Oct 23, 2026 · 1h 10m
Week 7 tests quarterbacks, pass rushes and playoff ambitions
NFL Week 7 Preview: Harry Douglas and Ben Solak Pick the Must-Watch Matchups | Leaguewide
The episode maps the week’s most consequential NFL matchups through quarterback pressure, defensive vulnerabilities and decisive skill-position battles.
- 1Kansas City and Seattle hinge on Sam Darnold’s ball security against a strong Seahawks run defense.
- 2Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson return raises the stakes for Derrick Henry, tight-end usage and Cincinnati’s rebuilt defensive front.
- 3Green Bay’s improved offense faces Detroit’s elite pass rush and a secondary the Packers may be able to exploit.
Don't miss
The hosts’ Ravens–Bengals debate connects Lamar Jackson’s return, Derrick Henry’s role and Cincinnati’s rebuilt defensive front before selecting Baltimore.
The brief
Ben Solak and Harry Douglas open with Seattle–Kansas City, weighing Sam Darnold’s pressure and turnover problems against Seattle’s strong run defense and the Chiefs’ evolving offensive identity.
Baltimore–Cincinnati centers on Lamar Jackson’s return, Derrick Henry’s importance and Joe Burrow’s protection, with the Bengals’ revamped defensive line adding a direct test.
Green Bay–Detroit pits Jordan Love’s progress and the Packers’ offensive changes against Detroit’s league-leading pass rush and vulnerable secondary, with Jahmyr Gibbs and Jared Goff in the balance.
The hosts widen the lens to Giants–Texans and Colts–Vikings, then spotlight Tetairoa McMillan, Matthew Golden, Christian Watson and Tank Dell among the receivers worth tracking.
Their weekly picks turn the analysis into commitments across favorites, underdogs, toss-ups and survivor choices, revealing where Houston, Kansas City and Baltimore inspire the most confidence.
Weekly email
State of the Pod, every Monday
The week's most-discussed names and stories from podcasts, with the moments behind them. Free, five minutes, unsubscribe in one click.