Week 7: The NFL’s Week of Chaos, Chokes, and Redemption
By Trinity Barnette
Every week I think the NFL can’t get any more unpredictable—and then Sunday happens. Between blown leads, one-point heartbreakers, and backup quarterbacks looking like Hall of Famers, this week was a rollercoaster from start to finish. I had picks that looked genius for three quarters and then went up in flames. Let’s break down the carnage.
Giants vs. Broncos: The One-Point Heartbreaker
Final Score: Broncos 33, Giants 32
The Giants had this game. Up 19 in the fourth quarter, and somehow they let Denver score 33 unanswered points. Thirty-three. Kicker Jude McAtamney missed two extra points, and those mistakes cost New York the game. Bo Nix looked composed down the stretch, orchestrating Denver’s comeback while the Giants completely fell apart.
Raw Reflection:
This wasn’t just a loss—it was a collapse. I picked the Giants thinking they’d finally close a game, and they did the opposite. When you blow a 19-point lead, it’s not bad luck—it’s bad football.
Eagles vs. Vikings: The Choke Job
Final Score: Eagles 28, Vikings 22
The Vikings had every opportunity to steal this one, but Jalen Hurts wasn’t having it. Hurts threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns with a perfect passer rating, slicing through Minnesota’s defense like it was a preseason scrimmage. DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown both crossed 100 yards, and by the fourth quarter, the Vikings looked lost.
Raw Reflection:
I picked the Vikings. I believed for some reason. Never again. The Eagles looked like themselves again, and Minnesota reminded us why they’re never quite ready for the moment.
Chiefs vs. Raiders: A Shutout in Broad Daylight
Final Score: Chiefs 31, Raiders 0
The Raiders were unwatchable. Ninety-five total yards. That’s not football—it’s performance art. Patrick Mahomes threw for 286 yards and three touchdowns before Kansas City even broke a sweat. The Chiefs’ defense did the rest, holding Las Vegas to nothing.
Raw Reflection:
This was never a rivalry game. The Raiders are exactly who we thought they were. The Chiefs didn’t even need to try that hard.
Rams vs. Jaguars: A Masterclass in Domination
Final Score: Rams 35, Jaguars 7
I picked the Rams, and they delivered. Matthew Stafford threw five touchdowns in one of the most efficient performances of his career. The Jaguars looked like they wanted to be anywhere else. Every drive the Rams touched turned to gold.
Raw Reflection:
Finally—a pick that didn’t make me question my sanity. The Rams are quietly one of the most balanced teams in the league, and this win proved it.
Dolphins vs. Browns: Betrayal in Real Time
Final Score: Browns 31, Dolphins 6
The one time I put my faith in Miami, they embarrassed me. Quinshon Judkins ran through the Dolphins’ defense for three touchdowns, and Cleveland’s defense bullied Tua Tagovailoa all game. Nothing about this matchup made sense—except that the Browns always ruin my day.
Raw Reflection:
This one hurt. I didn’t just want Miami to win—I needed Cleveland to lose. Instead, they made a statement, and the Dolphins reminded everyone that inconsistency is still their brand.
Panthers vs. Jets: 13-6 and Confusion Everywhere
Final Score: Panthers 13, Jets 6
I expected a blowout. Instead, we got this. The Panthers managed to scrape together 13 points against the worst offense in football, and somehow that was enough. Bryce Young went down mid-game, the Jets couldn’t move the ball, and everyone watching suffered.
Raw Reflection:
Sometimes “winning ugly” is still winning—but this was hard to look at. The Jets are done. The Panthers, for all their inconsistency, are quietly stacking wins.
Colts vs. Chargers: The Real Deal Emerges
Final Score: Colts 38, Chargers 24
I picked the Colts, and I’m glad I did. Daniel Jones looked confident again, throwing for 280 yards and two touchdowns while Jonathan Taylor dominated with three rushing scores. The Chargers’ defense looked overwhelmed, and by the fourth quarter, Indianapolis had full control.
Raw Reflection:
This was the win that confirmed it—the Colts are a legitimate AFC threat. Balanced offense, strong defense, and momentum on their side. The Chargers? They’re running out of excuses.
Final Raw Reflection
Week 7 was chaos in its purest form. Picks went wrong, teams melted down, and the underdogs showed up when no one asked them to. The Rams, Colts, and Panthers delivered. The Vikings, Dolphins, and Giants let me down. It was messy, unpredictable, and completely addictive—exactly why we keep coming back.
And honestly, thank God the Ravens had a bye week, because they needed it. Hopefully Lamar comes back soon, the defense gets its act together, and Baltimore can string together a few wins before this season slips away completely.
