We are somehow officially a third of the way through the 2025 NFL regular season. The weeks have flown by thus far, and right now, we’re seeing the most parity in the league in years. Anybody can beat anybody on any given Sunday, which has made each game incredibly hard to pick.

With Thursday Night Football around the corner, it’s time for our EssentiallySports NFL staff picks and predictions piece. Below are our current records for the season.

Luke Hubbard: 17-11

Tim Wood: 15-13

Content Team (Abhishek Singh/Mukhar Ghosh): 15-13

Reubyn Coutinho: 10-5

Let’s hop right into this week’s predictions.

Steelers at Bengals

Game Time: Thursday, 7:15 pm at Paycor Stadium

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime TV

Broadcasters: Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit, Kaylee Hartung

Game Odds: Steelers (-5.5), O/U 42.5

PFF Rankings: PIT Offense 29th, Defense 5th. CIN Offense 31st, Defense 29th

Recent Matchups: PIT 23-9 win over Browns, CIN 27-18 loss to Packers

Key Injuries: Mike Gesicki, Trey Hendrickson, Lucas Patrick, Calvin Austin Jr.

Luke Hubbard, Senior NFL Writer: The Cincinnati Bengals proved their offense has improved a bit with Joe Flacco under center, but it’s still not enough to find success against a tough defense like the Pittsburgh Steelers. Steelers 22, Bengals 14

Tim Wood, NFL Editorial Chief: I’m going to keep going lone wolf against the Steelers until I get it right. Everything about this game says Steelers. Literally … EVERY. THING. That’s why I’m going the other way. Bengals 28, Steelers 24

Mukhar Ghosh, Deputy NFL Content Manager: I’m excited to sub in for my compadre, Abhishek, this week as he’s on assignment. I expect Flacco to have a tough day with Jalen Ramsey and T.J. Watt waiting for an opportunity to unleash pain. The Bengals’ O-Line couldn’t protect Joe Burrow; can they turn it around for their 40-year-old QB? Highly unlikely. Steelers 21, Bengals 9

Reubyn Coutinho, NFL Lead Editor, is also on assignment this week, so he’s just giving scores. Steelers 25, Bengals 17

Rams at Jacksonville (London)

Game Time: Sunday, 9:30 am at Wembley Stadium

Where to Watch: NFL Network, NFL+

Broadcasters: Rich Eisen, Kurt Warner, Sara Walsh

Game Odds: Rams (-3.5), O/U 45.5

PFF Rankings: LAR Offense 2nd, Defense 2nd. JAX Offense 21st, Defense 8th

Recent Matchups: LAR 17-3 win over Ravens, JAX 20-12 loss to Seahawks

Key Injuries: Devin Lloyd, Quintin Morris, Puka Nacua

Hubbard: The Los Angeles Rams look as good as pretty much anybody in the NFC right now, and the Jacksonville Jaguars were just exposed a bit by the Seahawks. Trevor Lawrence and the offense still have some wrinkles to iron out, so give me the Rams. Rams 23, Jags 17

Wood: There’s something about London that turns the Jaguars into world beaters. I am making an intentional play this week to jump Hubbard in the standings. It’s high risk, high reward in The Woodshed this week. And because this game says it should be a defensive struggle, I’m going with the over. Jags 28, Rams 27 

Ghosh: The Jaguars have fared much better this season under Liam Coen. But they need to iron out some offensive issues to give the Rams a run for their money. As the PFF rankings suggest, McVay’s team has been very efficient and consistent this season. Though Puka Nacua’s injury may take away some potency from the offense … overall, I give LA a slight edge. Rams 27, Jags 21

Coutinho: Rams 21, Jaguars 11

Saints at Bears

Game Time: Sunday, 1 pm at Soldier Field

Where to Watch: FOX

Broadcasters: Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston, Allison Williams

Game Odds: Bears (-5.5), O/U 45.5

PFF Rankings: NO Offense 28th, Defense 21st. CHI Offense 18th, Defense 27th

Recent Matchups: NO 25-19 loss to Patriots, CHI 25-24 win over Commanders

Key Injuries: DJ Moore, Grady Jerrett, Jonah Jackson, Alvin Kamara, Isaac Yiadom

Hubbard: The New Orleans Saints are one of the feistiest 1-5 teams I’ve ever seen. They haven’t learned how to win games yet, but they’ll give their opponent hell for 60 minutes each week. The Chicago Bears should win, but it’ll be close. Bears 24, Saints 20

