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NFL Week 7: Trends which will decide each game

By Russell S. Baxter

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 18: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 18: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 18: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball downfield for a first down during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 18: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball downfield for a first down during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

Off: Baltimore Ravens (5-1) and Indianapolis Colts (4-2)

Ravens: The reigning AFC North champions are actually off to a better start this season than a year ago. The 2019 Ravens split their first four games and then ran the table on the way to an NFL-best 14-2 record. This year, the offense hasn’t been as dynamic but the club continues to get the job done. Quarterback Lamar Jackson set a league-record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a season and led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes. In 2020, he’s thrown for 10 scores (2 interceptions) and run for 346 yards and two touchdowns. After six weeks, Baltimore is tied for second in the league with 11 takeaways. But there are still a few concerns when it comes to the defense.

Colts: Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers has had its ups and downs in his first season with the franchise – throwing seven TD passes and six interceptions – and more often than not, the Indianapolis’ defense has bailed out the club. But last week, the Colts fell behind 21-0 very early in the second quarter before rallying for a 31-27 victory. Running back Marlon Mack went down in Week 1 (Achilles) and rookie Jonathan Taylor has done his best to carry the load. But the club is averaging just 98 yards per game on the ground – 26th in the league. Veteran Justin Houston leads the team with 3.5 sacks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (2.5 sacks) has lived up to billing.

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