-
NFL Nation
Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season kicked off Thursday with a battle between two 40-something quarterbacks within the Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers and the Bengals’ Joe Flacco. The latter received the evening after main a game-winning drive that was capped by a 36-yard area objective from Evan McPherson with seven seconds left in regulation.
Sunday’s motion started in London for the second straight week, with the Rams defeating the Jaguars. Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford set a world sequence file with 5 touchdowns. In the US, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye led his group to its fourth straight win, defeating the Titans. And the Chiefs shut out the Raiders in extensive receiver Rashee Rice‘s season debut after a six-game suspension.
Within the late window, the Colts simply dealt with their matchup with the Chargers, whereas the Cowboys’ offense fired on all cylinders in a blowout win over the Commanders. The Broncos additionally pulled off one of many wildest comebacks of the season, scoring all 33 of their factors within the fourth quarter.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every sport and detailing all the pieces else it’s essential to know for each group. Let’s get to it.
Leap to:
NYG-DEN | GB-ARI | WSH-DAL
IND-LAC | CAR-NYJ | PHI-MIN
NO-CHI | MIA-CLE | LV-KC
NE-TEN | JAX-LAR | PIT-CIN
Compensate for the motion: Box score | Recap
Broncos
Are the Broncos actually fortunate or actually good? Sunday’s escape was six components luck and 4 components an unbelievable 33-point fourth quarter. The Broncos struggled for a lot of the day, with a pile of errors that may take loads of time to unravel in Monday’s debrief. However Justin Strnad‘s interception of Jaxson Dart‘s ill-advised toss with 4:56 to play appeared to ignite Denver. A wild fourth quarter even included an enraged Sean Payton’s jaunt onto the sector to scream on the officers for a penalty, and a area objective drive within the remaining 37 seconds earned the Broncos the win — one which regarded so unlikely for a lot of the afternoon. It actually confirmed the “grit” Payton at all times covets. However at 5-2, the Broncos possible used up all of their success. They will must be significantly better the remainder of the way in which.
Most shocking efficiency: The Broncos went from top-of-the-line defensive performances in franchise historical past in London — they held the Jets to minus-10 yards passing — to an error-filled afternoon. Denver’s protection had busted coverages and missed tackles. There have been uncharacteristic moments, akin to Giants working again Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s 31-yard landing jaunt by the center of the sector with out being touched, or that Giants tight finish Daniel Bellinger had extra receiving yards at halftime (88) than he had within the first six video games mixed. However Strnad’s interception saved what would have been the worst of days for the Broncos’ protection. — Jeff Legwold
Subsequent sport: vs. Cowboys (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Giants
How did the Giants lose that sport? The Giants led by 18 factors with just a little greater than 5 minutes remaining. They reclaimed the lead with 37 seconds remaining. However Denver nonetheless kicked a game-winning 39-yard area objective as time expired. How? It was considerably paying homage to how the Giants misplaced earlier this 12 months to the Cowboys. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart made a large, game-changing mistake together with his fourth-quarter interception, which put the Broncos deep in Giants territory, the place they finally scored one other landing. The gassed Giants protection, with out beginning security Jevon Holland and cornerback Paulson Adebo due to accidents, could not make a cease within the fourth, permitting 33 factors and 227 yards within the remaining quarter.
What to make of the QB efficiency: Dart performed an excellent sport … till the fourth-quarter interception. However he nonetheless drove them down the sector for what regarded just like the profitable rating with 37 seconds remaining. Dart threw three landing passes and ran for an additional. He didn’t flinch regardless of relentless strain from the Broncos’ protection. The rookie quarterback completed 15-of-33 passing for 283 yards, and hit huge performs all around the area. There’s lots to be optimistic about, even with the late collapse. — Jordan Raanan
Subsequent sport: at Eagles (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Box score | Recap
Packers
What occurred to the Packers group that regarded borderline dominant within the first two weeks? Bear in mind what everybody considered the Packers after they rolled over Detroit and Washington in 5 days? Protected to say minds have modified. One other shaky defensive efficiency, this time towards Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett & Co., and a slow-starting offense has raised doubts about whether or not this group can get to a Tremendous Bowl. Certain, the Packers nonetheless received on the street — Micah Parsons‘ three sacks had one thing to do with that — but it surely was hardly convincing towards a group that got here in with a four-game shedding streak. Not less than Inexperienced Bay received for the primary time away from Lambeau Subject this season, and it’s one in all solely three groups with fewer than two losses.
