It’s Week Seven, and the NFL is starting to separate the contenders from the pretenders. A few former Crimson Tide players are in position to make noise this weekend, and some past performances give us clues to how they’ll perform. Let’s break down the matchups.

Eagles at Vikings – Sun. Oct. 19 (Noon ct):

Jalen Hurts (Eagles) – Philadelphia enters this one at 4–2, holding first in the NFC East. Last week’s 34–17 loss to New York exposed some flaws in the offense, especially in its predictability and inability to sustain drives. Hurts will need to bounce back, relying on his dual threat capability and making better decisions under pressure. The Vikings’ defense has had streaks of vulnerability, especially against runners and mobile QBs, so Hurts could find room to take off if the pocket breaks down.

DeVonta Smith (Eagles) –  Smith has tallied 29 receptions for 321 yards and 1 touchdown in 2025, averaging 11.1 yards per catch. He’s also averaged about 53.5 receiving yards per game this season. While he hasn’t lit up the stats yet, he remains a reliable target in intermediate zones and for moving the chains. If Hurts is forced to work through reads quickly, Smith should be one of the first options to get involved.

Will Reichard (Vikings) –  Reichard has been steady. In close games, his leg will matter. If the Eagles’ offense stalls, a strong performance from Reichard could be the difference in a tight one. Barring another camera cable doesn’t get in the way of his kick.

Dolphins at Browns – Sun. Oct 19 (Noon ct):

Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins) – Tua’s been solid this season, often threading tight windows and managing pressure with well. With last week’s tough loss, he’ll be looking to reassert control, after a tough week in the media. The Browns’ front is physical and has not let much up on the ground, so Tua’s timing throws and quick reads will be essential.

Jaylen Waddle (Dolphins) – Waddle has continued as Miami’s go-to receiver with Hill still out. His speed and ability after the catch make him that threat, even when defenses load up to stop deep passes. With Hill’s absence, Waddle’s role remains central to Miami’s passing attack.

Jerry Jeudy (Browns) – Jeudy has seen his targets and role grow in Cleveland’s offense. He’s shown flashes of getting open, and converting third downs. Against Miami’s secondary, which can be gotten by slot routes and mismatches, Jeudy might find favorable matchups. If rookie Dillon Gabriel can break pressure and deliver, Jeudy could be in for a solid outing.

Buccaneers at Lions – Mon. Oct. 20 (6:00 p.m. ct) 

Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions) – Gibbs remains one of the most versatile backs in the league. He’s shown ability both in the run game and receiving game, and Tampa Bay’s defense struggles at times in containing dual capable backs. If Detroit leans into quick passes, Gibbs could carve out significant yardage and have another big game.

Jameson Williams (Lions) – Williams has been gradually heating up, making deep plays and forcing defensive respect. His speed stretches defenses, and with Gibbs demanding respect underneath, and St. Brown getting most of the attention, Williams could work open downfield. One big catch could change momentum in this matchup.

Players to watch: 

Josh Jacobs (Packers) – vs. Cardinals

Bryce Young (Panthers) – vs. Jets

Both players have favorable matchups and can explode for another great week.

That does it for the week seven outlook. Check back Tuesday for the recap.

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