Story by
Bold predictions for Monday Night Football in NFL Week 7
- Story by
- Bold predictions for Monday Night Football in NFL Week 7
Entering the NFL season, Week 7's Monday Night Football matchup was projected to be a battle between contending division rivals.
It will still be a battle, but not between contenders. Injuries, a surprise retirement, and inconsistencies have decimated the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia's coaching staff could have mitigated issues, but the loss of Jalen Hurts is impossible to overcome. Dallas and Philadelphia are heading in opposite directions.
Advertisement
After starting quarterback losses by New York and Philadelphia, and Washington having issues on both sides of the ball, the NFC East division is there for the taking. The Cowboys must view this game as a must-win contest. Heading into Monday Night Football, here are four bold predictions.
MORE: Aaron Rodgers moves past Peyton Manning with historic NFL moment in Paris
Dallas wide receiver Ryan Flournoy will have his best game of the season
Oct 18, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (19) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Eagles hoped their defense would take another step forward after finishing last season ranked 13thin yards and 5thin points allowed per game. This isn't the case as the team's defense currently ranks 27thin yards and 16thin points allowed per game.
Advertisement
Monday night is the perfect matchup for Dallas wide receiver Ryan Flournoy, as Philadelphia's defense is weaker at defending the pass compared to stopping opposing running backs. Flournoy is coming off back-to-back productive weeks, reaching 90 yards in Week 5 and catching his first touchdown of the season in Week 6.
The Eagles will try their best to cover CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, leaving Flournoy big-play potential out of the slot. The third-year receiver will exploit the holes in Philadelphia's defense, producing his best game of the season.
Prediction:Ryan Flournoy will have a big game, catching eight of nine targets for 125 yards and one touchdown.
Dallas' Dak Prescott will be the fourth quarterback this season to reach 400 passing yards in a game
Oct 18, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Dak Prescott is no stranger to having 400-yard passing games. Since his 2016 rookie season, he's reached this milestone 10 times in the regular season. As Philadelphia's defense contains Dallas' rushing attack, Dak Prescott takes matters into his own hands, spreading the football around the field.
Advertisement
In a must-win Monday Night Football showdown, the Cowboys quarterback has a monster night, leading the team to a double-digit victory over their division rival.
Prediction:Prescott finishes with his 11thgame reaching 400 yards passing, and first since 2023, becoming the 4thquarterback this season to achieve the mark.
Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs will secure his first interception
Aug 15, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Drafted 11thoverall in April's draft, rookie safety Caleb Downs is Dallas' top defensive player, leading the team in tackles and forced fumbles. Monday night's primetime game will be the rookie's breakout game on national television. Entering Week 7, Philadelphia has allowed the 6th–most sacks this season and ranks 26thin passer rating.
Advertisement
Backup quarterback Tanner McKee will start for a second consecutive week in Jalen Hurts' absence. Downs will take advantage of Philadelphia's offensive line issues that surrendered three sacks during McKee's first start of the season.
Prediction:Dallas' rookie safety Caleb Downs has the best game of his young career, adding his second sack of the season and recording his first NFL interception.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley returns from injury and gives the offense a boost
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26). Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images.
Running back Saquon Barkley left early in the Eagles' Week 4 loss to the Rams. Following a hamstring injury, Monday night's game will be his first game since October 4th.
Advertisement
In a perfect world, the Eagles would give their running back more time, but the team is in dire team of playmakers as wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks will join quarterback Jalen Hurts as inactive for Monday Night Football.
Philadelphia will quickly welcome back Barkley, and the workload will be the most carries he's received this season. The team is in a dire situation and understands the importance of exploiting the league's worst defense at defending the run.
Prediction:Saquon Barkley has success against a Dallas defense allowing the most rushing yards per game. He finishes Monday Night Football reaching 100 yards rushing for the first time this season and reaches the end zone twice.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
