NFL Week 7 gave several teams a strong outlook into their future. Whether they’re eliminated by Halloween or make a deep playoff run, some teams looked great. Others weren’t so lucky. Here are the NFL Week 7 winners and losers.
New York Giants: Winner
The Giants went into their Week 7 matchup against the Houston Texans with yet another quarterback change. Recent trade acquisition J.J. McCarthy made his first start in New York, and he did not disappoint.
While McCarthy’s stat sheet doesn’t exactly pop, he ran John Harbaugh and Matt Nagy’s offense flawlessly. He went 20/28 for 252 yards behind a rushing attack that totaled 188 yards and four touchdowns.
New York’s defense showed resiliency, with cornerback Deonte Banks holding wide receiver Nico Collins to just two catches for six yards. Houston’s rush attack was stifled as well, logging 84 yards.
The Giants now hold a 4-2-1 record and lead the NFC East into their bye week. Defeating a hot Texans team in Week 7 legitimized them.
Aaron Glenn: Loser
Head coach Aaron Glenn and the New York Jets fell to 2-5 after losing to the previously 0-5 Miami Dolphins. If losing to a winless team wasn’t bad enough, Miami is also a division rival.
Glenn’s job security has been in question since early 2025. New York held onto him, but changed the coaching staff around him. General manager Darren Mougey has given his team plenty to work with given its current state.
With a strong draft class in Kenyon Sadiq, Omar Cooper Jr., and David Bailey, along with several veteran signings, the Jets need a higher standard. They’re still in a rebuild, so the losses will surely come. Losing to a winless division rival, however, stokes the flames under Glenn’s seat.
Brian Flores: Winner
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has made waves all season. The team is 6-0 behind a destructive, blitz-happy defense, and that was on full display in Week 7.
The Vikings sacked Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones four times in a 16-10 victory. The unit has 21 sacks on the season, in a five-way tie for first place.
Minnesota’s offense ranks 28th in the NFL in total yards per game. They’ve only scored more than 23 points once, and three of their wins came with 16 or fewer points. Flores’ defense is carrying Minnesota to an undefeated record, and his dominance cannot be overstated.
Daniel Jones: Loser
After a hot start to 2025, followed by a torn Achilles, the Colts re-signed QB Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88-million contract. He made his return in Week 1, and the results have been disappointing.
The Colts have fired their general manager Chris Ballard, and a fire sale seems to be on the way. Through seven games this season, Jones has completed 143 of his 240 passes for 1,398 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Through Jones’ first seven games last season, he went 152/214 for 1,790 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions. While the team crumbles around him, the QB is struggling to find the footing he had in 2025.
Todd Monken: Winner
The surprising turnaround of the Cleveland Browns falls heavily on the shoulders of first-year head coach Todd Monken. He’s led the team to a 5-2 record in what was expected to be a difficult first season.
Cleveland pulled off another close win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 7. Another game-winning field goal from Andre Szmyt sealed it and kept the team atop the competitive AFC North. That’s largely thanks to Monken’s coaching.
The Browns have become a frisky and fun team, and they’ve translated that to winning. They’ve already tied their win total from last season despite carrying a -13-point differential. They’re winning games that they’d historically lose.
It’s hard to tell if Cleveland’s success is sustainable, or if the close games will catch up to them. For the time being, they’re becoming a name opposing teams aren’t excited to face.
Baltimore Ravens: Loser
The Ravens, with or without Lamar Jackson under center, are a massive disappointment in 2026. They led the Cincinnati Bengals 13-0 on Sunday, only to lose 35-13. What’s worse is this is far from the first time they’ve collapsed.
In the first half of games, Baltimore is the best in the NFL with a +65-point differential. In the second half, it ranks dead last with a -70-point differential. Two of its three losses came within one score, with the same being true of three of their four wins.
The Ravens went into this season after losing multiple key starters and hiring a new head coach in Jesse Minter. Growing pains were expected, but this is different. They’ll face the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars in the next two weeks, and a 4-5 record isn’t unrealistic right now.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Winner
Ending this list on a high note, the Buccaneers seem to be back to their winning ways. After starting the year 0-5, they’ve won their last two games, the most recent in dominant fashion.
While Tampa Bay is not out of the woods yet, a 43-13 win over the division rival Carolina Panthers is encouraging. Baker Mayfield returned from a dislocated thumb and completed seven of his 11 passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. The bounce-back is thanks to the defense and the run game.
The Buccaneers logged 258 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 49 carries. Bucky Irving led the team with 106 yards and two scores, while Kenny Gainwell logged 88 yards, and Sean Tucker had 52 yards and a touchdown.
Tampa Bay’s defense put Bryce Young in a blender on Sunday. The Panthers QB went 14/27 for 163 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He was sacked five times and lost one of the team’s two fumbles.
The Buccaneers dominated in all phases of the game on Sunday. Fumbles, interceptions, even a blocked extra point returned for a safety. If Mayfield can find his rhythm again, they can still have a shot at winning a weak NFC South.
End Of My NFL Week 7 Winners And Losers Rant
We’re almost halfway through the 2026 NFL season, and it is flying by. Some teams are looking toward the postseason, while others are already planning for the draft. With 11 weeks left, anything is still possible.
