FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Joe Flacco is back.
No, this is not the lede I thought I would be writing at any point in 2025. But here we are.
We've got a lot to break down coming out of Week 7. We have a new No. 1, a significant drop for a former top-10 team and a some notable movement (five or more spots) for the Lions, Patriots and Cowboys. Let's get to it.
I keep questioning if the Colts are true contenders this year but they keep winning. So, it begs the question if I should stop questioning. So many questions.
What a performance by this Lions bunch, particularly the defense. Baker Mayfield has made defenses look a little silly in 2025, but Detroit had him from the jump.
No change for Seattle in this week's rankings because they did what they were supposed to do at Lumen Field against a lesser opponent.
After a loss to Tampa in Week 6 — one that involved serious issues running the ball — the 49ers and Christian McCaffrey came with a vengeance vs. the Falcons on "Sunday Night Football."
The Rams crossed just as many time zones to get to London as they scored touchdowns against the Jaguars in London. No this is not serious, but they did score a lot and traveled even farther.
The Bucs had to come down from on high eventually. It just took a Monday night brawl with the Lions to knock them off. There are way worse losses these week, though.
Did the Eagles get their mojo back? Unsure. But they have a chance at swift and quick revenge against the Giants next week, though. That'll be one to watch.
33 points in the fourth quarter. That's actually insane.
The Bills lost two in a row prior to their bye last week. They have some making up to do.
Normally beating a sub-top-20 team wouldn't put you in the top-10, but I like the way this Patriots offense is moving and grooving right now. They're playing like a top-10 offense.
Another big jump for a team that didn't really have a super impressive win against a lesser opponent. However, the Cardinals haven't lost by a margin of four very much this season so that's actually some kudos to the Packers.
Couldn't drop the Chargers too far because as I said in the Colts' column... they are legit contenders now.
Truth be told, I may be pushing the Bears too far up this ranking this week. They've got the Ravens on deck so, honestly, they may be here for a couple weeks if they do what they should.
The Jacksonville offense was anemic in London. Maybe they are just ready to be State side again.
This was just an absolute beatdown. I really don't have much to say about this game beyond that.
A major drop for the Steelers from Week 6 to Week 7. Maybe not super fair but they let Joe Flacco beat them on nine days of prep with the Bengals organization so... *shrugs*
Even before Jayden Daniels got hurt the Cowboys had this one in the bag.
The Panthers are over .500. That's it. That's the note.
As I wrote in my column Monday morning, the 49ers beat the Falcons with Atlanta's own game plan. That stings.
It wasn't that the Vikings played the Eagles poorly, it's just that they can't find ways to win games they could.
Joe Flacco ladies and gentlemen. The savior of Cincinnati. Who knew?
Things have gone from bad to worse for the Commanders. Not having Daniels healthy continues to plague them.
The was a fourth quarter collapse of historic proportion. (Yes, I recognize the irony). But like.. giving up 33 points in the fourth?! REALLY?!
No more 10 p.m. ET kickoffs on Monday night. I beg you!!!!
"And the winner of the unluckiest team a month and a half into the season goes to the Cardinals." *crickets*
The Browns thumped the Dolphins. Not often you get to say the Browns thumped anyone.
I maybe should have dropped the Raiders lower for being shutout. But I really don't like to kick someone when they are down.
I know you're going to ask how the Titans jumped three spots after losing. My response to that is this is, well, perhaps other teams did worse. (Because yes, they did).
The Ravens face the Bears this coming week and I cannot stress enough how much they need a win.
My mom always told me if I don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all.
All I gotta say is if the Falcons lose to the Dolphins next week things are going to be oh so not good in Atlanta seeing as Miami is a dumpster fire right now.
Speaking of dumpster fires...
