NFL Nation reporters detail the biggest storylines for every team coming out of Week 6 and what they mean going forward.NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West AFC East | AFC North| AFC South | AFC WestNFC EASTDallas Cowboys (5-1)The Cowboys hit the bye week with a five-game winning streak thanks to Sundays win over the Packers. There might be some storms ahead with the impending return of Tony Romo to full health and rookie Dak Prescott playing well, but the Cowboys have handled all of the adversities so far. Their style of play, led by the offensive line and running back Ezekiel Elliott, who has four straight games with at least 130 yards rushing, is a quarterbacks best friend. The quarterbacks second-best best friend, Dez Bryant, said he would be back Oct. 30 against the Eagles. -- Todd ArcherWeek 7: ByeNew York Giants (3-3)It wasnt especially pretty, but the Giants rode stars Odell Beckham Jr. and Eli Manning to victory over the Ravens. Beckham had a career-best 222 yards receiving, including 211 yards and two touchdowns in the second half alone. It couldnt have come at a better time. The Giants (3-3) snapped a three-game skid heading into their matchup with the Rams in London. -- Jordan RaananWeek 7:?vs Los Angeles?in London, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETPhiladelphia Eagles (3-2)Life without Lane Johnson got off to a troubling start. Rookie right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai struggled in his first start in the absence of Johnson, as Washington outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan went off for 2.0?sacks and four quarterback?hits. The Eagles need to stabilize the offensive front, and quick, as they host the Vikings on Sunday. Minnesota has 19 sacks in five games, which ranks second in the league. -- Tim McManusWeek 7:?vs. Minnesota, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETWashington Redskins (4-2)The Redskins didnt miss tight end Jordan Reed?on Sunday, gaining a season-best 493 yards and scoring 27 points against an excellent Eagles defense. Reed remains in the concussion protocol, so his status for this week remains uncertain. The Redskins, however,?saw they can survive the loss of their best target. They did it by running the ball well -- 230 yards -- as his replacement, Niles Paul, opened some crucial holes with his blocks. The Redskins went 0-2 without Reed last season. They saw Sunday that they could survive without him for at least one game. -- John KeimWeek 7:?at Detroit, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETNFC NORTHChicago Bears (1-5)The Bears have a decision to make at quarterback. Brian Hoyer is not playing poorly, but Chicagos offense is averaging only 18.5 points under Hoyer. And on Sunday, the Bears scored only 16 points in an embarrassing home loss to Jacksonville. If Jay Cutler is medically cleared to return from a thumb injury, the Bears have to, at a minimum, think about getting Cutler ready to face Green Bay on Thursday night. Even if Hoyer starts the game, bringing Cutler off the bench in the event the offense struggles to score points should be an option for coach John Fox. -- Jeff DickersonWeek 7:?at Green Bay, Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ETDetroit Lions (3-3)The Lions had been waiting all season -- faithfully -- for Golden Tate to break out and become a big?part of the teams offense. They know when both he and Marvin Jones are playing at top form, their offense becomes incredibly difficult to stop. And while Jones didnt have a big game Sunday, Tate did with a career-best 165 receiving yards. That is good news for a Lions offense that needs to put up a ton of points to win as the?defense continues to sort itself out. -- Michael RothsteinWeek 7:?vs. Washington, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETGreen Bay Packers (3-2)Quarterback Aaron Rodgers probably said it best after the Packers loss to the Cowboys: The only silver lining is we play again in four days [and] hopefully wash this taste out of our mouth pretty quickly. Rodgers and the Packers offense need to get things figured out quickly after another shaky performance. They have the Bears coming to Lambeau Field for their only Thursday night game of the year. But based on how much they struggled, four days might not be enough to get things fixed. -- Rob DemovskyWeek 7:?vs. Chicago, Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ETMinnesota Vikings (5-0)After the Packers loss to the Cowboys on Sunday, the Vikings return from their bye week with a two-game lead in the NFC North. Theyll prepare for their trip to Philadelphia as the leagues only undefeated team, though coach Mike Zimmer has made a point of guarding against overconfidence as his team climbs to the top of the NFC standings. This team has kind of a bulls-eye sight with them, Zimmer said last week. They just want to focus on what we have to do to win this particular ball game. In my opinion, they have not thought about three games down the road or who we play. -- Ben GoesslingWeek 7:?at Philadelphia, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETNFC SOUTHAtlanta Falcons (4-2)Even in the loss to the Seahawks, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan showed great resolve against one of the leagues best defenses. Although he was sacked four times and had an early fumble that led to a Seattle touchdown, Ryan still completed 27 of 42 passes for 335 yards with three touchdowns and a 102.8 passer rating. If Ryan can