnesota 24-21

New York Giants at Dallas

Previous Week for NYG: 28-20 Win over Detroit

Previous Week for DAL: 24-21 Loss to Minnesota

Key Matchup: Dallas Cowboys vs. Dallas Cowboys

Analysis:

The Cowboys will need to bring their A++ game against the rival Giants as any hope for Dallas making a run at a home game in the Super Bowl at the very least, a playoff berth as the NFC East Champions or NFC Wild Card.

Prediction: New York 28-20