NFL Week 7 Predictions

The fourth quarter comeback was the story of week six as the Dolphins, Texans, Patriots and Packers all completed the two minute offense to perfection and secured victories.

The Dolphins were on the brink of losing but a Cody Parkey missed field goal sent the game into overtime allowing Miami to hit a field goal of their own to win by three. The Texans and Bills were tied late with two minutes left in the game. A pick-six thrown by Bills' quarterback Nathan Peterman solidified a Texans victory and a tie for second place in the AFC South.

Packers are also tied for second place in the NFC North but could be sitting in third place if not for some luck and Aaron Rodgers. All credit goes to how poised Aaron Rodgers is under pressure. He knows his team. He knows the Packers are never going to be a team that will get the easy win but Rodgers continually comes through.

Part of me says if Rogers is great why did not he, and probably should have, almost lose to the NFL's 15th ranked defense? If he is the G.O.A.T why did Rodgers almost lose in a game that should have been so one sided fans were leaving in the third quarter? It's not on Rodgers though.

One thing sticks out and it is obvious. The Packers defense is atrocious but luckily Rodgers is in the green and yellow because Green Bay would be a last place team. Luckily a few penalties that should not have been called and great play by Aaron Rodgers the Packers are sitting in second place in the NFC North.

Aaron Rodgers is considered the G.O.A.T to some but Tom Brady is the overwhelming favorite for the title. Brady and the Patriots hosted the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs this past Sunday and the game came down to the wire. Just like the Dolphins and Packers, the Patriots won via a game winning last second field goal.

The Patriots took an early lead and went into the halftime seemingly in control but Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs clawed their way back into the game. Mahomes led the Chiefs to 31 points after halftime to tie the game in the fourth quarter but committed the cardinal sin while doing so. With the game tied 40-40 after a Tyreek Hill touchdown the clock still had two minutes left.

As soon as Brady took the field, we all knew the outcome. The NFL and their fans have seen Brady make a fourth quarter comeback time and time again. On Sunday they witness number 35 and a 43-40 victory for New England.

Fourth quarterback comebacks were heavily featured in week six and week seven assures more close games are on their way. Plenty of inter-conference games take place this week including three battles between first place teams. Other than that one division game sticks out above the rest.

DALLAS COWBOYS VS. WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Dallas Cowboys' quarterback Dak Prescott (via KSAT.com)

This Sunday the historic rivalry between NFC East foes renews itself on the gridiron as the Dallas Cowboys travel to Washington to take on the Redskins.

Considered the best rivalry in the NFL by ESPN and "one of the greatest [rivalries] in sports" by Sports Illustrated in 2005, Dak Prescott and Alex Smith will have all eyes on them.

Starting in 1960 with a 26-14 win for Washington, the first of two 2018 match-ups could have a similar finish. The Cowboys lead the series 70-44-2 and with four consecutive victories against Washington, Dallas is the safe pick.

Coming off a dominating performance at home, the Cowboys ran over, around and straight through the top five defense of the Jaguars. Ezekiel Elliot was unstoppable, rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown. Dak Prescott and Cole Beasley finally made a connection hooking up for nine receptions and two touchdowns. Dallas played a perfect game but one good game does not change the perception of an average team so far.

The Redskins on the other hand have been the more successful team in 2018. A first place record of 3-2 has the Skins sitting one game ahead of Dallas and Philadelphia for the division lead. Quarterback Alex Smith has been uncharacteristically inconsistent this season, especially on the road. Washington will be at home this Sunday.

At home, Smith has put a much better product on the field completing 64.7 percent of his passes and having a 92.6 QBR. The downside of that is Smith averaging about 1.3 touchdowns per game and only 225 yards at home. That won't cut it in the NFC East but his stats still out perform Dak Prescott.

Prescott has struggled this year and played outright terrible at times. He has not looked like a franchise quarterback. Prescott has played closer to a 26th ranked quarterback which is exactly where he ranks. Prescott is averaging 190.7 yards per game and barley one touchdown. His stats only get worse away from AT&T Stadium.

On the road, Prescott averages 182 yards and less than one touchdown. Terrible is the only way to describe Prescott. He has a top five running back in Elliot and an above average offensive line. Dallas also has reasonable weapons for Dak to throw to. Not a number one guy but good enough to be more efficient. The bottom is line Dak should be and must be better if Dallas wants any chance of winning in Washington.

After last weeks commanding victory of Jacksonville, Dallas has the momentum. Dak is coming off his best game this year and Zeke has been on a role. The defense preformed much better as well by forcing two turnovers and sacking Blake Bortles three times. Dallas will be energized on Sunday and will come out with confidence but the Redskins defense is capable of shutting Dallas down.

Redskins D-linemen Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith (via USAtoday)

Washington's defense ranks seventh in points allowed according to NFL.com. They also are the sixth best team at stopping the run holding opponents to 90 yards per game. Dallas' forte will be taken away this Sunday.

Although Zeke and the rest of the Cowboys will come into FedExField with confidence, it will fade fast. The Redskins defense is too good and even if Dallas wanted to pass the ball, Washington has a top ten secondary.

Dak and the rest of Dallas' offense will have a hard time finding success on Sunday and with Washington's offense playing much better at home, the edge goes to the Redskins.

Alex Smith will have a more typical Alex Smith performance. Two touchdowns while completing 65 percent of his passes en route to a victory. Dallas' offense won't be as pitiful as it has been and put up a fight. The game will be closer than people expect and Dallas historically dominates the series which does give them hope. Ultimately, it will come down to who plays the cleanest game and I give that edge to Washington.

Final Score: Redskins 28, Cowboys 23