Turning level: One fourth-down cease by the protection and one change of coronary heart by coach Matt LaFleur saved the Packers. Trailing 23-20, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper was a part of a bunch that stuffed Brissett on a fourth-and-1 sneak with 5:51 to play. Then, when it regarded like LaFleur had determined to strive a game-tying, 47-yard area objective with 2:32 to go, he referred to as timeout. He then introduced again his offense, and Packers quarterback Jordan Love hit tight finish Tucker Kraft for 15 yards on fourth-and-2 to arrange the go-ahead landing. — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent sport: at Steelers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
0:31
Josh Jacobs muscle tissue in for Packers go-ahead TD
Josh Jacobs scores his second speeding landing to place the Packers up 27-23.
Cardinals
Which upcoming video games are finest fitted to the Cardinals to get again into the win column? With the Cardinals’ shedding streak at 5 video games earlier than their Week 8 bye, when Arizona will get again into the win column is turning into a ceaselessly requested query. This upcoming showdown with Dallas on “Monday Night Football” may be the sport finest fitted to Arizona to snap its shedding streak, however after that, the Cardinals face the Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars, Buccaneers and Rams earlier than taking up the Texans. Apart from the Cowboys and Texans, all of these groups presently have profitable data. If Arizona would not beat the Cowboys, its subsequent win may be robust to foretell.
Most shocking efficiency: Cardinals tight finish Trey McBride had the primary two-touchdown sport of his profession Sunday. The scores gave him a career-high 4 receiving touchdowns this season. In 2024, McBride was one in all six tight ends who led his group in receiving yards, which was solely the second time in NFL historical past wherein six or extra tight ends led their groups in receiving, in response to the Elias Sports activities Bureau. — Josh Weinfuss
Subsequent sport: at Cowboys (Nov. 3, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Box score | Recap
Cowboys
Can the Cowboys’ offense carry them to a playoff spot? Although the protection was improved, the Cowboys’ offense is rolling. Quarterback Dak Prescott has thrown not less than three landing passes in 4 straight video games. Large receiver CeeDee Lamb had 110 yards and a 74-yard landing in his return, whereas George Pickens averaged greater than 20 yards per catch. Tight finish Jake Ferguson had a landing catch in his fourth straight sport. Operating again Javonte Williams had his second 100-yard speeding sport and sixth speeding landing of the season. The Cowboys are averaging greater than 30 factors per sport, and of their remaining 10 opponents, six rank within the prime half defensively in factors allowed.
Most shocking efficiency: The Commanders did not have their prime three receivers, however while you are available with the NFL’s worst protection in yards, so what? Plus, the Cowboys didn’t have their most embellished cornerback in Trevon Diggs (concussion). There have been promised modifications on protection through the week, one in all which was extra man protection. Earlier than the Cowboys opened an enormous lead within the third quarter, they performed man protection 54% of the time. In keeping with ESPN Analytics/NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, the Cowboys used zone protection 82% of the time within the first six weeks. There’s a number of work left, however the elevated use of man protection appeared to assist. — Todd Archer
Subsequent sport: at Broncos (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
0:19
Dak Prescott hyperlinks up with Jake Ferguson for Cowboys TD
Dak Prescott throws a dart to Jake Ferguson for a Cowboys landing vs. the Commanders.
