NFL Predictions Week 7: Stars Sure to Be Week's Top Performers

With several divisional showdowns and a matchup that could decide home-field advantage in the AFC, this week's games promise to be among the best of the season. There will be plenty of opportunities for top stars to produce huge statistical performances.

Here are players who will dominate and be top performers in Week 7.

Quarterback—Matt Schaub, Texans

Matt Schaub is generally tasked with being a caretaker, but he should get extra opportunities against a reeling Baltimore Ravens secondary, especially after last week's drubbing at the hands of the Packers.

The common perception will be that the Texans will try to run the ball against a Ravens defense that has surrendered more than 200 rushing yards in consecutive weeks. While Arian Foster will get his chances, the Ravens will be determined to stop the run at any cost, which should open up plenty of downfield opportunities.

This is where Schaub and Andre Johnson will go crazy against a pathetic Ravens secondary. With Lardarius Webb out for the season, the Ravens don't have anybody who can cover Johnson, guaranteeing a big day for him and Schaub.

Even if the Ravens succeed in slowing down Johnson, Schaub will find opportunities to get the ball to Owen Daniels over the middle.

The Ravens have struggled badly defending the middle of the field, allowing both Brent Celek and Jason Witten to have big games. The Ravens have given up 405 passing yards to tight ends in just six games, so expect Daniels to find success as well.

With all these holes in the Ravens defense, Schaub will be able to thoroughly dominate the Ravens en route to a huge statistical performance.

Running Back—Stevan Ridley, Patriots

Last year, BenJarvus Green-Ellis had his biggest game of the season against the New York Jets, running for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Stevan Ridley is twice the back that Green-Ellis is at this point in their careers, virtually guaranteeing Ridley a huge performance.

Helping Ridley's cause is that the Jets defense has deteriorated since last season, giving up more than 150 rushing yards per game.

The Jets are stuck in a catch-22. While they will struggle to stop Ridley, they will also need to devote all their resources to stopping Tom Brady and the passing game.

Ultimately, the Jets will end up focusing on stopping the pass, and in doing so, they will open up plenty of room for Ridley to run. 

Wide Receiver—Victor Cruz, Giants

Eli Manning has to be salivating at the chance to go against the league's worst pass defense, and Victor Cruz will be the main beneficiary of a massive day from Manning.

The Redskins have already proved to be unable to cover top-tier receivers. A.J. Green went off for 183 yards and a touchdown against the Skins, and Danny Amendola had 15 catches for 160 yards and a touchdown.

Cruz compares favorably to Green and Amendola, making him a tough matchup for the Skins. DeAngelo Hall is the top corner, but he's as prone to giving up big plays as he is to making them. Josh Wilson is a solid corner, but he is not up to the task of covering a receiver of Cruz's caliber.

That leaves Cruz as a major mismatch against a secondary that has allowed 7.9 yards per pass. Expect plenty of salsa dancing as Cruz should go off for a huge game.

Tight End—Jason Witten, Cowboys

After a slow start to the season, Jason Witten has begun to heat up. He will almost certainly maintain that momentum against the Carolina Panthers, who have struggled against the pass all year.

The Panthers have especially struggled against top tight ends. Jimmy Graham had 71 receiving yards and a touchdown against the Panthers, and Martellus Bennett racked up 73 yards and a touchdown.

Witten is the beneficiary of an extremely productive passing attack that should find success against the Panthers. The Cowboys' passing game was largely an afterthought against the Ravens last week, and Witten still racked up 88 yards.

With DeMarco Murray injured and the Panthers' vulnerability through the air, the Cowboys will be sure to pass the ball. Witten will be a big part of the game plan, and you can expect him to rack up big stats.