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ESPN NFL Week 7 Predictions, Picks, And Schedule: Vikings, Patriots, Seahawks, And Redskins Viewed As Consensus Winners

By Phillip Dengler
Published on: 05:05 PST, Oct 22, 2016

NFL predictions and picks for Week 7 from the experts at ESPN are now here, and it is going to be a crucial week of football for many teams. While the Philadelphia Eagles got off to a hot 3-0 start, they have since dropped their last two. A loss to the Minnesota Vikings could effectively end their chances for a playoff spot in the tough NFC East. After being one of the top teams in the NFC last season, the Arizona Cardinals have a record of 3-3 and could fall out of contention for the NFC West with a loss to the 4-1 Seattle Seahawks.

In addition to the predictions by the experts at ESPN, the latest NFL odds from Vegas Insider were also used as reference points. Here are a few of the notable games.

Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles – WINNER: Vikings

After losing quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Adrian Peterson, it appeared as though it would be another disappointing season for the Vikings. While they traded for former Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford, they were still not expected to do much with a quarterback who has never led his team to the playoffs.

Now, with a record of 5-0, the Vikings look like Super Bowl contenders. The Eagles, with rookie quarterback Carson Wentz and rookie head coach Doug Pederson, have looked improved this year, but the last two games have really showed their lack of talent and depth. Expect the Vikings to comfortably win this one on the road in Philadelphia. All nine ESPN experts believe the Vikings will win this game.

New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers – WINNER: Patriots

The Steelers go as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger goes, and he will miss Sunday’s game against the Patriots due to injury. With Tom Brady back in the lineup, the Patriots are looking better than ever. Tight end Rob Gronkowski finally appears to be healthy again, and they look like the favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. While the Steelers have a surplus of offensive weapons, they will likely be neutralized with Roethlisberger on the sideline. Expect the Patriots to win this one comfortably. Eight out of nine ESPN experts believe the Patriots will win this game.

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals – WINNER: Seahawks

What a difference a year makes. Just last season, Cardinals Carson Palmer looked like one of the best quarterbacks in the league. While the 36-year-old has not been completely awful this year, he just does not look like the same player. With a record of 3-3, the Cardinals must win this game if they have any hopes of winning the NFC West. The 4-1 Seahawks are surging, and it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to catch them after falling two games behind.

Despite numerous injuries, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is playing some of the best football of his career. Additionally, tight end Jimmy Graham finally looks like the player that he was with the New Orleans Saints. Eight out of nine ESPN experts believe the Seahawks will win this game.

Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions – WINNER: Redskins

After starting the season 0-2, the Redskins looked like they were going to be a bad football team. Many players wanted quarterback Kirk Cousins on the bench, and it appeared as though it was going to be another brutal season. Since then, the Redskins have won four straight games, and they look like they have a chance to make some noise in the competitive NFC East. As usual, the Lions are the Lions, and they will likely finish this season with another mediocre record. Seven out of nine ESPN experts believe the Redskins will win this game.

More ESPN NFL Picks for Week 7

  • Chiefs over Saints
  • Titans over Colts
  • Bengals over Browns
  • Raiders over Jaguars
  • Bills over Dolphins
  • Ravens over Jets
  • 49ers over Buccaneers
  • Falcons over Chargers
  • Broncos over Texans

Carolina and Dallas are on their byes this week.

[Featured Image by Billie Weiss/Getty Images]

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