NFL Week 7 Highlights: Giants Lead NFC East, Bengals Surge Past Ravens

The latest week of NFL action delivered dramatic shakeups across the league standings, highlighted by impressive divisional performances and concerning collapses. The New York Giants captured the sole lead in the NFC East with a 4-2-1 record following an overtime victory against the Houston Texans. Running back Cam Skattebo rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback J.J. McCarthy continued his strong play by completing 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards.

In stark contrast to the Giants' success, their MetLife Stadium co-tenants hit a new low. The New York Jets suffered a 28-25 defeat at the hands of the previously winless Miami Dolphins, dropping the Jets to a disappointing 2-5 record. The loss intensified pressure on head coach Aaron Glenn as fans voiced their frustrations during another difficult outing.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals climbed to sixth place in the league's power rankings after overcoming a 13-0 halftime deficit to defeat the Baltimore Ravens 35-13. Joe Burrow orchestrated a stellar second-half performance, throwing four touchdown passes as the Bengals scored 35 unanswered points. The victory dropped the Ravens to 4-3 and last place in the AFC North, prompting heavy criticism of Baltimore's second-half defensive struggles.

The NFC South also saw notable movement as the Atlanta Falcons secured a 29-20 upset victory over the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers. Michael Penix Jr. threw three touchdown passes and the Falcons' defense forced four turnovers to notch what may be one of the season's biggest surprises. Elsewhere in the division, the Carolina Panthers suffered a heavy 30-point loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, allowing 258 rushing yards and losing starting offensive lineman Taylor Moton to a fractured fibula.

The Miami Dolphins finally broke into the win column under head coach Jeff Hafley, securing their first victory of the season against the Jets behind a strong offensive showing from Malik Willis and running back Ollie Gordon II. With the Dolphins' win, the Los Angeles Chargers remain the league's only winless team at 0-6 heading out of their bye week.

As the season approaches its midpoint, teams are beginning to separate themselves in the playoff race while struggling franchises search for answers. The upcoming schedule will test whether rising contenders like the Bengals and Giants can sustain their momentum as divisional matchups intensify across the league.