Every week this NFL season, we break down the highs and lows—along with everything in between—from the most recent slate of pro football. This week, we witnessed the seemingly unstoppable Colts continue their dominance, Bo Nix deliver another thrilling fourth-quarter comeback, the Raiders offense flop in historic fashion, and Mike Vrabel get the last laugh in Tennessee, among other developments. Welcome to Winners and Losers.
The Indianapolis Colts are undeniably the best team in football right now, at least statistically. Following a resounding 38-24 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, the Colts now hold the NFL’s best record along with a remarkable plus-92 point differential. Historically, only 15 teams since 2000 have outscored their opponents by such a margin in the first seven weeks, and all three teams sharing this mark made it to the Super Bowl. No longer a surprise team, the Colts, under coach Shane Steichen, are proving to be serious championship contenders in what appears to be a wide-open AFC.
The anticipation of a potential regression for the Colts' offense is waning as their success is not rooted in gimmicky schemes; instead, it is grounded in a highly efficient ground game complemented by a potent passing attack. As quarterback Daniel Jones noted post-game, the Colts are executing their game plan at a level above their competition. Steichen has demonstrated his prowess as a head coach, capitalizing on his experience as a successful offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles.
In their latest game, the Colts showcased a powerful running game led by Jonathan Taylor, who averaged an impressive 2.6 yards before contact, enabling a dynamic passing attack. Steichen’s innovative play designs resulted in multiple explosive plays, demonstrating the Colts’ ability to impose their will on opponents. Currently, Indianapolis averages an astounding 3.46 points per drive, a rate that, if sustained, would surpass the historic 3.19 points per drive achieved by the 2007 New England Patriots.
In an unexpected turn of events, Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos delivered one of the most thrilling comebacks of the season against the New York Giants. After being shut out 19-0 through three quarters, Nix transformed into a different player in the fourth quarter, leading the Broncos to an astonishing 33-32 victory. The final quarter was a rollercoaster, filled with deflected touchdowns and rapid scoring drives that showcased Nix's dynamic playmaking ability.
Nix’s performance was marked by three consecutive touchdown drives, two of which he capped off with rushing touchdowns. With under two minutes remaining, he flipped the score, giving the Broncos their first lead at 30-26. The Giants' last-minute efforts included a remarkable fourth-and-19 conversion, but they ultimately fell short when kicker Jude McAtamney missed an extra point, which proved to be crucial. As Nix orchestrated a game-winning drive, he threw for 174 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for an additional 46 yards and two scores in the fourth quarter alone.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Mike McDaniel and the Miami Dolphins faced a disheartening 31-6 loss against the Cleveland Browns, marking one of the lowest points of McDaniel's coaching career. The Dolphins' offense struggled significantly, recording its worst performance since McDaniel took the helm in 2022. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a particularly rough outing, throwing three interceptions and ultimately being pulled from the game.
The conditions in Cleveland did not favor Miami’s offensive scheme, which thrives in ideal weather. As the Dolphins floundered, McDaniel acknowledged the need to adjust their playing style, but many fans feel it may be too late for meaningful change. The Dolphins rank poorly in several offensive metrics, and Tagovailoa’s regression raises questions about McDaniel’s capacity to lead effectively. With a 1-6 record, it may be time for the Dolphins to reassess their direction.
In a notable return to Tennessee, Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots celebrated a 31-13 victory against the Tennessee Titans. The win was especially sweet for Vrabel, who was released by the Titans after a six-year tenure. The Patriots are now 5-2, leading the AFC East and riding a four-game winning streak, thanks in part to the impressive development of quarterback Drake Maye.
Vrabel's strategy has propelled New England into playoff contention, while the Titans appear to be embracing a full rebuild. With the Patriots on the rise, Vrabel's return to form signals a potential turning point for the franchise. Meanwhile, the Titans’ struggles have prompted them to explore trade options for several players, indicating a shift in their long-term strategy.
The Las Vegas Raiders experienced a dismal outing against the Kansas City Chiefs, losing 31-0 and recording the fewest first downs (three) in a game this season. The Raiders’ offensive struggles were starkly highlighted by their meager 14.3% success rate and a total of just 30 offensive plays. The Chiefs dominated possession, leaving the Raiders’ offense with little opportunity to make an impact.
This defeat underscores the Raiders’ significant need for improvement. They are staring down the barrel of a season plagued by offensive inefficiency, and it appears that the team must make substantial adjustments to regain competitiveness within the league.
The Philadelphia Eagles showcased a much-needed offensive turnaround in their 28-22 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Quarterback Jalen Hurts delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 326 yards and three touchdowns while achieving a perfect passer rating. The Eagles’ offense thrived on pushing the ball downfield and exploiting mismatches with standout receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, who combined for 304 yards and three touchdowns.
Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo finally embraced a more aggressive game plan, allowing Hurts to capitalize on mismatches and blitzes. This victory signals a potential shift in the Eagles’ offensive identity, as they aim to reclaim their status as a Super Bowl-caliber team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars suffered a humiliating 35-7 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams, plagued by 13 penalties for 119 yards. These self-inflicted wounds have pushed Jacksonville to the league's top for penalties, adversely affecting their performance on both sides of the ball. The Jaguars also dropped four passes and missed key field goals, compounding their struggles.
With a bye week ahead, the Jaguars have an opportunity to self-scout and address their numerous issues. However, if they continue to make unforced errors, they risk undermining their chances at success in the coming weeks.
Injuries and benchings have left many quarterbacks struggling this week, including Bryce Young, Jayden Daniels, Geno Smith, Tua Tagovailoa, and Justin Fields. The league witnessed performances from backups such as Quinn Ewers, Kenny Pickett, and Andy Dalton, highlighting the challenges teams face when relying on less experienced players. Daniels’ injury raises concerns for the Washington Commanders, while Young’s ankle sprain leaves his status uncertain for the Panthers' next game.
As teams navigate these challenges, the performance of backup quarterbacks will be crucial in shaping the outcomes of upcoming games. The league's landscape is shifting, and teams will need to adapt quickly to maintain their competitive edge.
