NFL Week 7 Recap: Injuries, Comebacks, and Chaos in the League

The NFL is a war of attrition, and Week 7 was a brutal reminder of that reality. From injury-riddled rosters to unexpected comebacks, the league continues to deliver drama, unpredictability, and moments of brilliance. On the latest episode of Those Guys, Alex Hardy and former NFL safety Nick Ferguson broke down the biggest stories from the week, offering sharp analysis, insider perspective, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

Detroit Lions: Blue Collar Dominance

The Detroit Lions made a statement with their 24–9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite missing all four starters in the secondary, Detroit leaned on rookie Jameer Gibbs, who delivered a breakout performance. Gibbs’ 78-yard run and fourth-down conversion showcased his versatility and toughness—traits that define Dan Campbell’s squad.

Nick Ferguson praised the Lions’ physicality and compared their team dynamic to the Justice League, emphasizing that football is never won by one player alone. “Quarterbacks don’t win games by themselves,” Ferguson said. “You need a whole combination of individuals.”

Detroit’s ability to neutralize Baker Mayfield, who had been an MVP front-runner, was a testament to their resilience. Even with Mike Evans returning from injury—only to suffer a broken collarbone—the Bucs couldn’t overcome the Lions’ grit.

San Francisco 49ers: Shanahan’s Masterclass

In another injury-plagued showdown, the San Francisco 49ers took care of business against the Atlanta Falcons. Christian McCaffrey carried the load with 129 rushing yards and 72 receiving yards, proving once again that he’s one of the most dynamic players in the league.

Despite missing key players like Talanoa Hufanga and relying on Mac Jones at quarterback, Kyle Shanahan’s system continues to thrive. Ferguson highlighted Shanahan’s adaptability and suggested he’s a strong candidate for Coach of the Year. “He’s doing something other teams wish they could do,” Ferguson said.

However, there’s concern about McCaffrey’s workload. History has shown that overusing CMC can lead to burnout come playoff time. Shanahan will need to manage his star carefully if the Niners hope to make a deep postseason run.

Atlanta Falcons: Missed Opportunity

The Falcons were expected to challenge Tampa Bay in the NFC South but laid an egg against San Francisco. Michael Penix Jr. struggled under pressure, and Bijan Robinson was bottled up by the Niners’ defense. Despite having offensive weapons and a stable line, Atlanta couldn’t capitalize.

Ferguson noted that San Francisco’s defense, even with backups, shut down fantasy darlings like Robinson and Drake London. “You thought going into this game there’s no way the 49ers could shut him down—but shut him down they did.”

Giants vs. Broncos: A Fourth-Quarter Collapse

One of the wildest games of the week saw the New York Giants blow a 19–0 lead in the fourth quarter, losing 33–32 to the Denver Broncos. The game featured deflected touchdown passes, missed PATs, and questionable play-calling.

Alex Hardy criticized Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, while Ferguson defended him, pointing out that the defense held strong for three quarters. The real issue, Ferguson argued, was the offense’s inability to control time of possession.

Bo Nix threw 50 passes in a desperate comeback effort, and the Broncos scored three touchdowns in under a minute each. Ferguson also highlighted a critical mistake by rookie QB Jackson Dart, who threw a telegraphed interception instead of running for a first down. “It’s a lesson the young quarterback is going to learn,” Ferguson said.

Despite the loss, Ferguson sees promise in the Giants’ future. “Come 2026, they’re going to be that team for real,” he predicted.

Sean Payton: Petty King of Denver

Sean Payton’s postgame comments stirred controversy, as he expressed regret that Russell Wilson wasn’t on the field. Ferguson called out Payton’s pettiness, saying, “There was no reason to beat that dead horse and take another shot at Russell.”

Payton’s refusal to acknowledge the impact of tempo—despite Bo Nix and Mike McGlinchey crediting it for the comeback—was another example of his stubbornness. Hardy joked that Payton’s clipboard probably reads “Remember to run the damn ball,” highlighting the disconnect between coaching philosophy and player feedback.

Indianapolis Colts: Quietly Dominant

The Colts are the only 6–1 team in the AFC, and they’re doing it with balance and efficiency. Jonathan Taylor is on pace for 2,000 yards and 26 touchdowns, while Daniel Jones is playing clean, mistake-free football.

Ferguson praised head coach Shane Steichen, calling him another Coach of the Year candidate. “This is a different-looking Colts team,” he said. The defense, led by DeForest Buckner, abused the Chargers’ depleted offensive line, adding to the Colts’ impressive resume.

Hardy noted that the Colts’ offense ranks among the most efficient in the last 20 years, based on EPA (expected points added). “Seven games is a large enough sample size to say they’re one of the best offenses in the league.”

New England Patriots: Back on Track

The Patriots are 5–2 and finally beating teams they’re supposed to beat. Drake May has shown poise, especially on deep throws, and the defense is holding up well. Hardy pointed out that the Patriots were the team to beat in previous years, but now they’re the ones doing the beating.

Nick Ferguson acknowledged that the AFC East is weak right now, but said the Patriots are positioning themselves for a playoff run. “Once we get to the playoffs, that’s when the cream rises to the top.”

Las Vegas Raiders: A Team in Chaos

Veterans like Tyler Lockett and Amari Cooper are fleeing the Raiders, and it’s easy to see why. The team was dismantled by Kansas City in a 31–0 blowout. Ferguson dismissed the idea that the Chiefs are “back,” saying they simply beat up on a bad team.

“That game was like going to the sandbox and taking some kid’s lunch,” Ferguson said. He wants to see Kansas City beat a legitimate opponent before declaring them contenders again.

Kansas City’s Upcoming Test

The Chiefs face a tough stretch: Washington, Buffalo, Denver, and Indianapolis. Ferguson predicts two losses in that span, especially if Denver’s defense holds up. Hardy added that the matchup with Buffalo could have playoff implications, even though it’s a regular-season game.

Philadelphia Eagles: NFC Favorites?

Jalen Hurts delivered his best passing performance since winning the Super Bowl, and the Eagles look poised to dominate the NFC. Hardy suggested a potential Chiefs-Eagles rematch, but Ferguson isn’t convinced. “There are more challengers in the AFC than the NFC,” he said.

Final Thoughts: Wide Open Race

As Hardy summed up, “There’s no clear team that is dominant over the rest.” Whether it’s the Colts, Lions, Eagles, or even the Patriots, the race to the playoffs is wide open. Injuries, coaching decisions, and breakout performances will shape the second half of the season.

Nick Ferguson closed the show with a reminder: “It’s a cold world out there, bundle up.” And with the chaos of Week 7 behind us, fans better brace themselves—because the NFL is just getting started.