NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
Oct 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The NFL is generating major headlines as divisional competition intensifies, particularly in the AFC North and NFC North, where all four teams boast winning records. Each matchup in these divisions has been thrilling.
In the AFC North, the Ravens have struggled to maintain leads, leading to several disappointing losses. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers continues to demonstrate his prowess, leading his team to victories.
The Panthers have struggled to stop the run against the Buccaneers, and the Lions are gaining attention after a notable win over the Packers. As we assess the landscape after Week 7, let’s identify the league’s contenders and pretenders.
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Pretender: Baltimore Ravens
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons
Oct 11, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (5) celebrates with quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) after a touchdown during overtime against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Ravens need Lamar Jackson to return to this team quickly because they are falling down the AFC North, and this team is losing games in their division. Both games were where they blew leads. The Browns are winning games with their former offensive coordinator, and the Giants are at the top of the NFC East.
This squad must change, and they hope Lamar Jackson returns next week against the Buffalo Bills, though even if he does, it might not matter.
Contender: Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oct 18, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks to pass during overtime against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
This makes three straight wins for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Aaron Rodgers, at his age, is still playing at a high level. A big win for this team internationally, and they continue that momentum as they take on the Browns next week, which should be a close one.
Mike McCarthy has this team rolling, and their game versus Todd Monken is going to be huge for this tough division. Every team is above .500, which makes things more interesting.
Pretender: Carolina Panthers
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Oct 18, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) reacts after drawing a Philadelphia Eagles offsides during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
This loss hurts on all levels for this Panthers team. Baker Mayfield did not have to be the difference in this game, and the run defense was very poor against this Buccaneers unit. Bucky Irving carved this team up and scored multiple touchdowns. The offense did not look great either, and Bryce Young threw multiple interceptions.
Getting outscored 34-6 in the first half put this game out of reach quickly. A rare bad first half for the Panthers and this will go down as their worst loss of the season.
Contender: Detroit Lions
NFL: Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals
Oct 11, 2026; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Jared Goff (16) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Lions may have picked up their biggest win of the season. NFC North is very competitive, and they went against a hungry Packers team. They took them down, and Jahmyr Gibbs continues to have strong games, along with Amon-Ra St. Brown. Their biggest issue is their defense, which they may address at this upcoming trade deadline. A big win for Dan Campbell and this Lions squad.
This NFC North may feature multiple NFC North teams, with the Vikings still unbeaten, the Bears are 5-2, and the Lions are 4-2.