Wood: Another situation where I’m going lone wolf with a purpose and with some reasoning. I love how the Saints have played in just about every game. I think the Bears are going to have a letdown after the Monday Night win. But in full transparency, I could just as easily see it being Bears 48, Saints 10 in continuing that mojo. But for the sake of climbing the standings, I’m going … Saints 27, Bears 21

Ghosh: I have to agree with Luke on the Saints. Their 1-5 record doesn’t really reflect the kind of football they’ve been playing under Kellen Moore. The Bears are the other side of the same coin with a better record. Close wins over the Raiders and Commanders suggest Ben Johnson has figured out a way to get his crew over the hump. Bears 25, Saints 24

Coutinho: Bears 27, Saints 20

Dolphins at Browns

Game Time: Sunday, 1 pm at Huntington Bank Field

Where to Watch: CBS

Broadcasters: Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, Aditi Kinkhabwala

Game Odds: Browns (-2.5), O/U 40.5

PFF Rankings: MIA Offense 25th, Defense 31st. CLE Offense 32nd, Defense 1st

Recent Matchups: MIA 29-27 loss to Chargers, CLE 23-9 loss to Steelers

Key Injuries: David Njoku, Jack Conklin, Darren Waller

Hubbard: This is the ugliest game of the week. The Miami Dolphins actually found some life offensively last time out, but the Cleveland Browns have a very stingy defense. Still, give me the Dolphins to win a low-scoring affair. Dolphins 13, Browns 6

Wood: Two young QBs, two teams begging for redemption, two coaches fighting for their jobs. This comes down to line play, and the Browns’ dominant D-line is going to make life miserable for Tua. Browns 21, Dolphins 6

Ghosh: Contrary to Luke, I think Sunday’s game will come down to the Dolphins’ defense and Browns’ offense. Whichever side finds a way to pull itself together has a decent shot at registering its second win of the season. I still trust McDaniel’s offense to contain whatever rookie Dillon Gabriel has to throw at them. Dolphins 14, Browns 6

Coutinho:  Browns 17, Dolphins 16

Patriots at Titans

Game Time: Sunday, 1 pm at Nissan Stadium

Where to Watch: CBS

Broadcasters: Andrew Catalon, Charles Davis, Jason McCourty, AJ Ross

Game Odds: Patriots (-7.5), O/U 42.5

PFF Rankings: NE Offense 9th, Defense 22nd. TEN Offense 30th, Defense 17th

Recent Matchups: NE 25-19 win over Saints, TEN 20-10 loss to Raiders

Key Injuries: Harold Landry, Jaylinn Hawkins, Stefon Diggs, Arden Key, Tyler Lockett, Calvin Ridley, L’Jarius Sneed

Hubbard: Drake Maye and New England have looked great the past couple of weeks, and with a few easy games coming up, they should continue to roll. Teams that fire their coach can come out swinging the next week, though, so they need to be careful. Patriots 27, Titans 16

Wood: This has all the makings of the Admiral Ackbar Trap of the Week. But I’m sticking to my guns in not picking against my team again until they lose. Patriots 31, Titans 17

Ghosh: The Pats are coming off two scrappy Ws over the Bills and Titans. I don’t expect the trip to Tennessee to be any different. Brian Callahan is gone, and the interim (Mike McCoy) hasn’t really had enough time to bring forth any meaningful change. Pats 25, Titans 9 

Coutinho: Patriots 33, Titans 16

Raiders at Chiefs

Game Time: Sunday, 1 pm at Soldier Field

Where to Watch: CBS

Broadcasters: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson

Game Odds: Chiefs (-10.5), O/U 46.5

PFF Rankings: KC Offense 8th, Defense 14th. LV Offense 17th, Defense 30th

Recent Matchups: KC 30-17 win over Lions, LV 20-10 win over Titans

Key Injuries: Brock Bowers, Jakobi Meyers, Brashard Smith,

Hubbard: The Kansas City Chiefs are officially my pick to win the AFC, and I don’t think the Las Vegas Raiders have the firepower to keep up with Patrick Mahomes and Co. Easy Chiefs victory. Chiefs 30, Raiders 13

