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The calendar is turning to a new month, and as we're approaching the halfway point of the 2026 season, it's also time for NFL trade deadline preparations to begin.
Video above: Boston researchers share new estimate of CTE in ex-NFL players
With many teams still very much in the playoff picture, and others looking to retool for next year and beyond, some big changes could be on the horizon.
For now, it's time to settle in and enjoy some good games this weekend. For the first time since Week 3, all games will be played on U.S. soil. Last week featured the first NFL game in Paris between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints.
Next week, Madrid, Spain, hosts a game for the second year in a row.
Here's a look at what's ahead this week, as Matthew Peaslee of the Hearst National Team continues his predictions. Peaslee went 10-4 in his Week 6 predictions and sits at 63-43-1 on the year.
All game times are in Eastern Standard Time.
The Packers had a crazy game against the Lions, but lost too many bad breaks down the stretch. They should be able to bounce back this week back home at Lambeau Field. Josh Jacobs was back in action last week and reformed the Packers offense. But this game will be won in the trenches, and if the Green Bay defense can rattle Bryce Young, it'll be a solid evening to start the weekend.
Prediction: Packers 28, Panthers 23
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) plays against the Las Vegas Raiders during an NFL football game in Las Vegas, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026.
The Bills are surrendering 28.5 points per game, which is the third-most in the NFL. Yet, they're still 5-1 and in prime position to win their division. The offense is just that good and will continue to roll this week. Buffalo averages 387.7 yards per game with 148 rushing yards per game. Josh Allen is the centerpiece of the offense, but without James Cook III, the Bills wouldn't be as powerful as they have been this year.
Prediction: Bills 28, Ravens 21
The Titans might not be as bad as their record suggests. Things are starting to come together and Robert Selah's head coaching position may be salvaged, especially if an upset can be pulled in Cincinnati. The Titans' defense is suspect, but Anthony Hill Jr. is among the league leaders in tackles with 68 and Jeffery Simmons does a good job getting to the quarterback, so Joe Burrow better watch out. The offense did enough last week to win, but suffered a heartbreaking three-point loss to Cleveland. Tennessee did find a key cog in Tony Pollard, who had a 129-yard, three-touchdown performance. It's certainly bold, but a Titans win would be beautiful in an otherwise ugly season.
Prediction: Titans 26, Bengals 18
Things are getting brighter for the Dallas Cowboys. Dak Prescott will likely surpass 2,000 passing yards for the season after this one is finished — and the Cowboys should be celebrating a big win. If Prescott can find CeeDee Lamb for at least two touchdowns, and Javonte Williams continues his powerful displays on the ground, it could be a blowout. For the Cardinals, Jacoby Brissett and Trey McBride are a solid pitch-and-catch combination too.
Prediction: Cowboys 28, Cardinals 7
The Vikings defense has spearheaded their way to an unblemished record. Dallas Turner is among the league leaders in sacks with six and Byron Murphy Jr. has three interceptions. But the streak may come to an end this week. The Lions pulled off a gritty win over the rival Packers last week and have the momentum remaining at home. Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown are turning into a three-headed monster in Detroit.
Prediction: Lions 37, Vikings 30
The Jaguars are well rested after a bye week and should be in prime position to pounce on the visiting Colts. Trevor Lawrence will continue his MVP-type season by throwing at least three touchdown passes in this game. Parker Washington and Jakobu Myers are two of the best receivers in the game who will help Lawrence's cause. If Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is held to under 75 rushing yards, Indianapolis may not even get on the board.
Prediction: Jaguars 38, Colts 0
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) plays against the Buffalo Bills during an NFL football game in Las Vegas, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026.
The Jets were embarrassed on their home field last week. It looks like another rough weekend is ahead. The Raiders have been up and down this year, but in a battle of two veteran quarterbacks, Kirk Cousins and Geno Smith, Cousins gets the job done. Cousins has thrown 16 touchdown passes and will likely eclipse 2,000 passing yards soon. This one could be a high-scoring affair, but Las Vegas should be motivated to turn its season around after such a promising start.
Prediction: Raiders 33, Jets 27
The rivalry is renewed and is probably at the fiercest level it has ever been. Four weeks ago, the Browns and Steelers played a tight match in Cleveland and now as it turns to Pittsburgh, the division title could be on the line. The Steelers come in winners of three straight and have the veteran leadership of Aaron Rodgers, who is playing as confidently as at any point in his 22 seasons. However, Deshaun Watson is proving he can be the on-field hero the franchise has been yearning for for decades. A revenge-inspired home crowd should lift the Steelers, though.
Prediction: Steelers 22, Browns 20
There hasn't been much of a home-field advantage for Tampa Bay this year, as the Buccaneers have lost four at Raymond James Stadium. Luckily, they play in the NFC South where no team is above .500 heading into the weekend. A win by either the Falcons or Buccaneers could boost them to the top of the division standings. A loss would completely derail their seasons, either. The Bucs demolished Carolina and may actually find the spirit they need at home.
Prediction: Buccaneers 33, Falcons 24
Los Angeles Rams assistant wide receiver coach Robert Woods coaches during warm-ups before coaching against the Las Vegas Raiders in an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
The Dolphins finally picked up a win last week. The same can't be said for the Chargers this week. The Rams, picked by many to win the Super Bowl this year, could still be on that track with a big win against their city rivals. Matthew Stafford leads the NFL in passing yards at 1,989 right now and with a big game, the entire offense should bump their yards average to over 400 per game when this is all said and done. The defense is still earning back some respect, allowing only 302 yards per game.
Prediction: Rams 42, Chargers 24
The Chiefs were humbled on the road last week, and the path gets even harder in Denver this week. The Raiders have an outside chance at winning the division, but these two teams are still the class of the AFC West. This game will pit one of the best rushing attacks behind Kenneth Walker III against one of the best defensive fronts. The Broncos get the slight edge to continue their three-game winning streak.
Prediction: Broncos 38, Chiefs 32
Congratulations, Dolphins. Enjoy the one win. New England will get back on track after the Bears disrupted a modest three-game winning streak. The Patriots are still outscoring opponents 120-65 in their four victories. The gap will widen even more with a big win in Miami.
Prediction: Patriots 41, Dolphins 14
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) in action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Philadelphia, Monday, Oct. 26, 2026.
The Eagles have lost five games in a row and will be without quarterback Jalen Hurts likely for the remainder of the season because of blood clots. The Commanders have been happy to have their star quarterback Jayden Daniels back and running wild. He leads the league in rushing yards-per-carry at 8.5. All signs point to a Washington win this week, but the Eagles can't afford a loss to their division rivals, even if it is a rebuilding year.
Prediction: Eagles 28, Commanders 24
The Bears have been playing confidently and should have enough moxie to come out with a win in front of a raucous night crowd. Chicago is third in the league in total offense with 390.7 yards per game and the Bears are tops in the league with 154.3 rushing yards per game. Seattle doesn't have the defense to contain that. In turn, the biggest struggle for the Bears will be slowing down Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who leads the NFL in receiving yards with 867. He could break Calvin Johnson's record of 1,964 yards in a season if he keeps it up.
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