The NFL’s Week 7 action concluded with a mix of surprising outcomes and strong defensive performances, leaving the Minnesota Vikings as the league’s last undefeated team.
In Sunday’s early kickoff, the Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints in the NFL’s first regular-season game held in France. The Seahawks capped the day by limiting Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes and running back Kenneth Walker III, handing Kansas City a 20-3 loss in Seattle.
The defending Super Bowl champion 49ers, grappling with significant injuries to key receivers including Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel Sr., fell 29-20 on the road to the Atlanta Falcons. San Francisco had a 14-3 lead but struggled with turnovers late. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw two interceptions in the final minutes, one near midfield while trailing by six, which allowed the Falcons to generate 13 points off turnovers. Christian McCaffrey also missed part of the game due to injury. Purdy acknowledged the pressing need to protect the football as the team looks to recover during their upcoming bye week before hosting the Raiders on November 8.
The Chiefs, currently holding a 5-1 record, had already used their bye and will face divisional rival Denver Broncos (5-2) next Sunday. Mahomes completed just 57.6% of his passes and failed to lead the offense into the red zone—a first in his career—while Walker was limited to 36 rushing yards on 14 carries by Seattle’s “Dark Side” defense.
Minnesota remains the sole undefeated team at 6-0, narrowly overcoming the Indianapolis Colts 16-10 in a contest defined by stout defense. The Vikings’ defense limited Colts quarterback Daniel Jones to 218 yards, while their offense managed only 275 total yards, including 150 passing yards from Kyler Murray. Head coach Kevin O’Connell emphasized the need to improve offensively to maintain their winning streak, especially given a challenging remaining schedule. The Vikings are set to visit the Detroit Lions (4-2) next week before hosting the Buffalo Bills (5-1), followed by back-to-back road games against the Green Bay Packers (4-3) and the 49ers.
The Lions nearly compromised their chance for a win due to a controversial late-game decision by coach Dan Campbell. Facing a tied score with under five minutes remaining, Campbell opted to attempt a fourth-and-1 at his own 24-yard line rather than punt. The attempt failed, giving the Packers possession near scoring range. However, Green Bay was unable to capitalize as their 35-yard field goal was blocked. The Lions then drove downfield to kick a winning field goal, sparing Campbell further criticism. Campbell defended the decision, citing confidence in securing the first down and in regaining possession if unsuccessful.
As teams settle into the season’s second half, defensive strength continues to play a vital role amid fluctuating offensive performances and injury challenges.