Wood: I don’t care about the in-division nature of it, supposedly equally out things here. This is going to be one of the most dominant routs of the NFL season. Like, WWE stuff. The Undertaker coming for souls. That level. Chiefs 49, Raiders 10

Ghosh: The Chiefs have finally found their footing after a historic bad start to the season. Mahomes and his offense are finally clicking, the defense just contained a very potent Lions side, and the special teams are providing big game-changing moments. We can’t really say the same about the Raiders. They have been struggling everywhere. Chiefs 35, Raiders 17

Coutinho: Chiefs 35, Raiders 12

Eagles at Vikings

Game Time: Sunday, 1 pm at U.S. Bank Stadium

Where to Watch: FOX

Broadcasters: Adam Amin, Greg Olsen, Pam Oliver

Game Odds: Eagles (-2.5), O/U 42.5

PFF Rankings: PHI Offense 12th, Defense 9th. MIN Offense 24th, Defense 15th

Recent Matchups: PHI 34-17 loss to Giants, MIN bye

Key Injuries: JJ McCarthy

Hubbard: The Philadelphia Eagles have problems on both sides of the ball, but it’s so hard to pick against them because they could figure it out at any minute. Still, they’re a dysfunctional group right now, and I’m going to pick Minnesota to pull off the upset. Vikings 18, Eagles 14

Wood: I’m not ready to bury the Eagles yet. Whatever QB leads the Vikings, I think the Eagles defense steps up here and Jalen Hurts shows true leadership this week in getting Philly out of its funk. Eagles 24, Vikings 17

Ghosh: Sure, Eagles are coming off two losses, and the last one against the Giants must be hurting Nick Sirianni & Co. a lot. I expect them to bounce back with a statement win against the Vikings, who are carrying two injured QBs. Eagles 24, Vikings 13

Coutinho: Eagles 20, Vikings 16

Panthers at Jets

Game Time: Sunday, 1 pm at MetLife Stadium

Where to Watch: FOX

Broadcasters: Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth, Sarah Kustok

Game Odds: Panthers (-1.5), O/U 43.5

PFF Rankings: CAR Offense 13th, Defense 24th. NYJ Offense 27th, Defense 19th

Recent Matchups: CAR 30-27 win over Cowboys, NYJ 13-11 loss to Broncos

Key Injuries: Garrett Wilson, Pat Jones II

Hubbard: The Carolina Panthers are on a roll, and the New York Jets are struggling to do much of anything offensively. And yet this spread is 1.5 points. Vegas knows something. The public is going to be all over Carolina, so I’m still picking the Panthers, but in a one-point game. Panthers 21, Jets 20

Wood: I started typing that “I’d love to say this is the game it all comes together for the Jets.” You know what, I’m doing it! This is THE game where it all comes together. They’re home, they’re facing an inexperienced roster, probably a little too high after the Cowboys win. Even with Chuba Hubbard back, the Jets find a way here. It’s now or 0-17. I truly feel that way. Jets 24, Panthers 21

Ghosh: Something is just not right with the Jets. Justin Fields and Aaron Glenn have their work cut out for them. Panthers, on the other hand, have gained some momentum after the upset over the Cowboys. On paper, it should be an easy win for Dave Canales’ side. But if there’s anything we know about Bryce Young, it’s that he’s inconsistent. But still, it’ll be foolish to put your money on the Jets right now. Panthers 17, Jets 9

Coutinho: Panthers 19, Jets 14

Giants at Broncos

Game Time: Sunday, 4:05 pm at Soldier Field

Where to Watch: CBS

Broadcasters: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, Melanie Collins

Game Odds: Broncos (-6.5), O/U 40.5

PFF Rankings: NYG Offense 26th, Defense 12th. DEN Offense 20th, Defense 7th

Recent Matchups: NYG 34-17 win over Eagles, DEN 13-11 win over Jets

Key Injuries: John Michael-Schmitz, Darius Slayton, Jonah Ellis

Hubbard: The New York Giants are a fascinating team. They’re either unstoppable offensively or turning the ball over every other drive. I think they keep this one much closer than the 6.5-point spread, but Denver wins. Broncos 25, Giants 22

Wood: Strong defensives, mediocre offensives with young QBs. My heart says Giants, I want to see the momentum build. My head says Broncos. I’m kind of out on Year 2 Bo Nix, but if he’s ever going to prove me wrong, it’s this game at home. Broncos 28, Giants 17