put up those numbers against the Seahawks, theres no telling what hell do in the coming weeks as the Falcons drive toward winning the NFC South and returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2012. -- Vaughn McClureWeek 7:?vs. San Diego, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ETCarolina Panthers (1-5)The Panthers were hoping for quarterback?Cam Newton to have a triumphant return after missing a game because of a concussion. Instead it was another loss and more of the same costly mistakes and penalties as Carolina fell to 1-5 entering its bye week. Will there be changes during the bye? Kicker Graham Gano didnt exactly get an endorsement from coach Ron Rivera after missing an extra point attempt that would have tied the score at 31-31 in the fourth quarter. -- David NewtonWeek 7: ByeNew Orleans Saints (2-3)Saints coach Sean Payton is giving players the day off Monday after their thrilling victory over the Panthers. But safety Kenny Vaccaro refused it, saying he wanted the whole defense to meet with coaches and go through the tape. He knows the defense made too many mistakes while squandering a 21-0 lead that will cost us in the future. Hes right. Luckily the Saints have an offense and a quarterback in Drew Brees capable of posting 465 yards and four touchdowns. But this same high-wire act has led to back-to-back 7-9 seasons. They need a more consistent effort from the defense. It will help a ton when No. 1 cornerback Delvin Breaux comes back soon from a broken fibula. -- Mike TriplettWeek 7:?at Kansas City, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETTampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3)Jameis Winston threw seven touchdown passes and seven interceptions before the bye week last season. After the bye last season, he threw 15 touchdown passes?and eight interceptions?and went four straight weeks without a pick. Winston is looking for the same type of rebound after throwing nine TDs and eight INTs heading into the bye week this season. What was the key last year? Getting back to the basics, Winston said, emphasizing that ball security continues to be a priority. Getting a strong performance on the ground from Jacquizz Rodgers last week and the possibility of a return for running back Doug Martin should help. -- Jenna LaineWeek 7:?at San Francisco, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ETNFC WESTArizona Cardinals (2-3)The Cardinals have a chance to even their record against the Jets -- a team that has been reeling more than they have?--?on Monday Night Football. The Cards have the statistical advantage, but the Jets defensive front, especially their front four, could wreak havoc against a patchwork offensive line thatll include two new starters at guard. New York also ranks second against the run, which will force the Cardinals and playcaller Bruce Arians to get creative. --?Josh WeinfussWeek 7:?vs. Seattle, Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ETLos Angeles Rams (3-3)The Rams locker room was noticeably distraught in the moments following the defeat to the Lions at Ford Field. They lost even though their offense, last in the NFL in yards per game through the first five weeks, played brilliantly. Quarterback?Case Keenum at one point threw 19 consecutive completions, setting a franchise record. But down three points with less than two minutes left, he tossed the clinching interception, giving his team back-to-back losses. The Rams notched a season-high 23 first downs and 387 total yards, but it didnt matter. Said defensive end William Hayes: I put the blame on the defense. Now the Rams have a trip to London on deck. -- Alden GonzalezWeek 7:?vs. New York Giants in London, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETSan Francisco 49ers (1-5)After Sundays blowout loss to Buffalo, 49ers coach Chip Kelly said Yeah, well see when asked whether Colin Kaepernick would continue to be his starting quarterback next week against Tampa Bay. But the response seemed like more of a situation in which?Kelly didnt want to discuss starting quarterbacks than one where he is going to legitimately consider turning away from Kaepernick after one start. Kaepernick had some ups and downs in Sundays game, performing well in the first half but struggling in the second to finish 13-of-29 for 187 yards with a touchdown for a passer rating of 77.8 to go with 66 rushing yards on eight carries. Theres a lot of work for Kaepernick and the offense to do moving forward, but theres little reason to think he wont get another shot next week. -- Nick WagonerWeek 7:?vs. Tampa Bay, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ETSeattle Seahawks (4-1)The Seahawks were happy to escape with a victory over the Falcons, but much of the focus afterward was on the near-disastrous third quarter. The defense busted coverages on two Falcons touchdowns. After a 36-yard score by Julio Jones, Richard Sherman chucked his helmet on the sideline and had to be calmed down by coaches and teammates. Sherman was frustrated earlier this season after the team gave up a couple of scoring drives late in a win over the 49ers. Coach Pete Carroll wants players to embrace their personalities, but he admitted that Shermans outburst had an impact in the second half and was something the Seahawks had to get through. The Seahawks face prolific offenses the next two weeks in games against the Cardinals and Saints. The performance of the defense and how players react if things dont go according to plan will be an