Updated

Updated · ESPN · Oct 23

NFL Week 7 Opens With 14 Games as Giants Start J.J. McCarthy and Steelers Face Saints in Paris

Updated

Updated · ESPN · Oct 23

NFL Week 7 Opens With 14 Games as Giants Start J.J. McCarthy and Steelers Face Saints in Paris

Q: Will the Seahawks' incredible 35-game run defense streak finally shatter against their former star Kenneth Walker III?

Yes, it has a real chance to end Sunday, though Seattle is still well equipped to keep the streak alive. Walker is the toughest test the Seahawks have faced during this 35-game run. He leads the NFL with 665 rushing yards in only five games, is averaging more than 6 yards per carry, and has topped 100 yards in four of those five outings. He is also the focal point of Kansas City’s offense, especially with the Chiefs leaning more heavily on the run than they did a year ago. The matchup is not one-sided, however. Seattle’s defense remains one of the league’s best overall and ranks among the NFL’s stronger run units, allowing 96 rushing yards per game. The Seahawks also have a strong history of preventing individual backs from taking over games, and game script matters: if Seattle gets ahead, Kansas City may be forced to lean more on Patrick Mahomes and the passing attack, reducing Walker’s carry volume. There are also signs the Chiefs may try to manage Walker’s workload more carefully over the long season, which could slightly lower his chances of reaching 100. Even so, his explosive ability means one long run can change the equation quickly. The fairest expectation is that Walker threatens the streak deep into the game. He is more likely than any recent opponent to break it, but Seattle’s run defense is strong enough that the safer projection is a big night without a guaranteed 100-yard breakthrough.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Oct 23

Week 7 brings 14 games headlined by Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s first start against Houston and Steelers-Saints in Paris before Cowboys-Eagles closes the slate Monday night.
Houston enters as a 10.5-point favorite over New York, while Pittsburgh is favored by 3.5 in Paris; ESPN’s FPI gives the Texans an 84.5% win chance and the Steelers 59.9%.
Two division showdowns anchor Sunday’s marquee matchups: Ravens-Bengals in the AFC North and Packers-Lions in the NFC North, with Detroit averaging 32.8 points per game and favored by 3.
Sunday night adds Chiefs-Seahawks, where Kenneth Walker III returns to Seattle leading the league in rushing, while the Seahawks carry a 35-game streak without allowing a 100-yard rusher.
The week also features key injury and roster storylines, including Tank Dell’s return for Houston, Baker Mayfield’s expected comeback for Tampa Bay and Philadelphia playing without Jalen Hurts for the season.