Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season proved that reputation means nothing without execution. The less well-known players changed the results in other stadiums. Joe Flacco had a great game in Cincinnati over the weekend. The Indianapolis Colts surprisingly defeated Los Angeles, which was a big story. These results affected the team’s chances of making the playoffs and their locker room mood.
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; The NFL logo is seen at mid-field prior to a game between Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL International Series game at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Not many expected Joe Flacco to overcome the Steelers, the division leaders. The 40-year-old looked timeless in the evening light on Monday night.
In a 33–31 victory on the road, Flacco completed 29 of 40 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns. His mastery of the offense shocked Pittsburgh’s defense, which had 6.4 yards per play after the game started, ranking in the top five in the fewest yards allowed.
The Colts became the AFC’s newest disruptor in Los Angeles, routing the Chargers 38–24. They controlled tempo, averaged 6.9 yards per play, and forced two interceptions from Justin Herbert. Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson spread the ball methodically while Indianapolis’ defense pressured on 34% of dropbacks. Safety Derwin James’ blunt reflection underscored the collapse: “We looked like (expletive) today. We gave up 40 points in our own stadium.” The Chargers, now 3–4, have lost three of their last four and face a mounting identity crisis under Jim Harbaugh.
Elsewhere, the Dolphins’ 31–6 blowout loss to the Browns added to Miami’s concerns as Tua Tagovailoa threw two costly interceptions. Washington’s 44–22 loss to Dallas extended the Commanders’ slide, while the Raiders’ 31–0 humiliation at the hands of Kansas City sealed another lost week for Pete Carroll’s squad.
Week 7 offered a reminder that no favorite is safe. With division races tightening and midseason trades looming, the NFL feels more fragile than ever, and the league’s chaos is far from over.