ongoing storyline. -- Sheil KapadiaWeek 7:?at Arizona, Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ETAFC EASTBuffalo Bills (4-2)The Bills are humming along. Winners of their last four?games -- their longest winning streak since 2008 -- Buffalo has a trip to Miami upcoming before hosting the Patriots on Oct. 30. That game looms large because the Bills can both capture first place in the AFC East at the halfway mark of the season and sweep New England for the first time since 1999. -- Mike RodakWeek 7:?at Miami, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETMiami Dolphins (2-4)The Dolphins have a lot of questions on their roster. But a big answer emerged in Sundays win over the Steelers. Second-year running back Jay Ajayi produced the NFLs first 200-yard rushing game of the season. Most important, the Dolphins finally found their go-to tailback after spending a quarter of the season using a running-back-by-committee approach. -- James WalkerWeek 7:?vs. Buffalo, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETNew England Patriots (5-1)On a day in which?Tom Bradys first home game?since returning from suspension was a big storyline -- with fans chanting Brady! Brady! Brady! at various points -- tight end?Rob Gronkowski announced that he was also back in a different way. Totaling a career-high 162 receiving yards and his first touchdown?of the season, Gronkowski said after the game that he now has two wheels under him, a reference to his hamstring returning to health. As Brady said, He makes any quarterback look good. -- Mike ReissWeek 7:?at Pittsburgh, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ETNew York Jets (1-4)With middle linebacker David Harris (hamstring) listed as doubtful for the Monday night game against the Cardinals, the Jets probably will be without their defensive leader and signal-caller. They could use three players to fill Harris various roles -- Erin Henderson, Darron Lee and Bruce Carter. One of the challenges will be containing Arizona running back?David Johnson out of the backfield. The Jets will miss Harris cerebral skills. -- Rich CiminiWeek 7:?vs. Baltimore, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETAFC NORTHBaltimore Ravens (3-3)The Ravens have a good shot at ending their three-game losing streak Sunday when they play at the one-win Jets. But, the problem is, Baltimore could be far from full strength again. Cornerback Jimmy Smith (concussion) and linebacker Terrell Suggs (arm) left Sundays game and didnt return. A source told ESPN that Suggs tore his left biceps, but the injury is not considered season-ending. This is compounded by the fact that five Pro Bowl players were sidelined in the Ravens last game. The season is suddenly unraveling for the short-handed Ravens. -- Jamison HensleyWeek 7:?at New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETCincinnati Bengals (2-4)Coach Marvin Lewis wouldnt comment on what the Bengals offensive line will look like going forward, after first-year starter Cedric Ogbuehi?was benched vs. the Patriots. Thats going to be the big question ahead. Quarterback?Andy Dalton has been sacked 19 times already this season, and he is well on his way to a career high. With center Russell Bodine also hurt, the Bengals need to figure out how to protect Dalton as they try to dig themselves out of a 2-4 hole. -- Katherine TerrellWeek 7:?vs. Cleveland, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETCleveland Browns (0-6)The Browns have started 0-6 for the first time since the expansion season of 1999. While there is frustration and disappointment, there does not seem to be a sense of despair or hopelessness inside the team. Offensive tackle?Joe Thomas said he felt no splintering, and running back Duke Johnson said this of first-year coach Hue Jackson: When your head coach wont quit, the team cant quit. And thats what type of coach we have. -- Pat McManamonWeek 7:?at Cincinnati, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETPittsburgh Steelers (4-2)The Steelers defense is a total enigma right now. It has?been impressive in four games and putrid in two. Giving up 223 rushing yards to the Dolphins, one of the leagues worst rushing offenses, is alarming. The New England game is the perfect chance to see what this defense can really do, especially if defensive lineman?Cam Heyward (hamstring) and linebacker?Ryan Shazier (knee) can get back, though thats hardly a guarantee. If the Steelers want to fulfill Super Bowl aspirations, they need to find ways to avoid the collapse. -- Jeremy FowlerWeek 7:?vs. New England, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ETAFC SOUTHHouston Texans (4-2)Despite a shaky start, quarterback Brock Osweiler finally flashed the ability that coach Bill OBrien has praised through the first five weeks of the season. Osweiler led the Texans down the field twice late in the fourth quarter and again in overtime in the comeback win over the Colts, finishing 25-of-39 for 269 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. This was the game Osweiler needed to get on track, but the Texans need him to continue to improve, especially with a big Monday night game looming against Osweilers former team, the Broncos. Houston is in first place in the AFC South, but a win at Denver would send a message to the rest of the conference. -- ESPN.com staffWeek 7: at Denver, Monday, 8:30 p.m. ETIndianapolis Colts (2-4)The Colts have to find a way to rebound from their worst loss under coach Chuck Pagano after they blew a 