NFL world awaits word on Patrick Mahomes' MRI results
It's Week 7 and let's hope one of the NFL's most dynamic players isn't seriously hurt. Before we dive in, enjoy these:
- Week 7 got off to a rough start with Patrick Mahomes injuring his knee.
- Jalen Ramsey seems excited to be in L.A. after Tuesday's blockbuster trade.
- Who else could be on the move as the trade deadline nears?
- Our top 100 NFL players ever countdown is nearing its glorious conclusion.
- As always, we're here to help you set that fantasy football lineup.
Now for a closer look at the action:
Week 7's best and brightest
About last night: Chiefs 30, Broncos 6 -- Reigning NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes injured his right knee, but his Chiefs teammates still managed to thrash the Broncos. Mahomes will be further evaluated Friday, but if his injury does turn out to be serious, it will have a profound impact on the AFC playoff race.
Quick look at Week 7:
- Game of the Week: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys -- Both teams come into this midseason showdown for first in the NFC East after humbling Week 6 losses. Dallas will look to end a three-game skid after opening the season 3-0.
- Sneaky-Good Game of the Week: Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts -- Another showdown for first takes place at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts are coming off a bye, while the Texans had a statement win in KC last week.
- Sunday Ticket Game of the Week: Oakland Raiders at Green Bay Packers -- If the season ended today -- which (thankfully) it doesn't -- both of these teams would be in the playoffs. The Raiders haven't beaten the Packers since the 1987 season opener.
- Survivor Pool Game of the Week: San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins -- It doesn't seem as though 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan enjoyed his time as OC of the Redskins. Full disclosure: The previous picks have been been the Ravens (Week 1), Texans (Week 2), Vikings (Week 3), Chargers (Week 4), Eagles (Week 5) and
Cowboys(Week 6) ... d'oh! - Dud of the Week: Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals -- Look for mustachioed QB Gardner Minshew to rebound against the winless Bengals, who will be without their top two cornerbacks.
TOP PICS: Chiefs-Broncos | Cheerleaders | NFL at 100
Week 7 essentials: Picks, rankings and more
- Week 7 picks: Paste BN Sports' panel of experts has provided fans with the great public service of making prognostications for every NFL game this weekend.
- Lorenzo's locks: Listen up as Lorenzo Reyes makes his picks against the spread for some of the biggest games of Week 7.
- If Mahomes gone, just put Patriots in Super Bowl: If Patrick Mahomes' knee injury turns out to be serious, fans will wait three-plus months to see who plays the Patriots in Super Bowl LIV, Nate Davis writes.
- Who's best team in loaded NFC field? Unlike the AFC, the NFC race appears to be wide open. Do the Saints have a claim as the conference's best, or does that honor belong to the 5-0 49ers?
- 19 possible trade targets: The NFL trade deadline is approaching, and there's already been significant movement with the Rams' deal for Jalen Ramsey. Who might be next?
- 'I heard the culture here is dope': Re-energized after being traded by the Jaguars, Jalen Ramsey is eager to show the Rams "the type of swag that I bring."
- These young QBs look like the game's greats: The NFL is in the middle of a youth movement at quarterback. Here are some of the young up-and-comers and the skills of greats they possess.
- Lions fans blast NFL referees — on billboards: Lions fans still are angry about what transpired Monday night in Green Bay. At least two billboards have popped up around metro Detroit showing a referee with a cheesehead on his head.
- Chris Long calls NFL officiating a 'mess': Long is retired from the NFL but still consumes the game. He -- like many NFL fans -- was confused by what he was watching Monday night.
- Chris Long would 'consider' comeback: The retired defensive end has transitioned to the media and remains socially active, but he said he still contemplates a return to the NFL.
- 'Pissed off' Cowboys aim to snap three-game skid: Against the NFC East rival Eagles on "Sunday Night Football," the Cowboys will look to channel their anger productively.
- Ideal time to lose three? Dak Prescott has a "weird way of looking at things" as his team is mired in a three-game losing streak.
- Power rankings: See how each team stands entering Week 7. Texas' teams are headed in opposite directions.
- 17-game season being discussed: Some NFL officials would like to expand the regular-season schedule to 17 games, but there is opposition among the ownership ranks.
- 'Stay ready': As another round of CBA negotiations approaches, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith educates players on the need to prepare for lockout.
Fantasy football: Get your lineup right
As always, we're here for you. Just trying to do our part in helping you out with your most important weekly decision: Setting that fantasy football lineup.
- Fantasy rankings for Week 7: For your convenience, these position-by-position rankings were updated for this week's slate of games.
- 4 things to know for Week 7: Listen up as Charles Curtis offers up advice, such as what to do if you've been wildly disappointed in Baker Mayfield.
- Studs, duds and sleepers: Here we examine players with good Week 7 matchups (Hunter Henry), bad matchups (Darren Waller) and non-stars you might want to consider starting (Darren Fells).
- Deep sleepers: If you are looking for an unexpected roster replacement or an inexpensive starter for your daily fantasy lineup, here are players who could help.
- Trade targets: Which players should you be buying and which should you be selling?
- Waiver wire: If Hunter Henry is available in your fantasy football league GO GET HIM NOW!
Week 7 schedule
(All times Eastern)
Bye week: Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Thursday
Sunday
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Oakland Raiders at Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Los Angeles Rams at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. (CBS)
San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Arizona Cardinals at New York Giants, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Los Angeles Chargers at Tennessee Titans, 4:05 p.m. (CBS)
New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
Baltimore Ravens at Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Monday
New England Patriots at New York Jets, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)
#NFL100
As the NFL celebrates its 100th season, we are unveiling our all-time 100 lists:
- 100 greatest players ever: 19 current and former reporters across the Paste BN Sports Network have compiled a list ranking the greatest NFL players of all time.
- Greatest players ever for every team: The Paste BN Sports Network unveils the best players for each NFL team.
- 100 greatest teams in league history: 1962 Green Bay Packers. 1972 Miami Dolphins. 1985 Chicago Bears. 1994 San Francisco 49ers. 1999 St. Louis Rams. 2013 Seattle Seahawks. 1920 Akron Pros. Which is the greatest ever?
- 100 worst teams in league history: 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 2008 Detroit Lions. 2017 Cleveland Browns. 1944 Card-Pitt. 1920 Muncie Flyers. Which team set the all-time low?
- Greatest players ever by jersey number: From No. 00 Jim Otto to No. 99 J.J. Watt, these are the best players at 100 different uniform numbers.
- Greatest players from HBCU programs: The HBCU schools have a storied history and have produced many Pro Football Hall of Famers. These are the 100 greatest NFL players from HBCU programs.
- 100 biggest draft busts ever: The NFL draft has an extensive history of top picks who would only be remembered as busts.
- NFL's best and worst uniforms ever: Throughout the NFL's history, there have been some fantastic uniforms, and there are some that have been widely scorned.
NFL Facebook group: Join now!
If you love talking football, we have the perfect place for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with our NFL insiders and other football enthusiasts just like you.
Life at the bottom
You've come this far, so this is your reward. Awesome photos from NFL weather games through the years.
Enjoy the football!
Want to keep the NFL conversation going? Head to Facebook, and/or give a Twitter follow to your friendly neighborhood football guy who put together this newsletter, @jimreineking.