Commanders
The place does Washington go from right here? The Commanders have upcoming video games at Kansas Metropolis earlier than going dwelling for video games towards Seattle and Detroit. So, a season filled with anticipation might flip fairly unhealthy. The Commanders’ protection has proven no motive to suppose it may well spark a turnaround. It allowed 409 whole yards, and although it recorded a security, it has brought about solely three turnovers this season. Plus, the offense is lacking too many key gamers to be constant; particularly, its prime three receivers, after which quarterback Jayden Daniels exited due to a hamstring damage within the third quarter.
Greatest gap within the sport plan: Quite a lot of groups cannot dangle with Dallas’ receivers, however Washington traded for cornerback Marshon Lattimore final 12 months, partially, to compete extra with expertise like this. However Lattimore was flagged for 2 move interference penalties for a mixed 55 yards, and he gave up a 44-yard move to Pickens on a second-and-17 late within the first half. — John Keim
Subsequent sport: at Chiefs (Monday, 0.34375 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Box score | Recap
Colts
How far can the Colts’ league-leading offense take them? The Colts, who lead the NFL in scoring with 32.1 factors per sport, confirmed no signal of relenting and might need the NFL’s most harmful offense. They scored touchdowns on every of their first three possessions, then responded to the Chargers’ comeback efforts with 15 extra factors within the third quarter. The Colts aren’t good, given the rash of accidents of their secondary and a generally inconsistent move rush. However the efficiency of the offense, which had a season-high 7.3 yards per play Sunday, has been so dominant that the Colts may overcome these flaws.
Most shocking efficiency: Large receiver Alec Pierce. He had an important efficiency within the absence of Josh Downs (concussion), taking the lead receiving position regardless of the presence of Michael Pittman Jr. and tight finish Tyler Warren. Pierce was clutch on contested throws, together with a third-down 13-yard reception with 2:25 left that transformed a primary down and iced the win. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent sport: vs. Titans (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Chargers
How have the Chargers regressed this a lot? The Chargers jumped out to a 3-0 begin this season, their finest since 2002. They’d overwhelmed three divisional opponents and appeared destined to be a contender. However that group has vanished. Los Angeles has misplaced three of its previous 4 video games and appears out of sync. The Chargers can not seem to run the ball persistently, their as soon as flawless passing offense has stalled and their stout protection is now putrid. Accidents have performed an element within the points, however the Chargers have not regarded like themselves independently of these.
Development to observe: Quarterback Justin Herbert has thrown an interception in 4 of the previous 5 video games, with a complete of six interceptions over that span. He threw two interceptions Sunday, and plenty of passes had been practically intercepted attributable to poor ball placement. At his finest, Herbert is likely one of the league’s finest quarterbacks — however his inconsistencies have harm the Chargers. — Kris Rhim
Subsequent sport: vs. Vikings (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Box score | Recap
Panthers
What is the affect of Bryce Young‘s ankle injury? Younger’s command of the offense has been key to a few straight wins, one thing Carolina hasn’t finished because the begin of the 2021 season. His mobility in Dave Canales’ scheme has been an enormous a part of the group’s latest success, with a number of play-action and rollouts. With video games towards the Payments and Packers subsequent, mobility could possibly be key due to the strain they carry. Andy Dalton‘s veteran expertise might trump that, however the offense will change some, as we noticed within the remaining quarter Sunday.
Development to observe: The primary try at rotating working backs Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle for each sequence in Hubbard’s return was a gentle success. However Dowdle, who had 473 scrimmage yards the previous two weeks, nonetheless seemed to be the extra dominant again. He had 79 speeding yards on 17 carries to Hubbard’s 31 yards on 14 carries. Keep tuned.
Finest quote from the locker room: The Panthers (4-3) have not had a time without work for what NFL groups typically name “Victory Monday” throughout their three-game profitable streak that has them above .500 this late within the season for the primary time since 2019. They do not plan on taking one. “We’re within the course of proper now,” Professional Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown stated. “And the method do not include ‘Victory Monday.’ We will be able to go to work tomorrow and switch the web page [on this win].” — David Newton
Subsequent sport: vs. Payments (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
0:19
Jaycee Horn picks off Tyrod Taylor for a 2nd time
Jaycee Horn will get in entrance of a Jets receiver and comes down with the interception for the Panthers.
