NFL Week 7 Predictions: Which Defenses Will Shut Down the Opposition?

Whether the pass-happy NFL likes to recognize it or not, playing defense still is the most important factor to winning on a consistent basis.

You can rack up all the points you want, but it doesn't help if the defense can't stop the opponent either.

So being in defensive mindset, here are four defenses that will dominate in Week 7.

Washington Redskins (at Carolina)

The Redskins have yet to face an offensive that's as explosive as Carolina, but the Panthers have yet to face a defense that can blitz like Washington.

For one, Carolina's strength is not ground and pound, so it will be pretty easy for Washington to force Cam Newton under duress all game long.

In turn, the Redskins' D gets helped out by their offense who runs the ball and the clock against a weak Carolina rush defense. Thus, Newton's opportunities are not only limited, but unsuccessful because his odds are already decreased going against a stout defense.

Washington is not going to force any more than one turnover, but they get a lot of three-and-outs.

Redskins 14, Panthers 10

Pittsburgh Steelers (at Arizona)

The Steelers' D is simply going to shut-down the Cardinals. Sure WR Larry Fitzgerald is the best player on the field, but Kurt Warner isn't his QB, and Steve Breaston isn't his slot WR.

Not to mention TE Todd Heap won't be 100 percent if he plays, and Pittsburgh is rolling with confidence.

They've kept both Chris Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew to under 100 yards, so that will happen again this week, and they force Kevin Kolb into throwing at least two picks.

Because let's face it, the Steelers may not be as good as 2010, but Arizona has so many areas in which to improve that this one gets out of hand early.

Steelers 27, Cardinals 7

Dallas Cowboys (vs St. Louis)

The only thing keeping the Cowboys from having a better record is their offense. The defense currently ranks in the Top 15 against the pass and rush (No. 1 against the rush), so it's a foregone conclusion to think that St. Louis will have any success on the ground.

To that end, QB Sam Bradford will have a lot of pressure on him, because without a run-game, not only is Dallas not going to respect it, but they will then blitz to no avail.

The addition of WR Brandon Lloyd was smart, but that's not enough to get Dallas out of their game-plan. We may see the Rams try and pull a few fast ones (trick plays) in this game, as the Cowboys will get up on them quick by forcing some early turnovers.

Cowboys 34, Rams 10 

Baltimore Ravens (at Jacksonville)

Don't sleep on the Jaguars defense in this game, but Baltimore's is going to take over as the time progresses.

Jacksonville's D will play well until about the middle of the third quarter as the Ravens simply have too much talent on both sides for the Jaguars to hold up the fort for 60 minutes.

As for Baltimore, safety Ed Reed has a field day against rookie QB Blaine Gabbert, because not only are the Ravens not intimidated by the re-acquisition of WR Mike Sims-Walker in Jacksonville, but it won't matter because they're front-seven will slow RB Maurice Jones-Drew early on.

MJD is the key to the Jaguars' offense, and if Pittsburgh can limit him under 100 yards rushing (who's not nearly as good as Pittsburgh this season), then the Ravens will do that and force at least four overall turnovers in the process.

Ravens 21, Jaguars 6

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