Free up your Sunday, week 7 is more than appetizing. Between Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers who find their tormentors in Kansas City, the NFC North shock between the Vikings and the Lions, the reunion between Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens) and Baker Mayfield (QB, Browns), and the return of Saquon Barkley (RB, Eagles) in New York, the league offers posters everywhere.
At the individual level, we will also scrutinize the performances of the Jets duo Aaron Rodgers (QB) – Davante Adams (WR), as well as the first start of Russell Wilson (QB, Steelers). The Cowboys and Bears are resting.
The match: Who is the lion now?
Kick-off Sunday at 7 p.m.
Minnesota Vikings (5-0) – Detroit Lions (4-1) – Watch live for free on M6+
The competition is tough this week for the game of the week, but it's hard not to salivate in front of the major NFC North shock this Sunday. Promised to be outsiders, in full progress for two seasons, Dan Campbell's Lions are living up to expectations. Except that the unexpected Vikings are beating them for the moment.
Led by a perfect Sam Darnold (QB), the Minnesota players are still undefeated. A victory against their division rivals would take them from surprise status at the start of the season to that of a real scarecrow. For Detroit, with four victories in a row, it will however be necessary to show that the injury to Aidan Hutchinson (DE) does not affect the team's dynamic. Whatever the content, the lessons of this match will be numerous and important.
The duo of the week: Davante Adams – Aaron Rodgers, no more excuses?
Kick-off Monday at 2:20 a.m.
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) – New York Jets (2-4)
Aaron Rodgers (QB, Jets) reunites with his true love. This week, the Jets picked up wide receiver Davante Adams from the Raiders. Here is the return of a duo who left their mark on the league with 622 receptions for 7,590 yards and 69 touchdowns in 108 games for the Packers. With the pair of receivers Adams – Garrett Wilson as a target, no more excuses for Aaron Rodgers, who is currently struggling to advance the Jets attack. Faced with the formidable defense of the Steelers, the challenge will be significant. If he is reduced by a calf injury, Adams should according to the latest information be able to hold his place.
Opposite, they find a face they know well in the person of Russell Wilson (QB). The former Seahawks quarterback will play his first game with the Pennsylvanians. Mike Tomlin's choice to put Justin Fields on the bench was surprising. Behind a porous offensive line, as throughout his career, Wilson will have to show that his good days are not completely behind him.
Coach of the Week: Kyle Shanahan faces his demons
Kick-off Sunday at 10:25 p.m.
San Francisco 49ers (3-3) – Kansas City Chiefs (5-0)
A meeting with your bosses is always complicated, especially when the last four have gone badly. Since he has been head coach of the 49ers, Kyle Shanahan has never beaten the Chiefs (0-4) with two painful defeats in the Super Bowl, the last of which last February.
His team will not be favorite against Kansas City, one of the two undefeated teams in the league, especially since the 49ers are still without Christian McCaffrey and his replacement at running back Jordan Mason is uncertain at 3-3, the vengeful Californians need this victory, they who have experienced their share of injuries. For Shanahan, this would be an opportunity to remind people that he remains one of the best technicians in the league.
The duel: fond memories of 2018
Kick-off Tuesday at 2:15 a.m.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) – Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
On April 26, 2018, Roger Goodell stepped to the microphone to announce the first pick of the draft. Expected for several weeks, it is Baker Mayfield (QB, Buccaneers) who was chosen by the Browns to relaunch the Ohio franchise. More anonymously, behind Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen and Josh Allen, the Ravens selected Lamar Jackson (QB).
Obviously, six years later, it would be easy to see that the latter is a double MVP and currently carries one of the most prolific attacks in the NFL. But opposite, Mayfield is still there. Thrown by the Browns, struggling at the Panthers then at the Rams, Mayfield lives again in Tampa Bay. His team is also 4-2, and looks better than the last groups he faced in Jackson. Trailing 6-3 in the confrontation, the quarterback has the opportunity to take his franchise another step. Because the Ravens remain favorites, and are hot after their 0-2 start. Enough to give one of the very beautiful posters of this week.
The stat: 75
Kick-off Sunday at 7 p.m.
Green Bay Packers (4-2) – Houston Texans (5-1)
This is the number of points scored cumulatively by the Texans (34) and the Packers (41) last week. Both teams are in great shape, especially offensively. On the Houston side, CJ Stroud (10 TDs, 4 interceptions) is already all-risk insurance. Opposite, Jordan Love is more volatile but his duo with Romeo Doubs (WR) works well. If he is already the author of 12 touchdown passes, the second total in the league despite having missed two games, the Wisconsin launcher has also already thrown 6 interceptions. An offensive festival is to be expected.