Ghosh: The Broncos’ defense has been excellent this season so far. But you never know which Giants offense shows up this week. They have the potential to run over any defense in the league. However, I’ll put my money on a steady bunch over a rollercoaster team every day of the week. Broncos 24, Giants 17

Coutinho: Giants 31, Broncos 27

Colts at Chargers

Game Time: Sunday, 4:05 pm at SoFi Stadium

Where to Watch: CBS

Broadcasters: Ian Eagle, JJ Watt, Evan Washburn

Game Odds: Chargers (-1.5), O/U 49.5

PFF Rankings: LAC Offense 19th, Defense 6th. IND Offense 3rd, Defense 20th

Recent Matchups: LAC 29-27 win over Dolphins, IND 31-27 win over Cardinals

Key Injuries: Kennan Allen, Joe Alt, Josh Downs, Charvarius Ward

Hubbard: Why are the Los Angeles Chargers favorites in this game? The Indianapolis Colts are playing some of the best football in the league, and LA just hardly edged out the Dolphins. Plus, the Chargers don’t really have a home-field advantage. I feel like the public will be all over Indy, but I can’t get myself to pick against them. Colts 35, Chargers 31

Wood: This is a market correction for both teams. The Chargers are better than they’ve been playing. And the Colts are not a 6-1 team. Chargers 31, Colts 24

Ghosh: Danny Dimes has transformed the Colts offense. If anyone predicted the Colts to be 5-1 heading into Week 7, they should try their luck at the lotteries as well. As luck would have it, Shane Steichen’s team is facing the Chargers when Jim Harbaugh’s team is at a low. Though Justin Herbert has really stepped up this season, I think the Colts will ride high on their momentum and leave LA with the W. Colts 27, Chargers 24

Coutinho: Chargers 27, Colts 25

Commanders at Cowboys

Game Time: Sunday, 4:25 pm at AT&T Stadium

Where to Watch: FOX

Broadcasters: Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews, Tom Rinaldi

Game Odds: Commanders (-1.5), O/U 53.5

PFF Rankings: WAS Offense 10th, Defense 16th. DAL Offense 6th, Defense 32nd

Recent Matchups: WAS 25-24 loss to Bears, DAL 30-27 loss to Panthers

Key Injuries: Dorance Armstrong, Deebo Samuel, Tyler Booker, CeeDee Lamb

Hubbard: This should be an entertaining game. Both teams have great offenses and subpar defenses. I just trust Washington’s defense a bit more than Dallas’. Commanders 26, Cowboys 25

Wood: I am tired of hearing from Jerry Jones. I’m tired of any talk from the Cowboys. Prove it on the dang field, period. Jones needs to spend his time making trade deadline deals. Until he does something of value to truly help keep his team “in it,” zip it. This is for me on the ‘Boys. I will not pick them again this year if they blow this. Cowboys 35, Commanders 31

Ghosh: CeeDee Lamb is back, Dak Prescott is balling out, George Pickens is a walking highlight reel, but I still can’t pick the Cowboys because of their defense. Though Jones and Schotty have faith in Matt Eberflus, much like Vegas, I’m afraid I can’t say the same. Commanders 27, Cowboys 21

Coutinho: Commanders 28, Cowboys 24

Packers at Cardinals

Game Time: Sunday, 4:25  pm at State Farm Stadium

Where to Watch: FOX

Broadcasters: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Jen Hale

Game Odds: Packers (-6.5), O/U 44.5

PFF Rankings: GB Offense 7th, Defense 3rd. ARI Offense 23rd, Defense 26th

Recent Matchups: GB 27-18 win over Bengals, ARI 31-27 loss to Colts

Key Injuries: Zach Tom, Lucas Van Ness, Devonte Wyatt, Emari Demercado, Zay Jones

Hubbard: The Green Bay Packers should win this game by a lot. But the Colts also should’ve won by a lot against the Arizona Cardinals last week, and look what happened. The Packers win, but Arizona finds a way to keep it close. Packers 21, Cardinals 18

Wood: Another game where it’s all set up for the Packers. And another spot exactly why I must go the other way. Hopefully, Jonathan Gannon’s celebratory press conference can be coherent. Cardinals 30, Packers 24

Ghosh: Micah Parsons’ addition has transformed the Packers’ defense. It’s hard to see how the Cardinals pull off an upset against Green Bay. Arizona gave up 22 points against a toothless Titans offense; I can only imagine what Jordan Love can do against the 26th-ranked defense in the league. Packers 39, Cardinals 13