Jets
Is it time for the Jets to surrender on quarterback Justin Fields? The Jets signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million deal, together with a $30 million assure — they usually wanted solely 6½ video games to appreciate he is not the reply. An ineffective Fields (6-for-12, 46 yards) was benched at halftime in favor of longtime backup Tyrod Taylor, leaving the Jets in a darkish place with no starting-caliber quarterback and no younger inheritor obvious on the roster. Coach Aaron Glenn had been steadfast in help of Fields, however he ran out of persistence after six straight quarters with out a landing. Taylor offered some power however threw two interceptions. Might Glenn return to Fields subsequent week? Even when he does, the result appears inevitable. With a excessive draft decide, the Jets will probably be within the 2026 quarterback market, beginning over but once more.
Stat to know: The Jets have gone back-to-back video games with out a landing for the primary time since Weeks 9-10 of the 2023 season. That 12 months, they had been scrambling within the aftermath of Aaron Rodgers‘ Achilles damage in Week 1. This time, they only seem misplaced on offense. Final week towards Denver offered simple excuses for the Jets, however the Panthers entered the sport with the Twenty first-ranked scoring protection. Even with out extensive receiver Garrett Wilson (knee), New York ought to have been capable of finding the top zone. — Wealthy Cimini
Subsequent sport: at Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Box score | Recap
Eagles
Is the Eagles’ offense again? The Thirtieth-ranked passing offense coming into the sport discovered its stride towards Minnesota. Quarterback Jalen Hurts threw three landing passes, extensive receiver DeVonta Smith had a career-high 183 yards and a landing and A.J. Brown had a pair of landing catches. Hurts’ 304 yards to receivers was the second most of his profession. The Eagles nonetheless have not gotten working again Saquon Barkley going, however they had been in a position to generate some solutions within the move sport throughout their mini-bye, which is encouraging.
Stat to know: Hurts’ 215 move yards on throws of not less than 20 yards downfield are his profession excessive. An excellent chunk got here on his 79-yard landing throw to Smith halfway by the third quarter. It marked the longest reception of Smith’s profession, surpassing a 63-yard catch which additionally got here towards Minnesota (2023, Week 2). He has 5 receptions of 50-plus yards in his profession, and three have come towards Minnesota. — Tim McManus
Subsequent sport: vs. Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
0:35
DeVonta Smith catches longest move of his profession for 79-yard TD
DeVonta Smith will get open downfield and Jalen Hurts finds him for a 79-yard landing.
Vikings
What occurs now at quarterback? Carson Wentz completed with 313 passing yards however threw two first-half interceptions, together with one the Eagles returned for a landing, and he additionally dedicated a pricey intentional grounding penalty within the purple zone. J.J. McCarthy (ankle) progressed sufficient final week to be the emergency No. 3 quarterback, and the Vikings want to get him on the sector when he’s prepared. However they actually have just one apply this week as they put together for a Thursday evening sport — not a really perfect spot to offer McCarthy his first sport reps since Week 2. So the likeliest state of affairs is that Wentz will get yet one more begin, after which Minnesota will reassess the place the next week.
Most shocking efficiency: The Vikings had been decided to not get beat by the Eagles’ speeding sport, which netted solely 55 yards on 21 carries. However their move protection, which entered the sport holding opponents to the NFL’s second-lowest QBR (46.8), could not sustain. Brown and Smith mixed for 310 receiving yards and three touchdowns for the Eagles, and Hurts completed with an ideal passer score of 158.3. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent sport: at Chargers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Box score | Recap
Bears
How far can the Bears’ run sport and aggressive protection take them? Issues obtained just a little too shut for consolation within the third quarter when the Bears’ 20-point lead was whittled down to 1 rating, however Chicago’s dominant speeding efficiency (222 yards) and protection (which boasts a league-leading 16 takeaways) cemented its fourth straight win. The Bears outlasted an up-and-down day from quarterback Caleb Williams by leaning on working backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai on the bottom, and in addition benefited from additional possessions gifted off three interceptions, a compelled fumble/restoration and excellent third-down protection. With a positive stretch arising (Ravens, Bengals, Giants), the Bears have to capitalize off the early momentum they’ve constructed and learn to shut out groups to increase their win streak.
