New York Jets’ Passing Struggles Fuel Concerns as Winless Streak Puts No. 1 Draft Pick in Sight
As the NFL approaches Week 7, six teams find themselves with one win or fewer. This situation adds a layer of intrigue for fan bases eying the 2026 NFL Draft. Among them, the New York Jets stand out, grappling with a severe passing crisis that has left them winless. In a disheartening 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 6, the Jets registered a staggering net total of negative-10 passing yards. This performance raises questions about the team’s direction as they prepare to face the Carolina Panthers.
The Jets’ Desperate Situation
Heading into their Week 7 matchup, the Jets are the only team in the league without a victory. Their last No. 1 draft pick dates back to 1996 when they selected Keyshawn Johnson. The current roster is struggling, and with each passing week, the pressure mounts for a turnaround. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering what the Jets can do to salvage their season and avoid a bleak path toward the draft.
Key Matchups in Week 7
Amid the chaos, other teams are also in precarious positions. The Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns are set to meet, both holding just one win and facing mounting pressure on their head coaches—Mike McDaniel and Kevin Stefanski, respectively. The stakes are high; the loser of this matchup could find themselves firmly in the race for the coveted No. 1 draft pick.
Other games to watch include the New Orleans Saints traveling to face the Chicago Bears, and the Tennessee Titans taking on the New England Patriots. Notably, the Baltimore Ravens are on a bye week, leaving them as a surprise team to watch in the upcoming days.
Week 7 Predictions and Insights
As we look ahead to Week 7, here’s a rundown of key matchups along with predictions:
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Thursday, 8:15 p.m., Prime Video
The Steelers have historically kept close games against the Bengals, winning the last three encounters by six points or fewer. With Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco as veteran quarterbacks, the matchup promises to be intriguing. The Steelers boast a top turnover margin of plus-7, which could prove decisive.
Prediction: Steelers 23, Bengals 16*
Los Angeles Rams at Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NFL Network
With Puka Nacua’s ankle injury, Matthew Stafford’s task becomes more challenging against Jacksonville’s staunch run defense. Both teams may struggle offensively, making this a potential defensive showdown.
Prediction: Jaguars 22, Rams 20*
New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears
Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox
The Saints have struggled on the road, getting outscored significantly in previous away games. The Bears, on the other hand, are looking to make a playoff push and cannot afford any slip-ups.
Prediction: Bears 24, Saints 16*
Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
Both teams enter this matchup with disappointing records. Tua Tagovailoa’s leadership is crucial, especially after he publicly challenged his teammates. Cleveland’s struggles to score have been evident, raising questions about their offensive strategy.
Prediction: Dolphins 20, Browns 17*
New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
Mike Vrabel’s return promises to add extra intensity to this matchup. The Patriots are looking strong, while both quarterbacks have faced significant pressure in recent weeks.
Prediction: Patriots 30, Titans 21*
Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
With a heavy spread, the Chiefs aim to capitalize on their recent momentum against the Raiders, who have faced significant losses. Turnovers could dictate the game’s outcome.
Prediction: Chiefs 28, Raiders 17*
Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings
Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox
This game hinges on whether JJ McCarthy returns for the Vikings. The Eagles need to shore up their run defense to avoid dropping consecutive games.
Prediction: Eagles 28, Vikings 24*
Carolina Panthers at New York Jets
Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox
The Panthers enter with some momentum but have struggled on the road. Conversely, the Jets are desperate for a win and need to capitalize on this opportunity.
Prediction: Jets 20, Panthers 17*
New York Giants at Denver Broncos
Sunday, 4:05 p.m., CBS
The Giants have shown promise with Jaxson Dart under center. However, they face a stern test against a tough Broncos defense.
Prediction: Broncos 26, Giants 20*
Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Chargers
Sunday, 4:05 p.m., CBS
After a previous loss to the Rams, the Colts are looking for redemption. The Chargers have shown flashes of brilliance, making this a competitive matchup.
Prediction: Chargers 27, Colts 22*
Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, 4:25 p.m., Fox
Dallas’s inconsistent defense raises concerns as they face a Commanders team looking to build on recent performances.
Prediction: Commanders 30, Cowboys 26*
Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals
Sunday, 4:25 p.m., Fox
With both teams struggling, this game could be pivotal for momentum. The Packers will need to tighten their defense to secure a win.
Prediction: Packers 26, Cardinals 20*
Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers
Sunday, 8:20 p.m., NBC
Injuries continue to plague the 49ers, but they may still have enough firepower to hold off the Falcons.
Prediction: 49ers 24, Falcons 19*
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions
Monday, 7 p.m., ABC/ESPN
This clash is set to be the highlight of the week, with both teams showcasing strong offensive capabilities. The Lions, at home, could excel in a high-scoring affair.
Prediction: Lions 35, Buccaneers 28*
Houston Texans at Seattle Seahawks
Monday, 10 p.m., ESPN
The focus will be on former Ohio State teammates C.J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba as Houston looks to extend their winning streak.
Prediction: Seahawks 23, Texans 21*
As Week 7 unfolds, all eyes will be on the Jets and their attempt to reverse a troubling trend. The stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable as the quest for a win—and the looming draft implications—continue.
