The race for the division title in the NFL is exceptionally tight, especially in the NFC North.

The Detroit Lions dethroned the Vikings, handing Minnesota its first defeat of the season. Both teams now hold a record of 5-1, but the Lions have the upper hand due to their recent win against the Vikings. Meanwhile, the 5-2 Green Bay Packers are not far behind after a significant victory over the Houston Texans. Quarterback Jordan Love has shown flashes of brilliance, even amidst some mistakes, and it’s the Packers defense that is positioning them as strong contenders.

Here’s a look at the winners and losers from Week 7 in the NFL.

WINNERS

Chiefs Adapt Successfully, Remain the Top Team in Football

Whenever a key player on the Chiefs is sidelined, they manage to find a replacement who steps up effectively. With running back Isiah Pacheco injured, they welcomed back Kareem Hunt, who previously played for the team and provided a boost to their red zone efficiency.

The Chiefs entered the game ranking 29^th in red zone scoring (38.89%). In their 28-18 win against the San Francisco 49ers, Hunt scored two rushing touchdowns in the second quarter alone. Overall, Kansas City scored touchdowns on four out of five opportunities inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. As champions of the last two Super Bowls, the Chiefs continue to be viewed as the top team in the league, largely due to their well-rounded play. Meanwhile, their defense, orchestrated by coach Steve Spagnuolo, remains an underappreciated asset; they managed to hold the Niners to just 2-of-11 (18%) on third downs and intercepted Brock Purdy three times.

Lions, Led by Jared Goff and Ben Johnson, Take Charge in the NFC North

The Vikings, under coordinator Brian Flores, entered the day with one of the most formidable defenses in the league, having already challenged quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud and Brock Purdy. However, Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 22 of 25 passes for 280 yards alongside two touchdowns in an exciting 31-29 victory.

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson effectively utilized his strong offensive line to create running lanes, which opened up play-action opportunities where Goff thrives. This strategy also diminished Minnesota’s pass rush and Flores’ creative pressure tactics. Coach Dan Campbell skillfully managed the game clock, despite a chaotic fumble return that briefly gave Minnesota (5-1) the lead. As a result, the Lions (5-1) are now in a favorable position in the division.

Packers’ Defense Dominates C.J. Stroud and the Texans’ Passing Game

While the Texans certainly miss their star receiver Nico Collins, they still boast a formidable passing attack led by C.J. Stroud. However, the Packers completely shut it down during their matchup, limiting Stroud to a mere 10 completions on 21 attempts for just 86 yards, marking a career low. Stroud did not throw for any touchdowns.

The Texans’ leading receiver was tight end Dalton Schultz, who managed only one catch for 28 yards. Stefon Diggs, who had a confrontation with Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander, caught five passes for just 23 yards, with 17 of those coming on a single play. The defensive line’s consistent pressure on Stroud was crucial, but first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has transformed the Green Bay (5-2) secondary into one of the best in the league.

Eagles’ Defense Continues Strong Stretch, Dominates Another Opponent

After showcasing a season-best performance with five sacks against the Cleveland Browns, the Eagles’ defense overwhelmed Daniel Jones and the Giants with eight sacks in their latest matchup. The Giants struggled to find any offensive rhythm, managing only three points, and ended up with just 43 net passing yards due to the sack yardage.

This highlights the Eagles’ potential, even while they converted just 1-of-13 third down attempts. Alongside the pass rush’s dominance, Saquon Barkley returned to MetLife Stadium, accumulating 187 yards from scrimmage and scoring a touchdown on 19 touches. The NFC East remains competitive, but the Eagles (4-2) are gaining momentum as their offense gets healthier.

LOSERS

What’s Next for the Jets?

It’s tough to predict if New York will opt to sell at the trade deadline, considering their all-in approach with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. However, it’s also difficult to imagine them not preparing for the future and looking to recover some assets after their recent struggles, now sitting at 2-5 following a 37-15 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With Rodgers turning 41 in December and only under contract for one more season, the inconsistency in his play and his connection with teammates has become noticeable. Even Davante Adams, a seasoned ally of Rodgers, failed to make a catch in the second half against Pittsburgh despite being targeted three times. The Jets have now lost four straight games and must address their mistakes quickly; they face the New England Patriots (1-6) next, a game they should aim to win. However, this season has been revealing the consequences of assembling a superficially appealing but fundamentally flawed roster.

Browns Find Themselves in a Deteriorating Situation

In previous discussions, we noted the challenges posed by Deshaun Watson’s fully guaranteed contract. Now, with a likely season-ending Achilles injury and the prospect of a lengthy rehabilitation period, there’s uncertainty about Watson’s recovery for the start of the next season.

The Browns (1-6) now face the urgent need to strategize for their future franchise quarterback, as it’s clear that Watson is not the answer.

The Browns are on the hook for Watson’s $92 million in base salary for 2025 and 2026, and the dead cap space they’d incur by letting him go is astoundingly high. They are likely to end up with a top-five pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL draft, potentially even the first overall. Therefore, prioritizing a quarterback would be essential. Regardless, Watson remains a costly burden that will hinder the team’s progress for many years to come.

Falcons’ Performance Highlights Their Struggles

The Atlanta Falcons entered Sunday riding a three-game winning streak, while their opponents, the Seahawks, had lost three in a row. Despite outgaining Seattle 385 yards to 339 and achieving two more first downs than them, the Falcons lost by a margin of 20 points. Atlanta converted 53% of their third downs (8 out of 15), compared to the Seahawks’ 36% (4 out of 11). In total, Atlanta ran 71 offensive plays versus Seattle’s 56, yet still faced a significant defeat.

In crucial situations, Atlanta struggled immensely. Just 10 seconds before halftime, on a third-and-15, they allowed Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith to find DK Metcalf for a 31-yard touchdown. The Falcons permitted Seattle to score the last 17 points of the game. Atlanta was penalized nine times for a total of 72 yards and lost the turnover battle 3-0, with all three turnovers occurring in the fourth quarter, including one that resulted in a touchdown for Seattle. Although the Falcons (4-3) have considerable talent, their lack of a pass rush indicates they are far from becoming serious contenders.