Development to observe: What regarded like a one-off towards Washington in Week 6 uncovered a legit concern with the Bears quarterback/middle alternate Sunday. Williams and Drew Dalman weren’t on the identical web page, and it proved pricey in two journeys deep into the purple zone. Chicago settled for a area objective within the first quarter when Dalman did not let go of the ball after snapping it. Within the third quarter, Dalman double-clutched a snap on fourth-and-goal. For the primary time ever, a false begin was an excellent factor for the Bears’ offense: If the play weren’t blown lifeless, Chicago most likely would’ve failed to attain on the busted play. The Bears ended up kicking a area objective. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent sport: at Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Saints
Do the Saints keep on with Spencer Rattler or get a have a look at Tyler Shough? Although Rattler has had his constructive moments this season, he struggled towards former coach Dennis Allen and the Bears protection. He was sacked 4 occasions, threw three interceptions and misplaced a fumble on the primary drive. Rattler completed 20-of-32 for 233 yards and two touchdowns. The Saints have made a degree to get a number of rookies taking part in time, with cornerback Quincy Riley, security Jonas Sanker and linebacker Danny Stutsman all taking part in this season. With the losses piling up, there may come a degree the place the group takes a have a look at Shough.
Development to observe: Kicker Blake Grupe‘s inconsistency. Grupe got here into the sport main the NFL with 19 area objective makes an attempt and ranked second in area targets made (14). However he has been inconsistent all season. A failed try towards the Bears put his misses at six, and he has now missed not less than one area objective in 5 video games. With the Saints’ general offensive struggles, they can not afford to have kicking points as properly. — Katherine Terrell
Subsequent sport: vs. Buccaneers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Box score | Recap
Browns
Is that this win idiot’s gold or one thing to construct on? In ending a three-game shedding streak and stopping a development of 11 straight video games with out exceeding 17 factors, the Browns had been in a position to beat one of many few groups which may be struggling greater than they’re. However Cleveland was in a position to run successfully towards one of many worst rush defenses within the NFL and restrict errors with zero turnovers, which is its method for fulfillment. Subsequent Sunday’s sport ought to present extra readability.
Stat to know: Operating again Quinshon Judkins is the primary Browns participant with two speeding touchdowns within the first half of a sport since Nick Chubb in Week 5 of 2022 towards the Chargers. Judkins is the primary Browns rookie with three scrimmage touchdowns in a sport since Travis Prentice rushed for a similar quantity on Oct. 8, 2000 on the Cardinals.
Finest quote from the locker room: “One win is one factor, however we have to show this right into a behavior,” defensive finish Myles Garrett stated on the Browns, who have not received consecutive video games since Week 17 of the 2023 season. — Daniel Oyefusi
Subsequent sport: at Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
0:19
Quinshon Judkins runs in his 2nd TD of the sport
Quinshon Judkins nearly loses a direct snap, however he spins his means by the protection for his second landing of the sport.
Dolphins
Can we anticipate extra from this Dolphins group? At this level, no. Former coach Invoice Parcells as soon as stated, “You might be what your file says you’re,” and the Dolphins regarded each bit like a 1-6 group throughout a demoralizing loss to the Browns. Groups like Cleveland, Carolina and New England are now not the “get proper” opponents they as soon as had been for Miami. As a substitute, the Dolphins have joined the likes of the Titans and Jets because the NFL’s rollover opponents. With video games towards the Falcons, Ravens and Payments coming earlier than a Week 10 matchup with the Commanders in Madrid, group proprietor Stephen Ross has a choice to make as to how for much longer this may proceed beneath coach Mike McDaniel — and determine who’s in charge for a misplaced season.
