NFL Week 7 Preview: Key Storylines to Watch

Week 7 of the NFL season kicked off with palpable excitement as Sean Payton returned to New Orleans, the city where he spent 15 seasons and led the Saints to their only Super Bowl victory in February 2010. Payton’s new team, the Denver Broncos, delivered a decisive blow to the injury-plagued Saints, winning 33-10 and improving their record to 4-3, while New Orleans fell to 2-5, marking their fifth consecutive loss. As the action continues with a Sunday morning kickoff in London, followed by 11 more games and a thrilling Monday night doubleheader, let’s dive into five of the most significant storylines across the league. (You can find the Week 7 schedule here.)

NFL Week 7 Preview: Key Storylines to Watch

1. Doug Pederson’s Last Stand?

The Jacksonville Jaguars conclude their two-week stint in London with a crucial matchup against the New England Patriots, and a victory is imperative. Last week, the Jaguars suffered a humiliating 35-16 loss to the Chicago Bears, led by Caleb Williams, dropping their record to 1-5. This dismal performance puts immense pressure on head coach Doug Pederson, as his team has now lost 10 of its last 12 games. A defeat against the struggling 1-5 Patriots could jeopardize Pederson’s job security.

Despite high expectations, Pederson has struggled to develop quarterback Trevor Lawrence into the star many believed he would become when the Jaguars selected him first overall in 2021. Lawrence’s performance has been lackluster, averaging just 222.3 passing yards per game (19th), with eight touchdown passes (tied for 12th) and three interceptions, leading to a passer rating of 89.2 (18th). The Jaguars also rank near the bottom in third-down conversions (30.4 percent, 28th) and have seen their defense falter, ranking 31st in both yards (390) and points allowed (29.7). If rookie quarterback Drake Maye shines in his second start, the Jaguars may face significant changes when they return to Jacksonville.

NFL Week 7 Preview: Key Storylines to Watch
(Patriots vs. Jaguars in London, 9:30 a.m. ET Sunday.)

2. New Teams for Amari Cooper and Davante Adams

In a bid to bolster their offenses, the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets made headlines with trades for Pro Bowl wide receivers following Monday night’s game. The Bills acquired five-time Pro Bowler Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns, while the Jets secured six-time Pro Bowl selection Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders. Both players are set to make their debuts with their new teams this Sunday.

  • The 4-2 Bills, in need of a dynamic weapon for quarterback Josh Allen, face the 1-4 Tennessee Titans.
  • The 2-4 Jets, aiming for a Super Bowl run with Aaron Rodgers, will take on the 4-2 Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Bills have remained one of the top teams in the AFC despite losing their leading wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, to the Houston Texans in the offseason. Buffalo currently ranks sixth in scoring (27.5 points per game) and red zone efficiency (68.2 percent), but struggles on third downs (34.3 percent, 23rd). After back-to-back losses to playoff contenders Baltimore and Houston, the Bills are hopeful Cooper can reinvigorate their offense.

NFL Week 7 Preview: Key Storylines to Watch

Meanwhile, the Jets, having just fired Robert Saleh, are looking to turn their season around. The offensive coordinator switch from Nathaniel Hackett to Todd Downing initially sparked some improvement, but ultimately they fell short against Buffalo, with Rodgers throwing a late interception. After acquiring Adams, the Jets hope his presence will help elevate Rodgers, who is currently experiencing the lowest completion percentage (61.8) and passer rating (84.4) of his career.

NFL Week 7 Preview: Key Storylines to Watch
(Titans at Bills, 1 p.m. ET Sunday; Jets at Steelers, 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday.)

3. Steelers’ Quarterback Change

It appears that Justin Fields’ time as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback may be coming to an end after just six games. This week, he shared that he has split first-team reps with veteran Russell Wilson, stating, “I don’t think I played good enough if I’m being real with you.” Coach Mike Tomlin has kept his decision regarding the starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Jets private, but wide receiver George Pickens hinted that he has been practicing extra with Wilson, indicating that the 35-year-old may be taking over the reins.

Fields opened the season as the starter after Wilson was sidelined with a calf strain. While Fields has helped the Steelers achieve a 4-2 record with a career-best completion percentage (66.3) and passer rating (93.9), he has struggled to find the end zone, throwing only five passing touchdowns and rushing for five more. The Steelers have managed just 20.7 points per game (20th) and 298.3 yards (26th), raising questions about whether Wilson can provide the spark needed to elevate the offense against tough AFC opponents.

(Jets at Steelers, 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday.)

4. Chiefs–49ers Super Bowl Rematch

This Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will meet again, just eight months after the Chiefs staged a thrilling 10-point comeback to win Super Bowl 58. The 49ers will host this matchup at Levi’s Stadium, looking to avenge their earlier defeat and break a four-game losing streak against Kansas City. This highly anticipated rematch marks the first regular-season clash since October 23, 2022, where the Chiefs dominated with a 44-23 victory.

Both teams are facing injury challenges as they enter this contest. The 49ers are without their star running back and offensive playmaker, Christian McCaffrey, while the Chiefs have lost key players, including top running back Isiah Pacheco and standout wide receiver Rashee Rice.

Despite these setbacks, both franchises continue to fight for supremacy. The 49ers recently secured a division victory over the Seahawks, improving their record to 3-3. Meanwhile, the Chiefs sit at 5-0 and have an opportunity to become only the seventh team in NFL history to start a season 6-0 following a Super Bowl win.

NFL Week 7 Preview: Key Storylines to Watch
(Chiefs at 49ers, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday.)

5. Lions–Vikings NFC North Showdown

One of the most significant matchups this week features the defending NFC North champion Lions (4-1) traveling to face the Minnesota Vikings, who remain the last undefeated team in the NFC at 5-0, making them one of the season’s biggest surprises. Quarterbacks Jared Goff and Sam Darnold represent remarkable career comebacks; Goff, traded from the Rams, has helped the Lions evolve into serious Super Bowl contenders, while Darnold has revitalized his career after a rocky start with the Jets.

Goff’s Lions lead the NFL in scoring (30.2 points per game), while Darnold’s Vikings rank fifth (27.8). Both signal-callers guide well-balanced offenses, but Goff must prepare for Minnesota’s relentless defensive unit, known for its aggressive pressure. Meanwhile, Detroit’s defense faces a significant challenge, as they will be without NFL sacks leader Aidan Hutchinson, who is recovering from a broken fibula and tibia.

This Sunday marks the first meeting between these two rivals this season, with a second encounter scheduled for Week 18. A victory here could provide critical momentum in this fiercely competitive NFC North.

NFL Week 7 Preview: Key Storylines to Watch
(Lions at Vikings, 1 p.m. ET Sunday.)

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NFL Week 7 Preview: Key Storylines to Watch

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