Week 7 NFL Picks: Last-Minute Predictions for Every Game

NFL kickoff in Week 7 offers an extensive amount of intrigue as we prepare for November.

And one of those fascinating matchups offered was the Washington Redskins against the New York Giants.

Last season the Redskins swept the Giants during the regular season, yet Big Blue managed to make the postseason and win another Super Bowl with Eli Manning. This season, New York faces a new challenge in rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III and his explosive attack.

After all, Washington is averaging nearly 30 points per game, and RG3 has diced up some tough defenses.

There were plenty of other vital contests to keep an eye on this weekend as well. Ahead, the final scores of each game are present including the Bears defensive domination of Calvin Johnson and Detroit.

Washington Redskins at New York Giants

With two great quarterbacks squaring off, each pass rush—and whichever one ultimately results in better coverage—will be the difference. Well, the Giants are certainly stronger at applying consistent pressure, although Robert Griffin III's mobility will play a factor.

Include how well New York slammed the ball between the tackles with Ahmad Bradshaw against San Francisco, and Eli Manning can have a field day versus the NFL's worst-ranked pass defense. 

Giants over Redskins

Final Score: Giants 27, Redskins 23

Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts

Each team definitely needs a win. However, the Cleveland Browns are feeling a tad bit more confident after their victory in Week 6 and present a stronger offensive balance than most give them credit for.

As for Indianapolis, the Colts have a sound passing attack but an inconsistent ground game.

Therefore, the game isn't so much about Andrew Luck versus Brandon Weeden as it is about Trent Richardson. Cleveland can win short-yard situations anywhere on the field.

Browns over Colts

Final Score: Colts 17, Browns 13

Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills

It seems like the Bills are finally building some momentum, because Mario Williams and the defense stepped up big time against the Cardinals last week. Tennessee, on the other hand, got a huge win over the Steelers.

So, we have two teams entering with impressive confidence. Both offenses have established running backs, although Buffalo's ground game has been much better comparatively in 2012. Here, the distinction will come down to balance, as each defense allows quite a bit of yards.

Matt Hasselbeck may be better than Ryan Fitzpatrick. However, the Bills running game sets up the pass.

Bills over Titans

Final Score: Titans 35, Bills 34

Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers

The Dallas Cowboys' season is at stake on the road against the Carolina Panthers. Sitting at 2-3, Big D can't afford a three-game losing streak with the Giants, Falcons and Eagles coming up. Carolina, in addition, is feeling its own pressure, with Cam Newton not meeting expectations.

Tony Romo and the Cowboys passing game have the potential to dice up the Cats' coverage, but expect a stronger balance to keep Newton and company off the field. The Dallas defense may be stout against the pass, but it needs to improve against the run, which also happens to be the Panthers' offensive strength.

So the more Romo can use play action, the better the odds of Big D winning.

Cowboys over Panthers

Final Score: Cowboys 19, Panthers 14

Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans

This will be a rematch of an AFC Divisional Round game from last January, and the Ravens and Texans are the conference's only two teams with winning records entering Week 7. Unfortunately for Baltimore, two key injuries will play a major factor versus Houston.

According to ESPN.com:

"

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis will miss the remainder of the season with an arm injury, an enormous blow to an already depleted defense that has uncharacteristically struggled this year.

Baltimore also lost cornerback Lardarius Webbfor the season after he tore the ACL in his left knee Sunday.

"

Prior to the injuries, though, the Ravens were still struggling immensely against the run. In turn, anticipate a big day from Arian Foster.

Texans over Ravens

Final Score: Texans 43, Ravens 13

New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

We can rightfully expect a high-scoring game between the Buccaneers and Saints. The question is whether Tampa Bay wants to control the ball or set a faster pace.

The New Orleans defense will give up yards and points, but this game has to be about Drew Brees.

Obviously, the more opportunities Brees is provided, the more he will dominate and score points. Tampa's defense is not yet good enough to slow NOLA down, and the Bucs offense isn't made to score 30 or 40 points.

