NFL Week 7: Notes and observations

The NFL regular season is approaching the midway point.

At this point, we know who the contenders are. We know which teams are going to be drafting near the top of the first round come April. We also know the 15-or-so teams which will be battling for playoff spots as December gets colder and the postseason races grow hotter.

Here’s a look at how Week 7 could shape all three of those conversations:

• There are a few key divisional matchups to watch. The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are battling in AT&T Stadium on Sunday night, both sitting at 3-3 atop the NFC East. The loser is going to be in panic mode even though it is only trailing by a single game. The winner will suddenly feel as though it’s in control even though its play has been uneven. Then there’s the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil.  Indianapolis can get to 5-2 while growing healthier by the hour. Houston can also move to 5-2 while gaining a key road win. The winner also has the inside track to a first-round bye.
• As for the top of the first round, we’ve already seen the Denver Broncos get blown out on Thursday night. They have two wins, but make no mistake, they’ll be in the thick of this race. Heck, they soon could be without Emmanuel Sanders and Derek Wolfe. We’ll see plenty of the other contenders for the No. 1 overall selection, with the Miami Dolphins visiting the Buffalo Bills. The Washington Redskins are home but as 10-point underdogs to the unbeaten San Francisco 49ers. The Cincinnati Bengals, another winless outfit, welcome in Gardner Minshew and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Finally, Dan Quinn continues to hold onto his job by inches as the Atlanta Falcons host the Los Angeles Rams. All are underdogs, and likely add another loss.
• Finally, the mid-tier teams. Let’s focus on a few games, all involving the NFC North. The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are getting after it in Motown. The Lions could be 5-0 but sit 2-2-1 and in last place. This is a must-win for the boys in blue. The division-leading Green Bay Packers welcome in the surprising Oakland Raiders, a game that means more for the latter. If Oakland loses, it falls 1.5 games behind the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West with a tough slate ahead. This would be a massive win for the Silver and Black.