NFL Predictions Week 7: DeMarco Murray and Rookies Who Will Shine in Late Games

Here's a look at three rookies who are ready to break out during this week's late games.

DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys

With Felix Jones out due to to injury, DeMarco Murray will get his chance to shine.

He'll likely split carries with Tashard Choice, but Murray has looked far more explosive on the season and should get more carries.

The rookie out of Oklahoma is blessed with terrific speed and vision and gets the fortunate matchup against the St. Louis Rams.

The Rams are giving up a generous 4.9 yards per carry on the season and have been burned by some big plays. LeSean McCoy tore up this defense and Murray is similar type of speed back.

The Cowboys should get ahead early and then feed Murray a ton late in the game.

Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings

The rookie quarterback out of Florida State will get the first start of his career against the Green Bay Packers. 

While a matchup against the undefeated defending champs certainly isn't an ideal one, the Packers have been beatable through the air.

Green Bay has given up the second most yards through the air in the NFL, and Ponder could certainly take advantage of that.

Also working in Ponder's favor is the fact that he has Adrian Peterson on his side. Peterson will help keep the pressure off the rookie and won't let the Packers send a ton of blitzes like they often do. 

Ponder should have a productive day as he has a nice matchup.

Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints

The big, bruising rookie out of Alabama certainly doesn't have the biggest role as a running back in New Orleans, but he's still the go-to back.

The Colts have improved against the run but were dominated two weeks by Jackie Battle, a similar powerful runner.

Ingram should net somewhere around 15 carries, including anything on the goal line, and will have a nice offensive day.