Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Over the first six weeks, the NFL has seen several high-impact players go down with long-term injuries. Football injuries happen every season, but this year feels different. Another topic that sticks out this season is the slow start from both Los Angeles teams.
No one saw the Chargers starting 0-6, and many had the Rams as favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. The wildness of each season leads to year-to-year parity in the NFL. Many teams still have plenty of games left to make up ground or take commanding leads in their respective divisions.
As the NFL gears up for Week 7, here are seven bold predictions.
MORE: 3 NFL teams that should be worried after Week 6
The Miami Dolphins secure their first victory of the season
Sep 27, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II (0) reacts after a play against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Miami’s schedule has three favorable matchups remaining. Two are against the New York Jets. The Dolphins rank last in passing yards and will take advantage of a weak New York run defense. Running back Ollie Gordon will be the game’s top performer, totaling 100 yards rushing and his first career game with two touchdowns.
Prediction: Miami’s run-heavy offense exploits a weak New York run defense. Ollie Gordon has the best game of his young career, and the Dolphins secure their first victory of the season.
As the search for a new GM begins, the Colts hand the Vikings their first loss of the season
Minnesota’s perfect record is a direct result of its defense as the offense ranks 31st in total yards. Indianapolis enters Sunday’s game following the removal of Chris Ballard as the team’s general manager. Head coach Shane Steichen will be coaching for his job each week, and several Colts players are playing for their futures. Indianapolis will keep the game close, and Minnesota’s luck will run out.
Prediction: Minnesota’s costly turnovers turn into Indianapolis points. For the first time this season, the Vikings fail to win a close contest. Their first loss comes at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts.
Green Bay pushes its winning streak to four games with a victory against a division rival
NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers
Oct 18, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Packers are taking their three-game winning streak to Detroit on Sunday. The matchup will feature Green Bay’s tough defense against Detroit’s outstanding offense. The edge goes to the Packers as their defense will contain the Lions’ offense while seeing an offensive outburst against a Detroit defense that ranks 30th in points allowed per game.
Prediction: Green Bay has its best game of the season. The Packers will hold the Lions to 20, and the offense reaches 30 points for the first time this season.
MORE: NFL contenders & pretenders after Week 6
Pittsburgh has its first statement win of the season
Pittsburgh’s defense is ahead of the offense and the reason the team enters the week 4-2. However, the Steelers’ offense has the perfect matchup as the Saints have the 4th–worst defense in the league. The Steelers will have success running the ball, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers will pick apart the Saints’ secondary.
Prediction: The Steelers have their best offensive performance of the season, cruising to a 36-6 victory in Paris.
Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud has another outstanding performance
NFL: Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars
Oct 18, 2026; London, ENG; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) gestures during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
C.J. Stroud has turned the corner following last postseason’s disastrous performance. In six games, the third-year quarterback has nine touchdown passes, one interception, and zero lost fumbles. The Texans’ success running the football will lead to Stroud’s efficient day.
Prediction: C.J. Stroud secures a third consecutive game completing more than 70% of pass attempts with 275 yards passing, two touchdowns, and zero turnovers.
San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey’s big game pushes touchdown streak to six games
The 49ers head to Atlanta undefeated, and running back Christian McCaffrey has had at least one touchdown in five consecutive games. McCaffrey will have success against the Falcons’ underwhelming defense, catching passes and finding holes on the ground. His performance keeps the team’s perfect record intact.
Prediction: The Falcons’ defense will have no answer for Christian McCaffrey as the running back has a combined 150 yards and finds the end zone for the sixth consecutive game.
Tetairoa McMillan adds two touchdowns to his season total
NFL: Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) on the field in the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
In his second season, Carolina wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is on pace to start this career with back-to-back seasons reaching 1,000 yards receiving. Sunday’s matchup against the Buccaneers features a Tampa Bay defense that is better at stopping opposing teams’ rushing attacks. This bodes well for Carolina’s offense that ranks 6th in passing yards. Quarterback Bryce Young will look to his favorite target throughout the game.
Prediction: Tetairoa McMillan has a big game against a weak Tampa Bay secondary, securing two touchdown passes for the second time this season.