Ready for NFL Week 7 excitement? Thursday Night Football features Bears QB Caleb Williams against Patriots QB Drake Maye in a promising matchup of rising stars. Bengals versus Ravens promises fireworks whenever QB Lamar Jackson suits up. Chiefs at Seahawks on Sunday night could stabilize Seattle or trigger major concerns.

Each Tuesday during the NFL season I shift focus from last week to the next with seven thoughts. These are not firm forecasts or direct reactions to recent games. Instead they cover open questions that may prove true after several more contests. At the end come additional brief notions that linger.

Subscribe: ESPN Leaguewide

This week begins with reactions to major Monday developments including Jalen Hurts moving to season-ending injured reserve and the dismissal of Colts general manager Chris Ballard then turns to issues in Los Angeles and surprising positives in Cleveland.

Jump to:
Colts keep Steichen wisely
Eagles set for three deals
Williams MVP contender with caveats
Simmons Defensive Player of Year push
Cleveland needs only a QB to compete
Stafford showing signs of age
Additional quick thoughts

I think the Colts made the right call keeping Shane Steichen

The Colts at 2-4 dismissed general manager Chris Ballard on Monday after their Week 6 defeat to the Titans at 1-5. Home losses to winless division foes often prompt fast changes.

Head coach Shane Steichen kept his job. Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon stated the goals for this season remain unchanged with plenty of games left and expectations to compete improve and secure victories. The message leaves Steichen room to earn another year.

ESPN Football Power Index gives Indianapolis an 8.8 percent postseason chance their first since 2020. Steichen faces similar odds to retain his position.

This choice looks sound. Midseason GM changes carry less immediate game impact than coach firings yet Ballard bears primary responsibility. After Andrew Luck retired in 2019 the team cycled through veteran quarterbacks including Philip Rivers Jacoby Brissett Carson Wentz Matt Ryan Gardner Minshew II and Daniel Jones plus a major draft miss on Anthony Richardson Sr.

Ballard could not secure the key position despite extra opportunities. He faced some bad luck with Richardson injuries and Jones performing well in 2025 before setbacks. Strong drafting helped extend his run but emphasis on size and athleticism at edge rusher led to misses like Dayo Odeyingbo Kwity Paye and Laiatu Latu. Newer selections have struggled to fill needs.

Even with solid draft work a decade in charge brings misses and the Colts avoided aggressive free agency or trades until recently when pressure mounted. Late additions like Cam Bynum Charvarius Ward and Sauce Gardner came too late.

Handing Ballard another quarterback hunt made no sense. Yet turning a future signal caller over to Steichen remains viable. His 2025 work producing elite results from Jones stands out more than Ballard's decade. Steichen excels at fourth down calls and clock use though he did not develop Richardson fully like others with similar prospects. His record with Hurts and Jones outweighs that issue.

Steichen performs well but can he reach ownership standards? The statement notes the change allows important work to start now possibly signaling a new GM search or trade deadline activity by Nov. 10. Can he succeed without Quenton Nelson or DeForest Buckner?

A historical parallel is Jim Caldwell with the Lions in 2015 after a 1-7 start and GM firing. Caldwell finished 6-2 and stayed two more seasons. Steichen may lack the roster for similar success especially without Matthew Stafford and amid potential roster cuts. Yet last year he achieved 7-1 with Jones so surprises remain possible.

Irsay-Gordon as a new owner shows commitment to her approach. Giving Steichen the full season to prove himself is positive and desperation moves in Indianapolis should prove interesting.

I think these Eagles players head to these destinations

The Eagles will likely move several players by the deadline. Howie Roseman rarely stands pat.

At 2-4 with Hurts on injured reserve the year is over. Talent exists for an 8-9 or 7-10 finish with Tanner McKee DeVonta Smith Saquon Barkley Landon Dickerson and a strong defense. Roseman avoids settling for mediocrity ahead of key offseason choices.

Questions linger on Hurts as the long term quarterback and Nick Sirianni as coach despite a Super Bowl win and recent issues.

Roseman already traded Cam Jurgens and A.J. Brown adding draft picks for 2028. More capital from 2027 would aid a faster rebuild if changes come at quarterback or coach.

Opposing GMs should inquire about Smith Jordan Mailata Quinyon Mitchell and others. Some stay but these have real trade potential.

CB Riq Woolen to the Bears for a 2027 fourth-round pick

Woolen was viewed as a one-year addition for a compensatory pick after strong play in Vic Fangio system. Inconsistent performance and penalties raise doubts on that return. A solid offer lets Philadelphia secure value now. Chicago needs corner help after recent struggles and could use Woolen in man coverage where his traits shine though penalties remain a risk.

RB Saquon Barkley to the Texans for a 2027 third-round pick a 2027 fifth-round pick a 2028 second-round pick and RB Woody Marks

Trading Barkley feels aggressive yet fits a rebuild mindset for a 29-year-old back. Roseman added him for contention in 2024 but now prioritizes future assets. Dead cap hits complicate matters yet a strong offer could work. Houston under Nick Caserio could add Barkley to boost a weak run game and support Nico Collins for a playoff push.