Week 7 early game round up: Lions, Dolphins hang on in nail-biters

Here’s a look around the league at Week 7 action in the NFL:

New York Giants 17, Rams 10

The Giants (4-3) entered Sunday’s morning game in London with the NFL’s worst turnover margin, but it was the Rams (3-4) and Case Keenum (32-for-53, 291, TD, 4 INT) who turned the ball over four times in their third straight loss. New York needed all the help the Rams could give them, as they managed the win despite rolling up only 232 yards of offense and averaging 1.8 yards per carry.

Lions 20, Redskins 17

Kirk Cousins (30-for-39, 301, TD) and Matthew Stafford (18-for-29, 266, TD) provided some fireworks at the end of a low scoring affair. Cousins sprinted into the endzone from 19 yards out with just over a minute remaining to give Washington (4-3) a 17-13 lead. But they weren’t safe, as the Lions (4-3) went 75 yards in just 49 seconds and Anquan Boldin caught an 18-yard strike from Stafford to steal the victory. It was the 78th receiving touchdown of Boldin’s career. Josh Norman left the game with a concussion.

Bengals 31, Browns 17

The Browns’ (0-7) quarterback struggles continued as their third round draft pick Cody Kessler (9-for-11, 82) suffered a concussion and was replaced by fifth round choice Kevin Hogan (12-for-24, 100, 2 INT) Sunday. The rest of their struggles continued against the Bengals (3-4) as well. A.J. Green emerged from a sea of seven players to catch a tipped hail mary in the endzone as time expired in the first half. Jeremy Hill had a 74-yard score and 168 yards rushing on just nine carries.

Chiefs 27, Saints 21

Drew Brees (37-for-48, 367, 3 TD, INT) had his 100th career 300-yard game, but it wasn’t enough for the Saints (2-4) to overcome the Chiefs (4-2.) Despite the reputations of the two teams, it was Kansas City that scored on three quick strikes longer than 38-yards Sunday. They won despite the being outgained by the Saints 463-326. Jamaal Charles had just one carry as he continues to ease his way back from injury. Spencer Ware had 131 total yards in his absence.

Dolphins 28, Bills 25

Jay Ajayi became just the fourth running back in NFL history to have back-to-back 200 yard games. Kenny Stills caught a 66-yard touchdown and the Dolphins (3-4) won their second straight after shocking the Steelers a week ago. The Bills (4-3) lost LeSean McCoy early to a hamstring issue that had been touch and go all week. And in his absence Tyrod Taylor (14-for-28, 221, TD) was also their leading rusher, finishing with 35 yards on seven carries, including a ten-yard touchdown scamper. For the Bills, this is their first loss in four games.

Eagles 21, Vikings 10

Sam Bradford (24-for-41, 224, TD, INT,) traded by the Eagles (4-3) for a first round draft pick just before the season began returned to Philadelphia the quarterback of an undefeated team. The Vikings (5-1) are undefeated no more following a turnover-ridden defensive battle where both teams combined for just 539 yards. The Eagles sacked Bradford six times, and forced five fumbles, recovering three. The Eagles turned the ball over four times themselves, but took the lead on a 98-yard kickoff return by Josh Huff in the second quarter and never looked back.

Colts 34, Titans 26

A wild fourth quarter featuring 27 combined points found the Colts (3-4) ahead when the dust settled. After a 10-point Titans (3-4) run left the Colts down three, Andrew Luck found Jack Doyle on a seven-yard strike and Robert Mathis returned a Marcus Mariota fumble 14 yards for the icing on the cake. DeMarco Murray had his third 100-yard rushing game of the season. Adam Vinatieri made his 43rd consecutive field goal, breaking an NFL mark set by another Colt: Mike Vanderjagt.

Jets 24, Ravens 16

Starting his first game for the Jets (2-5) since 2014, Geno Smith lasted only a quarter, injuring his knee and giving way to Ryan Fitzpatrickafter throwing a 69-yard touchdown to Quincy Enunwa. Matt Forte had 154 total yards and a touchdown and the Jets got their first win since week 2. The Ravens (3-4) meanwhile lost their fourth straight game while managing only six rushing yards on 12 attempts. Mike Wallace caught ten passes for 120 yards, almost half the Ravens’ 245 total yards.

Oakland def. Jacksonville 33-16

Reggie Nelson intercepted his former team to end the Jaguars’ (2-4) last attempt at a comeback. Two of football’s youngest offenses each gained 344 total yards, but Jacksonville lost the turnover battle three-to-zero. Julius Thomas caught a touchdown to cut the Raiders’ (5-2) lead to ten in the fourth quarter, but Latavius Murray answered with his second rushing touchdown of the day to put the game out of reach. Jacksonville had won two games in a row after starting 0-3.