14-point lead with less than five minutes left in the fourth quarter against the Texans. The loss put Indianapolis in last place in the AFC South. The Colts will look back later in the season and regret what happened on Sunday. Now they have another division game at Tennessee next weekend. -- Mike WellsWeek 7: at Tennessee, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETJacksonville Jaguars (2-3)Rookie cornerback Jalen Ramsey wasnt having success against Bears wide receiver?Alshon Jeffery in the first half Sunday, so he got more physical and shut down Jeffery in the second half. Ramsey held Jeffery to only one catch for 3 yards and is rapidly proving himself to be the frontrunner to be the leagues defensive rookie of the year. Ramsey still has work to do, but he?is on his way to becoming one of the leagues top?cornerbacks. -- Mike DiRoccoWeek 7:?vs. Oakland, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETTennessee Titans (3-3)When second-year quarterback?Marcus Mariota plays well, the Titans win. That has been the case this season, and they needed him the most against the Browns, who did good work limiting DeMarco Murray and the Tennessee ground game. Mariota ran for 41 yards on the first play from scrimmage and threw?three touchdown passes. Next up is Indianapolis. Before Sunday night, the Colts rated as the NFLs third-worst defense and were giving up plenty to teams running and passing. If the Titans can find the right formula for that one, they could break a nine-game losing streak against their biggest rival. -- Paul KuharskyWeek 7:?vs. Indianapolis, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETAFC WESTDenver Broncos (4-2)Broncos coach Gary Kubiak?was not with the team last week as he recovered from a night in the hospital after the teams loss to the Falcons. He?did not make the trip to San Diego for Thursday nights game, and the Broncos now have a two-game losing streak. The two biggest items on the to-do list for Kubiak are a bogged-down run game that has slowed the entire offense, and the defenses inability to start games the way it finishes them. Five of the Broncos six opponents have scored on the first possession of the game -- the sixth scored on the second possession -- and the Broncos have already surrendered more first-drive points in six games (31) than they surrendered on first drives all of last season (24). -- Jeff LegwoldWeek 7:?vs. Houston, Monday, 8:30 p.m. ETKansas City Chiefs (3-2)The Chiefs got their first extended look at the rushing combination of Spencer Ware and Jamaal Charles in the win over the Raiders, and they were pleased with the results. Normally, Charles will provide the big plays and Ware the tough yards, but the roles were often reversed in Oakland. Charles had some tough runs and Ware had the longest play of the game on a 45-yard run. Look for the Chiefs to continue a shared arrangement between the two in next weeks game against the Saints.-- Adam TeicherWeek 7:?vs. New Orleans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETOakland Raiders (4-2)So this is what it looks like when the Raiders normally dependable and high-scoring offense fails to show up to bail out the teams normally undependable and porous defense -- a loss in the rain at home to the Chiefs. Reality check? The Raiders had a chance to really get a leg up on the rest of the AFC West with a victory but instead have a week to marinate in it before embarking on a week-long trip to Florida for games at the Jaguars and Buccaneers. We got outcoached, and outplayed, Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said. Take your pick. The Jags and Bucs would like to take him up on his offer over the next two weeks. -- Paul GutierrezWeek 7:?at Jacksonville, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETSan Diego Chargers (2-4)After a 21-13 victory over the Broncos on Thursday, the Chargers are looking for their first winning streak this season. Theyll get the Falcons, who lost in Seattle in Week 7. Well kind of see what theyve done last year, McCoy said about the Falcons. Well look at the first couple games, and playing this weekend well see what theyre doing. So it will be good to have an extra couple days, giving the players a head start on what theyre doing, and get an extra day on the field really of repping some things. -- Eric D. WilliamsWeek 7:?at Atlanta, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET Wholesale Ultra Boost Australia .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. Cheap Ultra Boost For Sale . Vaives lawyer Trevor Whiffen claims the former 50-goal man wasnt provided with a copy of the claim beforehand and that he would not have agreed to the allegations made against the NHL had he been asked to review its contents. http://www.wholesaleultraboostaustralia.com/ .Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres have recalled forward Kevin Porter and defenceman Chad Ruhwedel from the minors as part of a five-player roster shuffle made by the NHLs worst team. Cheap Ultra Boost Australia .C. -- Rodney Hood connected from all over the court while freshman Jabari Parker was busy swatting shots and scoring in transition. Adidas Ultra Boost Australia Womens . Sgt. Eric ONeal says most of the arrests at Monday nights game were for public drunkenness, though one person was taken into custody on suspicion of trying to steal a seat from the stadium. Our experts weigh in on four of the biggest questions in auto racing as the Sprint Cup Series braces for Chase race No. 8 Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway:Turn 1: Would a seventh Jimmie Johnson title be more impressive than Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt reaching that mark?Ricky Craven, ESPN NASCAR analyst: I remember drivers like Cale Yarborough expressing how they felt Dale Earnhardts (then-tying) seventh title came under stiffer competition than Richard Pettys. I believe the same could be said for Johnson if he pulls it off in a few weeks. With a seventh, the greatest of all time debate heats up.Ryan McGee, ESPN.com:?I think what hes done is every bit as amazing as what they did, and I also think you can make a pretty strong argument that its been more difficult. Theres a parity level both in equipment and in talent that has existed during Johnsons career that didnt during Petty and Earnhardts reigns. Like The King, hes also managed to win titles in different versions of the points system. I know some claim the Chase (all versions of it) and rules like lucky dogs and wave-arounds have made it easier for Johnson, but I would argue the opposite. I think those rules also brought the field back to him a lot of times when he would have benefited from being able to check out.John Oreovicz, ESPN.com: It probably would be more impressive, given that Petty usually had only four to five quality cars to beat in his era and Earnhardt had maybe 10. There are more competitive car/driver combinations in the modern era, not to mention the way the Chase stacks everything that matters at the end of the season. Obviously you have to have seven to get to eight, but in the long run, No. 8 is the one that really matters.Bob Pockrass, ESPN.com: More impressive. The 10-race Chase format before the elimination rounds were added was the toughest championship format, because a driver had to run great through that entire 10-race stretch.Turn 2: Is Johnson the driver NASCAR needs in the Championship Round for interest and ratings?Craven:?It absolutely creates interest. The other seven drivers simply dont have the same brand recognition. That said, I also believe a championship against Jimmie might have a bit more meaning for drivers seeking a second title like Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick or Matt Kenseth, so theres appeal in that. Jimmie definitely brings value to the championship race.McGee:?Yes. Its a little strange in that among hardcore NASCAR fans hes always seemed to generate as much animosity as he has cheers. But theres no question that his drive for a seventh Cup will attract national media attention that none of the other drivers can. Its like Jeff Gordons final race (at the time) one year ago. There were media outlets at Homestead that wouldnt normally be therre, especially on a huge NFL/college football weekend.dddddddddddd I can tell you firsthand that well be doing a ton of stuff there for SportsCenter. Im not sure wed be planning as much as we are if not for his shot at history.Oreovicz: I think so. With Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart about to depart the scene, Johnson will remain the sports only true superstar in terms of championships and chasing records. As talented and polarizing as Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick may be, they dont move the needle like JJ does. Hes the gold standard until any of the upcoming 20-somethings start to make their mark.Pockrass:?Yes and no. NASCAR needed someone other than the four Toyota drivers to advance to the championship round. But Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano and Kurt Busch would have filled that role as well. Johnson does add a little interest going for a seventh title, probably with just as many or more people rooting against him than for him.Turn 3: Lewis Hamilton is now tied for second all time in Formula One wins. Where do you rank him on your all-time F1 drivers list?Craven: In order: Phil Hill, Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, Alan Prost, Lewis Hamilton.McGee: Hes on his way to building a case for No. 1, but not yet. Id go: (1) Michael Schumacher, (2) Ayrton Senna, (3) Juan Manuel Fangio, (4) Jim Clark, and have Hamilton racing Jackie Stewart and Alain Prost for fifth.Oreovicz: In the top 10, but certainly not among the true greats like Michael Schumacher, Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. Fifty-one wins for Hamilton in the modern era equates to about half that number in the past, putting him on a level with Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda.Pockrass:?Probably fifth behind Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Juan Manuel Fangio. Jackie Stewart and Jim Clark probably would make an argument to be in the top five ahead of Hamilton as well.Turn 4: Kevin Harvick likely needs another clutch performance to advance in the Chase. Does he have it in him?Craven:?He absolutely does, and his greatest advantage is having done it before. Harvick and crew chief Rodney Childers have fallen in this hole before, so they also know where the ladder is hidden.McGee: Yes. Phoenix sitting there as the final cutoff race feels custom-made for The Closer.Oreovicz: A lot of people already have a Phoenix win gift-wrapped and placed under a Homestead palm tree for Harvick, and it would be a great story if it happens. But sooner or later, that streak is going to end.Pockrass:?Yes. Phoenix, where he has won six of the past eight races, provides that opportunity. But he plays with fire every time he gets in that position. ' ' '