Greatest gap within the sport plan: By the point the Browns opened a 31-6 lead over the Dolphins, working again De’Von Achane had 98 whole yards of offense on 16 touches. The opposite eight Dolphins offensive gamers to the touch the ball had 88 yards on 15 touches. Miami’s offense was frustratingly reliant on Achane, to the purpose the place its supporting forged had fewer yards than the Dolphins’ penalty output (10 for 98 yards). If Sunday was not all-time low for Miami, followers needs to be scared to see what all-time low truly appears to be like like.
Finest quote from the locker room: “There’s a number of guys that may have an vital work week,” McDaniel stated. “I imply, if you’re negatively affecting the soccer group routinely, I haven’t got a selection however to evaluate a unique participant and I’ve to teach lots higher as properly. So we’ll discover out who and what we’re fabricated from.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent sport: at Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Box score | Recap
Chiefs
Do the Chiefs have the league’s finest offense? There will probably be higher challenges forward for Kansas Metropolis, for positive. Sunday’s domination of the Raiders, although, needs to be a full warning signal. With No. 1 receiver Rashee Rice again on the sector, quarterback Patrick Mahomes had loads of solutions no matter what the Raiders tried. He accomplished a move to 9 completely different teammates earlier than the top of the third quarter. Getting into Sunday, the Chiefs averaged 31.6 factors of their previous three video games. Kansas Metropolis wanted simply 43 minutes — and 5 possessions — to attain 31 factors on the Raiders.
Stat to know: One factor of the Chiefs’ offense that the protection has to like is Mahomes’ potential to transform on third and fourth downs, resulting in methodical, elongated drives. Such occurred within the first half, because the Chiefs had two consecutive possessions wherein they scored a landing on the seventeenth and sixteenth performs, respectively. The offense was so environment friendly — and the protection was so efficient in restricted moments — that the Raiders ran simply 14 performs on offense within the first quarter.
Finest quote from the locker room: When the second quarter started, the Chiefs confronted a fourth-and-1 close to midfield. Earlier than the ball was snapped, Mahomes confirmed off his performing expertise to distract the Raiders, shouting, “F—, it by no means f—— works, man!” The Chiefs transformed a few seconds later. “I feel it comes from all my State Farm commercials,” Mahomes stated, laughing. “I am joking. [Offensive coordinator Matt] Nagy got here up with the concept. We had talked about doing the arduous rely and making an attempt to attract the [defense] offsides. I am unable to bear in mind who I watched do it a few years in the past they usually had stated that. I stated, ‘I’ll use that as a part of my performing,’ simply to get the protection to calm down just a little bit. “However we have to go get [the first down]. I believed the offensive line did an important job of driving off the ball and [running back Kareem Hunt], in these conditions, is cash.” — Nate Taylor
Subsequent sport: vs. Commanders (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Raiders
Why did the Raiders abandon the run so early? A laundry record of issues went flawed for the Raiders. Amongst these was their utilization of rookie working again Ashton Jeanty. The No. 6 decide had simply six carries for 21 yards. Sure, Kansas Metropolis managed the clock for almost all of the sport. However Jeanty ran the ball as soon as within the opening quarter and simply 4 occasions for the whole first half. With extensive receiver Jakobi Meyers and tight finish Brock Bowers out, Jeanty was the group’s finest offensive participant, and the Raiders struggled to get him concerned.
