We’re at an interesting point in the NFL season as the picture of the league is starting to work itself out. Some teams are undefeated like the Vikings, despite no one believing in them. Others are seeing their season evaporate overnight like the Eagles, who have been dealt an incredibly tough hand. But in this edition, I wanted to cover some of the open-ended questions that at the top of everyone’s mind right now. So, let’s dive in and then make some picks!

First Down

Everything Must Go?: The Colts fired long time GM Chris Ballard Monday morning following a loss to the dreadful Titans on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Owner Carlie Irsay’s copious notes seemed to have finally led her to the conclusion that change is needed and with head coach Shane Steichen likely following Ballard out the door, no one knows just how far this tear down will go. We may have gotten some clues on Wednesday as there now rumblings around the league that the Colts are about to embark on a full-on fire sale. And honestly, who could blame the new GM (whoever they are), there are a lot of attractive pieces to shop at the deadline, chief among them running back Jonathan Taylor. The Jets own the Colts pick in this year’s draft, so making some moves to kick start the rebuild would be wise. We’ll keep an eye on this over the next few weeks as Indy burns it to the ground.

Second Down

Cousins in Demand?: The Raiders, at least for three weeks, were great story from this first half of the season. They continue to be competitive in these games as they have pushed the Chiefs and Bills to the brink, but now that they are 3-3, the season looks like it could get away from them and that has sparked the Kirk Cousins rumor mill to fire up. Cousins has been excellent so far this season, running Klint Kubiak’s offense almost flawlessly, but Fernando Mendoza lurks in the wings as the backup. While the Raiders did want their number one overall pick to sit on the bench for most of this first season the roster, one would have to think if they got the right offer for Cousins, they’d pull the trigger on getting return on their one-year rental investment. Off the top of my head, I would say the Giants, Broncos, and perhaps his former team the Vikings would be looking to bring him in as a good fit in their offense. That’s assuming no one else gets hurt in this league…and since QB’s go down weekly, the Raiders could have a robust market opening up to them.

Third Down

Are the Rams Doomed?: If we have been reminded of anything in the first few weeks of the season, it’s that this league is completely unpredictable week to week. The Cardinals have already upset the Chargers in week one, though that looks less and less like an upset, but they one-upped themselves this past week by going back into SOFI and beating the Rams. The once invincible Rams are 2-4 on the year, well off the pace in the West as the Niners are rolling and beset by a raft of injuries that are holding them back. Within all that noise though is the ugly truth, which is that this team just isn’t executing right now from down to down. Too many mistakes in all three phases are why they are in this position as many of these games have been winnable for them. They have a soft schedule coming but maybe they’re just another “super team” that can’t get out of their own way.

Fourth Down

Can the Browns Win the North?: The Guardians season may be over following their loss to the Rays in the ALCS, but the Browns are keeping the vibes high in “The Land.” The question may sound outlandish to you dear reader, but humor me for a moment, even if I am still a skeptic. Todd Monken’s group is 4-2 on the year with a hot QB, a defense that travels, and they’re a muffed punt from being 5-1 on the season. On top of that, they already have two wins inside the division as they’ve beaten the Steelers and Ravens on a pair of walk off field goals. Baltimore is still awaiting the return of Lamar Jackson, the Steelers look like their usual mediocre selves, and the Bengals are a riddle surrounded by a mystery wrapped in an enigma. Like I said, I’m still skeptical they can pull this off right now, but I think we at least have to consider the possibility they can win this division.

Week 7 Picks

It’s time for the picks! Last week we both went 8-6, making me 57-34-1 and Sean 54-38-1. This week we’re pretty much aligned outside of two games on the card so not much ground could be made up, but we both could look pretty stupid if some upsets happen. For my money this week is very chalky with what feels like some easy games to pick…but only time will tell.

Check out our Instagram feed for special gameday and promotional content. Our podcasts are available on Spotify. Check out our friends on the The Rangers Ed Podcast! We’ll be back with more soon.