Coutinho: Packers 28, Cardinal 14

Falcons at 49ers

Game Time: Sunday, 8:20 pm at Levi’s Stadium

Where to Watch: NBC

Broadcasters: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark

Game Odds: 49ers (-2.5), O/U 45.5

PFF Rankings: SF Offense 11th, Defense 25th. ATL Offense 13th, Defense 18th

Recent Matchups: SF 30-19 loss to Buccaneers, ATL 24-14 win over Bills

Key Injuries: Jalon Walker, Jake Matthews, Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos, Ricky Pearsall, Brock Purdy

Hubbard: After Monday night’s win over the Bills, the Atlanta Falcons have the nation’s attention. They have three quality wins, but that 30-0 loss to the Panthers just doesn’t make sense. I think everyone’s going to hammer Atlanta this weekend, but traveling across the country is never easy, and San Fran is no slouch, even with their injuries. Plus, I’m a Saints fan, so screw the Dirty Birds. And yes, this score prediction is absolutely intentional. 49ers 28, Falcons 3 

Wood: Wow. Such aggression and pettiness, and vitriol in your pick. I have taught you well, Padawan. But in terms of the pick … yeah, I like that, too. It all lines up. I wish I could go oppo here, but I can’t. 49ers 30, Falcons 10

Ghosh: I don’t share the same disdain as my colleague Luke for the Dirty Birds. The Falcons’ offense can do a lot of damage, especially to an underperforming 49ers defense. Falcons 27, 49ers 24

Coutinho: 49ers 17, Falcons 14

Buccaneers at Lions

Game Time: Monday, 7 pm at Ford Field

Where to Watch: ABC

Broadcasters: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters, Laura Rutledge

Game Odds: Lions (-5.5), O/U 53.5

PFF Rankings: DET Offense 5th, Defense 4th. TB Offense 15th, Defense 13th

Recent Matchups: DET 30-17 loss to Chiefs, TB 30-19 win over 49ers

Key Injuries: Alim McNeill, Terrion Arnold, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Bucky Irving

Hubbard: Finally, we get to the game of the week. It doesn’t feel like the Detroit Lions should be 5.5-point favorites, but it’s easy to forget they have one of the best offenses in the league, and Tampa’s defense hasn’t always been great. If this were in Tampa, I’d lean the Bucs, but give me the Lions to win a close one in Detroit. This might be the NFC Championship preview. Lions 31, Buccaneers 30

Wood: This feels like a national-spotlight come-back-to-Earth moment for the Bucs. The WR depth puts Baker in survival mode all day against the Lions’ sack masters. Lions 34, Bucs 17 

Ghosh: This is a true heavyweight clash! Two exciting offensive sides, led by Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield, are locking horns. I have to side with Dan Campbell’s team, considering how many injuries the Bucs are having to deal with. Lions 29, Bucs 21

Coutinho: Buccaneers 28, Lions 17

Texans at Seahawks

Game Time: Monday, 10 pm at Soldier Field

Where to Watch: FOX

Broadcasters: Chris Fowler, Louis Riddick, Dan Orlovsky, Katie George, Peter Schrager

Game Odds: Seahawks (-3.5), O/U 45.5

PFF Rankings: HOU Offense 16th, Defense 10th. SEA Offense 1st, Defense 11th

Recent Matchups: HOU bye, SEA 20-12 win over Jaguars

Key Injuries: Joe Mixon, Tank Dell, Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon

Hubbard: This just feels like a game the Seattle Seahawks should dominate. I think the Houston Texans have a great defense, but I just don’t believe in that offense behind that offensive line. Sam Darnold carves up the Texans in a big Seattle win. Seahawks 37, Texans 21

Wood: Yes, it does feel like it should be a Seahawks domination. And that’s why I once again need to go the other way. I’m either coming out of this week with a six-game lead in the standings or an eight-game hole. Let’s go. Texans 28, Seahawks 17

Ghosh: Sam Darnold hasn’t taken much time adjusting to Mike MacDonald’s offense. Much like Luke, I also expect to see the Seahawks winning in front of their fans. But Texans, coming off two successive wins, won’t make it easy for them. Seahawks 29, Texans 17

Coutinho: Seahawks 38, Texans 14