Stat to know: The Raiders’ move rush was nonexistent. It pressured Mahomes 4 occasions on 40 dropbacks. Las Vegas had six sacks and 16 pressures final week towards the Titans. Maxx Crosby additionally needed to depart the sport within the second quarter attributable to knee and again accidents. — Ryan McFadden
Subsequent sport: vs. Jaguars (Nov. 2, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Box score | Recap
Patriots
Drake Maye has been on hearth, however does he want to guard himself higher? Maye has been taking part in lights out, however when he took off on a run within the third quarter and did not slide, he was tackled and banged his head on the turf. He missed three performs whereas being evaluated within the blue medical tent, but it surely was a reminder of one thing coaches have harassed to him: His best worth to the group is his well being, and whereas his working potential is a good asset, it must be used judiciously. As for Maye’s efficiency, take into account that his 39-yard TD move to Kayshon Boutte traveled 52.6 yards within the air, which was his second of the season over 50 yards by air distance (per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats).
Most shocking efficiency: The Patriots’ working sport, led by Rhamondre Stevenson and an offensive line that had talked about ending its blocks longer this week, had its finest day of the season with 175 speeding yards (4.9 yards per carry). New England entered the day ranked twenty seventh within the NFL in speeding yards per sport (91.5) and tied for Thirtieth in common yards per carry (3.5).
Finest quote from the locker room: “He is taking part in at a excessive stage … Whenever you see a man in apply put a number of time in, strategy this factor the suitable means, it is no shock to us. Hopefully he’ll go 22-for-22,” extensive receiver Stefon Diggs stated about Maye setting the Patriots single-game file for completion proportion (21 for 23, 91.3%). — Mike Reiss
Subsequent sport: vs. Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
0:30
Drake Maye drops in an absolute dime to Kayshon Boutte for a Pats TD
Drake Maye airs one out to Kayshon Boutte for a 39-yard Patriots landing vs. the Titans.
Titans
Is it time to fret about Cam Ward? It is arduous to think about Ward’s season getting off to a worse begin. He fumbled for the second consecutive sport, totaling 5 for the season, which is most within the NFL. The rookie entered Week 7 with the bottom completion proportion (55%) amongst certified quarterbacks. Within the first half, he went 11-of-16 (69%) for 148 yards — however the second half was a catastrophe. Ward and the offense struggled mightily as the sport obtained out of hand. He accomplished 14 of his 25 passes for 109 yards and an interception. Ward was the most-sacked quarterback (25) getting into this week, and he was sacked 5 occasions on Sunday.
Most shocking efficiency: Rookie receiver Chimere Dike had already established himself as a big-time participant within the return sport, as proven by his league-leading 732 return yards getting into this week. However on offense, Dike had solely 9 receptions for 26 yards in six video games. Dike eclipsed that quantity within the first half with 4 receptions for 70 yards, together with a 38-yard landing.
Finest quote from the locker room: “It won’t be our time proper now,” inside linebacker Cedric Gray stated after one other Titans loss, “however we simply gotta discover methods to maintain constructing and stacking. Our time will come. It feels lots higher while you keep by the s— and work by the s— collectively and also you lastly come out on prime on the finish.” — Turron Davenport
Subsequent sport: at Colts (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Box score | Recap
Rams
Will Davante Adams‘ purple zone success proceed with the return of Puka Nacua? The purple zone is an space the Rams offense has struggled with this season, particularly the connection between quarterback Matthew Stafford and Adams. However within the lead as much as the sport, Adams stated constructing that chemistry with a brand new quarterback can take time and that it comes with the extra reps the pair get. On Sunday towards the Jaguars, the Rams had been 4-for-4 within the purple zone with three touchdowns to Adams. Whereas the Rams hope to get Nacua again after their Week 8 bye, Stafford and Adams little doubt benefited from continued reps because the season continues.
Key stat to know: With three touchdowns on Sunday, Adams has 9 receiving touchdowns in 5 profession video games towards Jacksonville. In keeping with ESPN Analysis, the 1.8 receiving touchdowns per sport is essentially the most by any participant towards a single opponent with a minimal of 5 video games performed. — Sarah Barshop
Subsequent sport: vs. Saints (Nov. 2, 4:05 p.m. ET)
0:30
Travis Hunter hauls in 34-yard move for 1st NFL TD
Trevor Lawrence airs one out to Travis Hunter for Hunter’s first profession NFL landing.
