Table of Content
With two weeks remaining before the NFL’s November 10 trade deadline, speculation is intensifying around potential player moves across the league. All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor has emerged as a major target on the market, as reported by CBS Sports, following roster shifts and coaching changes across struggling teams.
Jonathan Taylor Trade Speculation
The Indianapolis Colts appear to be clear sellers heading into the trade deadline. After dismissing general manager Chris Ballard prior to Week 7, Indianapolis dropped to 2-5 on the season following a loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Colts face upcoming road matchups against the Jacksonville Jaguars and home against the Dallas Cowboys, with oddsmakers placing them as underdogs in both contests. A potential 2-7 record by the deadline would further incentivize Indianapolis to move major assets as part of a roster rebuild.
Analysis from CBS Sports suggests the Cincinnati Bengals are an ideal trade partner for Taylor. Despite moving to 4-2 after a second-half comeback victory over the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati has struggled on the ground. The Bengals rank near the bottom of the league with an average of 82.9 rushing yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry, registering only five rushes of 12 or more yards. Running backs Chase Brown and Samaje Perine have posted career-low averages of 3.5 and 4.1 yards per carry, respectively. Taylor, who has recorded 11 explosive rushes and averages 2.89 yards per carry after contact, could provide the necessary offensive balance alongside quarterback Joe Burrow.
Week 7 Game Ball Performers
Several standout individual performances highlighted Week 7 action across the league, according to CBS Sports awards:
- Cam Skattebo (New York Giants): The second-year running back recorded career highs with 17 carries for 124 rushing yards and one touchdown, including a key 42-yard run in overtime to secure a victory over the Houston Texans.
- Malik Willis (Miami Dolphins): Completing 14 of 21 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 37 rushing yards and a touchdown on eight carries, Willis helped Miami secure a 28-25 win over the New York Jets. He became the second quarterback in franchise history to record passing and rushing touchdowns in consecutive games.
- Blake Cashman (Minnesota Vikings): The linebacker compiled 12 tackles, two sacks, four passes defended, and three quarterback hits during Minnesota’s 16-10 win over Indianapolis. Cashman tied his career high with 4.5 sacks on the season, anchoring a defense allowing an NFL-low 12.3 points per game.
- KC Concepcion (Cleveland Browns): The rookie wide receiver registered eight receptions on 10 targets for 129 receiving yards, along with three carries for 23 rushing yards, in a 34-27 victory against the Tennessee Titans.
- Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals): Burrow completed 22 of 30 passes for 292 yards and four touchdowns. In the second half alone, he went 16-of-18 for 249 yards and four scores, leading a 35-0 unanswered run to rally past Baltimore.
- Jessie Bates III (Atlanta Falcons): The safety recorded nine tackles, two passes defended, one interception, and a game-sealing forced fumble in a victory over the San Francisco 49ers. It marked his sixth career game with both an interception and a forced fumble.
Notable Week 7 Tactical Mistakes
Several costly errors impacted key matchups in Week 7. Baltimore Ravens coach Jesse Minter opted to go for it on fourth-and-2 from the Cincinnati 12-yard line early in the fourth quarter while trailing 14-13. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley threw an incomplete pass to tight end Josh Cuevas, giving possession back to the Bengals, who scored six plays later.
The Carolina Panthers suffered a 43-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers marked by multiple mistakes. Wide receiver David Moore muffed a first-quarter punt that set up a Tampa Bay field goal, and quarterback Bryce Young was later strip-sacked by Al-Quadin Muhammad, resulting in a 32-yard touchdown recovery by Calijah Kancey. Additionally, Carolina had an extra point attempt blocked and returned for a two-point conversion after a 50-yard touchdown pass to Darren Waller.
The New York Jets failed to score a touchdown despite gaining a first-and-goal at the Miami 1-yard line while trailing 21-14. After two negative rushing plays and a 12-yard sack, the Jets settled for a 33-yard field goal, ultimately losing 28-25 to the Dolphins.
In international action, members of the Pittsburgh Steelers, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, arrived at Stade de France wearing outfits styled after the British television show Peaky Blinders for their game against the New Orleans Saints in Paris, drawing attention for the misplaced regional theme despite securing a 16-10 victory.
Key League Takeaways
Additional notes from Week 7 include rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy making his first start for the Giants in their win, while the Steelers moved to 5-2 despite offensive line and receiver depth needs. The Saints were restricted to 18 rushing yards on 15 or more carries, matching a low mark not seen since 2021. Meanwhile, Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson recorded his fourth game-winning drive of the season, and Tennessee tied an NFL record with 65 consecutive games without back-to-back victories.
Statistically, Cardinals tight end Trey McBride set an NFL record for tight ends with his ninth consecutive game featuring at least seven receptions. Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix averaged 11.1 air yards per attempt in a win over the Arizona Cardinals, up from his season average of 4.9. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes experienced his first career game without a red-zone drive, while Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba set a franchise record with his fifth career game of at least 150 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Heading into Week 8, the Minnesota Vikings remain the league’s sole undefeated team at 6-0, while the Los Angeles Chargers remain winless at 0-6. The New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and Houston Texans will all be on bye weeks.
