National Football League

Separating NFC contenders and pretenders after Week 7

Updated Oct. 24, 2022 2:00 p.m. ET

By Geoff Schwartz
FOX Sports NFL Analyst

Is anyone clearly good in the NFC outside the Philadelphia Eagles? After seven weeks of the season, the undefeated Eagles sit clearly alone at the top of the NFC hierarchy.

But who comes next? Let's examine the teams who were in action in Week 7 to see if they should be considered a contender or pretender. (The 5-1 Minnesota Vikings and 3-3 Los Angeles Rams joined the Eagles on a bye week).

Dallas Cowboys (5-2)

Why they are a contender: This is a talented roster with above-average players at key positions. Dak Prescott returned to the lineup Sunday, and while he didn't light it up against the Detroit Lions, we saw some glimpses of what Dak can be when he gets back into the flow of things. The Cowboys have a top-five offensive line and possibly the best pass rush in the NFL with Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence. The Cowboys pass defense is good, not elite, but Trevon Diggs can be a lockdown corner at times. Having those pieces be above average — QB, OL, pass rush and defensive back — will always give a team a chance to win each weekend.

Why they might be a pretender: The Cowboys appear to be a system team, just like most around the league. That system is successful, I'm not questioning that. But so far they've had a specific way to win. Defense, rushing the ball and limiting the opportunities for their quarterback to "screw up." Now with Prescott back in the lineup, they should not have to worry about the "system" as often. If the defense breaks down, they can score enough points to win those games.

New York Giants (6-1)

Why they are a contender: Coaching. That's the only way to explain the Giants continued success this season. Their offense is designed around a quarterback in Daniel Jones who they want to avoid putting in bad situations and who is throwing to a bunch of wide receivers who likely shouldn't be starters along with an interior offensive line that's not very good. Their defense entered the weekend ranked 30th in DVOA, but the unit doesn't allow a ton of points. Yet every week I look up at the score bug or the TV late in the fourth quarter and the Giants are within striking distance or have a short lead. The only explanation is they are a well-coached, disciplined football team that does not make mistakes or self-inflict wounds. They battle the entire game and they make their own luck. Kudos to the staff. Three more wins over the final 10 weeks and they are a wild card team.

Why they might be a pretender: In the nicest way possible — what do they do well? Like what part of their play are you saying "The Giants are above average at this…". Maybe the rushing game, using Jones' ability to scoot as part of the offense. They aren't strong on the offensive line, especially inside, and now at right tackle with Evan Neal injured. They don't stop the run, stop the pass or rush the passer all that well. They do limit points, which feels like a house of cards. Again, entering this weekend, Pro Football Focus graded New York's pass rush 26th, their coverage 27th and their rushing defense 26th. Most other teams near the Giants' level of grades or efficiency are bottom dwellers in the NFL. Again, the math adds up for a playoff berth, but they are an odd team.

Giants defense makes a game-winning stop on the last play against Jaguars

The New York Giants defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in an exciting 23-17 game. On the last play the Giants defense stopped Christian Kirk at the goal line to seal the game.

Seattle Seahawks (4-3)

Why they are a contender: The offense is entertaining and scores a bunch of points. Seattle entered this weekend as the fourth-most-efficient offense in the league, then went into Los Angeles and scorched the Chargers for 37 points. Quarterback Geno Smith is having a career resurgence, and the Seahawks' rushing attack is excellent. Rookie Kenneth Walker, who is now the primary back, rushed for 168 yards against the Chargers on Sunday. He's got 44 carries for 265 yards over the past two games. The Seahawks offense appears to be for real and here to stay

Why they might be a pretender: They've played a soft schedule, and in the one game against a quality opponent (the 49ers), they got smoked. You can only play the teams in front of you, and maybe the Chargers are considered a quality opponent, but Seattle has played bad teams — Broncos, Falcons, Lions, Saints and Cardinals. Even with this schedule, their defense has struggled, though they've played better the last two weekends. Their soft schedule might not matter much, as they are close to a playoff berth with just a .500 finish to the season. However, they get the 49ers again, the Rams twice, the Chiefs, Jets and the Buccaneers. If the offense slows down just a bit, the defense is probably going to allow a ton of points. We shall see.

Seahawks' Kenneth Walker III runs all over the Chargers' defense in blowout victory

Kenneth Walker III rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns as the Seattle Seahawks cruised to a comfortable 37-23 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Green Bay Packers (3-4)

Why they are a contender: In theory, the Packers offense can stop being held hostage by the quarterback and go back to being a functioning unit. They do not run the ball enough and Aaron Rodgers is just not making the necessary adjustments to his game to match his receiving core. The excuse about the lack of weapons ring hollow when teams without elite weapons and/or playing with backup quarterbacks can move the ball. And guess what, Aaron Jones is your elite weapon and the Packers do not use him enough. Only eight rushing attempts for Jones and 17 total touches for the game in Sunday's loss to the Commanders.

Why they might be a pretender: It's probably bad business to count out the Packers and Rodgers, but the offense is struggling to score points this season. It feels entirely possible the offense might finish the year not being very good compared to what they've come to expect in Green Bay. Rodgers has no connection with any receiver outside of Allen Lazard. The Packers do not attempt to push the ball downfield often because of this. It's getting increasingly difficult for them to generate explosive passing plays, which is much needed when your offense is running in place. There seems to be some feuding behind the scenes with Rodgers and head coach/play caller Matt LaFleur. Lastly, the offensive line continues to be plagued by injuries, which isn't helping Rodgers get comfortable in the pocket.

Commanders defeat Packers 23-21 on WILD final play

The Washington Commanders defeated the Green Bay Packers 23-21 after this WILD final play to end regulation.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4)

Why they are a contender: They have Tom Brady. This one is simple. Yes, the Bucs are not playing well on offense. But how many times have we seen Brady be counted out before he rallies his team to victories? It's happened throughout his career, and it helps that the Bucs play in an awful division. They might win the division with seven wins, and then suddenly they are hosting a playoff game. However…

Why they might be a pretender: Brady does not have Bill Belichick to help pull this team out of a slump. They are a squad that seems lifeless right now. Dropped passes. Poor protection. Zero rushing offense. Terrible and often unimaginative playcalling. Brady appears less engaged in the preparation process, taking a day off during the week from practice. Now, in a vacuum that is fine. Older players routinely get days off. But Brady has built his life around his intense schedule that optimizes his performance on the field. This season he's doing something different. I'm not surprised the offense isn't going as well this season.

San Francisco 49ers (3-4)

Why they are a contender: Health. The Niners are beat up and slowly getting themselves healthy. When everyone does return, the Niners have a top defense in the NFL with a fierce pass rush that will scare any opposing quarterback and pass-protecting unit. When the secondary is healthy, they will work in concert with the pass rush to stop opposing offenses. With Trent Williams returning from injury to his left tackle spot, the Niners offensive line is much improved. This roster is great when healthy.

Why they might be a pretender: Jimmy Garoppolo. He's not that good. On his best day, he's average. He has trouble when his first read isn't open. He seems to not care about having answers to pressure. The 49ers traded for running back Christian McCaffrey this week to help their run game. A solid run game takes pressure off the quarterback. It allows the Niners' play-action pass game to open up, which makes it easier on Jimmy G.

Geoff Schwartz played eight seasons in the NFL for five different teams. He started at right tackle for the University of Oregon for three seasons and was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection his senior year. He is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. Follow him on Twitter @GeoffSchwartz.