The NFL’s Week 7 delivered a rollercoaster of emotions for fans, with unexpected upsets, thrilling comebacks, and a few head-scratching moments. Let’s dive into the highlights and lowlights of this action-packed week.
Denver Broncos Steamroll New Orleans Saints
The Denver Broncos delivered a dominant performance against the New Orleans Saints, securing a resounding 33-10 victory. Denver’s offense, led by a relentless ground game, quickly established a 13-0 lead before the Saints could respond. Despite a late garbage-time touchdown by Saints’ backup quarterback Jake Kanner, the game was never in doubt. The Broncos’ defense stifled the Saints’ attack throughout the contest, showcasing their potential as a force to be reckoned with.
Jacksonville Jaguars Claw Their Way Past New England Patriots
In a tightly contested matchup, the Jacksonville Jaguars emerged victorious against the New England Patriots, winning 27-17. The game saw momentum swings on both sides, with the Patriots striking first with a Drake May touchdown pass. However, the Jaguars, fueled by a crucial special teams touchdown, rallied back to take a 19-10 lead into halftime. Despite a late surge by the Patriots, the Jaguars’ defense held strong, securing their victory with a late touchdown.
Green Bay Packers Edge Out Houston Texans in a Back-and-Forth Battle
The Green Bay Packers narrowly defeated the Houston Texans 27-24 in a game marked by thrilling lead changes and costly turnovers. Packers quarterback Jordan Love had a mixed performance, throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions, including a crucial pick that led to a Houston touchdown. However, Love redeemed himself by leading the Packers on a game-winning drive, capped off by a Brandon McManus field goal as time expired.
Buffalo Bills Overpower Tennessee Titans in a Lopsided Affair
The Buffalo Bills asserted their dominance against the Tennessee Titans, cruising to a 34-10 victory. The Titans, starting backup quarterback Mason Rudolph, struggled to keep pace with the Bills’ high-powered offense. Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, while their defense recorded a crucial interception returned for a touchdown.
Cincinnati Bengals Prevail Over Injury-Riddled Cleveland Browns
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Cleveland Browns 24-13 in a game overshadowed by a season-ending injury to Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Despite Watson’s early exit, the Browns, led by backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, put up a fight, keeping the game close until the final quarter. However, the Bengals pulled away late, securing their victory with a strong defensive performance.
Philadelphia Eagles Soar Past New York Giants in a One-Sided Contest
The Philadelphia Eagles dominated their NFC East rivals, the New York Giants, in a resounding 34-3 victory. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had an efficient day, throwing for two touchdowns, including a long bomb to A.J. Brown. The Eagles’ defense shut down the Giants’ offense, limiting them to a single field goal.
Seattle Seahawks Soar High Above Atlanta Falcons
The Seattle Seahawks secured a convincing 34-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, showcasing their offensive firepower. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith had a stellar performance, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, including a back-breaking touchdown pass to DK Metcalf right before halftime. The Falcons struggled to contain the Seahawks’ passing attack, leading to their downfall.
Indianapolis Colts Grind Out a Win Against the Miami Dolphins
The Indianapolis Colts edged out the Miami Dolphins 16-10 in a low-scoring, defensive slugfest. Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson had an up-and-down performance, making some key plays but also committing costly turnovers. However, the Colts’ defense stepped up, forcing crucial turnovers and limiting the Dolphins’ scoring opportunities.
Detroit Lions Roar to Victory in a Thriller Against the Minnesota Vikings
The Detroit Lions pulled off a stunning 31-29 victory over the previously undefeated Minnesota Vikings in a game filled with dramatic lead changes and clutch plays. Lions quarterback Jared Goff continued his MVP-caliber season, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. The Lions’ victory ended the Vikings’ perfect start to the season and marked a statement win for the surging Lions.
Washington Commanders Dismantle Carolina Panthers in a Lopsided Affair
The Washington Commanders delivered a dominant performance against the Carolina Panthers, cruising to a 40-7 victory. Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, filling in for an injured Jaden Daniels, looked impressive, throwing for three touchdowns and leading the offense with precision. The Panthers struggled on both sides of the ball, leading to a disappointing blowout loss.
Los Angeles Rams Outlast Las Vegas Raiders in a Battle of Struggling Teams
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 23-15 in a game marked by turnovers and missed opportunities. Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo struggled, throwing three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by the Rams. Despite Garoppolo’s struggles, the Raiders rallied in the second half, but ultimately fell short.
Kansas City Chiefs Survive San Francisco 49ers in a Sloppy Rematch
The Kansas City Chiefs narrowly defeated the San Francisco 49ers 27-17 in a rematch of Super Bowl [insert Super Bowl number here]. However, the game was a far cry from their previous encounter, marked by sloppy play and numerous turnovers. Both quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy, threw multiple interceptions, with the offenses struggling to find a rhythm.
Pittsburgh Steelers Cruise Past New York Jets in a Surprise Blowout
The Pittsburgh Steelers dominated the New York Jets 37-15 in a game that saw Steelers backup quarterback Russell Wilson shine. Wilson, filling in for an injured Justin Fields, threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, while the Steelers’ defense intercepted Aaron Rodgers twice, returning one for a touchdown. The Jets’ offense, despite the return of wide receiver Davante Adams, struggled to find consistency throughout the game.
Baltimore Ravens Hold Off Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a High-Scoring Affair
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38-27 in a game that saw both offenses light up the scoreboard. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson showcased his dual-threat abilities, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for another. However, the Buccaneers, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, kept pace with the Ravens, with Mayfield throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, albeit with multiple interceptions.
Arizona Cardinals Stun Los Angeles Chargers in a Last-Second Thriller
The Arizona Cardinals pulled off a thrilling 20-19 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in a game decided on the final play. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray led a game-winning drive, capped off by a Matt Prater field goal as time expired. The Chargers’ offense, despite moving the ball effectively, struggled to convert their drives into touchdowns, settling for five field goals throughout the game.
Dallas Cowboys Fall to the Bye Week in a Historic Upset
In the most shocking result of the week, the Dallas Cowboys suffered a humiliating 34-10 defeat at the hands of their bye week. The Cowboys, considered Super Bowl contenders by many, looked completely outmatched and outcoached by their opponent: a week of rest.
That concludes our recap of Week 7 in the NFL. With the season nearing its midpoint, the playoff picture is starting to take shape, but as this week has shown, anything can happen on any given Sunday.
