The NFL Roundup 2020: Week 7

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Well, for the first time in a long time, football suddenly feels normal again. Because as of press time today, the entire schedule is a go and teams are starting to heal and add stars back to the rosters and that adds a real sense of routine. But that is a feeling that is quite deceiving. Because once game time gets underway, the surprises and incredible effort that we’ve been seeing take place all season long, will return and allow for stunning moments to happen. The kind that will undoubtedly shake up a division or a team’s fortunes and that means that the time has come to examine Week 7 in the NFL in great detail, in order to get an idea of which games are going to blow us away and which one are going to provide us with some compelling storylines.

The Arizona Cardinals have an opportunity to prove they are the real deal this weekend.
Perhaps one of the best surprises of the 2020 campaign, is the Arizona Cardinals. Because last year this team looked lost, and outside of a blockbuster trade this offseason, the other moves the team made before the season, didn’t exactly engender hope or belief that they would go far this year. But this team is playing well, and surprising their opponents left and right and well, they have an opportunity to prove to the football world that they are in fact on the right path, and an outright contender, by beating the Seattle Seahawks this weekend. Which is something that is actually feasible, believe it or not. Because the Seattle defense lets everything through, so if Kyler Murray and the offense can put up some serious points, and the Arizona D can step it up and slow down Seattle, they’ve got a shot at winning this thing.
 
Is this the week the Dallas Cowboys finally turn their season around?
At this point, every football fan out there knows the Cowboys are in turmoil, so we don’t really need to spend a lot of time breaking down their misfortunes once again. Instead, it’s best we get right down to business and ponder upon whether or not this team can reverse its fortunes against the Washington Football Team and well, I’m not so sure they can. Because the only way they get a win here is if the coaching staff has made some serious changes to their one-dimensional schemes on offense and defense and I honestly don’t think they have, since Mike McCarthy keeps hammering home that they need to stay on their disastrous course. So, truly, don’t be shocked if the Cowboys go down in flames in this game, because they don’t seem inclined to admit the fact that what they’re doing this year, isn’t working and until they do, they're going to continue to lose games.
 
Can the Broncos play the spoiler again?
Truly one of the most surprising games of Week 6 was the Broncos/Patriots game. Simply because Denver really did pull off quite the upset by shutting down Cam Newton and the Patriots O, while scoring just enough to lock up the win and well, that kind of victory is huge for a team that's lost a ton of games, and it leaves one to wonder if Denver can pull off that kind of upset again when they host Kansas City and honestly… it is possible. Because KC has shown some weaknesses on offense, as evidenced by their games against Las Vegas and Buffalo and if Denver can exploit those weaknesses and find a way to disrupt the passing game in the process, then they have a shot at this one. But truth be told, KC is a tough team to beat and with Denver being so beat up on both sides of the ball, they’re probably going enjoy a moral victory in this one and nothing more.

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 The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-0) at Tennessee Titans (5-0)
Nissan Stadium – Nashville, TN
Sunday, October 25, 2020 – 1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

​Truly there is no finer treat in the NFL than a game that offers an immovable object and an unstoppable force and that’s what we are getting in this one. Because both of these teams have accomplished wonders on the field and they simply do not quit when faced with adversity and that’s going to lead to one wild matchup. One that could treat us to a bevy of options. Because this game could become a shootout if Big Ben or Mister Tannehill get loose under center, or a ground battle if Connor and Henry get into full on juggernaut mode. Or this one could just simply turn out to be a defensive chess match, one where a single mistake will decide this game. As to which kind of game we are going to get, or who is going to win… who knows and who cares? Because all that matters it that we are going to be treated to some quality football, the kind that will keep us on the edge of our seats for sixty minutes.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) at Las Vegas Raiders (3-2)
Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas, NV
Sunday, October 25, 2020 – 4:05 p.m. EST - FOX

This is a matchup that is worth keeping an eye upon, simply because the Las Vegas Raiders are eager to embarrass anyone that steps into their house, and that includes legends, and it just so happens that a big one named Tom Brady, is heading their way. Which means that this particular game is going to be an intense one. One that should see plenty of back and forth between both teams as they jockey for the win and well, the keys to this game are simple. In that, the Raiders need to go to the old school playbook if they want to beat #12 and offer up long and sustained scoring drives on offense, and intense man coverage on defense. And if they can do that, they get a huge win at home. But if they go with zone and try and score in flashy fashion, the Bucs will make them pay. But since neither of these teams are outright elite, it’s hard to declare a winner. So, it really is best that we just sit back and enjoy the ride, one that will likely come down to execution and the old adage of who wants it more.

Monday Night Football
Chicago Bears (5-1) at Los Angeles Rams (4-2)
SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, CA
8:15 p.m. EST – ESPN

​The old saying, ‘defense wins championships’ exists for one reason and one reason alone, because it is absolutely true. For time and time again, great defenses have taken teams either deep into the playoffs or toward a Super Bowl victory and defense is definitely what is top of mind when it comes to this particular game. Because both of these teams boast solid ones, in fact, their respective stats are almost identical. Which means that this game is likely going to be a defensive struggle, the kind where Jared Goff and Nick Foles are going to have to exercise extreme patience so they can take full advantage of whatever opportunity comes their way. Which means that mistakes will prove to be quite costly in this one and if I had to choose a winner, it would have to be the Bears. In part, because Chicago is doing their best to make quite a statement in 2020 and is laser focused on winning, but also because their defense comes up with some huge stops when the game is on the line.