Fortunately, Doug Martin moves the chains on the ground, so Tampa Bay will be able to keep Brees off the field.

Buccaneers over Saints

Final Score: Saints 35, Buccaneers 28

Green Bay Packers at St. Louis Rams

Saving the Packers this week will be their defense. St. Louis' pass protection has not been impressive thus far, and Sam Bradford lacks the mobility of Aaron Rodgers and thus the ability to extend plays.

It is reasonable to expect plenty of attacks on the ground from St. Louie, though. Green Bay remains vulnerable in the trenches, and that also will keep Rodgers off the field. This game is an intriguing chess match, because it's a well-disciplined defense in the Rams against the Pack's explosive offense.

Still, the winner presents more proven explosion offensively, because the Cheese can simply stack the box to stuff the run and force Bradford to try to outplay Rodgers.

Packers over Rams

Final Score: Packers 30, Rams 20

Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings

Each team is hungry for a win after a disappointing loss in Week 6. The Cardinals and Vikings field technically sound defenses with capable pass rushes and the ability to stuff the run, as well.

That, in turn, puts a lot of pressure on the offensive lines.

Well, Arizona's pass protection has given up 28 sacks, and the running game continues to be lacking, regardless of who is in the backfield.

Fortunately for Minnesota, the Vikings have been balanced on offense, and Christian Ponder can make plays with his feet when needed.

Vikings over Cardinals

Final Score: Vikings 21, Cardinals 14

New York Jets at New England Patriots

Make no mistake about it: This AFC East showdown will be much closer than anticipated.

The Jets have a rushing attack strong enough to have success inside, so setting up Mark Sanchez on play-action will happen.

On the flip side, the Pats have been consistently weak against the pass this season. So to nullify any big-play opportunities, New England must blitz Sanchez relentlessly. And with Gang Green's defense still needing to prove that it has maintained its dominance from years past, Tom Brady will get into numerous scoring positions.

The only concern is whether Sanchez and company can manage to keep up. 

Patriots over Jets

Final Score: Patriots 29, Jets 26 (OT)

Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland Raiders

In a pass-dominated league, it's not every week we see a running-back matchup such as the one in this game between Maurice-Jones Drew and Darren McFadden.

That said, both of these offenses can run the ball effectively to set up the pass.

One major advantage for Oakland, however, is its stronger front wall of defense. The Raiders are much better against the run and can apply quicker pressure to the quarterback.

On the other side, Jacksonville ranks No. 30 against the run and has just three sacks coming in.

Raiders over Jaguars

Final Score: Raiders 26, Jaguars 23 (OT)

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals

Desperation is in the air between the Steelers and Bengals. Each team's defense has not lived up to last season's performance against the run or pass, and it's no surprise that both teams view this game as a must-win.

Offensively, neither team presents a stellar rushing attack, and each passing game is saved by one standout receiver.

In short, this game will come down to the impact of Mike Wallace and A.J. Green.

Interestingly enough, that impact will get affected by how well the opposing pass rush performs. This is where Cincy possesses a major competitive edge, because Pittsburgh's weaker at rushing the quarterback and is more suspect with pass protection. 

Bengals over Steelers

Final Score: Steelers 24, Bengals 17

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears

Although Chicago is 4-1 and the Lions are 2-3, this game is enormous for each team. Both are 0-1 in the division, and slipping to 0-2 significantly reduces the odds of making the postseason.

As we know, Chicago's defense is quite opportunistic and possesses the ability to score and otherwise force turnovers. Detroit cannot fall into a one-dimensional approach by passing the ball, otherwise the Bears will get pressure and totally blanket Calvin Johnson.

Also, considering that Jay Cutler has more talent around him than ever before, the Lions defense is in trouble: Especially since it remains susceptible to the pass and play action. 

Bears over Lions

Final Score: Bears 13, Lions 7

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