NFL Top Games to Watch: Week 7
By josephkleine
Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws in the pocket against Houston Texans linebacker linebacker Brian Cushing (56) at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
We are nearing the halfway mark in the National Football League and things are starting to get heated in the race towards the playoffs. Last week we saw a high scoring tie, some big time injuries, and things only becoming more complicated for teams. This week there is no shortage of amazing games to keep your eye on, but these have to be the best three games to enjoy this weekend with your family and friends as you enjoy football Sunday.
Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers
This is a great NFC matchup between two divisional leaders looking to jump ahead in the race for seeding in the playoffs. The Cam Newton led Panthers have managed to keep themselves atop the NFC South and are looking to finally get themselves healthy in this one against a suddenly stout Packers defense. Carolina needs to get the running game going in this one, and Newton should be a helpful force in that department. Kelvin Benjamin is going to be back on the field this week which will be a nice healthy boost to a passing game that has to make some critical plays to keep themselves in this one. This team was able to keep pace with Cincinnati Bengals last week so they have shown the ability to score with the best of them. The Packers on the other hand have been on a roll even after last week’s narrow escape against the Dolphins, and are looking to take a big step towards sealing their stake in the NFC North. Eddie Lacy will have to get the wheels turning to aid Aaron Rodgers in the passing attack and keep them from being one dimensional or else the Pack could be in for a long day. The flurry of targets in Green Bay should keep the Panthers honest for most of the game. This contest is likely a future NFC playoff match up and you can bet that both teams will be coming out swinging.
Prediction: The Packers show their conference dominance; Carolina 24 Green Bay 33
Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts
A flip over to the AFC in this one, this matchup is very similar to the prior one. It featured two teams that are among the best in their respective conferences, a team coming off a tie, and premier quarterbacks. The Bengals have to be feeling a little angry with themselves watching a win go to the wayside and coming into this match up they know they must be at the top of their game. A.J. Green has started practicing but is still unlikely to give it a go this week, so guys like Mohammed Sanu and Gio Bernard have to be the offensive forces they’ve shown they can be. The Bengals shouldn’t have trouble putting up points; it’s keeping them off the board that may be an issue. This defensive unit needs to bring a lot of heat on the Colts Andrew Luck in this one and stop the aerial assault forcing the Colts to lean on their running game. The Colts on the other hand are hoping to prevent exactly that by exposing the Bengals somewhat shifty secondary. Luck has been on a tear this year and has been unstoppable in his last three games. With a plethora of targets at every position expect the Colts to spread out the Bengals and find the best one on one match ups in this one. The defense just has to rock Andy Dalton and prevent him from using what limited number of play makers that are left. They have to take Gio out of the game and make Dalton and Sanu beat them, which they were unable to do against Carolina last week. This game screams future AFC playoff match up when it features two divisional leaders. This should be one of the highest scoring games of the week.
Prediction: Love the Bengals but Andrew Luck and the Colts are the hottest team in football; Cincinnati 35 Indianapolis 38
San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos
Not quite the Seattle versus Denver match up of a few weeks prior, but this one promises to be a good battle. The 49ers are surging back into the NFC playoff race while Denver is looking to keep the sails steady and stay tied atop the AFC West. The 49ers have to excel offensively, which will depend on how successful Frank Gore is on the ground and how efficient Colin Kaepernick is throughout the entire game. The 49ers have to play a full four quarters in this game to get the best of Denver. Defensively it’s going to be tough to control all the targets, but if the Niners can get a consistent pass rush going they may have a chance yet. Kaepernick is the ultimate “X” factor in this for San Fran as his dynamic ability to keep defenses on edge will be needed to put up points. Denver and the legendary Peyton Manning are looking to go about things business as usual with a well balanced attack fed by the highly efficient passing game that spreads the ball all around the field. It is crucial that Denver doesn’t become one dimensional or be forced to rely on one man in particular because the 49ers will shut them down. Defensively, containing Kaepernick is their toughest challenge and the most important one if they want to come out with a win in this game. Kaepernick can gash a defense and if they aren’t careful it will happen. This showdown features two of the premier teams and quarterbacks in the NFL on a big Sunday Night Football stage, should be a great one.
Prediction: Denver struts its stuff in a flashy win; San Francisco 24 Denver 35
There you have it folks, the best three games to enjoy on your football Sunday in week seven. These match ups all have pretty serious playoff implications but all feature great teams and great quarterbacks, should be some fun to watch!
Joe Kleine is also co-host of the finsradio.com show The Direct Snap, alongside fellow host Tyler McMullen. Please check our Facebook and Twitter