Division of the Week: NFC East
Kick-off Sunday at 7 p.m.
New York Giants (2-4) – Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:05 p.m.
Washington Commanders (4-2) – Carolina Panthers (1-5)
Saquon Barkley (RB, Eagles) will return to MetLife Stadium. The runner, who was the spearhead of the Giants' attack for 6 seasons, will return to his old stadium in the opposing colors. And not just any, since it is with the jersey of the great rival of Philadelphia that Barkley will present himself this Sunday. Enough to add spice to a meeting that never lacks it, especially since the stakes are high.
While the Commanders are in good shape and are favorites in the NFC East, both the Eagles and the Giants have alternated between average and less good since the start of the season. To dream of the playoffs, you have to win. The bad news for New York is that the Giants have one of the worst run defenses in the league (4.7 yards per carry allowed). An additional reason to scrutinize Barkley's performance this Sunday.
Other divisional duels: the Ohio derby
Kick-off Sunday at 7 p.m.
Cleveland Browns (1-5) – Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
So maybe? Despite their 3 inaugural defeats, the Bengals are only one victory away from a wild card position. So we have to keep up the pace. Snag prohibited against the Browns who sent Amari Cooper to the Bills and who have visibly given up for this year.
Other matches of the week
Kick-off Sunday at 3:30 p.m. (London)
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) – New England Patriots (1-5)
Kick-off Sunday at 7 p.m.
Buffalo Bills (4-2) – Tennessee Titans (1-4)
Atlanta Falcons (4-2) – Seattle Seahawks (3-3)
Indianapolis Colts (3-3) – Miami Dolphins (2-3)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:05 p.m.
Los Angeles Rams (1-4) – Las Vegas Raiders (2-4)
Kick-off Tuesday at 3:00 a.m.
Arizona Cardinals (2-4) – Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)
It is not sure that Patriots or Jaguars are really dreaming of victories as the current season seems compromised. Each of the two franchises is in the running for the first pick of the draft. Eyes will still be on Drake Maye (QB, Patriots) for his second game.
By signing Amari Cooper (WR), Buffalo showed its ambitions this season. Josh Allen once again has the number 1 he lost with the departure of Stefon Diggs. The Titans will have the difficult task of stopping them.
Still no Tua Tagovailoa (QB) on the horizon for Miami, while Anthony Richardson (QB) should make his return for the Colts. Enough to revitalize the ground game of the Indiana team.
The Falcons have had two victories and 74 points scored in the last two matches. This is good, the future opponents of Kirk Cousins & co are in full defensive disarray. Mike Macdonald's Seahawks have conceded 107 points in 3 games. Let's see if the ten-day break has put them back on their feet.
The Rams will not likely see the return of receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua against the Raiders. The Californians have been improving defensively in recent matches and will be able to try to capitalize against one of the worst attacks in the league (18.2 points per game). For Las Vegas, the floor should once again go through the defense led by Maxx Crosby. Aidan O'Connell will start at quarterback.
Finally, the Chargers travel to Arizona where the Cardinals remain unpredictable. Led by a sober but effective Justin Herbert (QB) (6 TDs, 1 int), Jim Harbaugh's players have a card to play. Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Cardinals) should be there.
Matches of the week
Kick-off Sunday at 3:30 p.m. (London)
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) – New England Patriots (1-5)
Kick-off Sunday at 7 p.m.
Minnesota Vikings (5-0) – Detroit Lions (4-1) – Watch live for free on M6+
Buffalo Bills (4-2) – Tennessee Titans (1-4)
Indianapolis Colts (3-3) – Miami Dolphins (2-3)
Atlanta Falcons (4-2) – Seattle Seahawks (3-3)
Green Bay Packers (4-2) – Houston Texans (5-1)
Cleveland Browns (1-5) – Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
New York Giants (2-4) – Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:05 p.m.
Los Angeles Rams (1-4) – Las Vegas Raiders (2-4)
Washington Commanders (4-2) – Carolina Panthers (1-5)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:25 p.m.
San Francisco 49ers (3-3) – Kansas City Chiefs (5-0)
Kick-off Monday at 2:20 a.m.
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) – New York Jets (2-4)
Kick-off Tuesday at 2:15 a.m.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) – Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
Kick-off Tuesday at 3:00 a.m.
Arizona Cardinals (2-4) – Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)
