Seven weeks of the season are in the books and to say the product in the NFL has underwhelmed is an understatement. The majority of games so far this year have been sloppy, filled with execution issues and poor game planning. Further compounding that issue now is a league wide rash of injuries. With so many key players going down it’s tough to sit and watch some of these contests. Let’s dive into the injury bug as well as other big stories from the league.

First Down

Dropping Like Flies: This week saw an unreal amount of players go down injured. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Deshaun Watson, Jayden Daniels, Brandon Aiyuk, and DK Metcalf all picked up injuries that will sideline them for quite some time. All those names represent some of the best players in the league at their position and it will have an impact on their teams. There is nothing you can do about injuries, but that doesn’t make it any less depressing as the players we enjoy watching go down in devastating fashion.

Second Down

MetLife Revenge: Well well well, the Saquon Barkley homecoming took place this weekend against the Giants. Barkley, who left big blue for Philly this past offseason, is off to a good start for his new team and disappointment in New York is palpable. He wound up really rubbing the Giants face in it as the Birds won 28-3 and he put up some great numbers. Barkley finished with 176 yards rushing, and one touchdown. The big showing by him like it’s only the beginning what feels like will be a repeat occurrence in the years to come.

Third Down

Flying High: There is “BACK” and then there is the Ravens, who have no won 5 in a row. After being left for dead at 0-2, the Ravens have saved their season and are in real control their season. Everything is clicking as Lamar Jackson, Derick Henry, Rashad Bateman, and seemingly everyone else in this offense looks dangerous. Perhaps Baltimore can challenge the Chiefs for real this time…though I won’t get my hopes up.

Fourth Down

The Cream of the Crop: With so many teams struggling so far, good play stand outs with ease. So with that in mind, let’s give some love to NFC North. As you can see above, through 7 weeks, all four teams in the division are over .500. This past week Detroit outlasted the Vikings in a thriller while Green Bay beat Houston at the buzzer. The Bears were on the bye but they’re certainly not to be slept on so far this year. These four should continue to entertain us the rest of the way perhaps with some luck, all four could reach the playoffs. My advice for now, enjoy these terrific games each week.

You can find Nick on Twitter @YNWA9623, Mike @Mike_Sheerin, Tyler @TMon_19 and Sean @SeanMartinNFL. Subscribe to the site by hitting the follow button in the bottom right corner and entering your email address. Check out our Instagram feed @thebroadwaybreakdownsports for special gameday and promotional content. Our fall of podcasts are available on Spotify. Visit the Rangers Ed Shop by clicking the link on our homepage. The store is live, and Little Ed has been in the lab cooking up some can’t miss items for you fans. Check out our mailbag page to join the conversation here on the site and on our partners show, The Rangers Ed Podcast! We’ll be back with more soon!