Every weekend in the NFL, elements attract our attention regarding the forces present, the records that are within reach or certain historical notes. Here, for the seventh week of activity, are five things to watch out for.
• Read also: Justin Herbert and the enigmatic Chargers… Our predictions for Week 7
• Read also: The offense is plummeting in the NFL and the spectacle is suffering
1) Finally a real offensive duel?
The Dolphins are increasing their touchdowns and celebrations this season.
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There have been reports this week of a widespread decline in offensive production across the NFL. The Sunday night duel between Dolphins and Eagles could change the picture. For the first time since 2016, the two best offenses in the league in yardage production in Week 7 (or later) face each other. The Dolphins are gaining 498.7 yards per game and the Eagles are second, at 395 yards per game. Moreover, the 2,992 yards amassed by the Dolphins constitute, to date, the second highest total in history after six games since the Greatest Show on Turf of the Rams, in 2000.
2) Myles Garrett and the Browns defense
Defensive end Myles Garrett has 5.5 sacks this season.
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There isn’t a defense in the NFL that does it better than the Browns. The 1,002 yards allowed in five games constitute the third lowest total in history, after the Colts in 1971 and the Vikings in 1970. In their duel against the Colts, if the Browns give up only 198 yards or less, they will become the fourth team in history to give up 200 yards or less on average in their first six games. We must salute the work of Myles Garrett. With his next sack of the quarterback, the defensive end will surpass the immortal Reggie White for the highest total of sacks in history (81) before blowing out 28 candles.
3) Towards a great first?
Browns fans hope to return to the playoffs.
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It’s still far too early to talk about the playoffs at this point in the season, but know that, if the playoffs started today, they would be marked by a big first… The Bills, the Browns and the Lions would be dancing, which has never happened before. All three teams joined the NFL at different times, but all three have been in the league for 64 years and never have all three been in the playoffs at the same time. To be continued…
4) Hats off, Austin Ekeler!
Running back Austin Ekeler is having an astonishing career with the Chargers.
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Chargers running back Austin Ekeler doesn’t often get talked about, yet his story should inspire more than one. If he gains 99 yards from the line of scrimmage (running and receptions) against the Chiefs, he will reach the plateau of 7,500 in his career. This is a significant feat, as he was never drafted. Historically, the only rushers overlooked in the draft who have done better are Priest Holmes (11,134 yards), Arian Foster (8,873 yards) and Fred Jackson (8,643 yards).
5) The Lions roar
Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown helped transform the Lions’ offense.
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We know that the Lions have the momentum for a while, but we can tend to forget just how much. Since week 9 of last season, their record is 13 wins and 3 losses. Across the league, only the 49ers (14-1) and Chiefs (14-2) have done better over the same period. Also since Week 9 of 2022, the Lions have scored 448 points (28 per game on average). Only the 49ers, with 458 points (30.5 per game), can boast of doing better.