FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Joe Flacco is back. This is certainly not the lead anyone expected to write for 2025, but here we are. After Week 7, there’s a lot to unpack, starting with some significant changes in the rankings. We see a new number one team, a notable drop for a previous top-10 squad, as well as some intriguing movements from teams like the Lions, Patriots, and Cowboys who all shifted five or more spots.
Questions linger about whether the Colts are real contenders this year. However, with each win, it becomes harder to doubt them. Meanwhile, the Lions delivered a stellar performance, showcasing their defense against Baker Mayfield, who has given defenses trouble all season. On the other hand, the Seattle Seahawks remained steady this week, winning as expected against a lesser opponent.
After a disappointing loss to Tampa Bay in Week 6, the 49ers bounced back strong against the Falcons in a primetime matchup, while the Rams struggled during their game in London, scoring far fewer touchdowns than they traveled time zones.
The Bucs finally faced a harsh reality with a tough loss against the Lions on Monday night. Will the Eagles regain their momentum? Only time will tell, as they gear up for a critical matchup against the Giants next week.
In an impressive display, the Bills desperately need to bounce back after two consecutive losses, and they are in a good position to do so. The Patriots are gaining traction as their offense hits top form. Even with limited wins against lower-ranked teams, they still resonate as a top-10 contender.
Despite a tough loss for the Chargers, they are still regarded as true competitors this season. As for the Bears, their ranking may be a bit inflated, but with a challenging game against the Ravens on the horizon, we’ll see if they can stay on this upward trend.
The Steelers unfortunately fell hard this week, marking a major drop after letting Flacco lead the Bengals to a victory in just nine days with the organization. The Cowboys secured their game early, even before starting quarterback Jayden Daniels got injured.
On a different note, the Panthers have managed to reach a .500 record, holding steady despite their ups and downs. A significant drop also awaits the Falcons who now face the Dolphins in a week that could bring further challenges.
This week’s shake-ups tell a tale of resilience and struggle as teams work hard to establish their place in the standings. With every game taking on greater importance, fans eagerly look forward to what’s next.