Jaguars
Do the Jaguars have a Brian Thomas Jr. drawback? Thomas is not taking part in anyplace near the extent of a No.1 receiver, which the Jaguars believed he was earlier than the season. His greatest problem has been his palms. He dropped two passes towards the Rams (one on a 3rd down), which comes one week after he had a third-down drop towards Seattle. He had three drops towards Cincinnati in Week 2, together with one on fourth down contained in the Bengals’ 10-yard line. There even have been some throws the place it appears he was making an attempt to keep away from contact. He’s not the one problem the Jaguars have on offense but it surely’s arduous to maneuver the ball persistently when the supposed finest playmaker is not producing.
Now add an damage. He left the sport late within the fourth quarter and the medical employees was his proper hand/wrist. He didn’t reenter the sport.
Development to observe: Cam Little has now missed three of his previous 4 kicks: a 50-yard area objective try towards the Rams and a PAT and 50-yard area objective try in Week 6 towards Seattle. He did make a fourth-quarter PAT, although. Little has already missed three area targets this season. He missed two as a rookie in 2024. The Jaguars might take into account bringing in some kickers for a tryout over the bye week to not less than put some strain on Little. — Mike DiRocco
Subsequent sport: at Raiders (Nov. 2, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Compensate for the motion: Box score | Recap
Bengals
Is Cincinnati’s protection constant sufficient for the Bengals to be a contender? Not in the intervening time. Whether or not it is at linebacker or at cornerback, Cincinnati hasn’t discovered the correct mix of starters by seven video games. The Bengals practically blew a 10-point lead due to the defensive struggles within the second half. After Thursday, Cincinnati was twenty ninth in factors allowed per drive, thirty first in purple zone effectivity and twenty ninth in yards allowed per play. Merely, it is not adequate if the Bengals need to be in playoff competition.
What to make of the QB efficiency: Within the battle of seasoned veterans, Bengals QB Joe Flacco was the victor. Each he and Aaron Rodgers made huge performs. However most notably, Flacco did not throw any interceptions whereas Rodgers had two. Flacco posted a 75.2 Whole QBR, his fifth-highest mark since 2019, per ESPN Analysis. — Ben Child
Subsequent sport: vs. Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Steelers
Can the Steelers make efficient, significant in-season changes to the defensive scheme? After hauling in 16 receptions for 161 yards and a landing, Bengals extensive receiver Ja’Marr Chase stated the Steelers’ protection did “precisely what we was anticipating and hoping they’d do.” Prior to now, Pittsburgh’s protection has dominated regardless of its predictable scheme as a result of it is stacked with all-world expertise. That technique turns into much less efficient, although, as that expertise ages and faces offenses which can be intimately acquainted with the defensive plan. The Steelers acquired defensive backs Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay to be able to shut down groups with elite receiving tandems. Neither participant was efficient, both taking part in out of place or being a step too sluggish. And up entrance, the Steelers weren’t hole sound and had communication points that changed into huge features for working again Chase Brown. With the Packers and Colts arising, the Steelers have to make impactful changes or purchase higher expertise to run the scheme.
What to make of the QB efficiency: Rodgers was outdueled by Flacco, partially due to Rodgers’ poor choice to drive the ball deep to DK Metcalf, who was double-covered, within the first half. Earlier than that interception, Rodgers’ first of two within the first half, the quarterback was taking part in like a classic model of himself. He held on to the ball for 8.6 seconds earlier than discovering tight finish Jonnu Smith for a scramble drill landing to cap the primary drive of the sport. It marked Rodgers’ longest time he needed to throw a landing move since not less than 2016, in response to NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Rodgers completed with three TDs on passes exterior the pocket, tied for essentially the most in his profession. — Brooke Pryor
Subsequent sport: vs. Packers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
